Tipping on a cruise can be a tricky situation, especially for first-time cruisers. Many cruise lines automatically add daily service fees to passenger bills but some travelers still choose to provide additional cash gratuities, either as a standard practice or for exceptional service.
The automatic gratuity charges can come as a surprise to those new to cruising. At some lines, these fees can be as high as $25 per person per day. Unlike the typical service or resort fee found at land-based resorts, these cruise line charges are not per room – they are per passenger.
At major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, it's common for a family of 4 staying in a single cabin to see over $70 per day in service fees added to their bill. On a typical 7-night cruise, that can add up to around $500 in fees.
This is before considering any additional tips you may want to give to your room service provider, favorite bartender, or for automatic gratuities tacked onto bar, restaurant, and SPA bills.
Not all cruise lines have such high service fees. Some don't charge a service fee at all. In many cases, the service charges can be adjusted.
Tipping on a cruise doesn't have to be confusing but you need to understand the overall situation to properly budget for your vacation. Read on to learn all about cruise ship tipping culture and how much you should tip on your next cruise, based on the cruise line you're sailing with.
Unraveling the mystery: a guide to cruise ship tipping
The big picture on cruise ship tipping
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Most of the largest cruise lines automatically add a service or gratuity fee to passenger bills. This includes the 2 biggest cruise companies, Royal Caribbean and Carnival, as well as the next 3 biggest lines – MSC Cruises, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises.
However, the number of lines with a service fee has been decreasing over the years. Many smaller and higher-end cruise operators are including tips and gratuities in their base fares.
For example, in September, Oceania Cruises announced they'll eliminate their automatic gratuity fee starting in 2025.
Other cruise lines that now cover gratuities in their fares include Azamara, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, and Virgin Voyages.
For the lines that do have service and gratuity charges, they are presented as a convenient alternative to the previous practice of cash tipping on cruise ships.
Cruise lines say they pass the money collected from service charges to the shipboard crew, and it's shared not just with front-of-house staff like room attendants and waitstaff but also with behind-the-scenes workers. They claim this is a more equitable system than the old cash tipping approach, which favored certain workers.
However, some critics see these charges as a way for cruise lines to make their fares appear lower than they actually are. From this perspective, the lines are essentially breaking out a good portion of onboard labor costs as a separate line item on your bill.
How cruise lines collect service charges
At most cruise lines, you can pay your service charges before your trip (at the same time you pay your cruise fare). Alternatively, you can have the charges added to your room bill while on board.
The main benefit of paying cruise tips in advance is that you lock in the current rate. If the line raises the rate between when you pay and when you sail, you won't have to pay the higher amount.
Some people also prefer to pay their service charges in advance for budgeting purposes. This means one less thing to worry about on your final bill at the end of the cruise.
If you choose to pay for tips once you're on the cruise, you'll generally find that the gratuities automatically appear on your bill. You don't have to do anything.
However, if you want to, you can often adjust the charges (either up or down) while on board by visiting the guest relations desk. If you reduce a gratuity charge, expect to be asked about the reasons behind the adjustment. The guest relations staff will want to know if you experienced any specific service issues.
If you've already paid a service charge on your room bill, you don't need to leave extra tips for your room attendant or waiters. That's what the service charge is for.
Likewise, if you're on a cruise line that includes gratuities in the ticket price, that means you don't have to tip on those cruises. The company is already paying the staff on your behalf, so additional tips aren't expected.
However, some people do choose to give a little extra to crew members who go above and beyond. Others might tip their room service or bartenders, either early in the trip to try to get better service or at the end to thank them for making their vacation better. How much you want to tip extra is completely up to you, as it's not required.
Cruise tips included as a booking bonus
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If you don't like tipping on cruise ships but can't afford an all-inclusive cruise line, look for promotions where cruise lines with service charges offer free gratuities as an incentive to book.
For example, in recent years, Norwegian Cruise Line frequently ran "Free at Sea" promotions that included free crew tips in addition to free Wi-Fi and a free drinks package. While they haven't been doing that as much lately, these types of offers often come back when the cruise lines need to boost bookings.
Many major cruise lines have also started offering bundled pricing options where customers can pay for cruise tips, Wi-Fi charges, and an onboard drinks package all at once before their sailing, sometimes at a discounted rate.
Princess Cruises, for instance, has added a "Princess Plus" plan as a booking option. This gives passengers prepaid gratuities (which Princess calls "crew appreciation" fees), a single-device Wi-Fi plan, and a basic beverage package for a single bundled price of $60 per person per day.
Princess also offers an upgraded "Princess Premier" bundle option that includes gratuities along with even more included items, such as unlimited dining at specialty restaurants, for a single price of $90 per person per day.
The cruise lines that offer these special deals want you to know that your crew will still receive their regular tips, even though you're getting a discounted price. The cruise line will pay the usual gratuity to the crew on your behalf, so you don't need to worry about the crew missing out on their tips just because you're taking advantage of a great deal.
Other cruise ship tipping situations
In addition to the daily service charges, there are other cruise tips you'll need to pay onboard. Many cruise lines automatically add a gratuity charge to the bill for extra-fee drinks, restaurant meals, and SPA treatments.
The included tip amount varies by cruise line but it's typically 15% to 20% of the bill. Be aware that the receipt often includes a line for an additional gratuity, even when one is already automatically added. This can lead some cruisers to tip twice. You don't have to feel pressured to add an extra tip when you've already paid one.
If you purchase a dining or beverage package, most cruise lines will charge you gratuities based on a percentage of the package price. Even if you get one of these packages for "free" as a booking perk like with Norwegian Cruise Line's "Free at Sea" promotion, you might still be required to pay the gratuities on the theoretical value of this perk.
For instance, Norwegian offers a complimentary open-bar drinks package for travelers who book their "Free at Sea" promotion. The cost of that package is typically $109 per person per day. The mandatory 20% gratuity comes out to nearly $22 per day. That means 2 people sharing a room on a 7-night cruise would pay $308 in tips for an otherwise free drinks package on top of their daily service charge fees.
Cruisers should also bring cash to tip the porters who bring their bags onto the ship (usually $2 per bag), as well as tour guides in port ($5 to $10 per person for half-day tours, $10 to $20 for full-day excursions, and $2 for non-guide drivers). Piano bar regulars know that a cash tip will increase the chances of the pianist choosing and performing your song request.
Recommended tipping amounts for different cruise lines
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Navigating the complexities of cruise ship tipping can be daunting. While many cruise lines have implemented automatic gratuity charges, it's essential to understand the specific policies of your chosen cruise line. These charges, typically ranging from $15 to $25 per person per day, cover services like housekeeping, dining room staff, and bartenders. However, additional tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated.
It's important to note that not all cruise lines charge automatic gratuities. Some lines, such as Azamara, Celestyal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Lindblad Expeditions, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, and Virgin Voyages, include gratuities in their fares. Others like Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures, rely solely on discretionary tipping.
When considering a cruise, be sure to research the specific tipping policies of your chosen cruise line. This will help you budget accordingly and ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation.
Conclusion
Navigating the complex world of cruise ship tipping can be confusing but understanding the basics is essential for a smooth sailing vacation. While many cruise lines have implemented automatic gratuity charges, ranging from $15 to $25 per person per day, it's crucial to remember that these fees aren't universal. Some lines, such as Azamara, Ponant, and Seabourn, include gratuities in their fares, eliminating the need for additional tipping.
For those cruising with lines that do charge automatic gratuities, it's important to consider additional tips for exceptional service, such as for room service, bartenders, or SPA treatments. However, it's essential to avoid double-tipping, as many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to bar, restaurant, and SPA bills.
Ultimately, the best way to navigate cruise ship tipping is to research the specific policies of your chosen cruise line and to budget accordingly. By understanding the intricacies of tipping, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable cruise vacation.
So, book your cruise, pack your bags, and set sail for a memorable experience! But before you hit the road, don't forget to consider the parking near cruise port you're departing from. On-site parking can be expensive and crowded.
For a more convenient and potentially cheaper option, explore cruise port parking reservations. Services like ParkingNearAirports.io allow you to compare rates and book parking spots online in advance. This can save you time and money when you arrive at the port, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure.
Bonus tip! Don't forget to search for parking coupons online before finalizing your reservation. With a little research, you can find additional savings on your cruise port parking.
Now you're truly ready to set sail for smooth seas and unforgettable memories. Have a wonderful trip!
