Cruise ship tipping can be complex due to varying policies across cruise lines. Most mainstream lines charge a daily gratuity (service charge) per passenger to cover key crew members, while certain services may require separate tips. This comprehensive guide explains what to expect and how to handle tipping on a cruise.
Standard Daily Gratuities by Cruise Line
Most major cruise lines automatically add a fixed daily gratuity to your onboard account, typically $15–$20 per person, shared among crew members. Below is a summary of typical daily gratuities for popular cruise lines (per guest, per day):
| Cruise Line | Standard Cabin Gratuity | Suite/Concierge Gratuity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $16.00 | $18.00 (Suites) | Not charged for children under 2; adjustable onboard. |
| Royal Caribbean | $18.50 | $21.00 (Suites) | Applies to all ages; adjustable onboard for service issues. |
| Norwegian (NCL) | $20.00 | $25.00 (Suites/The Haven) | Not charged for children under 3; cannot remove onboard (request post-cruise). |
| Princess | $17.00 | $18.00 (Mini-Suite/Club Class), $19.00 (Suites) | Applies to all ages; adjustable or removable onboard. |
| Celebrity | $18.00 | $19.00 (Concierge/AquaClass), $23.00 (The Retreat) | Applies to all guests; adjustable at Guest Relations. |
| Holland America | $17.00 | $19.00 (Suites) | Applies to all guests (“Crew Appreciation” charge); adjustable onboard. |
| Disney Cruise Line | $16.00 | $27.25 (Concierge Suites) | Includes all ages (even infants); can pre-pay or adjust onboard. |
| MSC Cruises | $16.00 (Caribbean & N.America) | $20.00 (MSC Yacht Club) | Varies by region (~€12 in Europe); removable if service unsatisfactory. |
Notes: Amounts are automatically charged unless pre-paid. Gratuities apply to both adults and children (some lines exempt very young children). Suite guests often pay higher rates for additional services (e.g., butler or concierge). You don’t need to tip these crew separately unless rewarding exceptional service.
Automatic Gratuities: How They Work
Automatic gratuities simplify tipping by adding a daily charge to your onboard account, eliminating the need for cash tips for most crew. Key points:
- Charged to Your Account: If not pre-paid, gratuities are posted daily or as a lump sum at cruise end, visible on your folio. Budget for this, as it can add up on longer trips.
- Covers Most Service Staff: The charge (often called “hotel service charge” or “crew appreciation”) supports cabin stewards, dining room staff, and behind-the-scenes hotel crew (e.g., laundry, buffet attendants).
- Not Typically Optional (But Adjustable): Gratuities are functionally mandatory but can be adjusted for exceptional or poor service (policies vary—see below). Cruise lines treat these as part of crew compensation, so opting out is discouraged unless justified.
- Pre-Paying: Pre-paying gratuities locks in the rate and settles costs upfront. “Gratuities included” promotions mean the cruise line covers these, but crew still receive the same amount.
- Currency and Regional Differences: Gratuities are in USD for North American cruises but may convert to euros (e.g., €12/day on MSC in Europe) or vary by region.
Who Is Covered by Automatic Gratuities?
Daily gratuities cover most service team members:
- Cabin Stewards: Clean your stateroom, provide towels, and make towel animals.
- Dining Room Staff: Waiters, assistant waiters, and head waiters in main dining rooms.
- Behind-the-Scenes Crew: Buffet attendants, kitchen staff, laundry workers, and other hotel support staff.
- Butlers and Concierges: For suite guests, higher gratuities cover these services (though extra cash tips are optional for outstanding service).
Excluded Staff/Services:
- Bar Staff: A 15–20% gratuity is added to drink bills (e.g., 18% on Carnival, Royal Caribbean).
- Specialty Restaurants: Typically include ~18% gratuity on bills, covering venue staff.
- Spa & Salon: Add 15–20% to treatment bills, included in the price.
- Casino & Others: Dealers and kids’ club staff don’t receive auto-gratuities. Tipping is optional (e.g., after a casino win or for exceptional kids’ club service).
Additional Tipping Guidelines Onboard
Beyond daily gratuities, tipping may be customary or appreciated in these scenarios:
- Outstanding Personal Service: Optional cash tips ($10–$20) for exceptional cabin stewards, waiters, or butlers, often with a thank-you note.
- Bars & Bartenders: No extra tip needed per drink (15–20% is included). A $5–$20 cash tip at cruise end for a favorite bartender is a nice gesture.
- Room Service: Tip $2–$5 per delivery if no gratuity is added. Check receipts for included service charges.
- Specialty Restaurants: If no gratuity is added (rare), tip ~18%. Extra tips for extraordinary service are optional.
- Spa & Salon: Additional tips are optional if gratuity is included. If not, tip ~15%.
- Porters: Tip $1–$2 per bag at the cruise port for baggage handlers.
- Shore Excursion Guides/Drivers: Tip $5–$10 per person for guides (half-day), $10–$20 (full-day), and $2–$5 for drivers, in cash (local currency or USD where accepted).
- Entertainers: No tipping expected, except for piano bar musicians ($5–$10 for song requests).
- When in Doubt: Check the daily newsletter or ask Guest Services for tipping guidelines.
Additional tipping is discretionary. Crew appreciate recognition but don’t expect it, as most compensation comes from automatic gratuities.
Adjusting or Removing Automatic Tips
You can modify daily gratuities, but policies vary:
- Adjusting Up or Down: Visit Guest Services to increase (for great service) or decrease (for issues) on lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Princess. Adjust by the second-to-last day to avoid lines.
- Opting Out: Possible on many lines (e.g., Princess) but discouraged. Removing tips may shortchange behind-the-scenes crew. Tip individuals directly if opting out.
- Strict Policies: NCL requires post-cruise requests to remove gratuities. MSC and Costa treat charges as mandatory but may allow exceptions for poor service.
- Cultural Differences: UK/Australia lines (e.g., P&O Cruises) may not charge auto-gratuities, leaving tipping to guest discretion.
- Best Practice: Keep gratuities unless service was broadly poor. Address specific issues with management. If removing tips, tip crew directly to compensate.
Luxury & All-Inclusive Cruise Lines – Tipping Differences
Luxury lines often include gratuities or don’t expect tips:
- Gratuities Included: Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, and Virgin Voyages include tips in fares. No additional tipping needed (e.g., Seabourn: “Gratuities neither required nor expected”).
- Discretionary: Ponant suggests €10–€12/day, Star Clippers ~€8/day, UnCruise ~$35/day, all voluntary.
- Premium Lines with Charges: Viking Ocean ($17/day), Windstar ($16/day) add service charges, adjustable.
- Etiquette: On all-inclusive ships, avoid tipping unless explicitly allowed. Thank-you notes or supervisor praise are great alternatives. Small gifts may be appreciated.
- Hybrid Situations: Celebrity’s “Always Included” fare or MSC Yacht Club may cover gratuities. Confirm at booking.
Final Thoughts
Tipping on cruises is streamlined with automatic gratuities, ensuring crew compensation while letting you enjoy your vacation. Budget for daily charges and use these guidelines for additional tips. Crew work hard to make your trip memorable, and gratuities reward their efforts. Follow your cruise line’s policy to navigate tipping confidently. Bon voyage!
