A Guide to Tipping on Your Cruise: Who, When, and How Much

A Guide to Tipping on Your Cruise: Who, When, and How Much

When it comes to cruising, understanding tipping policies can sometimes feel as tricky as navigating the ship itself. While most cruise lines include a daily gratuity charge to your bill, there are still situations where a little extra appreciation can go a long way. Let’s break it down so you’re prepared to reward great service on your next adventure at sea.

Understanding Daily Gratuities

Most major cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities (sometimes called "hotel service charges") to your onboard account. These fees typically cover the hardworking crew members behind the scenes, such as housekeeping and dining staff. The daily gratuity amount varies by cruise line but usually ranges between $14 to $20 per person, per day.

If you’re happy with the service, you can leave the charges as is, knowing your tips are distributed fairly. However, if you receive exceptional service or wish to adjust the gratuity amounts, you can usually do so at the guest services desk.

Who Deserves an Extra Tip?

While the daily gratuities cover many of the ship’s staff, there are certain individuals who might go above and beyond to make your cruise experience unforgettable. Here’s who I personally like to thank with a little extra:

• Bar Staff: If you’ve got a favorite bartender who remembers your go-to drink or serves with a smile every time, an additional tip can show your appreciation. Even though some drink packages include a service charge, slipping them a few dollars directly can make their day.
• Dining Room Servers: For many cruisers, the dining staff become familiar faces throughout the trip. If your server remembers your preferences or goes out of their way to make your meals special, they’ve earned a little extra gratitude.
• Room Stewards: These are the people who keep your stateroom immaculate and often leave those fun towel animals that add a touch of joy to your day. If you find your steward’s service exceptional, consider leaving them a cash tip in an envelope at the end of your trip.
• Kids Club Staff: For families cruising with children, the youth staff often go above and beyond to keep the kids entertained. A small tip can be a heartfelt way to thank them for their efforts.
• Excursion Guides: If you book shore excursions through the cruise line or independently, tipping your tour guide is a thoughtful gesture, especially if they’re enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

How Much Should You Tip?

The amount you tip is a personal choice and depends on the service provided. Here are some general guidelines:

• Bar Staff: $1–2 per drink.
• Dining Room Servers: $10–20 at the end of the cruise if you’ve had the same server regularly.
• Room Stewards: $10–40 per person, based on the length of the cruise and your needs.
• Kids Club Staff: $10–20 at the end of the cruise.
• Excursion Guides: $5–10 per person for a half-day tour, $10–20 for a full day.

My Personal Approach to Tipping

While the built-in gratuities simplify things, I tend to carry smaller bills to show my appreciation directly to crew members who make my trip extra special. For me, that's usually the bartenders and dining staff who stand out. Whether it’s crafting the perfect cocktail for me or ensuring my meals are flawless, these little gestures of thanks can brighten their day as much as their service enhances mine.

I also make it a point to tip my excursion guides and drivers. Since, in most cases, these are people who are not employees of the cruise line, I like to show my appreciation for their efforts. For me, it varies based on how much the tour cost, how extensive their involvement was in my tour, and whether I truly enjoyed the experience they provided. A thoughtful tip can go a long way in showing gratitude for their hard work and making them feel valued.

For bartenders, I generally tip at the end of the cruise, between $25 and $100, depending on the length of my cruise and whether I frequented the same bar most of the time or rotated among the ship’s various bars. If I’ve spent a lot of time at one spot with one bartender and enjoyed exceptional service, I make sure to show my appreciation in a meaningful way.

For room stewards, I typically tip $10 to $40 per person based on the length of the cruise and how needy I might have been. If I’ve asked for extra towels, amenities, or other services, I’ll tip more to reflect their additional effort. On the other hand, if I’ve been a simpler guest with minimal requests, I may stick to the lower end of that range.

Cruise staff work long hours to ensure guests have an amazing experience. Tipping is not only a way to say thank you but also a chance to recognize the effort and care that make cruising such a wonderful way to travel.

What’s your tipping strategy on cruises? Let me know if you have questions about planning your next cruise — I’d be happy to help!