Gratuity is a fancy sounding term that cruise lines use for tips.
Just like in restaurants and hotels, guests on many cruises are generally expected to leave tips for certain cruise staff members serving them.
Pre-paid gratuities means that we {Cruise Specialists} have negotiated a special offer for you and you are not expected nor will you be charged for tips.
On most big-ship mainstream lines, the service crew members are dependent on the generosity of travelers for the vast majority of their salary. Luxury cruise lines often have no-tipping policies where the gratuities are already included in the fares.
VARIED POLICIES
Tipping is a source of some confusion (and much discussion among some passengers) because policies vary from line to line and often it is not sufficiently explained by the cruise lines once passengers are on-board.
Cruise line tipping policies generally fall into three different categories:
(1). Gratuities automatically added to your onboard bill.
Most of the large ship cruise lines (such as Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean and others) have a policy of automatically adding a set gratuity amount to your onboard account.
This is calculated on a per passenger per day basis, and generally ranges from $10 to $15 per person per day. This money is then distributed based on the cruise line’s set formula to cabin stewards, room service stewards, bartenders, baggage handlers, and restaurant staff such as waiters and Maitre d’s and other lower pay staff members.
You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms. However, you will need to notify the front desk of this desire. Otherwise it will appear on your bill when your cruise ends and it will be charged to your credit card on file.
(2) Suggested gratuities policies.
Before the concept of automatic gratuities was put in place, cruise lines provided guests with tip envelopes and a suggested daily amount for the individuals they are served by every day.
For example, it might be suggested to give the cabin steward and main dining room waiters each $3 per day per person, the Maitre D a $1 a day, $5 for any tour guides, etc.
These are suggested amounts and the passenger can choose to give less, more or none at all. Some of the River Cruise lines, such as AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises, follow this policy.
You can give gratuities in cash at the time of service or at the end of the cruise or alternatively you can ask the front desk to add it to your credit card bill and be distributed by the cruise officer.
(3) No tipping policies.
Many of the top end luxury lines we represent always include tips in the fare and as such you are not expected to tip onboard personnel.
This includes:
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Seabourn
- SeaDream Yacht Club
- Silversea Cruises
- Tauck World Discovery
- Uniworld Cruises
They pay their staff higher salaries, obviating the need for automatic or suggested gratuities.
Of course, if any staff member on the no tipping ships go “way above and beyond the call of duty” you are welcome to offer a tip. Some may gracefully accept and others may politely turn down your gesture.
If you are unclear about tipping policies please ask your Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultant any questions you have – it’s important to us that you fully understand all your cruise costs and options.
FAQs
For most, prepaying gratuities is a great way to keep track of your overall cruise budget. If they're paid for and out of the way, you won't accidentally spend your gratuity money while onboard or in port or receive a large(r) bill at the end of the sailing.
Do you still tip if you prepay gratuities? ›
Pre-paid gratuities means that we {Cruise Specialists} have negotiated a special offer for you and you are not expected nor will you be charged for tips. On most big-ship mainstream lines, the service crew members are dependent on the generosity of travelers for the vast majority of their salary.
What happens if you don't prepay gratuities? ›
If you do not prepay cruise gratuities before sailing, the cruise line will add them to your onboard bill.
What are the truth about cruise gratuities? ›
Mainstream cruise lines typically add gratuities to passengers' bills on a per-guest, per-day basis. The rates can range from around $15 to more than $20, depending on the line and stateroom category. While the charges are automatically added, guests can adjust them up or down before disembarking.
Can you avoid paying gratuities on a cruise? ›
Most lines allow passengers to adjust or remove automatic tips by visiting the front desk. The exception? Norwegian Cruise Lines, who requires cruisers to file a reimbursem*nt request after the cruise ends. But just because you can remove gratuities doesn't mean you should.
What happens if you don't tip on a cruise? ›
You don't have to tip on these cruises because the line is already paying gratuities to the staff on your behalf. Additional cash gifts are not expected. Still, some people do leave a little extra for crew members who go above and beyond.
Do cruise gratuities actually go to staff? ›
As mentioned above, not all members of the ship staff receive a share of the gratuities paid by passengers. Bartenders, main show entertainers and third-party shop employees are some of the more obvious ones, but they're not the only ones.
Is it rude to not tip if gratuity is included? ›
Others may automatically include gratuity when the bill is drawn. If either of these instances is the case, then no, you do not need to tip on top of this price. However, if the service was exceptional and you had a wonderful experience, an additional tip is never a bad idea.
Do you tip on a cruise if gratuity is included in Royal? ›
Note that gratuities only cover tipping onboard the ship. You'll need cash to tip shore excursion tour guides, porters, etc.
Can you choose not to pay gratuity? ›
No. Customers cannot refuse to pay automatic gratuity since the payment is a service charge. Tips are optional and freely given by customers, but charges on the receipt from the restaurant itself are mandatory fees. Not paying the automatic gratuity is the same as not paying for the food.
5 Ways to Avoid Paying a Mandatory Gratuity for Bad Service
- Request the mandatory gratuity be waived. ...
- Break up your party into separate tables. ...
- Talk to your server. ...
- Inform the manager you'd like a different server. ...
- Dispute the tip with your credit card company.
You can remove the auto gratuities
As previously noted, Royal Caribbean will automatically charge you for every night of the cruise but that does not mean you have to pay it if you are not satisfied with the service.
Is it worth it to prepay gratuities on a cruise? ›
Depending on the cruise line and type of room, you should expect a daily charge of $16 to $23 for gratuities. There are a couple of good reasons why you might want to prepay, including getting to spend less during your trip and locking in the current rate.
What is the mandatory tip on a cruise? ›
While not technically required, tips are generally expected when noted by the cruise line. No matter the suggested amount, you are free to visit the purser's desk on your ship to adjust based on the service you received. Passengers who are impressed by the service might add more, if they make any adjustment at all.
How do I get out of paying gratuities on Carnival Cruise? ›
You can opt out of automatic gratuities on Carnival Cruises by visiting Guest Services and requesting removal. However, tipping is customary and expected by the crew, so opting out could affect the service you receive. Go to the passenger services desk.
How much should you pay in gratuities on a cruise? ›
The average suggestions for cruise tips amount to between $12 and $16 per passenger, per day—which for a standard seven-night cruise comes to between $84 and $112 extra per person, or $336 to $448 extra for a family of four.
Can you opt out of gratuities on a Carnival cruise? ›
You can opt out of automatic gratuities on Carnival Cruises by visiting Guest Services and requesting removal. However, tipping is customary and expected by the crew, so opting out could affect the service you receive. Go to the passenger services desk.
How much should I tip my cruise cabin steward? ›
We usually tip approximately $10 per day for the steward, more if they are truly outstanding. We also leave $3-$5 per meal in any restaurant. $1 per drink order.
