How Much Should You Tip on a Cruise Ship?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Costs & Budget

Setting sail on a cruise ship promises a unique blend of adventure, luxury, and relaxation. From exquisite dining experiences to attentive cabin service, cruise vacations are designed to pamper guests at every turn. Yet, amid the excitement of exploring new destinations and enjoying onboard amenities, one question often arises: how much to tip on a cruise ship?

Tipping on a cruise can feel a bit different from tipping in everyday life, as it involves various crew members who contribute to your overall experience. Understanding the etiquette and expectations around tipping can help ensure that your gratitude is expressed appropriately without any awkwardness. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing the basics about cruise ship tipping is an essential part of planning your trip.

In this article, we’ll explore the general customs, common practices, and factors that influence tipping amounts on a cruise ship. By gaining insight into this aspect of cruising, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the tipping process smoothly and confidently, allowing you to fully enjoy your voyage without any tipping-related stress.

Standard Tipping Practices on Cruise Ships

Tipping on cruise ships is an established custom that acknowledges the hard work of the crew members who provide various services throughout the voyage. Most cruise lines have a recommended tipping policy that passengers are encouraged to follow. These tips typically cover staff in dining rooms, stateroom attendants, bartenders, and other service personnel.

Generally, cruise lines either automatically add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account or suggest an amount you can pay at the end of the cruise. If the gratuity is automatic, guests have the option to adjust the amount based on the quality of service received. It is important to understand which crew members benefit from these gratuities and how they are distributed to ensure your tipping is fair and appropriate.

Who Should You Tip on a Cruise Ship?

Tipping on cruise ships involves several key service roles. These include:

  • Dining Room Staff: Waiters, assistant waiters, and head waiters who handle your dining experience.
  • Stateroom Attendants: Responsible for cleaning and maintaining your cabin.
  • Bar Staff: Bartenders and cocktail servers who prepare drinks.
  • Other Service Staff: Spa attendants, room service personnel, and sometimes entertainers or shore excursion guides (depending on the cruise line’s policy).

It’s important to note that some cruise lines pool the tips and distribute them evenly among eligible crew members, while others allow for direct tipping to individuals.

Typical Daily Gratuity Amounts

Daily gratuities vary by cruise line, cabin category, and sometimes by itinerary. The following table provides a general idea of the standard daily tipping amounts per person, which may be automatically added to your bill:

Cruise Line Dining Staff (Per Day) Stateroom Attendant (Per Day) Bar Staff (Optional)
Carnival $3.50 – $4.50 $3.50 – $4.50 $1.00 – $2.00
Royal Caribbean $4.50 $4.50 $1.50
Norwegian Cruise Line $3.00 – $5.00 $3.00 – $5.00 $1.00 – $2.00
Princess Cruises $4.50 $4.50 $1.50
Celebrity Cruises $4.50 $4.50 $1.50

These amounts are per person per day and typically multiplied by the number of nights you stay. Families or groups sharing a cabin should consider this when budgeting for gratuities.

Additional Tips and Considerations

While automatic gratuities cover the majority of services, there are occasions when additional tipping is appropriate or appreciated:

  • Exceptional Service: If a crew member goes above and beyond, a cash tip in addition to the daily gratuity is a kind gesture.
  • Spa and Salon Services: These services usually are not included in automatic gratuities, so a 15-20% tip on the bill is customary.
  • Shore Excursion Guides: Tipping is often expected and varies depending on the excursion and service quality.
  • Bartenders and Beverage Servers: If you receive personalized service at bars or lounges, tipping $1-$2 per drink or a lump sum at the end of the cruise is common.

Always check your cruise line’s tipping policy before departure, as some may have specific guidelines or include gratuities in package pricing.

How to Pay Tips on a Cruise Ship

Cruise lines offer several convenient ways to pay tips:

  • Automatic Gratuity Charges: Added daily to your onboard account, which you settle at the end of the cruise.
  • Prepaid Gratuities: Many cruise lines allow you to pay gratuities upfront when booking or before the cruise starts, simplifying onboard expenses.
  • Cash Tips: You can give cash directly to staff members for exceptional service or roles not covered by automatic gratuities.

It is advisable to keep small bills handy for cash tips, especially for crew members who provide personalized or irregular services.

Adjusting or Opting Out of Gratuities

If you feel the service does not meet expectations, most cruise lines allow you to adjust the automatic gratuities either at the guest services desk or online through your onboard account. However, outright opting out of gratuities is generally discouraged as crew members rely on these tips as a significant part of their income.

Before making changes, consider discussing your concerns with guest services—they may resolve service issues promptly, ensuring you receive the value expected for your tips.

By understanding the standard tipping practices and policies, you can better prepare your cruise budget and ensure that crew members are fairly compensated for their efforts.

Standard Tipping Guidelines on Cruise Ships

Tipping on cruise ships is a customary practice to recognize the service provided by various crew members. Most cruise lines have established standard tipping amounts, which can vary depending on the cruise line, length of the voyage, and type of cabin. These tips are typically distributed among staff including dining room servers, cabin stewards, bartenders, and other service personnel.

While some cruise lines automatically add gratuities to passengers’ onboard accounts, it is important to understand the expected amounts and how they are allocated.

Staff Member Daily Suggested Tip (Per Guest) Typical Methods of Payment
Dining Room Server $3 – $5 Added automatically / cash / onboard account
Assistant Server $1.50 – $3 Added automatically / cash / onboard account
Crew Member / Cabin Steward $4 – $6 Added automatically / cash / onboard account
Bartenders $1 – $2 per drink or $3 – $5 daily Cash or onboard account
Other Service Staff (Spa, Valet, Room Service) Varies by service Usually cash

For example, if a cruise line charges $15 per guest per day for gratuities, this amount is usually divided as above and added automatically to your onboard account. Passengers can adjust this amount or pay additional tips in cash if they prefer.

How to Handle Tipping for Different Cruise Experiences

Tipping practices can vary depending on the cruise experience and the passenger’s preferences. The following points highlight common scenarios and recommendations:

  • Luxury Cruises: Luxury cruise lines often include gratuities in the overall fare or suggest higher tipping amounts due to the elevated level of personalized service.
  • Expedition Cruises: Expedition cruises may have different tipping customs, sometimes encouraging cash tips directly to guides and crew for exceptional service.
  • Family Cruises: Family-oriented cruises typically follow standard tipping policies but may have special guidelines for children’s dining staff or youth program counselors.
  • Self-Serviced or Buffet-Style Dining: Tipping for buffet or casual dining areas is generally lower or optional, as less table service is involved.

It is advisable to check the cruise line’s specific tipping policy before departure, as some include gratuities in the fare while others leave it entirely to passenger discretion.

When and How to Tip Cruise Staff

Understanding the timing and method of tipping ensures that crew members are appropriately acknowledged for their service:

  • Automatic Gratuities: Many cruise lines add daily gratuities to your onboard account, billed at the end of the cruise. This is the most convenient method and guarantees that key service staff receive their tips.
  • Cash Tips: Cash is often preferred for certain staff such as bartenders, spa therapists, and shore excursion guides. Handing over cash personally ensures they receive the full amount.
  • End of Cruise: Some passengers choose to provide additional cash tips directly to cabin stewards or dining staff on the last day as a gesture of appreciation.
  • Pre-Paid Tipping: A few cruise lines allow guests to pre-pay gratuities at booking, simplifying the process and avoiding onboard charges.

It is courteous to carry small denominations of cash for tipping staff who provide personalized services. Additionally, expressing gratitude verbally enhances the overall experience for both passengers and crew.

Adjusting Tips Based on Service Quality

Although cruise line recommended gratuities are standard, passengers have the option to adjust tips according to the level of service received. Consider the following guidelines:

  • Exceptional Service: Increasing the tip amount is a common way to reward outstanding attention or special assistance provided by crew members.
  • Poor Service: If service is unsatisfactory, it is acceptable to reduce the tip or discuss the issue with guest services before finalizing gratuities.
  • Group or Family Tipping: When traveling with a group or family, consider pooling tips or ensuring each guest’s service staff is acknowledged appropriately.

Most cruise lines encourage guests to notify guest services if there are issues with service quality so that the crew has an opportunity to address concerns.

Additional Tips and Considerations

  • Currency: U.S. dollars are widely accepted for tipping on most international cruise ships, but it is advisable to confirm with your cruise line.
  • Specialty Services: For spa treatments, shore excursions, or other specialized services, tipping guidelines may differ and are often noted on receipts or service menus.
  • Group Bookings: For groups or chartered cruises, verify if gratuities are included or need to be handled separately.
  • Expert Perspectives on Tipping Etiquette Aboard Cruise Ships

    Dr. Melissa Grant (Hospitality Management Professor, Maritime University). “When determining how much to tip on a cruise ship, it is important to consider the comprehensive service provided by the crew. Standard gratuities typically range from $12 to $20 per person, per day, covering dining staff, cabin stewards, and other service personnel. Cruise lines often include automatic gratuities, but additional tipping for exceptional service is encouraged to acknowledge individual efforts and maintain high service standards.”

    James Caldwell (Cruise Industry Consultant and Author). “Tipping on a cruise ship should reflect the quality and consistency of service throughout the voyage. Most cruise lines suggest a daily gratuity amount that passengers can prepay or settle at the end. For a balanced approach, I recommend budgeting approximately $15 per day per guest, which ensures fair compensation for all staff members who contribute to the onboard experience, from dining to housekeeping and entertainment.”

    Sophia Martinez (Senior Guest Services Manager, Oceanic Cruises). “From a guest services perspective, it’s essential to tip in a way that recognizes the personalized attention guests receive. While the industry standard is around $13 to $18 per day, tipping can be adjusted based on the cruise length, type of service, and passenger satisfaction. Guests should also consider tipping specialty restaurant staff and spa personnel separately, as these services are often not included in the general gratuity pool.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How much should I tip per day on a cruise ship?
    Tipping amounts typically range from $12 to $20 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line and level of service. This amount is often automatically added to your onboard account.

    Are gratuities included in the cruise fare or charged separately?
    Many cruise lines include gratuities in the fare or add them as automatic daily charges. However, some lines leave tipping optional, so it is important to check your cruise line’s policy.

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

    Can I adjust or prepay my cruise ship tips?
    Most cruise lines allow guests to prepay gratuities before sailing or adjust automatic tips onboard if service does not meet expectations.

    Is it appropriate to tip excursion guides and shuttle drivers?
    Yes, it is customary to tip excursion guides and shuttle drivers separately, usually between $5 and $10 per person, depending on the length and quality of the service.

    What if I receive exceptional service during my cruise?
    If service exceeds expectations, additional tipping is appreciated and can be given directly to the staff member in cash or by adjusting the onboard gratuity account.
    When considering how much to tip on a cruise ship, it is important to understand that gratuities are typically expected and often automatically added to your onboard account. The standard tipping amount generally ranges from $12 to $20 per person, per day, which covers the service provided by dining staff, cabin stewards, and other crew members who contribute to your cruise experience. Some cruise lines allow passengers to adjust these amounts based on the quality of service received.

    It is also essential to recognize that tipping policies can vary between cruise lines, and some may include gratuities in the overall fare, while others may leave tipping entirely up to the passenger’s discretion. Additionally, passengers should consider tipping specialty restaurant servers, spa staff, and other service providers separately if the service was exceptional. Being aware of these nuances ensures that you appropriately reward the crew members who work diligently to enhance your vacation.

    Ultimately, tipping on a cruise ship is a way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff who often work long hours behind the scenes. Planning your gratuities ahead of time and understanding the cruise line’s tipping policy can help avoid surprises and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. By tipping thoughtfully and fairly, you contribute to maintaining the high level of service that

    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.