Who do you tip at the end of a cruise?

Cruise Gratuities: Who Benefits?

When you take a cruise, you’ll likely be asked to pay a gratuity at the end of your trip. But who exactly benefits from these gratuities?

The answer is: a wide range of crew members.

Typical Crew Members Who Receive Gratuities

• Cabin stewards
• Guest service representatives
• Dining room staff (waiters, waitresses, bussers)
• Bartenders
• Housekeeping staff
• Room service staff
• Laundry staff
• Entertainment staff
• Security staff
• Unseen staff (such as engineers and deckhands)

How the Gratuity is Shared

The distribution of gratuities varies by cruise line. Some cruise lines pool all the gratuities and then distribute them evenly among all crew members. Other cruise lines allow passengers to specify how much they want to tip each individual staff member.

Why You Should Tip

Tipping is a way to show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the crew members who make your cruise experience enjoyable. Crew members rely on gratuities to supplement their wages, which are often relatively low.

How Much Should You Tip?

The amount you tip is up to you, but most cruise lines recommend tipping between $10 and $15 per person, per day. If you had exceptional service, you may want to tip more.

When to Tip

You can tip at the end of your cruise, or you can spread it out throughout the week. If you’re tipping at the end of your cruise, you can usually do so at the purser’s desk or through your online account.

Conclusion

Cruise gratuities are a way to show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the crew members who make your cruise experience enjoyable. By tipping, you’re helping to ensure that these crew members are fairly compensated for their labor.