If you’re planning your first cruise, you may be a little
confused on the topic of tips for crew members. Who should you tip, when and
how? Be assured that even experienced cruisers can be confused about tips: cruise
line policies on tipping vary, as do the tipping practices of individual
passengers (and the advice they may give you).
On top of that, some cruise lines are changing their
policies to accommodate cultural differences in tipping: for example, while
Americans are accustomed to recognizing good service with a generous tip, in
some European countries tips are considered to insulting to professional,
well-paid servers. And, some lines are automatically charge a set amount for
gratuities to your onboard account (though you have the option to adjust
them).
Let’s start with the question of to tip or not to tip.
Unless you are on a cruise with a “no tipping” policy – which actually means
that gratuities for the crew have been built into your fare – you should tip the crew members who serve
you directly. This includes cabin stewards and butlers, dining room
waiters, assistant waiters, head waiters and wine stewards. These crew members not
only expect tips for a job well done, they rely on tips to supplement their wages.
Tips are usually
presented on the last night of the cruise. Some cruise lines equip your
stateroom with envelopes for this purpose; envelopes or not, it’s always best
to hand tips directly to the recipients. (By the way, it’s standard practice
for the crew members who receive tips to pass a share of them on to the crew
members you don’t usually see, such as the cabin cleaners and bus boys).
If another crew member – such as a bartender or a kids’ club
counselor – provides exemplary service, it’s certainly acceptable for you to
give them a tip.
Note that shore excursion drivers and guides, spa
technicians, and luggage handlers also appreciate tips at the time of service.
As for how much to
tip, most cruise lines provide suggestions for gratuities for various crew
members. These guidelines are helpful, but remember that the amount of any
tip is really up to you, given your opinion of the service you received. And,
you should definitely include money for gratuities in your cruise budget! For
more information, talk with Anita Thompson, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
