Are you supposed to tip cruise staff?

Tipping Cruise Staff: A Guide for Passengers

When embarking on a cruise, passengers often wonder whether it is appropriate to tip the staff. Cruise lines typically suggest gratuities, and these can be a valuable way of showing appreciation for excellent service.

Suggested Gratuities

Most cruise lines recommend a daily gratuity per person, which is automatically added to the passenger’s onboard account. The suggested amounts vary depending on the level of service and the size of the vessel:

• Butler, Concierge, or Suite Attendant: $10-$20 per day
• Stateroom Attendant: $5-$10 per day
• Waitstaff: $5-$10 per person per day
• Bartenders: $1-$2 per drink

Adjusting Gratuities

Passengers are free to adjust the suggested gratuities based on their personal experiences. If a staff member has provided exceptional service, a more generous tip is warranted. Conversely, if a passenger is not satisfied with the service, they may choose to reduce the tip accordingly.

How to Tip

There are two main ways to tip cruise staff:

• Pursers Desk: Passengers can visit the pursers desk on the ship to adjust the automatic gratuities or leave additional tips.
• Cash: Passengers may choose to tip staff directly in cash, although this is not as common as using the pursers desk.

Optional but Appreciated

While gratuities are not mandatory, they are greatly appreciated by cruise staff. A generous tip shows that passengers recognize and value the hard work and dedication of the individuals who make their cruise experience enjoyable.

Conclusion

Tipping cruise staff is a personal choice for passengers. However, by following the suggested guidelines and adjusting the amounts based on their experiences, passengers can ensure that they show their appreciation for excellent service while contributing to the well-being of the staff who make their vacation special.