How Much To Tip On A Cruise (7 Cruise Tipping Guidelines)

Samuel Akpan June 22, 2023

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How Much To Tip On A Cruise: Cruise companies have transparent tipping policies, except for all-inclusive luxury ships such as Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Virgin Voyages, where gratuities are included in the fare. It is advisable to tip the crew on other cruise lines. Tipping guidelines are usually provided, and some cruise lines even suggest a gratuity amount, which can be automatically added to passengers’ onboard accounts. It’s often unnecessary to determine how much to tip each crew member individually, and passengers can usually give one lump sum at the beginning or end of the cruise. Tips are considered supplementary income for the international crew who often earn low base wages, and it’s generally expected by the cruise line. Passengers are free to adjust the suggested amount based on the service they received by visiting the purser’s desk on the ship. Passengers who are impressed with the service may choose to add more to the suggested gratuity.

FAQs & Answers

How much should I tip?

The recommended amount varies by cruise line, but as a general rule of thumb, passengers can expect to pay around $12 to $15 per person per day for tips. This amount typically covers the service provided by the dining staff, cabin attendants, and other onboard service personnel. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific cruise line for their tipping guidelines.

What if I’m not happy with the service?

If you’re unhappy with the service you received, it’s important to bring it to the attention of the onboard staff first. They may be able to address your concerns and make it right. If you’re still not satisfied, you can visit the purser’s desk to adjust your tip amount accordingly.

Should I tip certain staff members more than others?

It’s up to personal discretion, but it’s generally a good idea to tip those who provided exceptional service more than the recommended amount. For example, if you had a particularly attentive cabin attendant, you may want to offer an additional tip at the end of your cruise.

Cruise Tipping Guidelines

Tipping on a cruise can vary depending on the cruise line and the destination. However, most major cruise lines provide specific tipping guidelines for passengers to follow. Here are some detailed tips on how much to tip on a cruise:

Research your cruise line’s tipping policy

Before your trip, research your cruise line’s tipping policy. Some cruise lines automatically add a suggested gratuity amount to passengers’ onboard accounts, while others allow passengers to prepay gratuities before they board. Some cruise lines also provide tipping guidelines for specific staff members, such as waiters, cabin stewards, and bartenders.

Tip according to the cruise line’s guidelines

If your cruise line provides tipping guidelines, it’s best to follow them. The suggested gratuity amount is usually based on the length of the cruise, the destination, and the type of cabin you booked. For example, on a seven-day cruise, the suggested gratuity amount per person could be $70 to $100 for the entire trip.enoughinfo

Adjust your tip according to the service you received

While it’s recommended to follow the cruise line’s tipping guidelines, you can adjust your tip based on the service you received. If a staff member provided exceptional service, you may want to add a little extra to their gratuity. On the other hand, if you received poor service, you may want to adjust the suggested gratuity amount.

Tip in cash or through the onboard account

You can tip in cash or add the suggested gratuity amount to your onboard account. If you choose to tip in cash, be sure to have small bills on hand. If you add the gratuity to your onboard account, the amount will be automatically charged to your credit card at the end of the trip.

Consider tipping extra for special requests

If you make any special requests, such as room service or special dietary needs, it’s courteous to tip a little extra to the staff members who fulfilled those requests.How Much To Tip On A Cruise

Don’t forget about other staff members

In addition to the waiters, cabin stewards, and bartenders, there are many other staff members who work hard to make your cruise enjoyable, such as the entertainment staff, casino staff, and spa staff. While it’s not required to tip these staff members, a small gratuity is always appreciated.

Don’t tip everyone on the cruise

Cruisers may feel overwhelmed by the exceptional service and the amount of tipping that occurs on a cruise, but there are certain circumstances where tipping is neither customary nor expected. For example, it is generally considered inappropriate to tip the captain, officers, and management team, such as the hotel director, cruise director, and executive chef. The same applies to the entertainment team, except for a piano player performing at a bar who may have a bowl for both tips and song requests. Youth counselors who watch children at onboard kids’ clubs do not expect to be tipped, although passengers can offer a gratuity to them if they wish to do so.

In general, tipping on a cruise is similar to tipping in a restaurant. It’s important to remember that the staff members on the cruise ship work hard to provide excellent service and rely on gratuities as a significant part of their income. By following the cruise line’s tipping guidelines and adjusting your tip based on the service you received, you can ensure that the staff members are properly compensated for their hard work.

Conclusion

Tipping on a cruise can be a confusing and overwhelming experience for many passengers, but by following the cruise line’s guidelines and adjusting tips based on the service received, you can ensure that staff members are properly compensated for their hard work. It’s important to research the tipping policy of your specific cruise line before your trip, and to consider tipping in cash or through the onboard account. While it’s not customary or expected to tip certain staff members, such as the captain, officers, and management team, it’s always appreciated to offer a little extra to those who provided exceptional service. By keeping these tips in mind, you can navigate the world of cruise tipping with confidence and generosity.