How much do you tip for drinks on a cruise?

Tipping for Drinks on a Cruise: A Guide

Cruise ship beverage service typically includes a pre-added gratuity, eliminating the need for guests to tip each time they order a drink. This automatic tip, usually ranging from 15-20% of the drinks cost, covers service for various onboard amenities.

Understanding the Pre-Added Gratuity

The pre-added gratuity on cruise ship beverage service ensures that servers and other staff members receive fair compensation for their services. This gratuity is automatically included in the cost of each drink, regardless of the tip amount you choose to give.

Additional Tips

While the pre-added gratuity covers the standard level of service, some guests may choose to provide additional tips for exceptional service. This can be done in the following ways:

• Tipping cash: You can discreetly hand cash to the server who provides you with drinks.
• Tipping through the app: Many cruise lines offer mobile apps that allow guests to tip servers digitally.
• Tipping at the end of the cruise: Some cruise lines allow guests to add an additional gratuity to their onboard account at the end of their sailing.

How Much to Tip

The amount of additional tip to give is entirely up to your discretion and depends on the level of service you received. As a general rule, consider the following:

• For standard service: No additional tip is necessary.
• For good service: 5-10% of the drinks cost.
• For exceptional service: 10-15% or more of the drinks cost.

Other Considerations

• Service at bars vs. tables: Servers at bars typically do not receive the same level of gratuity as those who provide table service. You may consider tipping more at bars to ensure they receive fair compensation.
• Group orders: If you are ordering drinks for a large group, consider giving a higher tip to the server who takes and delivers the order.
• Happy hour and specials: When drinks are on special or during happy hour, the pre-added gratuity may still apply. However, you may consider tipping a small amount extra to show your appreciation for the discounted drinks.

By understanding the pre-added gratuity and considering the level of service you receive, you can ensure that the staff on your cruise ship are fairly compensated for their efforts.