How much to tip Royal Caribbean staff on Reddit?

Navigating the Seas of Tips: A Royal Caribbean Tipping Guide Based on Reddit Insights

Royal Caribbean cruises offer a luxurious escape, but the question of tipping can often leave even seasoned travelers feeling a bit seasick. While Royal Caribbean includes gratuities in their advertised prices for dining and some services, many opportunities for additional tipping arise throughout the voyage. Reddit discussions reveal a range of tipping practices, but a general consensus emerges, allowing us to create a helpful guideline for your next cruise.

This guide isn’t a rigid rulebook, as the quality of service inevitably influences your generosity. However, understanding common tipping practices helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience for both you and the dedicated crew.

Room Steward: Reddit users generally agree that a daily tip of $10 for your room steward is a good starting point. This acknowledges their consistent efforts in keeping your cabin clean and tidy, delivering fresh towels, and attending to any requests. However, feedback on Reddit highlights that exceptional service often warrants a higher tip, while subpar service might lead to a reduced amount. Consider adjusting your daily tip accordingly based on the quality of service received.

Room Service: For the convenience of room service breakfast, Redditors suggest a tip of around $5. This is considered appropriate for the delivery and service provided. Larger orders or more elaborate requests may justify a slightly higher tip.

Specialty Dining: Specialty restaurants offer elevated dining experiences, and the service often reflects that. Reddit users generally recommend tipping $10-$20 per person for specialty dining, depending on the quality of service and the overall cost of the meal. A more expensive meal might warrant a higher tip at the upper end of that range.

Laundry Services: Utilizing the ship’s laundry service is convenient, but comes at a cost. Reddit suggests a tip of approximately $10 for laundry delivery, reflecting the effort involved in collecting, cleaning, and returning your garments.

Beyond the Basics: While these are common tipping points, remember that exceptional service deserves recognition. Bartenders, waitstaff in main dining rooms (while gratuities are included, additional tips for exceptional service are welcomed), and other staff who go above and beyond to enhance your experience can all be rewarded with small tips based on your appreciation. Consider a few extra dollars for outstanding service, leaving a lasting positive impression.

In conclusion: Reddit provides valuable insights into real-world Royal Caribbean tipping practices. While the suggested amounts offer a solid framework, remember that personalized appreciation based on the quality of service received is key. Ultimately, tipping should reflect your satisfaction and contribute to a positive experience for both you and the dedicated crew members who work hard to make your cruise unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to adjust these guidelines based on your personal experience – your generosity is greatly appreciated.