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What’s the deal with tipping on a cruise? Are you supposed to tip on a cruise? Are cruise gratuities mandatory? Should you prepay gratuities? In this guide, we answer all these questions and more.
When planning and budgeting for your cruise vacation, one of the things you’ll need to think about is tipping.
Tipping is a customary way of showing your appreciation for good service.
Paying for cruise gratuities is something that cruise passengers are expected to do. Gratuities are typically added to your onboard account and paid at the end of your cruise – this always surprises first-time cruisers when they receive their bill on disembarkation day.
You can also choose to prepay gratuities before embarkation day.
Cruise gratuities typically are as low as $14.50 per person per day and as high as $25 per person per day, depending on your cruise ship cabin.
Any additional tipping on the cruise is not mandatory. The amount you decide to tip on top of cruise ship gratuities is entirely up to you. It is a way of showing appreciation for the hard work of the ship’s staff.
As people who have worked in the service industry, we understand the significance of tipping. When we embark on our travels, we tend to be generous with our gratuities. Of course, we always respect the customs and traditions of the cultures we visit and adjust our tipping practices accordingly.
You’ll understand why cruise gratuities are important once you see how hard crew members work on cruise ships. The ship is always being cleaned. Drinks and food are being served. Guests are being looked after, some more than others.
Running a cruise ship takes a lot of hard work by hundreds of crew members to maintain the ship and ensure guests are happy.
Gratuities are well-deserved, and we don’t mind paying them. Tipping beyond that is always appreciated but never expected.
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (1) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/tipping-on-a-cruise.jpg.webp)
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This article answers the ins and outs of tipping on a cruise. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about cruise gratuities, from what’s mandatory to when you should consider tipping extra.
Table of Contents
Tipping on a Cruise
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (2) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cartoon-of-cruise-staff-prepping-dining-table.webp)
Are you supposed to tip on a cruise?
While paying the gratuity charge is required by most cruise lines, any additional tipping is at your discretion.
You may want to tip extra for outstanding service or if you receive special treatment during your cruise vacation. Tipping is also a way of showing appreciation for the hard work of the ship’s staff.
What happens if you don’t tip on a cruise?
If you request a refund for cruise gratuities, this will ultimately affect the crew members working on the ship. The gratuity charges are considered part of a cruise ship worker’s salary. The crew members are the ones who suffer.
What are Cruise Gratuities?
Cruise gratuities or service gratuities are daily service charges automatically added to your onboard account. The total cruise bill is charged at the end of the cruise to the credit card on your account. Cruise gratuities are used by the cruise line to tip crew members throughout the ship.
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (3) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cartoon-of-crew-kitchen-staff.webp)
How much are cruise gratuities?
Cruise gratuities typically are as low as $14.50 per person per day and as high as $20 per person per day. On the higher end, it’s because you have booked a cabin with a suite that provides butler service or equivalent.
Do you have to pay a gratuity on a cruise?
Yes, most cruise lines add a gratuity charge to your onboard account. This charge is for the entire sailing and is usually divided among the ship’s staff members.
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (4) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/illustration-of-room-service-delivery.jpg.webp)
Do you have to pay a gratuity on a cruise? Are gratuities mandatory on cruises?
Yes, most cruise lines automatically charge gratuities to your onboard account. This charge is for the entire voyage and is usually divided among the ship’s staff members, which include the bartenders, the waiters, the kitchen staff, cabin stewards, and more.
And, even if you booked a cruise that isn’t charging you a service charge separately, it probably is already included as part of your cruise fare.
For example, gratuities are included in luxury cruise lines like the Regent Seven Seas Cruises cruise fare, except for spa services.
Can you get a refund on cruise gratuities?
Yes, if your cruise is canceled or you don’t board the ship, you can request a refund for prepaid gratuities.
You can also request a refund if unsatisfied with the onboard service. You can submit a form at guest’s services before the end of your cruise to request a refund of cruise gratuities.
We do not recommend doing this as it is the equivalent of not tipping.
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (5) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/illustraion-of-cruise-ship-pool-deck.webp)
How much are the cruise gratuities on cruise lines?
Cruise Line | Cruise Gratuities (USD $) |
---|---|
Virgin Voyages | Gratuities are included. |
Norwegian Cruise Lines | • $20.00 per person per day for Club Balcony Suites & all other staterooms • $25.00 per person per day for The Haven and Suites |
Celebrity Cruise Line | • $18.00 per person per day for standard staterooms • $18.50 per person, per day for Concierge Class & AquaClass staterooms • $23.00 per person per day for guests of The Retreat |
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line | • $16.00 per person per day for Junior Suites and standard staterooms • $18.50 per person per day for guests in Grand Suites and above |
Carnival Cruise Line | • $16.00 per person per day for standard staterooms • $18.00 per person per day for suite staterooms |
Princess Cruises | • $16.00 per person per day for standard staterooms • $17.00 per person per day for Mini-Suites and Club Class • $18.00 per person per day for Suites |
Holland America | • $16.00 per person per day for Non-suites • $17.50 per person per day for Suites |
Disney Cruise Line | It starts at $14.50 per guest. Click the link for more info. |
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (6) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cartoon-of-bartender-mixing-drinks.jpg.webp)
Are there any additional gratuities that are not included?
Yes, additional gratuities may not be included in the cruise gratuities you’re charged daily. For example, gratuities for spa services, specialty dining, drink packages, drinks ordered outside of a drink package, and certain onboard activities may not be included and must be paid separately. It’s important to check with the specific cruise line for their policies on gratuities and what is included in the fare.
Normally, it would be an automatic gratuity of 18-20% of the total cost.
Here are some additional gratuities, but not limited to:
- Room Service
- Spa Services
- Specialty Foods
- Specialty Restaurants
- Drinks
- Drink Packages
- Corkage Fee
- Featured Cruise Activities
Cruise Essentials to Pack
Before you set sail, pack these essentials that will help make your cruise even more enjoyable. These items include everything from sun protection essentials to must-have medications. So don’t forget to add them to your cruise packing list.
What are Prepaid Gratuities?
Prepaid gratuities refer to the option of paying your cruise gratuities in advance, either by choosing to prepay them or by having them automatically included as part of your fare at the time of booking.
If you’re booking from the United States, after you book your cruise, you can prepay for your cruise gratuities before boarding.
You can avoid worrying about paying them at the end of your cruise vacation. Prepaying tips may also guarantee that the gratuity amount doesn’t increase during your cruise vacation.
Cruise lines sometimes offer discounts if you prepay gratuities, so it’s worth checking.
If you live abroad, like in Europe, your gratuities are already included in your cruise fare when you book. Tipping on a cruise is not customary in Europe, like in America.
Should I prepay gratuities on a cruise?
We strongly suggest prepaying the gratuities for your cruise. Disembarking the ship without any outstanding bills to worry about is always satisfying. Additionally, if the cruise line decides to increase the gratuities unexpectedly, you won’t have to worry about the extra charges if you’ve already prepaid them.
Any prepaid gratuities will be refunded if you cancel the cruise before the final payment or the cruise line cancels the cruise due to unforeseen circ*mstances.
Is it better to prepay gratuities for a cruise?
There are a few reasons why it might be better to prepay your gratuities on a cruise.
- It’s one less thing you must think about while on vacation.
- You can budget for it and pay it off in advance.
- You can lock in the current gratuity rate by paying in advance, as they are subject to change.
Free at Sea Offer Gratuities
Norwegian Cruise Line has a “Free at Sea” offer where sometimes one of the free perks is free cruise gratuities. With this promotion, you can save money, making tipping on a cruise one less thing to worry about. However, this is a unicorn promotion that happens once a year.
Other cruise lines will sometimes have a similar special promotion.
Many cruisers like to take advantage of this special offer when it does come up. It doesn’t always come up, but it’s worth considering. Sometimes, it can be great savings. Other times, the cruise lines seem to roll the cruise gratuities into the fare.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at-Sea Promotion
Cruise Tipping: Other FAQs
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (7) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/additional-tipping-on-a-cruise-graphic.png.webp)
Do you save your smaller bills for cruise tipping?
Aside from the cruise gratuities, additional tipping on a cruise is a controversial topic. Especially depending on where you’re coming from and your budget.
Some of the high-end cruise lines have different tipping policies. Usually, no tipping is encouraged as it’s already part of your cruise fare.
A lot of cruisers don’t mind paying the additional tips. They feel it’s worth having good service throughout their cruise vacation. Now, that’s not saying you won’t receive good service, but when you tip extra, it ensures excellent service for the next time.
Some believe the cruise gratuities cover it all, and there is no need to hand other further tips.
While we don’t have a strong opinion, we think it’s worth considering. If you can afford it and receive excellent service, a few extra dollars here and there for the staff can go a long way.
How much do you have to tip on a cruise?
There is no set additional amount you have to tip on a cruise. Additional tipping is completely at your discretion.
Regardless, if you are still looking for guidance on how much extra to tip on a cruise, check out our cruise tipping table below. Note that this is on top of the cruise gratuities.
Crew | Suggested Cash Tip Amount |
---|---|
Bartenders | $1 per drink (if 18% is not added automatically) |
Waiter | $5 per day, per person |
Cabin Steward | $3-5 per person per day |
Butler | $10-20 per person per day |
Room Service | $2-3 per order |
How much should you tip cruise waiter?
The cruise gratuities cover the wait staff, so you’re not obligated to give them any more of a cash tip. However, if you received outstanding service from a waiter and would like to show them your appreciation with a cash tip, $5 per day per passenger is the suggested amount.
Sometimes, cruisers like to stick with the same waiter and table throughout the week. This way, they become familiar during their cruise, and their waiter gets to know their likes and dislikes. At the end of their cruise, they’ll provide a cash tip to show their gratitude.
![The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (8) The Ins and Outs of Tipping On a Cruise | Tasty Itinerary (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.tastyitinerary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/norwegian-joy-cabin-9900.webp)
How much to tip your cruise steward?
While your cruise steward is being tipped out of the paid cruise gratuities, this is one crew member you may want to tip extra. They clean your cabin daily, storing it with towels, amenities, and anything you need.
If your cruise steward goes above and beyond, a cash tip at the end of your stay to show your appreciation. We recommend tipping your cruise steward $3-5 per person daily.
How much to tip the cruise butler?
A cruise butler is a luxury option. Butlers are an extra perk on higher-end cruise lines or if you booked a suite. It all depends on how much you request from your butler and how much they do for you.
Sometimes butlers go above and beyond, even unpacking your suitcase, ironing your clothes, running around, and ensuring your cruise vacation is special.
A nice cash tip at the end of your stay is appropriate. We recommend tipping your cruise butler $10-$20 per person daily.
– Don’t Miss: Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort: What’s the Difference? –
Tipping on cruises can be confusing and sometimes controversial. Those automatic gratuities required by cruise lines will be charged and billed by the end of your cruise vacation.
Remember, those cruise gratuities are a way to show appreciation to the crew for the service they provide. Some of the crew depend on these tips.
Whether you prepay your gratuities or tip extra at the end of your trip, know that it’s always at your discretion.
What’s your experience with tipping on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.
Other related cruse reads you may be interested in:
122 Quick and Helpful Cruise Tips
Why Cruise: 25 Best Things About Cruise Vacations
What Not to Pack for a Cruise? 21 Items to Leave at Home
Cruise Clothes for Women: Packing Light
What NOT to Wear on a Cruise: Dos and Don’ts
20 Tips for First-Time Cruisers: Don’t Make These Mistakes!
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Quick Cruise Planning Guide
Where to book a cruise?
We like to shop around before booking by going directly to the cruise line and checking out the deals on GoToSea, CruiseDirect.com, Costco Travel, and Cruise Compete. Ultimately, the best advice is to find a travel agent you can trust to help you book a cruise.
Hotels for pre-cruise and post-cruise stays
We always use Booking.com or Hotels.com to book international accommodations and Expedia or Hotels.com for US accommodations. Airbnb or Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Can I book my own shore excursions?
Yes, you’ll save money booking your own excursions and not with the cruise ship. We like to use Viator or WithLocals. Don’t forget to read up on our tips for booking.
Car Rentals
We like to rent a car at cruise ports and for the freedom to explore on our own when the destination makes sense. We also sometimes rent cars during our pre-cruise stay or on embarkation day.
Should I book cruise insurance?
Yes! Cruise insurance is essential. We always book with a third party rather than the cruise line. Compare pricing on Insuremytrip.com.
Packing for a Cruise? Don’t miss our essential cruise packing list.
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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