How does tipping work on a cruise?

I've heard that one of the extra costs associated with cruises is tipping. How does it work? I'm used to tipping based on the price of items (15-20%), so if I'm not paying, I'm not sure how to know how much to tip.

I've seen some mention of an overall "gratuity" being included in your bill at the end of the cruise — but then I've also had friends say that you need lots of $1's for tipping around the boat.

So, which is correct, and/or how do I know what to expect on a specific cruise or cruise line?

cruising tipping

Best Answer

Normally in the cruises I've been, you have a "recommended" tip that most passagers pay the last day. It doesn't depends on how much you paid for your passage, it's the same for all people. For example, in a cruise around the Mediterranean sea, you pay about 40 euros for a week cruise.

Each cruise will have it's "tip fares", but be sure the crew will make you note what they expect.

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Is it mandatory to tip on a cruise?

Technically cruise lines cannot force you to pay gratuities, especially if you have a complaint or issue about the service you received on board. Gratuities on a cruise are not mandatory, but instead heavily suggested and added automatically.

How much are you expected to tip on a cruise ship?

Most cruise lines suggest tipping $10 to $12 per day per passenger (not per couple), regardless of age. For a seven-day cruise, this means each cruiser should budget at least $70 for gratuities, or $140 per cabin for two people.

How do you pay gratuities on a cruise?

From the passenger perspective, the gratuity amount is simple \u2014 pay a set amount per person, per day, and be done. So you might be charged $15 in tips for a day. On the cruise line side, that money gets cut up to be distributed. The tips are spread out between the room steward, dining staff, and others.

Cruise Tipping Explained

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