How does tipping work on a cruise?
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 21 Jul, 2023
- |
Tipping in cruises are categorized in 3 ways:
-
Mandatory: Most cruise lines have a preset gratuity amount. The ones I have been on range from US$11-15 per person per day, which covers all ship staff: customer-facing and the one’s working behind-the-scenes. In fact this form of tipping covers a major portion of their salaries. Now many travel agencies roll these into their packages. Look for an itemized line reading “Prepaid Gratuities”. If absent, the charge will be applied daily to the credit card you use to place a deposit while on board.
-
Obligatory: You will notice that most staff on reputable cruise liners will go above and beyond their call of duty. This can range from exceptional housekeeping, to some great recommendations at the dinner table. Some cruise operators will place an envelope in your room, where you can place cash tips for exceptional service, and also the person to address it to.
-
Passive Tipping: We were told that post-cruise we would receive an extensive questionnaire soliciting feedback. Sure enough, we did. There were several opportunities in the forms to single out employees for recognition. I am told that the comments and citations go a long way in deciding their career path. So if someone does impress you a great deal, do make a note of their full name.
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.
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘