How Much Should You Really Tip on a Cruise?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Costs & Budget

Setting sail on a cruise is an exciting adventure filled with stunning destinations, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service. As you relax and enjoy the journey, one question often arises: how much should you tip on a cruise? Tipping etiquette on cruises can feel a bit confusing, especially for first-time cruisers, since it involves various crew members and different service levels.

Understanding the nuances of tipping on a cruise is essential to ensure that the hardworking staff who enhance your experience are fairly appreciated. From your stateroom attendant to dining room servers and beyond, gratuities play a significant role in their compensation. However, the amount and method of tipping can vary depending on the cruise line, itinerary, and personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll explore the basics of cruise tipping, helping you navigate the expectations and customs so you can show gratitude appropriately without any guesswork. Whether you’re planning your first voyage or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will prepare you to tip confidently and thoughtfully throughout your cruise experience.

Standard Tipping Guidelines on Cruises

Tipping on a cruise typically follows a set structure established by the cruise line, often expressed as a daily amount per passenger. These amounts are intended to cover the services of various staff members who contribute to your onboard experience, including dining room servers, cabin stewards, and other service personnel. Understanding these guidelines helps ensure fair compensation for the crew while avoiding any confusion or awkwardness during your voyage.

Most major cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, which you can pay at the end of your trip. This automatic system simplifies the process but still allows you the option to adjust tips based on the quality of service you receive. If you prefer to tip in cash or adjust the amounts, it’s important to be familiar with the typical daily recommended rates.

Common daily tipping rates per passenger are as follows:

  • Dining Room Server: $3 to $5
  • Assistant Server or Busser: $1.50 to $3
  • Cabin Steward: $3 to $5
  • Other Staff (e.g., bartenders, spa staff): Often tipped separately based on service

These amounts are usually combined into a daily total that the cruise line suggests or automatically charges.

Adjusting Tips Based on Service and Experience

While cruise lines provide a baseline for tipping, passengers should feel empowered to adjust gratuities based on the level of service they receive. Exceptional service warrants additional recognition, whereas subpar experiences may justify lower tips. It’s helpful to observe the crew’s attentiveness, friendliness, and efficiency throughout your cruise.

Here are some points to consider when adjusting tips:

  • If your dining room server remembers your preferences and goes above and beyond, consider increasing their tip.
  • Cabin stewards who keep your room exceptionally clean and attend promptly to requests merit extra appreciation.
  • For specialty dining, bartenders, and spa staff, tipping is often separate and based on direct service—typically 15-20% of the bill or a fixed amount per service.
  • Group tipping or pooling gratuities is not common on cruises, as tips are generally distributed individually to the staff involved.

It’s best to communicate any adjustments to the guest services desk if you use the automatic tipping system, or tip directly in cash to the staff members for personalized gratitude.

Sample Tipping Amounts by Cruise Line

Each cruise line has its own recommended gratuity amounts, and these can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, and class of service. The table below illustrates typical daily gratuity charges for some of the most popular cruise lines:

Cruise Line Daily Gratuity per Passenger (USD) Notes
Royal Caribbean $14.50 – $18.50 Includes dining room and cabin steward tips; automatic charges applied
Carnival Cruise Line $13.99 – $16.99 Varies by ship; includes dining and cabin staff
Norwegian Cruise Line $15 – $18 Automatic gratuities; can be prepaid or adjusted onboard
Princess Cruises $14.50 – $16.50 Includes dining and stateroom attendants; automatic gratuities standard
Celebrity Cruises $16.50 Flat daily rate; can be adjusted based on service

These amounts are subject to change and may be higher for suites or specialty accommodations. Always check the specific cruise line’s policy before sailing.

Tipping Etiquette for Specialty Services and Excursions

In addition to the standard daily gratuities, there are other areas where tipping is customary on a cruise:

  • Specialty Dining: Many specialty restaurants onboard expect separate tips, usually 15-20% of the bill. Confirm if gratuity is already included on the check.
  • Bar and Beverage Service: Bartenders and waitstaff typically receive 15-20% of the tab. Some cruise lines add an automatic service charge to drink purchases.
  • Spa and Salon Services: A tip of 15-20% is standard for massages, haircuts, and other treatments.
  • Shore Excursions: Guides and drivers appreciate tips ranging from $5 to $10 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.

When tipping specialty services, cash is often preferred, as it goes directly to the staff member providing the service. Confirm with the service provider if gratuities are included or expected separately.

How to Handle Tipping When Sailing with Children or Infants

When cruising with children or infants, the standard tipping rates usually apply per passenger, regardless of age. However, some families choose to adjust tips slightly if children do not use certain services, such as specialty dining or spa treatments.

Consider these points:

  • Cabin steward and dining staff will still provide service related to the children’s needs, so tipping for these services remains appropriate.
  • Specialty dining gratuities should be based on actual usage; if children do not dine at specialty venues, no tip is necessary for those meals.
  • For group activities or kids’ club staff, tipping is generally not expected but can be considered for exceptional care or assistance.

Ensuring staff feel appreciated for their attention to your family enhances the overall cruising experience.

Tips for Managing Your Gratuities Onboard

To avoid surprises and manage your budget effectively, consider these practical tips:

  • Prepay gratuities: Many cruise lines allow

Standard Tipping Guidelines on Cruises

Tipping on cruises is a customary practice that acknowledges the hard work and service provided by the crew members throughout your voyage. While tipping policies may vary slightly depending on the cruise line, the following guidelines offer a clear framework for what is generally expected.

Most major cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account, which covers key service staff such as cabin stewards, dining room servers, and bartenders. These charges typically range from $14 to $20 per person, per day. Understanding these charges helps you budget and ensures you know what is included and what additional tipping might be appropriate.

  • Cabin Stewards: Responsible for cleaning and maintaining your stateroom. Recommended tip: $3 to $5 per person, per day.
  • Dining Room Servers: Includes main dining room waiters and assistant waiters. Recommended tip: $4 to $6 per person, per day.
  • Bartenders and Bar Staff: Often included in the daily gratuity but consider additional tips for exceptional service, typically $1 to $2 per drink or round.
  • Room Service: Usually included in the gratuity, but a 10-15% tip on special requests or high-volume orders is appreciated.
  • Shuttle Drivers and Excursion Guides: Not always covered by daily gratuities. Suggested tip varies: $5 to $10 per person for shuttle drivers; $10 to $20 per person for excursion guides depending on the length and quality of the tour.

These amounts are guidelines and should be adjusted based on the quality of service and your personal satisfaction.

How Cruise Lines Handle Gratuities

Cruise lines typically include gratuities in your onboard account, which are distributed among the crew. This system simplifies the tipping process but differs from traditional tipping where guests hand cash directly to service staff.

Cruise Line Typical Daily Gratuity Charge (Per Person) Who Receives the Gratuities Optional Additional Tips
Carnival $14.50 – $16.00 Dining staff, cabin stewards, housekeeping, bartenders Specialty restaurant servers, spa staff, shuttle drivers
Royal Caribbean $15.00 – $18.00 Service staff including dining and stateroom attendants Shuttle drivers, excursion guides, spa therapists
Norwegian Cruise Line $13.50 – $16.50 Dining room servers, cabin stewards, bartenders Specialty dining, spa, shore excursions
Disney Cruise Line $14.50 – $17.00 Dining staff, stateroom attendants, youth counselors Shore excursions, spa services

Gratuity charges are usually automatically added to your onboard account daily, but guests have the option to adjust the amount or pre-pay gratuities prior to the cruise departure.

When and How to Tip Beyond the Automatic Charges

While automatic gratuities cover most service personnel, there are situations where additional tipping is appropriate or even expected to recognize outstanding service or special circumstances.

Additional tips might be considered in the following scenarios:

  • Exceptional Service: If a crew member goes above and beyond, an extra tip delivered personally at the end of the cruise is a thoughtful gesture.
  • Specialty Dining: Some specialty restaurants do not include gratuities in the automatic charge or recommend an additional tip of 15-20% on the bill.
  • Spa and Salon Services: These services often require separate tipping, typically 15-20% of the service cost.
  • Shore Excursions and Transportation: Crew who assist with excursions or shuttle services may not be included in the daily gratuity and should be tipped directly.
  • Room Service: While generally included, if a high volume of room service orders is placed or special requests are made, tipping 10-15% is courteous.

Tips on how to tip:

  • Use cash in small denominations whenever possible. Crew members often prefer cash tips to avoid delays in receiving their gratuities.
  • Hand tips discreetly to the intended recipient to ensure they receive your appreciation directly.
  • Mark or note the tip with the crew member’s name or role if tipping multiple individuals to avoid confusion.
  • If you choose to adjust your automatic gratuity, notify guest services early in the cruise.

Factors That Influence Tipping Amounts

Several factors can influence how much you decide to tip on a cruise beyond standard guidelines. Being mindful of these elements can help you tip fairly

Expert Perspectives on Tipping Etiquette for Cruises

Linda Martinez (Cruise Hospitality Consultant, Oceanic Voyages) advises that tipping on a cruise should generally reflect the level of personalized service received. She recommends a baseline of $13 to $15 per person, per day, which is often pre-calculated by cruise lines, but encourages passengers to adjust this amount upward for exceptional service or unique requests to ensure staff feel properly recognized.

James O’Connor (Travel Industry Analyst, Cruise Insights Group) emphasizes that while many cruise lines include automatic gratuities in the fare, travelers should be aware of the tipping culture onboard. He suggests budgeting approximately $14 to $18 daily per guest, which covers dining staff, cabin stewards, and other service personnel, and recommends reviewing the cruise line’s tipping policy beforehand to avoid surprises.

Dr. Emily Chen (Professor of Tourism Management, Maritime University) highlights the importance of tipping as a vital component of the cruise economy that supports frontline staff. She notes that tipping amounts can vary by region and cruise line but advises guests to consider a daily tip in the range of $12 to $16 per person, adjusting for the length of the cruise and the quality of service, to maintain fairness and encourage excellent hospitality standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is the standard daily gratuity on a cruise?
The standard daily gratuity typically ranges from $13 to $18 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line and cabin category.

Are cruise ship tips automatically added to my bill?
Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, but you can adjust or prepay them before your cruise.

Who should I tip on a cruise ship?
Tipping is generally recommended for dining staff, cabin stewards, bartenders, and other service personnel who assist you during the cruise.

Can I tip extra for exceptional service?
Yes, additional tipping for outstanding service is appreciated and can be given directly to the staff member in cash or added to your onboard account.

Do children pay the same gratuity amounts as adults?
Gratuity policies for children vary by cruise line; some charge a reduced rate or waive gratuities for very young children.

How should I handle tipping on specialty dining or shore excursions?
Specialty dining and shore excursion staff are not typically included in automatic gratuities, so it is customary to tip separately based on the level of service received.
When considering how much to tip on a cruise, it is important to understand that gratuities are a customary and expected part of the cruise experience. Most cruise lines provide guidelines or automatic daily gratuity charges that cover services such as dining staff, cabin stewards, and other onboard personnel. These amounts typically range from $12 to $20 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line and level of service.

While automatic gratuities simplify the process, passengers may choose to adjust the amount based on the quality of service received. Additional tipping for exceptional service or special requests is appreciated but not mandatory. It is also common to tip other service providers such as bartenders, spa staff, and excursion guides separately, often with smaller amounts reflecting the specific service.

Ultimately, understanding the tipping policies of your chosen cruise line and budgeting accordingly ensures a smooth and respectful interaction with the crew. Being aware of these practices enhances the overall cruise experience and acknowledges the hard work of those who contribute to making the journey enjoyable.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.