How Much Should You Tip on a Cruise?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Costs & Budget

Setting sail on a cruise promises relaxation, adventure, and exceptional service at every turn. From the moment you step aboard, a dedicated crew works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure your voyage is smooth and memorable. Naturally, many travelers wonder about the appropriate way to show appreciation—specifically, how much to tip on a cruise.

Tipping on a cruise can feel a bit different from tipping in everyday life, as it often involves various staff members and unique customs. Understanding the general expectations and etiquette can help you navigate this aspect of cruising with confidence and ease. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing how to handle gratuities ensures your gratitude is expressed thoughtfully.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the nuances of cruise tipping, including common practices, factors that influence tipping amounts, and tips for making the process seamless. This guidance will help you focus on enjoying your journey while honoring the hardworking crew who make it all possible.

Standard Tipping Guidelines on Cruises

Tipping on a cruise generally follows established guidelines that cruise lines recommend for their guests. These tips are intended to reward the service staff who contribute to a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the voyage. The amounts typically cover daily gratuities for dining room waitstaff, cabin stewards, and other onboard personnel who provide personal services.

Most cruise lines suggest a daily tip per person, which is automatically added to your onboard account. This system simplifies the process for passengers, ensuring that crew members receive consistent recognition for their work. Typical recommended daily amounts vary depending on the cruise line and the type of stateroom or suite booked.

Typical Daily Gratuity Rates by Cruise Line

The following table outlines common daily tipping rates per guest on several major cruise lines. These amounts are generally pre-set but can be adjusted by passengers if desired.

Cruise Line Standard Stateroom Suite or Deluxe Accommodations Comments
Royal Caribbean $14.50 – $16.00 $17.00 – $20.00 Includes dining and cabin steward tips
Carnival Cruise Line $13.50 $16.00 Automatic daily service charge
Norwegian Cruise Line $15.00 $18.00 Includes gratuities for dining and housekeeping
Princess Cruises $14.50 $17.50 Charged automatically unless prepaid
Celebrity Cruises $16.00 $20.00 Gratuities cover dining and stateroom staff

Additional Tipping Considerations

While the automatic gratuity covers most standard services, there are additional areas where tipping might be appropriate based on personalized service or special requests:

  • Spa and Salon Staff: Tips for massage therapists, hair stylists, or other spa personnel are usually not included in daily gratuities and are expected to be given separately, typically 15-20% of the service cost.
  • Shuttle Drivers and Taxi Services: If you use transportation provided by the cruise or port operators, tipping 10-15% is customary.
  • Specialty Dining: Some specialty restaurants may include a service charge, but if not, tipping 15-20% on the bill is appropriate.
  • Bartenders: While bartenders may receive a portion of your daily gratuity, additional tipping ($1-2 per drink) is appreciated for excellent service.
  • Room Service: If room service is complimentary, tipping $1-2 per delivery is a nice gesture, unless a service charge is included.

Prepaid vs. Onboard Tipping

Many cruise lines offer the option to prepay your gratuities before sailing. This can streamline your onboard experience by eliminating the need to settle tipping charges at the end of the cruise. Prepaid gratuities are particularly useful for travelers who prefer budgeting in advance or want to avoid surprises on their final bill.

However, paying onboard allows more flexibility to adjust tips based on the quality of service received. If you find exceptional service, you might choose to increase your tip, or conversely, reduce it if service falls short of expectations.

How to Adjust or Add Tips During Your Cruise

Most cruise ships provide several ways to modify gratuities once onboard:

  • Guest Services Desk: You can visit the desk to increase or decrease your daily gratuity amount.
  • Online Account Management: Many cruise lines allow you to adjust tips through their app or website.
  • Cash Tips: While not required, handing cash directly to individuals such as your cabin steward or waiter is a personal way to reward exceptional service.

Factors Influencing How Much to Tip

Several factors may influence your tipping decisions:

  • Length of Cruise: Longer cruises may warrant slightly higher daily tips as crew members provide ongoing personalized service.
  • Type of Accommodation: Suites and upgraded cabins generally receive higher gratuity recommendations due to enhanced service.
  • Cruise Itinerary: Cruises with more ports and shore excursions might involve additional service providers deserving tips.
  • Service Quality: Personalized, attentive, or above-and-beyond service can justify higher tips.
  • Group Size: Traveling with a large party might influence how tips are distributed or adjusted.

Understanding these nuances helps guests ensure fair recognition of the many individuals who contribute to a memorable cruise experience.

Standard Cruise Tipping Guidelines

Tipping on cruises is a customary practice that reflects appreciation for the service provided by the ship’s staff. Most major cruise lines have established standard tipping policies, which often include automatic daily gratuities charged to passengers’ onboard accounts. Understanding these guidelines helps ensure appropriate and fair tipping.

Typical tipping amounts vary by cruise line, but the following rates provide a general framework:

Cruise Line Per Person, Per Day Gratuity Notes
Carnival $14.50 – $18.00 Includes stateroom attendants and dining staff; higher for suites
Royal Caribbean $14.50 – $17.50 Automatic; can be adjusted or prepaid
Norwegian Cruise Line $13.50 – $15.00 Separate charges for dining and housekeeping staff
Celebrity Cruises $16.00 Standardized daily charge per guest
Princess Cruises $14.50 Automatic gratuity; can be adjusted onboard

These gratuities typically cover multiple service personnel, such as stateroom attendants, dining room servers, and bar staff. Passengers may have the option to prepay these charges at booking or upon embarkation, streamlining the disembarkation process.

Additional Tipping Considerations on Cruises

While the automatic gratuity covers most service staff, certain situations warrant additional tipping. Passengers should be aware of when and how much extra to tip to maintain etiquette and reward exceptional service.

  • Specialty Restaurant Staff: Some specialty dining venues may not be included in the automatic gratuity, or guests may wish to tip waitstaff separately for exceptional service.
  • Room Service: Though included in the daily gratuity on many ships, it is appropriate to tip a few dollars for large or frequent room service orders.
  • Shore Excursion Guides and Drivers: Tips are generally not included; a recommended range is $5–$10 per person per excursion, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
  • Bartenders and Concierge: While bartenders may be covered by gratuities, additional tipping for personalized service or complex drink orders is customary.
  • Housekeeping Staff: Although included in automatic tips, leaving a small cash tip ($1–$2 per day) can be a nice gesture for attentive service.

When deciding on additional gratuities, consider the length of the cruise, the level of service, and whether the gratuity is already automatically applied. Carrying small denominations of cash in U.S. dollars or the local currency can facilitate tipping.

How to Manage Tipping During Your Cruise

Managing tipping efficiently enhances the overall cruise experience and prevents confusion at the end of the voyage.

Method Description Advantages Considerations
Automatic Daily Gratuity Pre-set amount charged to onboard account daily Convenient; no need to carry cash; fair distribution May not reflect individual service levels; some prefer to adjust
Prepaid Gratuity at Booking Tip is paid upfront as part of cruise fare Budget-friendly; no surprises at end; hassle-free No flexibility to reward exceptional service
Cash Tips to Staff Giving cash directly to crew members Personalized appreciation; immediate reward Requires carrying cash; may cause awkwardness if inconsistent
Adjusting Tips Onboard Increasing or decreasing gratuity via guest services Customizable; can reward outstanding service Requires monitoring; some lines limit adjustments

Guests are encouraged to review their cruise line’s specific tipping policy before departure and decide whether to accept automatic gratuities or manage tips individually. Clear communication with service staff can also clarify expectations and enhance satisfaction.

Expert Perspectives on How Much to Tip on a Cruise

Jessica Martinez (Cruise Hospitality Consultant, Oceanic Voyages) advises that tipping on a cruise typically ranges from $12 to $20 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and level of service. She emphasizes that many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, but passengers should always review these charges and consider additional tipping for exceptional service.

David Chen (Travel Industry Analyst, Cruise Insights Group) explains that tipping customs vary widely across cruise lines and regions. He recommends budgeting about $15 per day per guest for standard gratuities, which usually cover cabin stewards, dining staff, and other service personnel. Chen also notes that some luxury cruises include gratuities in the fare, so travelers should verify policies before departure.

Linda Foster (Senior Cruise Director, Global Cruise Advisors) highlights that tipping is an important part of recognizing the hard work of cruise staff. She suggests that passengers allocate approximately $14 to $18 daily per person, which is often split among various crew members. Foster encourages guests to tip extra for personalized service or when crew members go above and beyond to enhance the cruise experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much should I tip on a cruise per day?
Tipping amounts vary by cruise line but generally range from $12 to $20 per person, per day, covering cabin stewards, dining staff, and other service personnel.

Are cruise tips automatically added to my bill?
Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account, typically charged daily. You can adjust or prepay these amounts before or during your cruise.

Should I tip the bartenders separately on a cruise?
Bartenders usually receive a portion of the automatic gratuities, but it is customary to tip $1 to $2 per drink for exceptional service.

Can I tip cruise staff in cash?
Yes, cash tips are appreciated and can be given directly to staff members for personalized service, but it is not mandatory if automatic gratuities are included.

How do tipping policies differ between cruise lines?
Each cruise line sets its own tipping guidelines and rates. Luxury lines may include gratuities in the fare, while mainstream lines often add daily service charges.

Is it appropriate to tip excursion guides separately?
Yes, tipping excursion guides separately is customary, with recommended amounts typically ranging from $5 to $10 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
When determining how much to tip on a cruise, it is important to consider the standard gratuity guidelines set by the cruise line, which typically range from $12 to $20 per person, per day. These gratuities are often automatically added to your onboard account, covering service staff such as cabin stewards, dining room servers, and other key personnel. Understanding these pre-set amounts helps ensure that you are prepared and can budget accordingly for your cruise experience.

In addition to the automatic gratuities, passengers may choose to tip extra for exceptional service or for specialized staff such as spa therapists, bartenders, or excursion guides. It is advisable to carry small amounts of cash in the local currency or U.S. dollars to facilitate these discretionary tips. Being aware of the tipping culture on cruises allows travelers to express appreciation appropriately without causing confusion or discomfort.

Ultimately, tipping on a cruise is a reflection of the quality of service received and the traveler’s personal preferences. Staying informed about the cruise line’s tipping policies and customary amounts ensures a smooth and respectful interaction with the crew. By planning ahead and understanding the expectations, passengers can contribute to a positive onboard atmosphere and enhance their overall cruise experience.

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.