To tip or not to tip? Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or someone who’s only been on a cruise or two, you’ve probably asked this question at least once while sailing.
The cruise company automatic tip. Most major cruise lines add a day’s gratuity to the fare, ranging from $16 to $25 per passenger per day, which can be paid in advance or after boarding. These tips are sent to the staff who serve guests during the cruise (e.g., flight attendants, dining staff, bartenders, etc.), as well as to invisible crew members (e.g., kitchen and laundry staff).
However, these automatic tips do not cover every crew member or travel service provider you encounter during your cruise vacation. Additionally, some passengers feel that certain services require more tipping than expected.
Who should you tip in cash (or extra tips) on your next cruise?Here are 7 people I say you should definitely tip on your cruise trip.
porters
If you plan to drop off large luggage by the curb at the terminal when you arrive at the port for boarding, be sure to have small bills ready. A luggage porter is standing by to collect your luggage and transport it to the ship, and you will be compensated. The amount you tip is up to you, but $1 or $2 per bag should be plenty.
bartender
This may be controversial. Especially since “Drink Time” is one of the 10 times we suggest. You don’t have to tip on a cruise. But please listen.
Yes, cruise lines typically add a tip to drink orders at bars, lounges, and restaurants, and the tip is built into the price. All-inclusive drink package. However, some passengers may want to pay a little more for the bartender. I am one of them.
We mostly buy drink packages (don’t judge), but they add an extra dollar for each drink you order. Pay an extra tip for each drink even if you don’t purchase a drink package. Maybe it’s because my husband and I have both worked in the food and beverage industry and know how difficult it is, but it’s pretty much standard practice on every cruise.
If you have a favorite watering hole, you can also give the bartender a generous extra tip at the start of your sailing. This could increase the level of individual attention you receive. I’ve also seen passengers hand the bartender a tip envelope on the last night of a cruise as a thank you for their service.
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tour guide
Did you make a reservation? shore excursions If you are traveling by boat or organizing your own tour, you should tip your tour guide or bus driver. The price is up to you, but a good rule of thumb is $3 per person for a half-day tour and $6 per person for a full-day guided tour. Consider tipping the bus driver a dollar or two.
Room service wait staff
If you order a meal or snack on your flight, consider tipping the wait staff a few dollars (per person) for delivering it to you. Special requests, such as (battery-powered) candlelit meal preparation on the balcony, may require a larger thank-you tip.
Related: Cruise Ship Room Service: A Line-by-Line Guide to In-Cabin Dining
flight attendant
your flight attendant There is a portion of the daily per person service fee that is added to the cruise price. However, I strongly believe that flight attendants should be given something a little more special at the end of a voyage.
why? Flight attendants are the crew members you’re likely to encounter most during your cruise, and they often provide the most consistent one-on-one service. On almost every cruise I’ve taken on various routes, the flight attendants have been friendly, efficient, personable, and extremely helpful. They work hard, far from home, so a little appreciation goes a long way.
Personally, I appreciate the extra effort required to keep a small cruise cabin tidy and clean. Are there many people in your cabin? Do you have kids cruising with you? If this is the case, consider providing your flight attendants with a little more extra work as required by the scenario.
Impressive crew
My daughter is vegan. While many cruise lines have significantly improved their plant-based offerings in recent years, this wasn’t always the case. On several cruises with Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, the waitstaff in the main dining room took great care to ensure she was well-nourished and created special plant-based dishes for her. I did. We expressed our gratitude with a cash tip.
This is just one example of when you should tip a crew member who impressed you during your cruise. Perhaps the cruise ship photographer was able to entertain your fussy toddler long enough to capture the family’s best vacation photos ever. Or maybe the ship’s magician will charm your kids enough to beg for a magic kit for their next birthday. If your crew goes out of their way to make your cruise a memorable one, consider showing your appreciation with money.
hotel cleaning staff
Planning to stay in a hotel before or after your cruise? Leave a small tip (about $3 per night) for housekeeping. Additionally, tip the bellhop or hotel staff member who helps you move your luggage to your hotel room. Standard tips are about $1 per bag.
Do I have to tip extra on a cruise?
Tipping beyond additional tips is a personal choice. But remember, our staff works hard to ensure you have a memorable cruise vacation. They have long-term contracts that require them to be on board for seven to 10 months and often work 12 to 14 hours per day.
When you meet a staff member who goes above and beyond to make your cruise experience truly special, we encourage you to give them a little extra to show your appreciation for their outstanding service. Masu.
If you plan on tipping during your cruise, be sure to bring small bills. However, don’t worry if you board the ship without them. For larger bills, you can receive change at the guest services desk.
If you choose not to tip beyond the included service charge, be sure to fill out the post-cruise survey provided by your cruise line and call out any crew members who impressed you. I’ve heard time and time again from cruise employees how important positive feedback about their performance is to their compensation and bonuses.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories.
