When you’re planning a cruise, there’s a lot to think about: destinations, excursions, packing lists, and more.
But one question that often pops up, especially for first-time cruisers, is, “How much should I tip the staff on a cruise?”
Having been on many cruises myself, I can tell you that tipping is an important part of the experience.
Not only does it show appreciation for the hard-working crew, but it also ensures that you receive top-notch service throughout your voyage.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise, from the standard amounts to when you might want to tip extra.
Understanding Automatic Gratuities
Let’s start with the basics: most major cruise lines have a system of automatic gratuities.
This means that a daily tip is added to your onboard account, typically ranging from $14 to $20 per person, per day.
This amount covers the tips for your cabin steward, dining room staff, and other crew members who work behind the scenes to make your cruise enjoyable.
I remember my first cruise when I was a bit confused by this automatic charge, but I quickly realized it’s a convenient way to ensure that everyone who contributes to your experience gets their fair share.
The exact amount of the automatic gratuities can vary depending on the cruise line and the type of cabin you’re staying in.
For example, suite guests might pay a slightly higher rate due to the enhanced level of service they receive.
It’s also worth noting that some luxury cruise lines include gratuities in the upfront cost of the cruise, so you don’t have to worry about tipping at all.
However, on most cruises, these automatic gratuities will be a part of your bill.
If you feel that the service you received was exceptional or if a particular crew member made your trip extra special, you can always tip additional amounts in cash.
What Happens if You Don’t Tip on a Cruise?
The decision to withhold tipping can have several repercussions, both for you and the crew who have worked hard to ensure your vacation is enjoyable.
While tipping might technically be voluntary, it’s important to understand that gratuities are a crucial part of the crew’s income.
These workers often spend months at sea, away from their families, and the tips they receive from passengers make up a significant portion of their earnings.
Without these tips, many crew members could face financial strain, impacting their ability to support themselves and their loved ones back home.
Moreover, while cruise staff are trained to provide excellent service regardless of tips, the lack of appreciation can be demoralizing.
Knowing that their efforts are valued through tips often boosts their morale and motivates them to maintain high service standards.
When tipping is reduced or withheld, it can lead to a decline in overall service quality, not because the staff intends to provide less, but because it’s challenging to stay motivated without recognition.
Choosing not to tip can also lead to awkward interactions, especially if you’ve developed a rapport with certain crew members.
These workers often go out of their way to provide exceptional service, and not tipping can create an uncomfortable situation.
Most crew members won’t confront you about it, but the change in atmosphere might be noticeable.
Additionally, some cruise lines include gratuities in their overall pricing structure, meaning that even if you opt out of tipping, you may still end up paying for it indirectly.
Removing automatic gratuities isn’t always straightforward and might require a visit to guest services with an explanation of your reasons.
Ultimately, not tipping is a missed opportunity to show appreciation for the hard work that makes your cruise enjoyable.
Tipping is about more than just money; it’s a gesture of thanks that recognizes the dedication and effort of the crew.
Even if the service was average, leaving the standard gratuity helps maintain the social contract that keeps the cruise industry thriving and ensures that crew members are fairly compensated.
If you’re unsure about tipping, sticking to the automatic gratuities and adding a little extra when deserved is a good approach.
Tipping Your Cabin Steward
Your cabin steward is one of the most important crew members you’ll interact with during your cruise.
They’re responsible for keeping your cabin clean and comfortable, often visiting twice a day to tidy up, replenish towels, and sometimes create those delightful towel animals.
In my experience, cabin stewards are incredibly hardworking and attentive, often remembering your preferences after just one day.
The automatic gratuities you pay will cover the tips for your cabin steward, but many cruisers, myself included, like to leave an additional tip at the end of the cruise.
How much should you tip?
I generally recommend an extra $20 to $50, depending on the length of the cruise and the level of service you received.
If your steward went above and beyond—perhaps fulfilling special requests like extra pillows or ice, or simply being especially friendly—consider tipping on the higher end of that range.
Leaving this tip in cash with a small note of thanks is a nice personal touch that will be greatly appreciated.
Dining Room Staff: Waiters, Assistants, and Maitre D’
The dining room staff on a cruise ship work tirelessly to ensure that every meal is a memorable experience.
This team includes your waiter, assistant waiter, and sometimes the maitre d’.
Over the course of your cruise, you’ll likely get to know these individuals quite well, as they often serve you at every meal.
Automatic gratuities usually cover the tips for your dining room staff, but if you receive exceptional service, it’s customary to tip a bit extra.
In my own cruising experience, I’ve found that the waitstaff often go out of their way to remember your preferences, from how you like your steak cooked to which wine you prefer with dinner.
For outstanding service, consider tipping your waiter an additional $10 to $20 per person at the end of the cruise.
If your assistant waiter was particularly attentive, $5 to $10 per person is a good amount.
As for the maitre d’, tipping is optional, but if they made a special effort to accommodate dietary restrictions or arranged something special like a romantic table for two, a tip of $10 to $20 is appropriate.
Bartenders and Beverage Staff
Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, or a specialty coffee in the café, the bartenders and beverage staff are there to keep your drinks flowing.
On most cruise lines, a gratuity of 15% to 20% is automatically added to your bar tab.
This covers the basic tip for the service you receive.
However, if you frequent the same bar or coffee shop throughout your cruise, you might want to tip the bartender or barista a little extra, especially if they remember your favorite drink or go out of their way to make sure you’re happy.
I usually like to tip an extra $1 to $2 per drink in cash, especially if I receive personalized service.
At the end of the cruise, if there’s a particular bartender who stood out, consider leaving them an additional $10 to $20 as a thank you for keeping your drinks just right.
Room Service: Should You Tip?
Room service is one of those little luxuries that make cruising so special.
Whether you’re enjoying breakfast on your balcony or a late-night snack after a day of exploring, room service is available to make your stay more comfortable.
Many cruise lines offer complimentary room service, though some have started charging a small delivery fee.
Even if room service is free, it’s customary to tip the person who delivers your meal.
I usually keep a few dollar bills handy for this purpose, tipping $2 to $5 per delivery, depending on the size of the order and the time of day.
On one cruise, I ordered room service every morning, and the same steward delivered it each time with a smile.
By the end of the trip, I made sure to give him a little extra as a thank you for his consistent and friendly service.
Shore Excursions: Tipping Tour Guides and Drivers
When you venture off the ship for shore excursions, tipping can get a bit tricky.
If you book your excursions through the cruise line, gratuities for the tour guides and drivers might be included, but it’s always a good idea to check.
If gratuities are not included, or if you feel that the guide or driver went above and beyond, it’s customary to tip them at the end of the excursion.
As a general rule of thumb, I suggest tipping $5 to $10 per person for a half-day tour and $10 to $20 per person for a full-day tour.
On one of my cruises, I had a guide who was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining, making our tour of the Mayan ruins in Cozumel unforgettable.
I happily gave him a $20 tip as a token of my appreciation for his outstanding service.
Spa Services: How Much Should You Tip?
Indulging in a spa treatment is one of the best ways to unwind on a cruise.
Whether you’re getting a massage, facial, or manicure, the spa staff are there to help you relax and rejuvenate.
Most cruise lines automatically add a gratuity of 18% to 20% to your spa bill, which covers the tip for your therapist.
However, if your treatment was particularly wonderful, you might want to tip a little extra.
I’ve had a few massages on cruises where the therapist was so skilled that I felt compelled to give an additional $10 to $20 in cash.
It’s a small gesture, but it shows that you truly appreciated the service and care that went into your treatment.
Tipping for Specialty Dining
Specialty restaurants on a cruise offer a more intimate and upscale dining experience, often with a small cover charge.
Gratuities are usually included in the cover charge or automatically added to your bill, so there’s no need to worry about tipping.
However, as with other services on the ship, if you receive exceptional service, it’s nice to tip a little extra.
On one of my cruises, I dined at a steakhouse where the service was impeccable, and the food was out of this world.
Our waiter went out of his way to ensure that every detail was perfect, from the wine pairings to the dessert recommendations.
At the end of the meal, I added an extra $20 to the bill as a thank you for the exceptional service.
Tipping for Kids’ Club Staff
If you’re cruising with children, you might take advantage of the kids’ club, where trained staff provide fun and engaging activities for your little ones.
These staff members work hard to keep your kids entertained and safe, often for long hours each day.
While the automatic gratuities you pay may cover the kids’ club staff, it’s a nice gesture to tip extra if your children had a great time and received special attention.
I usually tip $10 to $20 at the end of the cruise, especially if the staff went out of their way to make my kids feel special.
On one cruise, my daughter was a bit shy about joining the kids’ club, but the staff made her feel welcome and she ended up having a blast.
I was so grateful for their kindness that I made sure to show my appreciation with a tip.
Should You Tip the Cruise Director?
The cruise director is the person responsible for organizing all the entertainment and activities on board.
While you might not interact with them directly as much as other staff, their role is crucial to your overall experience.
Tipping the cruise director is not expected, and most people don’t do it.
However, if they went out of their way to make your cruise special—perhaps by arranging something unique for you or your family—you might consider a small tip of $20 to $50.
On one cruise, the cruise director personally helped me organize a surprise birthday celebration for my spouse, and I was so impressed by their effort that I slipped them a small tip at the end of the trip.
The Role of Envelopes and Personal Notes
One tradition that I love to follow at the end of a cruise is giving out envelopes with cash tips and a personal note of thanks.
While the automatic gratuities cover the basics, handing someone a personal note with a little extra cash is a heartfelt way to show your appreciation.
I usually prepare these envelopes on the last evening of the cruise, addressing them to specific staff members who made my trip memorable.
For example, I might write a note to my cabin steward thanking them for their excellent service and include a $20 bill.
It’s a small gesture, but it’s one that I know is appreciated by the staff.
Tipping at the End of Your Cruise: A Final Gesture
As your cruise comes to an end, you might wonder when and how to distribute any additional tips.
While automatic gratuities are usually charged on the last day, cash tips can be handed out personally.
I like to give these tips on the final evening, as it allows me to personally thank the staff who made my cruise special.
For the cabin steward, dining staff, and any other crew members who went above and beyond, I’ll prepare an envelope with cash and a note of thanks.
It’s a nice way to end the cruise on a positive note and leave a lasting impression.
On one cruise, my waiter was so attentive and friendly throughout the trip that I made sure to give him a generous tip on the last night, along with a heartfelt thank you note.
He was genuinely touched, and it made me feel good to know that my small gesture was appreciated.
Budgeting for Tips: What to Expect
Tipping on a cruise can add up, so it’s important to budget for it in advance.
If you’re cruising with a family or a large group, these costs can quickly multiply.
I recommend setting aside a certain amount of money specifically for tips before you even board the ship.
This way, you won’t be caught off guard when the automatic gratuities are added to your account.
For a seven-day cruise, you can expect to pay anywhere from $98 to $140 per person in automatic gratuities.
On top of that, you might want to budget extra for additional cash tips.
I usually plan for an extra $100 to $200 in cash tips for a week-long cruise, depending on the level of service and any special requests I might have.
Final Thoughts on Tipping Etiquette
Tipping on a cruise might seem complicated at first, but it’s really about showing appreciation for the hard work and exceptional service provided by the crew.
Whether you stick to the automatic gratuities or choose to tip extra in cash, your generosity will be appreciated.
I’ve been on many cruises, and I’ve always found that a little kindness goes a long way.
So, as you plan your next cruise, keep these tipping guidelines in mind, and you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a smooth and stress-free voyage.
Happy cruising!