The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise

Navigating tipping on a cruise—should you tip or not? Are cruise gratuities mandatory? Is it better to prepay or wait until you’re onboard?

Tipping is our warm expression of gratitude, signaling, “Thanks for making my day special.” If not prepaid, gratuities are expected on cruises and automatically added to passengers’ onboard accounts. For beginners, the sight of daily service charges on your final bill may come as a surprise.

In this article, we dive into the etiquette of tipping on a cruise, from understanding mandatory gratuities to considering those extra tokens of appreciation.

What are Cruise Gratuities?

Gratuities on a cruise are more than just a daily service fee; they’re a heartfelt thank-you, ensuring the dedicated crew —from the cabin stewards to the culinary team—is rewarded for their service. Charged daily to each passenger’s onboard account, these set fees typically range from $14.50 to $25 per person, varying by cabin type and cruise line.

We always prepay these gratuities when booking a cruise to avoid end-of-cruise bill shock.

Beyond the standard gratuity, any extra tipping comes down to personal discretion. Having worked in the service industry, I know the difference a well-earned tip can make. I always tip more, especially knowing how hard they work with little to no days off throughout their contract. Whether maintaining the ship’s cleanliness, delivering top-notch guest services, or any unseen tasks, these gratuities directly acknowledge the crew’s hard work and dedication.

While additional cruise tipping is always appreciated, it’s never expected—consider it for moments when the service truly goes above and beyond.

Gratuity Rates by Cruise Line

Each cruise line sets its own standard for gratuities, so here’s a quick rundown to keep you in the loop:

Prepaid vs. Onboard Gratuities

The gratuity dilemma—do you pay upfront or as you go? Let’s break it down.

Prepaid Gratuities

Prepaid gratuities mean you’ll pay for the cruise gratuities before stepping on the ship. You can have them added to your booking or sign in to your reservation and pay them off before boarding. This is what we always do.

Why do we love this? It’s straightforward – you sort it out early, so it’s all about the cruise life, no additional charges or surprises once you’re onboard. It’s great for budgeting and locking in those gratuity rates, so there are no surprises if they decide to hike the prices before you set sail.

Another plus is that if you pay the gratuities in advance, and suddenly, the cruise line decides to raise the gratuities, you’re locked into the rates you already paid for.

Onboard Gratuities

On the flip side, onboard gratuities allow you to pay while onboard. The charges accumulate on your onboard account, which are charged to your credit card on file and are settled before disembarking the cruise ship.

Automatic Service Charges

Pin

Automatic service charges are additional gratuities that are not included in the cruise gratuities or daily service charges. Certain services not covered by daily service charges on the ship may automatically add an 18-20% gratuity to your bill. These services include spa treatments, á la carte drinks, specialty dining, and food items not included in your cruise fare.

Tipping Special Services and Staff

Ah, the extra thank-you! Beyond the everyday gratuities, there’s always room for that little extra when someone on the ship makes your day much better. This is where your own judgment comes into play, tipping a bit more for those standout moments that take your cruise from great to extraordinary.

Here are a few times you might think about giving a little extra:

• That moment when you return to your cabin to find a surprise decoration for your anniversary, thanks to your thoughtful cabin steward.
• When the person is serving your meals, always remember your favorite drink.
• That helpful crew member who saved your day by turning in your lost mobile phone. That happened to me, and I was so grateful I tipped generously. A new phone would have cost way more money, time, and headaches.

These special touches, the above-and-beyond efforts, might inspire you to slip a little extra their way. Whether a few extra dollars are handed over with a handshake or a special note left with a thank you, these gestures of appreciation highlight the spirit of your cruise experience. While extra tipping for these golden moments is always welcomed, it’s entirely up to you—no pressure, just appreciation for making your cruise unforgettable.

Guidelines for Extra Tipping

Recognizing those standout service moments with a little extra cash is all about what feels right to you. Still, if you’re looking for a bit of a nudge in the right direction, here are some handy suggestions for when you’re just so impressed that a simple “thank you” doesn’t quite cut it.

• Bartenders: Consider $1 per drink. It’s a small gesture that acknowledges their skill and attention. Plus, they will remember your generosity the next time you’re at the bar.
• Waitstaff: An additional $5 per day per person can express your appreciation for their attentive service in the dining room.
• Cabin Steward: For the person who keeps your temporary home spotless and cozy, an extra $5 per passenger stays in the cabin daily.
• Room Service: For the person delivering food to your room, a tip of $1 per plate.
• Butler Service: If you’re indulging in the luxury of butler service, a tip of $10-20 per person per day is a generous acknowledgment of their personalized and often invisible efforts to elevate your cruise experience.

These amounts are merely suggestions based on common practices and the quality of service you might experience.

Alternative Ways to Show Appreciation

While tipping is a standard way to show gratitude, there are plenty of other ways to make crew members feel valued. Here are some ways to express appreciation.

• Personalized Notes: Jotting down a heartfelt message can leave a lasting impression and brighten a crew member’s day.
• Gifts from Home: Bringing along a local treat or small gift from your hometown can be a thoughtful way to connect with crew members.
• Personal Thank You: Sometimes, a simple “thank you” and a genuine smile go a long way.
• Submitting Positive Feedback: Remember to provide feedback directly to the cruise line. Many cruise lines have programs for guests to commend outstanding crew members. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line offers “Hero Cards,” where guests can write commendations for exceptional crew members at guest services. These commendations are valuable for crew members and can lead to behind-the-scenes incentives and promotions.

So, it’s not always about cash. Sometimes, it’s just about doing something that makes a difference in someone’s day and recognizing the hard work and dedication of the crew members.

what happens if you don’t tip on a cruise?

Additional tipping outside of daily cruise gratuities is at your discretion. You do not have to tip extra on a cruise if you don’t want to.

Can you get a refund on cruise gratuities?

If you request a refund for cruise gratuities, this will ultimately affect the ship’s crew. The gratuity charges are considered part of a cruise ship worker’s salary, and the crew members are the ones who suffer.

How much do you tip a baggage handler on a cruise?

Tip baggage handlers and ports handling your luggage $3-5 per suitcase.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Save Money on a Cruise With These Tips
• Cruise Cabin Tips To Maximize Your Space
• Are Drink Packages Worth It?