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Tipping on holiday is probably one of those topics that many people feel they need to know about but feel unsure of the right questions to ask. After all, destinations and cultures vary and the last thing anyone wants to do is offend someone.
Some of the most common tipping related questions we get asked are:
‘How much should I tip?’
‘When are the most appropriate times to tip?’
‘Why is tipping on a cruise important?’
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On cruise ships tipping is a common practice, so we wanted to clear up any uncertainties you may have before you set sail. In the guide below, we’ll give you answers to the above questions, as well as many more so that you can learn everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise.
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Firstly, it’s worth knowing that tipping isn’t compulsory for all cruise lines. In fact, the only cruise line which charges compulsory gratuities is Costa cruise line which charges €8 per person per day. Usually tipping is considered a voluntary appreciation of gratitude towards someone who has provided you with an excellent service.
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Most cruise lines place automatic service charges on passengers’ accounts and the amount differs between each cruise line. Sometimes, at the time of booking you’ll be given the option for prepaid gratuities when making a booking.
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This type of tipping process has been put in place for three main reasons. The first is due to the amount of international travellers that don’t always share the same opinions when it comes to tipping. The second is because of the huge increase of alternative dining venues. In the past, passengers dined at the same table for their three meals a day, but with so many different dining venues you are now no longer limited to one team of staff (can you imagine trying to tip around 30 different waiters and waitresses individually?). Lastly, this form of tipping is a fair way to ensure that behind the scenes employees who have worked toward ensuring you have an excellent cruise get rewarded too.
However, if you do not want to have the gratuities added to your account, you can visit Guest Services once you’re onboard and ask to have them removed.
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To follow on from the above point, in-port baggage handlers won’t have the opportunity to share the onboard tip benefits. So, consider tipping them like you would a hotel porter.
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You are likely to interact with your cabin steward the most whilst onboard and whilst the automatic service charges will cover the basics, it’s generally considered courteous to tip them a little extra to show your appreciation for all their hard work. The same can be said if you’re staying in a suite with Butler service – you may find you want to give them a little extra.
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As mentioned previously, onboard bars usually have an automatic gratuity which features on the bill. However, if you find yourself visiting the same bar, a good way to ensure fast service is to give the bartender a tip upfront to show your gratitude.
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If your child had an excellent time in one of the kids clubs, you may want to show your appreciation to the Counsellors for ensuring that your young ones had a great cruise experience. Ask your child who their favourite Counsellor was or hand a tip to the head Counsellor to share between the group. Alternatively, you could purchase a selection of chocolates or treats from the onboard shops and allow your child to give the Counsellors this as a gift instead.
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When it comes to spa treatments, it’s quite common for an additional 15% gratuity charge to be added to your bill. Should you wish to you can increase this amount by however much you like.
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