Are you planning a cruise and unsure of how much to tip?
Knowing the right amount to tip can be confusing, especially when there are so many people involved in providing you with an enjoyable vacation experience.
Fortunately, there is no need to worry; this article will provide clear guidance on how much to tip while cruising!
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Tipping Guidelines for Cruise Ships
Cruise ship tipping is a way of expressing your appreciation for the services provided by the crew onboard. Although it can be confusing to know how much and when to tip, there are general guidelines that you should follow:
- Start with predetermined amounts. Most cruise lines have set recommended tips that they will automatically add to your final bill. This amount ranges from $10-$13 per person, per day.
- Tipping etiquette varies by country. In some places like Europe, gratuity is included in all fares; while in others such as Australia or New Zealand tipping may not be expected at all.
- Consider additional gratuities for exceptional service. If you had an especially great experience during your cruise, feel free to express your gratitude with a little extra cash on top of what was already charged. Anywhere from $1-$5 extra per person would suffice!
Overall, keep in mind that tipping is always appreciated but never required – so don’t stress too much if you’re unsure about proper etiquette.
How Much to Tip on Shore Excursions and Other Activities
Tipping is an important part of expressing gratitude for quality service.
On a cruise, it’s customary to tip your crew and other staff members, as well as any local tour guides or vendors you may encounter during shore excursions.
The general rule of thumb is to tip the same amount that you would in a restaurant. That means 15% – 20% depending on the level of service provided.
For activities such as snorkeling trips or kayaking tours, it’s up to your discretion but usually falls within the 10-15% range.
If someone goes above and beyond their job description, then feel free to give them an extra bit of appreciation with a larger gratuity!
- Cruise Crew & Staff: 15-20%
- Local Tour Guides & Vendors: 15-20%
- Snorkeling Trips/Kayaking Tours: 10-15%
Understanding Tipping on a Cruise
Tipping on a cruise is a common practice, and it is typically expected that guests will tip their servers, room attendants, and other crew members who provide them with excellent service. However, it is important to note that not all cruise lines have the same tipping policies. Some cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, while others leave it up to the guests to decide how much to tip.
Automatic Tipping Policies
Many cruise lines now have automatic tipping policies, which means that a set amount of gratuity is added to your onboard account each day.
This gratuity is then distributed among the crew members who provide you with service, including your server, room attendant, and other staff members.
The amount of gratuity varies by cruise line, but it is usually around $14-$20 per person, per day.
Optional Tipping Policies
Other cruise lines have optional tipping policies, which means that the amount of gratuity is left up to the guest’s discretion.
In this case, it is recommended that guests tip their server, room attendant, and other staff members around $10-$12 per person, per day.
Tipping Guidelines
When it comes to tipping on a cruise, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to tip based on the level of service you receive.
If you receive exceptional service, consider tipping more than the recommended amount. On the other hand, if the service is subpar, it is okay to tip less.
It is also important to note that tipping is not limited to just your server and room attendant. Other crew members who provide you with service, such as the bartender, pool attendant, and tour guide, should also be tipped accordingly.
How to Tip
There are a few ways to tip on a cruise, depending on the cruise line’s tipping policy. If your cruise line has an automatic tipping policy, the gratuity will be added to your onboard account, and you can choose to adjust the amount at the end of your trip.
If your cruise line has an optional tipping policy, you can tip in cash or add the gratuity to your onboard account. It is recommended that you tip your server and room attendant in cash, as they may not receive the full amount of the gratuity added to your onboard account.
Other Considerations
It is also important to consider other factors when tipping on a cruise. For example, if you are traveling with a large group, it is recommended that you tip more than the recommended amount, as the crew members will be providing service to a larger number of guests.
Additionally, if you have any special requests or needs, such as dietary restrictions or mobility issues, it is important to inform the crew members as soon as possible. Tipping generously can also ensure that your requests are accommodated to the best of the crew’s ability.
Conclusion
Tipping on a cruise is an important part of cruise etiquette, and it is essential to understand the tipping policies of your cruise line and to tip accordingly. Remember to tip based on the level of service you receive, and consider tipping additional crew members who provide you with exceptional service. By following these guidelines, you can show your appreciation for the hard
