How to Tip on a Cruise Ship

Whether you are headed to Antigua or Alaska, you will have to tip while you are on a cruise ship. But who do you tip and how much should you give? These questions can be answered simply with the steps below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find out if your cruise operator will be automatically charging tips or if any have been prepaid. Most companies will allow you to adjust prepaid or automatic tips at the end of your cruise to reflect the level of service that you received.

2. Decide if you want to pay your gratuities in advance. Some cruise lines give you this option. It can save some hassle by reducing the amount of cash you need on the ship. It also saves you from remembering to give.

3. Read your cruise line's welcome package for any tipping guidelines. You will probably find other useful information there, too.

4. Tip standard rates, usually 15%, on all beverage purchases. This goes for food, too, if there is an a la carte restaurant.

5. Leave a tip for each meal at included restaurants. Follow the guidelines in the cruise welcome packet. Otherwise, estimate the cost of the meal and tip accordingly.

6. Plan to give a certain amount per day to the crew members who interact with you regularly. For example, you should tip your housekeeper a dollar or more per person per day.

7. Give the maitre d' a tip according to your assessment of the service that you received on the ship.

Tips & Warnings

• Bellboys and other crew members who provide special services should be tipped each time they assist you.

Resources

• This informative site was put together by cruise passengers.