cruise ship porter tip

Cruise FAQs

How much to tip porters at cruise terminal.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Tip extra for exceptional service (10-20% of original tip)
• Be sincere and specific in a thank you note to show appreciation
• Avoid underestimating the importance of tipping and use suggested tip amounts based on the number of bags
• Show appreciation through other gestures such as offering a genuine compliment and engaging in friendly conversation

Understanding Tipping Etiquette at Cruise Terminals

Factors to Consider When Determining the Tip Amount

Destination and local customs, number of bags and assistance required, average tipping recommendations for porters.

Domestic Cruises

International cruises, tips for a smooth tipping experience, recognizing exceptional service, additional tips for outstanding service, expressing gratitude with a thank you note, common mistakes to avoid, other ways to show appreciation, importance of respect and communication, tips for budgeting for tipping expenses, final thoughts and summary, frequently asked questions, are there any cultural differences in tipping etiquette at cruise terminals, how should i handle tipping if i have a lot of luggage, is it appropriate to tip porters with foreign currency, can i tip porters with a credit card or should i have cash on hand, are there any special considerations for tipping porters during peak travel seasons, what is the proper etiquette for tipping porters when boarding a carnival cruise.

Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team.

From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

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Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team. From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

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Cassidy gifford: embracing carnival as the newest godmother in the family legacy.

Majestic and poised, Cassidy Gifford steps into the role of Carnival Celebration's godmother, blending tradition with her own enchanting flair.

As we explore the latest addition to the esteemed Gifford family legacy, Cassidy Gifford's role as the newest godmother for the Carnival Celebration appears to be a monumental step in continuing the tradition.

With her deep-rooted ties to Carnival Cruise Line and a background in the spotlight, one can't help but wonder how Cassidy will infuse her unique charm and personality into this time-honored role.

The intersection of family heritage and modern influences could pave the way for intriguing developments within the Carnival community, leaving us eager to uncover the unfolding chapters of this captivating narrative.

• Cassidy Gifford continues the Gifford family tradition with Carnival Cruise Line.
• Cassidy eagerly anticipates her role as Carnival Celebration's godmother.
• She blends tradition with a modern touch, symbolizing a new chapter for the Gifford family.
• Embracing her heritage, Cassidy honors her family legacy while embracing her future with Carnival.

Family Legacy Continues With Cassidy Gifford

Continuing the rich tradition of her family, Cassidy Gifford steps into the role of godmother for Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Celebration, embodying a legacy deeply rooted in the cruise industry. Growing up, Cassidy's childhood memories are filled with joyous moments aboard Carnival ships, where quality time with her parents translated into cherished family experiences. Her mother, Kathie Lee Gifford, a familiar face as the godmother of two Carnival vessels, has passed on the torch to Cassidy, solidifying their family's enduring connection with Carnival Cruise Line.

As Cassidy assumes the role of godmother for Carnival Celebration, she not only honors her family legacy but also marks a new chapter in their relationship with the cruise industry. This appointment signifies a continuation of the Gifford family's tradition of close ties with Carnival, showcasing a seamless transition from one generation to the next. Cassidy's involvement as godmother underscores the enduring values of family, tradition, and shared experiences that define the Gifford legacy within the cruise industry.

Embracing Tradition: Cassidy's Carnival Role

Stepping into the spotlight as the godmother of the Carnival Celebration, Cassidy Gifford embraces her family's cherished tradition with Carnival Cruise Line, embodying a legacy that intertwines her personal journey with the cruise industry's vibrant history. Growing up sailing on Carnival ships from a tender age, Cassidy's role as the godmother of the Carnival Celebration holds profound meaning, honoring her past experiences and familial ties.

As the naming ceremony approaches on November 20, 2022, in Miami, anticipation fills the air for this momentous occasion. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Kathie Lee Gifford, Cassidy expresses immense honor and excitement for this significant role, eager to continue the multi-generational relationship between the Gifford family and Carnival Cruise Line.

• Personal Connection : Cassidy's childhood memories of sailing on Carnival ships.
• Emotional Significance : The honor and excitement Cassidy feels for being chosen as the godmother.
• Family Tradition : Continuing the multi-generational relationship between the Gifford family and Carnival Cruise Line.
• Upcoming Event : The eagerly awaited naming ceremony in Miami on November 20, 2022.

Cassidy Gifford: Carnival Family Connection

With a deep-rooted connection to Carnival Cruise Line, Cassidy Gifford seamlessly embodies her family's cherished tradition, exemplifying a vibrant legacy that intertwines her personal journey with the cruise industry's rich history. Growing up in the Gifford family meant that vacations were often synonymous with Carnival ships, creating a tapestry of cherished memories that now span generations. Cassidy's role as the godmother of Carnival Celebration not only honors her mother, Kathie Lee Gifford's, legacy but also symbolizes the enduring multi-generational connection her family has with Carnival Cruise Line.

From the sun-kissed decks to the exciting ports of call, Carnival has been the backdrop for countless family adventures, fostering bonds that transcend time and distance. As Cassidy steps into her role as Godmother, she not only carries forward a tradition steeped in love and laughter but also signifies a deep-rooted commitment to the values and experiences that have defined her family's relationship with Carnival. The Gifford family's story intertwines with Carnival's history, creating a unique narrative of joy, togetherness, and the magic of shared experiences at sea.

Modern Twist: Cassidy's Carnival Influence

Embodying a contemporary flair within the storied tapestry of her family's Carnival Cruise Line legacy, Cassidy Gifford infuses a modern twist into the cherished tradition as the godmother of Carnival Celebration. Cassidy's upbringing sailing on Carnival ships nurtured her deep ties to the brand, making her godmother role a heartfelt tribute to her childhood memories. The christening ceremony of Carnival Celebration in Miami on November 20, 2022, solidified Cassidy's official position as the ship's godmother, a role she takes on with grace and enthusiasm.

• Innovative Approach : Cassidy brings a fresh perspective to the role of godmother, blending tradition with a modern touch that resonates with a new generation of Carnival enthusiasts.
• Symbolic Significance : Her appointment as the godmother of Carnival Celebration symbolizes a continuation of the Gifford family's enduring relationship with Carnival Cruise Line.
• Celebrating Heritage : Cassidy's influence adds a dynamic element to the family legacy, showcasing a seamless fusion of past traditions with contemporary sensibilities.
• Empowering Representation : As a young woman taking on this prestigious role, Cassidy inspires others to embrace their connections to family legacies while forging their paths forward.

Honoring Heritage: Cassidy's Godmother Role

In her role as godmother for Carnival Celebration, Cassidy Gifford gracefully upholds her family's cherished legacy with Carnival Cruise Line. The upcoming ceremony in Miami on November 20, 2022, marks a significant moment as Cassidy officially steps into this prestigious role. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Kathie Lee Gifford, Cassidy embraces the honor bestowed upon her, symbolizing a passing of the torch within the family.

Cassidy's childhood memories of sailing on Carnival ships intertwine beautifully with her new position as godmother, creating a deep connection to the brand and its traditions. The ceremony not only signifies a formal recognition of Cassidy's role but also solidifies the enduring bond her family shares with Carnival. As Cassidy takes on this responsibility, she brings a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and a sense of duty to honor her heritage while embracing the future with Carnival Celebration.

Who Is the Godmother of the Carnival Dream?

We are thrilled to share that the godmother of the Carnival Dream is Cassidy Gifford. The naming ceremony took place on November 20, 2022, in Miami. Cassidy continues her family's legacy with Carnival Cruise Line, embracing this new role wholeheartedly.

What Does a Ship Godmother Do?

As ship godmothers, we bless and christen new ships, symbolically ensuring good luck and safe travels. Our role is honorary, carrying on traditions and adding significance to the vessel's launch. It's a special honor.

As we eagerly await the Carnival Celebration, Cassidy Gifford's godmother role adds a touch of tradition and glamour to the festivities. With her family's rich history intertwined with Carnival Cruise Line, Cassidy's involvement brings a modern twist to cherished traditions.

Stay tuned as we witness Cassidy embracing her new role with grace and enthusiasm, making her mark on the Carnival community with style and panache. The countdown to the Carnival Celebration just got even more exciting!

Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond.

Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.

Cozumel's Vibrant Dining Scene: How to Experience Cuisine Cocktails and Ocean Views

Nestled in Cozumel's vibrant dining scene, a tantalizing fusion of cuisine, cocktails, and ocean views awaits—prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey.

As we explore Cozumel's vibrant dining scene, it's fascinating to note that the island boasts over 200 restaurants offering a plethora of culinary delights. From the tantalizing aromas of authentic Mexican street food to the elegant settings of gourmet dining establishments, Cozumel truly has something for every palate.

But what sets this tropical paradise apart is not just the food; it's the seamless fusion of cuisine, cocktails, and breathtaking ocean views that elevates the dining experience to a whole new level. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner by the water's edge or a lively meal with friends under the stars, Cozumel promises a gastronomic adventure like no other.

• Enjoy traditional Mexican and Mayan cuisine with ocean views.
• Sunset cocktails by the sea provide a memorable dining experience.
• Cozumel offers a blend of local and international flavors.
• Beachfront bars offer a perfect mix of ambiance, cuisine, and relaxation.

Best Restaurants in Cozumel

When it comes to dining in Cozumel, we've uncovered the best restaurants that promise not just a meal, but an unforgettable culinary journey. One standout is La Monina, a beachfront restaurant offering traditional Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood with breathtaking ocean views. The ambiance of dining by the beach enhances the flavors of the food, creating a truly immersive experience. With outdoor seating, guests can enjoy the cool ocean breeze while savoring the authentic tastes of Cozumel.

La Monina is a gem for those seeking a taste of Mexico in every bite. The restaurant's dedication to serving up traditional Mexican dishes combined with the beauty of its beachfront location makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Whether indulging in classic Mexican fare or savoring the catch of the day, La Monina delivers a culinary experience that captures the essence of Cozumel's vibrant food scene.

Top Cocktail Bars With Ocean Views

Let's now uncover the top cocktail bars in Cozumel that offer mesmerizing ocean views, adding a refreshing twist to your dining experience. When it comes to enjoying handcrafted cocktails against the backdrop of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, The Money Bar Beach Club stands out. For a taste of paradise with a reggae vibe, head to Freedom in Paradise Reggae Beach Bar & Grill, where you can sip on delicious cocktails while soaking in the ocean vistas. Hemingway Restaurant Beach & Nightclub offers a unique blend of exotic drinks and stunning ocean views, creating a memorable experience for visitors. At Sunset restaurant, you can indulge in refreshing cocktails right by the beach, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Lastly, The Pub provides a cozy atmosphere where you can relax with a cocktail in hand, all while taking in the scenic views of the ocean. These beachfront locations offer not just drinks, but an experience to remember.

Must-Try Cuisine Experiences in Cozumel

Embark on a culinary journey through Cozumel's diverse flavors, ranging from authentic Mayan dishes to tantalizing Mexican and international cuisine experiences. Dive into the rich heritage of Mayan cuisine at Ix Kool, where ancestral recipes and traditional flavors come together to create a unique dining experience.

For a taste of Mexico, head to La Monina, a beachfront restaurant serving up classic Mexican breakfast dishes like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles with a stunning ocean view.

If you're in the mood for upscale dining, Guidos is the place to be, offering Italian classics such as lobster mac and cheese and a mouthwatering surf & turf burger. For a blend of local and international flavors, visit El Rincon de Addy, where you can enjoy a mix of Caribbean and Central American breakfast options in an art gallery ambiance.

Don't miss the chance to try Mayan specialties like cochinita pibil and panuchos at Ix Kool, located at the Royal Village Mall, for a truly cultural dining experience. Whether you're looking for a beachfront meal or upscale dining, Cozumel has a variety of must-try cuisine experiences waiting for you.

Oceanfront Dining Hotspots

Cozumel's enchanting oceanfront dining hotspots offer a perfect blend of delectable cuisine and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Imagine enjoying a meal right by the water, with the gentle sound of waves in the background, making each bite a memorable experience. The beachfront restaurants in Cozumel provide not only delicious fresh seafood dishes but also an ambiance that enhances the dining experience. From sipping on cocktails to indulging in mouth-watering meals, these oceanfront dining spots in Cozumel truly capture the essence of the island's dining scene.

Here's a glimpse of what you can expect at some of Cozumel's top beachfront restaurants:

These hotspots not only offer great food but also stunning views that will elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Savoring Sunset Cocktails by the Sea

Savor the enchanting experience of enjoying sunset cocktails by the sea in Cozumel, where stunning ocean views and vibrant skies create a perfect backdrop for relaxation and romance. Cozumel's beachfront bars offer the ideal setting to sip on your favorite cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The romantic atmosphere, coupled with the gentle ocean breezes and the sound of waves lapping the shore, sets the stage for a truly magical evening.

As you savor your cocktails, live music often fills the air, adding to the ambiance and creating a sense of serenity. Cozumel's vibrant dining scene includes numerous establishments that cater to those seeking to unwind and enjoy delicious drinks against the breathtaking backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. Whether you're looking for a lively spot to socialize or a more intimate setting for a romantic evening, Cozumel's beachfront bars provide the perfect combination of stunning views, relaxing ambiance, and delectable drinks.

What Should I Be Careful of in Cozumel?

Be cautious in Cozumel! Watch out for unsafe tap water, strong currents, tourist scams, and remote areas. Ensure personal safety, negotiate prices, and keep valuables secure. Enjoy the vibrant dining scene responsibly for a memorable experience.

What Ocean Surrounds Cozumel Mexico?

The beautiful island of Cozumel, Mexico is surrounded by the mesmerizing waters of the Caribbean Sea. Its turquoise hues and rich marine life make it a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving adventures.

As the sun sets over the turquoise waters of Cozumel, we sip on our cocktails and savor the flavors of the diverse cuisine that this vibrant island has to offer.

From traditional Mexican dishes to international fusion cuisine, every meal is a feast for the senses.

With ocean views that take your breath away and cocktails that tantalize your taste buds, Cozumel truly is a paradise for food lovers seeking a culinary adventure like no other.

Calling All Pet Lovers: Aruba's Pet-Friendly Travel Initiative Unveiled

Journey into Aruba's pet-friendly paradise and discover how your furry friend can join you on a stress-free vacation like never before.

Have you ever wondered how a vacation with your furry friend could be stress-free and enjoyable?

Aruba's pet-friendly travel initiative might just be the answer you've been looking for. By offering a range of pet-friendly accommodations, activities, and services, Aruba is setting the stage for a unique travel experience where pets are not just tolerated but welcomed.

Let's explore how this initiative is reshaping the way pet lovers can enjoy a vacation without leaving their beloved companions behind.

• Aruba's pet travel initiative offers discounts and expert guidance for pet owners.
• Pet-friendly accommodations prioritize safety and comfort under the Health and Happiness Code.
• Engage in pet-inclusive activities during Aruba's National Dog Week celebration.
• Enjoy exploring Aruba's beaches and culture with your furry companions by your side.

Aruba's Pet-Friendly Policies and Regulations

In our exploration of Aruba's Pet-Friendly Policies and Regulations, let's delve into the specific requirements and criteria set forth by the island nation for traveling with pets.

When bringing pets from the US to Aruba, it's essential to note that they must have resided in the USA for at least six months. Additionally, pets need to be microchipped for easy identification. A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory, with the exception for puppies or kittens under 12 weeks old.

To gain entry into Aruba, a USDA health certificate issued within 14 days of arrival is necessary. Accredited veterinarians can assist in the USDA endorsement process for seamless pet travel to Aruba.

These pet-friendly policies and pet entry requirements ensure the safety and well-being of pets visiting the beautiful island of Aruba. By adhering to these regulations, pet owners can enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience with their furry companions.

Accommodations and Amenities for Pets

Aruba's pet-friendly hotels offer a range of accommodations and amenities tailored to cater to furry companions, ensuring a delightful stay for both pets and their owners. When traveling to Aruba with your pet, you can expect the following:

• Pet-Friendly Rooms: These hotels provide specially designated rooms equipped with pet beds, bowls, and even toys to make your furry friend feel right at home.
• Pet-Sitting Services: For times when you need to explore the island without your pet, these hotels offer pet-sitting services so your companion is well cared for in your absence.
• Pet-Friendly Dining: Some establishments allow pets to accompany their owners in designated dining areas, so you can enjoy a meal together without leaving your pet behind.
• Outdoor Pet Areas: Many of these pet-friendly hotels have designated outdoor spaces where pets can play and socialize, ensuring they get their exercise and fresh air while on vacation.

These accommodations adhere to Aruba's Health and Happiness Code safety protocols, creating a welcoming environment for traveling pet parents and their furry companions.

Pet-Friendly Activities in Aruba

Discover an array of exciting pet-friendly activities awaiting you in the vibrant island of Aruba. When visiting Aruba with your furry companions, you can take advantage of dog-friendly hotel deals and discounted expert pet travel assistance. The island offers a range of pet-friendly initiatives to ensure positive experiences for both pets and their owners. During Aruba's National Dog Week celebration, the importance of pet-friendly activities is highlighted, emphasizing the bond between pets and their human companions. Engage in pet-parent activities while exploring the One happy island, where the Aruba Effect fosters a welcoming environment for pets. To make planning easier, here is a glimpse of the pet-friendly activities available in Aruba:

Explore Aruba's pet-friendly options and create lasting memories with your furry friends.

Travel Tips for Pet Owners

As pet owners exploring Aruba's vibrant pet-friendly offerings, let's now delve into essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience with our furry companions.

• Research Pet-Friendly Accommodations : Look for pet-friendly hotels like Amsterdam Manor and The Ritz-Carlton Aruba to ensure a comfortable stay for you and your pet.
• Utilize Expert Assistance : Take advantage of discounted services from Wag! and Avvinue, offering on-demand pet care and guidance on pet-friendly destinations in Aruba.
• Use Promo Codes : Remember to use promo code ARUBA when booking flights to enjoy a $25 discount for both you and your furry friend.
• Explore Dog-Inclusive Experiences : Enhance your trip by participating in dog-inclusive activities and taking advantage of special hotel deals promoting pet-friendly experiences until October 20th.

Benefits of Traveling With Pets to Aruba

Travelers can reap numerous benefits from bringing their pets along to Aruba's pet-friendly paradise. Aruba's pet-friendly travel initiative not only welcomes furry companions but also offers discounts and expert assistance to make pet travel a breeze.

By collaborating with Wag! and Avvinue, Aruba ensures that pet owners receive top-notch services and seamless travel arrangements for their beloved pets. Pet-friendly hotels like Amsterdam Manor and The Ritz-Carlton Aruba go the extra mile to cater to pets, providing a comfortable and welcoming stay for both travelers and their four-legged friends.

The opportunity to explore Aruba's stunning beaches and vibrant culture with pets by your side adds a special touch to the travel experience. Enjoying the beauty of Aruba while creating lasting memories with your pet is truly a unique and rewarding benefit of choosing this pet-friendly destination for your next adventure.

Can I Bring a Dog Back From Aruba?

Yes, we can bring a dog back from Aruba if we meet specific import requirements. Dogs must have resided in the USA for 6 months, have a microchip and rabies vaccination, and puppies must be born in the USA.

Can I Bring My Dog to Aruba From Usa?

Absolutely, we can bring our dog to Aruba from the USA. As long as we meet the requirements like residency, microchip, rabies vaccination, and a USDA health certificate, we're all set for a pawsome adventure!

Are Dogs Allowed on the Beaches in Aruba?

Yes, dogs are allowed on specific beaches in Aruba. They must be leashed and well-behaved. Some areas are designated for dogs, so check regulations. Bring water, a bowl, clean up after them. Enjoy the beaches responsibly with your furry friend.

Is Aruba Rabies Free?

Aruba isn't rabies-free, but it's controlled. Strict rules include rabies vaccination, health cert, and microchip for pets. We maintain status while welcoming furry friends. Aruba's pet regulations strike a balance for safety and travel freedom.

As we bid farewell to National Dog Week, Aruba's pet-friendly travel initiative continues to shine like a beacon for pet lovers around the world.

With sandy beaches, palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, and tails wagging in excitement, Aruba welcomes furry companions with open arms.

So pack your bags, grab your leash, and embark on a journey filled with wagging tails and endless adventures in this paradise for pets.

Aruba awaits you and your four-legged friend!

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How to Tip Baggage Porters at Cruise Terminal

However, it’s important to note that tipping practices may vary depending on the cruise line and the specific port terminal. Being aware of these guidelines can help ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for both you and the baggage porters. In this article, we will explore some general tips and recommendations for tipping baggage porters at cruise terminals, helping you navigate this aspect of your cruise journey with ease and courtesy.

What Is Customary Tip for Cruise Porters?

When it comes to tipping baggage porters at a cruise terminal, it’s important to understand what’s customary. Unlike onboard crew members who’re usually included in the cruise lines tip pool, the baggage handlers at the port don’t fall under this category. They’re often not employed by the cruise line and therefore don’t benefit from the onboard tipping system. Therefore, it’s considered appropriate to treat them similarly to bellmen at hotels.

This amount can vary depending on the level of service provided and your personal satisfaction. If the porter goes above and beyond to assist you or handles particularly heavy or bulky items, you may want to consider tipping on the higher end of this range.

It’s important to note that while a per-bag tip is customary, it isn’t mandatory. Tipping is a personal decision, and if you choose not to tip, it isn’t considered rude or offensive. However, keep in mind that these porters rely on tips to supplement their income, so if you’ve received good service, it’s generally appreciated to show your gratitude with a token of appreciation.

When calculating how much to tip cruise porters, it’s essential to consider the number of bags you’ve and the level of service provided. If you’ve a significant amount of luggage or require extra assistance, you may want to tip accordingly.

A simple guideline of $1 to $2 per bag will generally suffice, but you can adjust this amount based on the level of service received. Remember, tipping is optional, but it’s often appreciated and helps support these hardworking individuals who assist passengers with their luggage at the start of their cruise journey.

What to Do if You Don’t Have Cash on Hand to Tip

If you find yourself without cash to tip baggage porters at a cruise terminal, don’t worry. There are a few alternative options you can consider. First, check if the cruise terminal accepts credit cards for tipping. Some terminals have adapted to this digital method of payment. Alternatively, you can try asking the porter if they accept other forms of appreciation, such as a small gift or a sincere thank you. While tipping in cash is customary, they may be understanding of your situation. Lastly, if all else fails, you can always try to find an ATM nearby to withdraw some cash. Just make sure to have a plan in place before you disembark to avoid any inconvenience.

Now that we’ve explored the customary tipping practices for cruise staff, let’s delve into the various factors that influence the decision to tip and discuss some alternative ways to show gratitude for exceptional service.

Is It Customary to Tip Cruise Staff?

When it comes to tipping cruise staff, it’s indeed customary to show appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service. While most cruise lines automatically include gratuities in your onboard account, it’s still common to provide extra tips for outstanding service. For a seven-day cruise, it’s typical to give an additional $15-20 per passenger to the cabin steward if they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

Similarly, if you’ve had a memorable dining experience with a waiter, it’s appropriate to offer an extra gratuity of $10-20 per passenger. This gesture acknowledges their exceptional service and allows you to express your gratitude for making your dining experience truly enjoyable. Remember, tipping is a personal choice, and if you believe someone has exceeded your expectations, it’s perfectly acceptable to show your appreciation in this manner.

Whether it’s the cabin steward, waiter, or room service staff, a small gesture of appreciation goes a long way in ensuring a positive and memorable cruise experience for both you and the hardworking staff.

Guidelines for Tipping Other Cruise Staff: While the Article Mentions Tipping Cabin Stewards and Waiters, There Are Other Cruise Staff Members Who May Also Deserve Tips for Their Exceptional Service. This Topic Could Discuss Who Else Passengers May Consider Tipping, Such as Bartenders, Spa Therapists, and Tour Guides.

• Cabin stewards
• Spa therapists
• Tour guides

It’s important to remember that tipping is a customary practice when it comes to cruising. Savvy cruisers understand that the process of tipping begins even before you step foot on the ship. This means that if you opt to drop off your larger pieces of luggage with a portside luggage handler, it’s customary to provide a tip of around $2 to $5 per bag. The exact amount may vary based on factors such as the size, weight, and number of your bags. By adhering to this general guideline, you can show your appreciation for the portside luggage handler's assistance and ensure a smoother start to your cruise experience.

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10 Biggest Cruise Tipping Mistakes Every Cruiser Should Avoid

A full guide to cruise ship tipping with some issues to avoid on your voyage.

Tipping on a cruise ship isn’t as straightforward as I’d like it to be.  Often it’s confusing to first-time cruisers.  It can also be a little controversial.

Who do you tip? How much do you tip? And with auto-gratuities do you need to tip on top of what you already prepaid?

I’ve listed 10 common cruise tipping mistakes that are easily avoidable.

I know this can be a touchy subject, but no matter your perspective in regards to tipping I hope you can learn a couple things that will be helpful.

* This article was updated since the date of its first publishing

Even seasoned travelers who cruise often can make a few of these cruise tipping mistakes that are mentioned below.

Remember, you can enjoy an amazing cruise only because of an amazing crew . The people behind the scenes, making sure your vacation is as smooth as possible, work long and hard hours.

Crew members are the unsung heroes of every cruise ship, so make sure you reflect your gratitude by avoiding these cruise tipping oversights.

That being said, tipping is somewhat subjective . I may tip someone you would not tip and vice versa. The interactions with the crew on a daily basis will vary passenger by passenger.

Rather than being iron-cad rules, these are merely some suggestions I would make for most cruisers.

Read more: 5 reasons you should prepay your tips and 1 reason you shouldn’t

Tipping basics on a cruise

On most cruise lines you will be charged a daily gratuity between $15 and $25 per person per day . Suite guests will pay daily rates on the higher end of that spectrum.

This is typically paid ahead of time, but you can wait until your cruise and pay it then if you would like. If you wait to pay for gratuities it will be added to your bill each day, and you can settle it with a credit card at the end of your voyage.

Where does the money go when you prepay gratuities?

The daily gratuities get divided up between several crew positions on your ship. Some of it goes toward your cabin steward, some to the main dining staff, and some to other housekeeping crew members.

The auto-gratuity system that most mainstream lines have implemented was to address the issue of passengers trying to run around with envelopes of money to hand out to different crew members.

The system of automatic gratuities is simpler, but still causes confusion to some who wonder if they need to tip on top of it. I hope we can address that today.

Here are the biggest cruise tipping mistakes I’ve seen people make.

1.  Not bringing cash

I recently wrote about why I always bring cash on a cruise , and a lot of it comes down to tipping. One of the first things you will want to do before you board your ship is tip the luggage porter, the person who takes your large bags and gets them on the ship for you.

You will need cash to do this.  The porters don’t walk around with credit card processing machines or Venmo QR codes. The amount you tip is up to you, but anywhere from $2 – $5 per bag is typical. Porters work hard every day at the cruise terminal and rely heavily on the tips they receive. Bring some cash and make sure you’re prepared.

Luggage porters aren’t the only ones you may want to tip in cash. Some of the points below explain other situations in which a cash tip is best.

2.  Only bringing large bills

So, you’ve passed step number one and have cash for your cruise, but what about smaller bills? If you only have 50 or 100 dollar bills, you might have a hard time getting change. I always try to make sure that I have a nice blend of denominations with my cash.

I recommend bringing along a bunch of one-dollar bills in addition to fives, tens, and a few twenties as well. Don’t expect to get change when you tip, and even asking for change when tipping might be slightly condescending. I have never regretted having smaller bills to show my gratitude on a cruise. It’s always good to have some five-dollar bills on you.

3.  Only tipping for exceptional service

Some have the viewpoint that tipping should only be done when service is surprisingly beyond compare. But this is a mistake. We can debate about whether or not cruise members are paid enough for all they do — this is an entirely different discussion–, but the simply truth is that tips are a large part of their income.

And while you will almost always have fantastic service on a cruise, don’t withhold a tip if you weren’t exactly blown away. Some passengers set expectations so high that it helps them justify not leaving a tip at all. The crew will occasionally make mistakes, but a kind word and a small tip in spite of it can go a long way.

4.  Forgetting about the dining staff or room steward

Your prepaid gratuities already go toward your stateroom attendant and dining wait staff, so you might not feel the need to tip any extra. And that’s well within your prerogative.

Maybe it’s just because it’s in my American mindset to tip for services like this, but I always like to leave the cabin steward some extra cash in the room before the cruise is over.

If I did use the main dining room more often than not on a cruise, I will leave them some extra as well. Of course, with my-time dining options it will be harder to do this as you may have a different wait staff each time.

Note : Your automatic gratuities do go towards the wait staff and cabin steward already. If you’re financially strained, don’t’ feel like you have to tip any extra on top of this. But if you do have tips removed from your account (as mentioned in another point below) make sure you at least tip these two crew members.

5.  Forgetting to tip for room service

With cruise lines recently making changes in regards to room service fees you might think tipping is optional with room service. And while some of the major cruise lines are adding gratuities automatically to a room service bill, you can still leave few dollars in cash to your delivery person. In some cases you can add it to the receipt, depending on the cruise line.

Room service is still free on a few of the major lines– for the continental breakfast– and almost always complimentary on an all-inclusive cruise . When you receive room service for free you may not even think to tip or know what to tip, and that’s mainly why I’m making this point. Make sure you show your gratitude for having that delicious food brought right to your cabin.

Some cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean still offer a continental breakfast for free on their room service menu. So, it can be easy to forget to tip if you’re used to having the charge already put on your account.

Related: Cruise ship room service and what each cruise line charges

6.  Tipping in the wrong currency

This one is especially true when tipping while in port and off of the ship. Tipping in the wrong currency can cause a few issues while on a cruise or in a cruise port city. First, it can be an inconvenience for the recipient as they may have to exchange the currency, which can result in bad exchange rates and extra fees.

Also, it can be seen as disrespectful to the local culture and currency. So, it’s always best to tip in the local currency to avoid any misunderstandings or offense.

To avoid tipping in the wrong currency, it’s a good idea to do some research before your trip. This way, you can ensure that you’re following the local customs and showing respect to the culture. Remember, respecting local customs is an essential part of traveling, and tipping in the right currency is a simple way to show that respect.

7.  Thinking if you prepay gratuities you will get lower quality service

Some people mistakenly think that if they prepay gratuities through the cruise line ahead of time it will result in poor service. We mentioned this in another article about cruise tipping that leaving a cash tip on day one of your cruise is not necessary to get quality service.

I know some cruisers that like to start their cruise by tipping right out of the gate. This is fine if you just want to pay forward your gratuity, but don’t do this if you’re motivation is to be treated like royalty. In most cases, you will receive excellent service regardless.

8.  Forgetting to tip tour guides and drivers

Always bring some of that aforementioned cash with you when you go on a shore excursion. If you do a tour or take a trip on a bus make sure you tip both your tour guide and bus driver. These workers are often overlooked on many cruises I’ve been on.

The same goes for tipping taxi drivers when you’re in port. Again, cash might be the only thing they will take, and in most of the Caribbean you can tip in U.S. currency.

As a side note, it can be nice to have some cash on your cruise so you can also tip people like street performers while in port. A good rule of thumb is that if you stop to take a picture or listen to a musician on the street, you should put a little something in the tip jar.

9.  Removing gratuities

Yes, you are able to have all gratuities removed from your bill. But this is something I would not recommend unless you then proceed to handsomely cash tip the many crew members on your ship that helped make your vacation happen.

If you didn’t receive the service you expected, you should talk to guest services about it and they will make it right, but crew members rely on these tips to make ends-meet. And the last thing you want to do is remove the auto-gratuity and then forget to tip your cabin steward and dining staff in person.

I’ve heard of cases where some cruisers chose not to prepay for tips, but then after seeing the charges added to their account they got a little sticker shock and asked to have them removed. This is why I recommend prepaying for gratuities ahead of time, so you know exactly what you are paying.

10.  Feeling like you have to tip when the gratuity was already added

After ordering a beverage or service on a cruise ship you may see a service charge added to the actual price. If a gratuity has already been added, don’t feel that you absolutely must tip extra on top of it. You can, of course, tip extra if you feel the crew went above and beyond.

Some first-time cruisers feel pressured to tip extra on top of these gratuity charges, so I want to make sure they know this is optional. A few points below will explain situations in which a tip is not essential.

A few cases when you don’t need to tip

Tipping is voluntary, so you can still tip in these situations if you would like. But there are a few cases where it’s not necessary.

• After spa service : Cruise lines will typically add an 18% gratuity charge to your bill. You can tip more if you would like, of course.
• If the crew helped with a special request : You are not expected to tip if a crew member gets you extra hangers for your room or padding for your mattress.
• Kid’s club workers : This service is offered for free on most cruise ships and you’re not expected to tip, but slipping that worker a twenty for allowing you to have a date night with your special someone is always appreciated.
• Entertainment : Whether it’s a magic show or comedy show you don’t have to tip these workers. You can always tip the pianist at the piano bar if you enjoyed the performance or have a song request.
• Maintenance staff : If one of the crew fixes that leaky faucet in your stateroom you don’t need to tip, but hey, it’s up to you.

Below are the current gratuity rates for other mainstream cruise lines.  Prices are per day, per person in the stateroom.

Final thoughts

The concept of tipping is fairly American in a lot of ways. If you’re from another part of the world you might think tipping is unnecessary and strange, and perhaps it is. But it’s a big part of the cruise industry and how these ships are operated.

Some of the crew members on a cruise ship are from very poor countries and spend six months or more away from their families. Even a little tip can go a long way.

I hope you found these pointers helpful.

Got any thoughts on tipping on a cruise ship? Let us know in the comments below, even if you disagree with 100% of what I said. I’m just glad you came by.

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We also feel it’s important to tip for drinks that are free/“perks” based on tier level. Just because we didn’t pay for them at the time, we were still served & the server deserves a tip. In our opinion.

On Oceania we paid for the trip months earlier-including Pre-paid Gratuities.. On the cruise the kept putting the pre-paid on again and other things making it very confusing.. Their accounting summaries needed some work!!

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Tipping on a Cruise Ship: What You Need to Know About Cruise Gratuities

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: July 26, 2021  - Last updated: June 3, 2022

If you’re new to cruising, or it’s been a while since your last cruise, it’s important to know about cruise tipping guidelines before you sail. Tipping on a cruise ship isn’t mandatory, but it is customary, and many crew members rely on tips as a large part of their income.

I’ll explain everything you need to know about cruise gratuities—from who you should tip, how much you should tip, and who you should never tip on a cruise ship.

Why is tipping on a cruise even a thing?

The practice of tipping is controversial, even in the United States where paying tips is part of the culture. In some service industries where wages are substandard, customers are expected to pay a gratuity, typically 15 to 20% of the bill, to augment the workers’ low hourly wages.

Tipping is supposed to encourage excellent customer service from workers, because (in theory at least) customers will tip generously for friendly, prompt service.

Most mainstream cruise lines have their headquarters in the US. So they follow this model with many of their crew members who perform services for passengers. Tipped crew on many cruise lines include housekeeping, dining, and laundry workers.

Cruise lines pay these workers very low wages for the long hours that they work each day, and expect that passengers will tip to increase the crew members’ earnings to a reasonable rate.

So why don’t cruise lines just increase the price of fares, and pay their crew a living wage with a decent hourly rate?

Cruise lines typically flag their ships in countries with lax employment laws. They pay their crew (usually recruited from countries with limited economic opportunities) per contract, not by the hour.

If mainstream cruise lines decided to abolish tipping and pay all crew members a reasonable rate per hour, they would have to significantly raise the cost of cruise fares.

Many luxury all-inclusive cruise lines include gratuities in their cruise fares, or have a “tips neither expected nor required” policy. But the sticker price of their fares tends to scare off many budget-minded travelers. However, you might end up paying a similar total price on a mainstream line when you factor in gratuities, drink packages, shore excursions, and the like.

For many cruises that operate in the Australian market where tipping isn’t part of the culture, automatic gratuities aren’t added on to passenger bills. Instead, passengers can tip—or not—at their own discretion.

What are automatic gratuities?

Automatic gratuities, also called autogratuities or autograts, is the cruise term for the system most cruise lines now use to simplify tipping for passengers. Some cruise lines refer to these tips as a “service charge”.

Until fairly recently, cruise passengers customarily tipped only in cash, in person. Cruisers would have to tip each of their service personnel (the cabin steward, restaurant servers, bartenders, etc.) separately, near the end of the cruise.

Now, with automatic gratuities, the process is much simpler and you don’t need to carry all that cash. The cruise line assesses a daily fee and divides the money among the tipped crew.

With the autograt system, many crew members who rarely received tips before now get a share—like the laundry or kitchen staff on some cruise lines.

On the flip side, passengers have less control over where their money goes with autogratuities. You can’t choose how much each crew member gets.

You may also like: A Cruise Glossary: Cruise Terms You Should Know

How much are automatic gratuities on a cruise?

Most mainstream cruise lines will charge you about $14 to $15 per person per day for automatic gratuities. Each passenger is charged for these tips, including kids. However, a few lines don’t add autogratuities for babies and toddlers under age two or three.

Here are some daily automatic gratuity costs for several popular ocean cruise lines in USD (prices accurate as of summer 2021):

• Carnival:  $13.99 per person, per day ($15.99 for suite guests). Gratuities waived for kids under 2.
• Celebrity: now includes gratuities in the fare. (guests who booked prior to November 17, 2020 will pay $15.50 per person, per day ($16.00 for Concierge Class and AquaClass guests, and $19.00 for The Retreat).
• Disney: $40.50 per person for 3-day cruises. $54.00 per person for 4-day cruises. $94.50 per person for 7-day cruises. (This equates to $13.50 per person, per day)
• Holland America:  $14.50 per person, per day ($16.00 for suite guests).
• MSC Cruises:  $12.50 per person, per day. Kids 2-11 pay $6.25 per day. Gratuities waived for kids under 2.
• Norwegian: $15.50 per person, per day ($18.50 for guests in suites, Concierge, and The Haven). Gratuities waived for kids under 3.
• Princess: $14.50 per person, per day ($15.50 for mini-suite guests and $16.50 for suite guests).
• Royal Caribbean: $14.50 per person, per day ($17.50 for guests in grand suites and above).
• Viking Ocean: $15.00 per person, per day
• Virgin Voyages: includes gratuities in the fare.

Should you prepay automatic gratuities?

Unlike with the deals you can get for prepaying for drink packages and some other add-ons, you won’t get a discount for prepaying your automatic gratuities. But many cruisers (including myself) choose to prepay to avoid a big charge at the end of the cruise.

I like knowing that my bill is all set before I sail! The only charges that should appear on my final tab are any extras I decided to add on during the voyage.

But if you don’t want to prepay, that’s fine too. The cruise line will assess your fee each day, then they’ll charge your credit card on file at the end of the cruise.

Can you remove or adjust autogratuities on a cruise?

On most cruise lines that collect automatic gratuities, you’re able to remove or adjust the charges by visiting the passenger services desk. One notable exception is Norwegian Cruise Line . On NCL, passengers who don’t want to pay autograts need to file a claim for reimbursement after the cruise.

For other cruise lines, you’ll be able to adjust your autogratuities at the Passenger Services desk. You can raise them, lower them, or remove them altogether.

What you can’t do is adjust or remove automatic gratuities for a specific crew member.

You may also like: 26 Hidden Cruise Fees You Should Know About

Why you shouldn’t remove autogratuities

Most cruisers wouldn’t dream of removing the automatic gratuities. It’s a part of our cruise vacation cost and helps the hardworking crew make a living. Tipped crew make the majority of their income from gratuities!

But let’s say you have a negative experience with your server in the dining room, or you feel that the cabin steward isn’t doing their job. You might want to remove their tips as a punishment for poor service.

Since you can’t remove the automatic tips for just that one crew member, removing or lowering your automatic gratuities hurts all the tipped employees. A better solution is to have a discreet word with the crew member’s supervisor about your concerns. You’ll likely get much better service by doing that instead of just removing the tip!

Other cruisers, often people who remember cruising before autogratuities, prefer tipping crew in cash. They might feel that it gives them more control over tipping, rewarding the crew based on their level of service. Others just prefer the face-to-face experience of handing over a cash tip.

However, cruisers don’t always see all of the crew who work behind the scenes for them, like the kitchen and laundry workers. Often, these crew members are part of the tip pool, and they lose part of their expected income each time a passenger removes autogratuities.

If you enjoy tipping in cash, consider giving an extra cash tip to the crew members who gave you excellent service on your cruise.

Who else should you tip on a cruise ship?

Automatic gratuities cover just about every tipped crew member on the ship. There are a couple of exceptions, though. If you order room service, it’s customary to give the person that delivers your tray about $1-2 per meal.

If your kids had a great time at the kids’ club on board, giving a tip at the end of the cruise to their favorite staff members is always appreciated.

It’s also a nice gesture to tip the maître d’ or head waiter in the main dining room, especially if they were helpful with special menus or seating arrangements.

Do you need to tip for drinks, meals, or snacks on a cruise?

Cruise lines usually add a service charge, usually 15-18%, to all beverages that aren’t complimentary. If you don’t have a drink package, they’ll add the price of each drink plus the service fee to your onboard tab. There’s no need to add an extra tip for each drink.

With a beverage package, you’ve already paid the service fee when you bought the package, so the tip is included.

In the main dining room, buffet, specialty restaurants, and other dining venues, your tip is included in the automatic gratuities.

Some cruise lines employ a sommelier or wine steward in the main dining rooms, who isn’t included in the tipping pool. $10-20 at the end of the cruise is a nice gratuity for their service.

In for-a-fee specialty dining restaurants, you might see a spot on your bill (if you get one) to add a tip. Tips are either covered by the autogratuities or there’s a service fee tacked on, so you don’t need to tip again. You can always add extra for exceptional service, though! Just remember that a cash tip goes to your server, and a charged tip gets added to the tip pool.

If you have a special in-room dining experience, like Ultimate Balcony Dining on Princess (which I highly recommend, by the way), it’s a nice gesture to add an extra cash tip for the servers who brought your meals up and made your dinner a special experience.

Do you need to tip at the spa on a cruise?

Some cruise ship spas, like those on NCL and Royal Caribbean, add on a service fee or gratuity, usually about 18%. Check your bill after your services to see if your tip is already included. If not, 15-20% of the bill (excluding any products that you buy) is customary.

Should you tip extra on a cruise? How much?

Many cruisers opt to give extra cash tips to crew members who made their vacation that much more enjoyable. You might want to reward your cabin steward, favorite bartender or MDR server, or any other crew member you think did a great job.

The amount you tip is up to you—I generally give about $5 per person per day to my stateroom steward. For favorite bartenders or waitstaff, I give about $20 to each for a seven-day cruise.

Some cruisers swear by tipping at the beginning of the cruise to ensure excellent service. That’s up to you! I prefer waiting to see how the service is before deciding on an extra tip, but that’s just my preference.

You can just hand over folded cash, or use the tip envelopes you’ll find in your stateroom or at Passenger Services. It’s a good idea to hand over your tips the day before disembarkation. On disembarkation day, you probably won’t find your fave crew members in their usual spots!

What currency should you use to tip on a cruise?

When you’re tipping in cash on a cruise, it’s always best to use the official currency on the ship. Giving service staff tips in a currency they can’t easily use means they’ll have to pay a fee to change your cash tip into another currency.

Most cruise ships have ATMs, and some have currency exchanges on board. Or you can plan ahead and take enough cash in the correct currency to cover any tips you might want to pay.

Tip: Want to avoid paying hefty ATM fees on the cruise ship to get cash for tips? Some cruise lines allow you to use your cruise card to deposit money in the casino. Then you can take your deposit out in cash at the casino cashier.

Who should you never tip on a cruise?

When you’re on a cruise, you shouldn’t tip the captain or the officers. These cruise line employees are highly compensated, and offering a tip isn’t necessary. Even if you try, they’ll likely graciously turn down your offer.

You also shouldn’t tip the cruise director, the entertainment staff, or any independent entertainers like musical guests, comedians, or magicians. One exception is the piano player in the lounge—most accept tips for song requests or if you enjoyed their music.

What else can you do to show the crew your appreciation?

If there’s a crew member who goes above and beyond for you, there are some other ways to show your appreciation. Beyond leaving a cash tip for your cabin steward, or favorite server or bartender, some other small gestures will go a long way.

Near the end of your cruise, you’ll probably receive some comment cards in your stateroom that you can use to leave feedback about a member of the crew. You don’t need to write a novel—just a few sentences about how the crew member made your cruise even better will do.

These feedback cards mean a lot and sometimes lead to a stellar crew member getting a raise or even a promotion!

If you don’t see the cards in your room, ask at the Passenger Services desk, or leave the feedback in your post-cruise survey. (You’ll often see a survey pop up in your email inbox a few days after your cruise.)

You can also leave a small gift for your favorite crew member. Just remember that cruise ship crew live in very tight quarters, without much room for personal belongings. So something edible (maybe a favorite candy or snack from your home region?) will be more appreciated than something they would have to store.

But honestly, they’d prefer cash over a gift basket—no matter how yummy your treats are!

Other people you should tip during your cruise

During your cruise vacation, you’ll probably receive services from other people who aren’t cruise line employees—but you might not realize it! Here are some other people you should tip during your cruise.

1. Luggage porters

On embarkation day of my very first cruise, a porter came up to my taxi and whisked my luggage away, seconds after I got out of the car. I had prepaid my gratuities, and I assumed the porter was a cruise line employee, so I didn’t tip him.

Later I learned that the porters outside of the cruise terminal are not cruise line employees at all! In North America, most cruise terminal porters are longshoremen. At some North American ports, you’ll see signs stating that the porters do not accept tips. However, most cruisers do tip them for their service.

About $1-2 (or the equivalent in local currency) per bag is fine.

You may also like: Eight Things That Will Surprise First Time Cruisers

2. Shore excursion guides and drivers

Even if you prepay for your shore excursions directly through the cruise line, it’s customary to tip your tour guides and drivers in cash after each excursion. Cruise lines just have contracts with their preferred shore excursion companies—the guides and drivers aren’t employees of the line.

Most cruisers tip anywhere from $2-$10 per person (or the equivalent in the local currency) to the tour guide, and hand a couple of dollars to the driver. You can adjust this based on the length and complexity of the tour. I’d give a much larger tip to a knowledgeable tour guide who led us on an intensive nine-hour experience compared to a guide who did a basic three-hour city walking tour.

If your shore excursion includes lunch, you generally don’t have to leave a tip—the tour company takes care of the lunch bill.

But if your excursions include free time where you eat lunch on your own, it’s a good idea to research the local tipping customs in the countries you’ll be visiting before your cruise.

You may also like: Do You Need to Bring Cash on a Cruise?

What do you think about the custom of tipping on a cruise ship? Do you tip above and beyond the automatic gratuities? Or do you remove them altogether? Let me know in the comments below!

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Alex Quenault

Tuesday 9th of August 2022

Thank you, Carrie Ann. This is an excellent article, which really clearly explains all the issues around tipping. In the UK, tips are completely discretionary and are only to reward service that goes above the normal expectations. For this reason, I have always found being expected to pay tips, on an already expensive cruise, very irritating and have sometimes had them reduced at the service desk. Your article has done a lot to change my philosophy and increase my understanding of why there is this charge and what the implications of reducing it might be.

Thursday 11th of August 2022

Hi Alex, thanks so much for your lovely comment. It really made my day! The tipping culture in North America and on cruise ships is flawed, but (as you mentioned) reducing or eliminating tips only hurts the hardworking crew and their families - and does nothing to change the system. I'm so glad you found my post! Happy cruising :)

Janet Patrick

Sunday 28th of November 2021

I ALWAYS tip extra to the outstanding employees on every cruise I have ever taken. I just arrived on board for our 6th cruise, after my 5th cruise just 2 months ago. Our Stateroom Attendant on cruise #5 was fabulous, and I showed my appreciation by leaving him (thanks Mahbob!) a $200 gratuity on top of my prepaid gratuities. I also tipped my wait staff very generously in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, as well as my drink waiters! These kind, helpful, generous, employees work extremely hard to make sure guests like myself have a fabulous time, and since I do, the very least I can do is show my appreciation in a way that benefits them the most!

Cheers to the Staff of RCCL!

~ janet RCCL Crown & Anchor Diamond Member at the end of this cruise!

Monday 29th of November 2021

Hi Janet! I'm sure the crew appreciated your extra tips - they all work so hard! Congrats on reaching Diamond :) Happy cruising!

Tips on Ships: Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Gratuities

What to expect—and what to budget—when it comes to tipping on the high seas

By Tiffany Leigh

Updated February 24, 2023

Figuring out which service employees you should tip—and how much you should give—is a perennial head scratcher in travel. To help remove some of the guesswork, many cruise lines now automatically apply recommended “crew appreciation” amounts to your stateroom account.

But those amounts vary by ship, cruise line, stateroom, and other factors. What’s more, although the gratuity charges are automatically applied to your account in most cases, you can opt out of paying those fees, provided you haven’t purchased a prepaid gratuities package (those are nonrefundable). So confusion remains a possibility. 

To help you sort things out, the following guidelines will give you an idea of what to expect with tipping on cruises and provide some answers to frequently asked questions.  

How much am I expected to tip?

In general, plan on giving $16–$23 in gratuities per day for each passenger. Note that the amount should be tabulated for each individual in your party—don’t try to tip once per couple or group.

So if you’re planning to go on a 7-day cruise, expect to give a total of between $112 and $161 per person in gratuities. Don’t forget to factor those charges into your overall vacation budget. 

How do I tip?

For most cruises—including those operated by Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line to name a few—service gratuities in the amounts mentioned above are automatically added to your stateroom account each day.

On top of the daily service rate, you may also see automatic gratuities (often an additional 15%–20%) for specialty services such as spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining (at restaurants not included in the overall cruise rate), and other extras you partake in.   

At the end of your cruise, you’ll be given a document (usually slipped under your door) that lists various charges, including gratuities, for your review. Once reviewed and approved with guest services, payment is completed with a credit card before you depart the ship on the final day. 

Do tipping amounts vary by cruise line?

Yup—and the range of your gratuity total depends on the stateroom category you’re staying in, too.

With Princess Cruises , for instance, the current tip amount for each passenger staying in interior, ocean-view, and balcony staterooms is $16 per day; for mini suites it’s $17 per day; and for suites it’s $18 per day.

The gratuities ranges with Celebrity Cruises , meanwhile, start at $17.50 per day for inside, ocean-view, and veranda units; $18 per day for Concierge Class and Aqua Class rooms; and $21 per day for suites in The Retreat area.

On the higher end of the spectrum, Oceania Cruises charges $18 per day in tips for passengers in regular staterooms, $23 per day for customers in suites.

Cruise lines frequently raise those amounts, too. 

How do I find out how much my ship charges for tips?

You should be able to find that info on the cruise line’s website. Below, we’ve linked to the web pages containing the prices and policies relating to service charges and gratuities for some of the most popular companies. 

• Royal Caribbean

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Disney Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises

• Holland America Line

Do the daily tipping amounts apply to every single passenger? Even kids?

Depends on the cruise line. According to Disney Cruise Line, for instance, tipping applies to everyone—even infants.

But other ships do make exceptions for little ones. Passengers ages 2 and younger are exempt from tipping aboard Carnival cruises, for example, while Norwegian excuses kids ages 3 and younger, and Costa Cruises exempts kids ages 4 and younger.

Consult the cruise company’s online FAQ or your travel agent for more info, but, generally speaking, you shouldn’t expect any youngsters older than toddlerhood to get out of tipping. 

Service charges, gratuities, crew appreciation fees—what’s the difference?

The terminology gets confusing because it doesn’t seem to be consistent across cruise lines. Just know that there are usually two types of fees in this area: 1.) the flat daily fee charged to each passenger and then pooled among crew members (including room attendants and waitstaff at restaurants included in your cruise rate) and 2.) service tips (amounting to 15%–20% of the total) automatically added to your account when you opt for extras such as specialty dining, premium alcoholic beverages, spa or salon services, and so on. Obviously, you’ll only be charged the latter type of gratuity for extras you actually participate in.

How are tips divided among crew members?

If you agree to the automatic gratuities, the people who tend to you the most—your housekeeping and dining teams—get the largest share.

When my family of three (two adults and one 16-month-old baby) sailed with Disney Cruise Line in December 2022, we received the following breakdown of who would get what:

• Dining Room Server: $4.75 per person per day

• Assistant Dining Room Server: $3.75 per person per day

• Dining Room Head Server: $1.25 per person per day

• Stateroom Host: $4.75 per person per day

Note that because we didn’t opt for nonrefundable prepaid gratuities for the trip, we were free to visit guest services to change the amounts if we wanted to.

These amounts were also printed on perforated paper and we were supplied with envelopes in case we wanted to tip in cash or give gratuities to attendants in person as a gesture of appreciation.

What if I don’t want to pay the automatically generated tip amount?

If you'd rather have control over how much you tip, stop by the onboard guest services desk at the beginning of your voyage and inform the agents that you want to opt out of electronic gratuities and dole out tips on a case-by-case, à la carte basis. 

Also, if you find that you’re unsatisfied with the service you’re getting, you can ask guest services to modify the amount you’re being charged each day. Royal Caribbean lets you make changes up to the morning of your departure—but to avoid confusion, you should contact guest services as soon as possible to make these types of changes. 

The exception: passengers who purchased prepaid gratuities as part of a package. You can’t get a refund for tips you pay upfront. 

Can I tip in cash?

Cash tips are certainly still welcomed—especially if that’s what you’re more comfortable with or if you don't want to rely on the cruise line’s predetermined amounts.

It’s just important to remember that if you go this route, it's on you to opt out of the ship’s gratuities program by going to guest services at the beginning of your sailing. 

What if I want to tip some crew members more than the automatically generated amounts?

Cash is also a good option if you want to tip some workers extra for service that warrants it. If you’ve dined in mostly one spot every night of the cruise, you might want to give tips to especially attentive waitstaff on the last evening of the cruise. On a recent voyage with our baby, my family gave an additional in-person tip to our stateroom attendant for above-and-beyond service such as helping us set up the baby monitor—not to mention all the times the attendant whisked away potent diapers without so much as a grimace.

Are gratuities included in all prepaid packages for dining, drinks, and other services?

Not necessarily. 

More and more ships now offer passengers prepaid packages for a bundle of specialty dining, top-shelf drinks, Wi-Fi, and other perks (for an example, take a look at prepaid packages available from Princess Cruises ). The advantage here is that you lock in a discounted overall daily rate that throws in several extras that could otherwise add up—though you should calculate ahead of your trip whether you’ll actually use everything in the bundle to justify buying the package.

But don’t assume that gratuities are part of every prepaid package. Some companies, such as Disney, have stand-alone prepaid gratuities packages intended to make your trip relatively worry-free in the tip department because you’ve already paid for all gratuities in advance.

But with other packages, tips are only covered where specified. Royal Caribbean’s dining-and-drinks package, for instance, only covers tips for restaurant and bar staff, not housekeeping crew—so you’ll still have the automatic service charge added to your stateroom account each day unless you purchase a supplementary gratuities package.

Always make sure to review everything that’s included in the package—and what’s not—so you won’t get any unpleasant surprises. 

It’s also important to remember that gratuities included in prepaid packages are nonrefundable, so you won’t be able to modify tip amounts even if you get bad service during the cruise.

Should I tip a porter who helps me with my luggage?

Porters are contracted by the port, not the cruise line. They usually work independently of the ship, unless otherwise indicated. So if you solicit a porter for help toting your luggage from a vehicle to the ship’s check-in area, express your appreciation with $1–$3 per bag, depending on its weight.

Should I tip ship bartenders?

These days, you’ll rarely see a tip jar on the bar, and, as noted above, an automatic service charge of 15%–20% is already added to your account for alcoholic and specialty drinks. However, if you had a go-to bartender who learned your drink by heart or gave you stellar service throughout the voyage, consider expressing your gratitude with $1–$2 per drink. 

Should I tip guides for shore excursions?

The tipping advice we solicited from Princess provides some solid guidelines: For half-day tours, budget $3–$5 per person for guides, and for full-day tours plan on $6–$10 per person. Drivers should get $1–$2 per person.

Do I need to tip for onboard spa and salon treatments?

As previously noted, spa and salon staff members get a portion of the automatic service charge added to your stateroom bill for these treatments. You are free, however, to tip staff members extra if you’re especially impressed with their work.

Do I need to tip the ship's daycare workers and kids’ camp counselors?

There is no gratuity required but, again, you can offer a cash tip if staff members went out of their way to make your kiddo’s sailing extra special.

Are there crew members I shouldn’t tip?

It’s considered poor form to tip the ship’s professional sailing members, such as the cruise director, executive chef, and captain. Giving those folks gratuities would be like tipping your doctor or lawyer. 

Are predetermined tipping amounts calculated in U.S. dollars?

In most cases, though some Europe-based lines, such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises, charge in euros. Keep that in mind when calculating your budget.

Are there cruises where you’re not expected to tip?

Bundled package deals seem like a precursor to a future of tip-free cruising. As a matter of fact, many luxury and high-end lines such as Seabourn, Celestyal Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, Paul Gaugin, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea, and Virgin Voyages have already implemented gratuity-free cruises with tips built into the total cost of all-inclusive sailings.

That might make the cruise’s base rate higher, but the practice helps eliminate confusion and awkwardness for passengers and ensures that crew members will get a full wage from their employers rather than relying on customers to make up the difference.

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Do you tip your bartender after he brings you a cocktail? Generally no, because the tip is automatically added to your bill.

Complete guide to tipping on a cruise

Know about how gratuities work & whether you're already covered.

Cruiseable team

On a cruise ship

CruiseClout score: 95.0

Tips or gratuities can be one of the more confusing elements of taking a cruise, especially for first timers.

What's included and what's not? Do you have to tip for your children? How do you reward crew members who provide exemplary service? 

To help demystify how this all works, here's Cruiseable's Complete Guide to Tipping on a Cruise .

Cruise line tipping policies

• Azamara Club Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Disney Cruise Line

Holland America Line

• MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Oceania Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Star Clippers
• Windstar Cruises

Tipping basics

Your cruise bill comes in two parts:

• Your base cruise fare, which covers the cost of your stateroom, meals (except at specialty restaurants), entertainment (except for special events), etc.
• Expenses incurred on board, such as drinks, meals at alternative restaurants and, importantly, tips for the crew.  All of this is added to your shipboard account. 

First-timers are sometimes surprised to learn that gratuities are automatically added to your bill. (The only exception is on an all-inclusive cruise , where you pay up front for everything.)

• A continuing series on Cruiseable    

Gratuities are distributed to your wait staff, stateroom stewards, dining stewards, housekeeping staff and other crew members to reward them for their efforts. Guests typically have the option of increasing, decreasing or eliminating the suggested amount at their own discretion by visiting the guest services desk during the cruise, not afterward. 

If you'd prefer to present cash in envelopes, feel free, though that practice is mostly a vestige of the past. That said, feel free to reward outstanding service; Cruise Critic has a good roundup of how much to dispense.

What the cruise lines charge for tips

The amount of the gratuity varies by cruise line, with amounts that range from $10 to $15 per person per day, with higher amounts for luxury accommodations. The amount for children? Sometimes less, sometimes not. Some cruise lines offer the option to pre-pay your gratuities before your cruise, and in a few cases this may be required. You can typically find the amount earmarked for gratuities on the cruise line's website or in the cruise line brochure or documents you've been provided.

Please keep in mind that In the end, these aren't really tips — they amount to service fees that compensate the crew for their daily work. Here are the current tipping policies of the major cruise lines:

Tip amount:  Azamara, a boutique line, falls into the luxury category when it comes to tips. Gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff are included in the cruise fare.

Extra charges:  An 18% gratuity is added for spa treatments. 

Tip amount:  On cruises departing Sept. 1, 2016, and later, gratuities amount to $12.95  per person per day (including children age 2 and older) in standard rooms and  $13.95 per person for suites. 

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. You can adjust the amount at the guest services desk. 

Extra charges:  A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges. 

See Carnival's  tipping policy , including a chart of how much gratuities will run for 2- to 20-day cruises. 

Tip amount:  As of July 1, 2016, gratuities amount to $13.50 per person per day in standard rooms, $14 for passengers in Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms and $17 for guests in suites.  

How it's works:  Gratuities are automatically added to your SeaPass account on a daily basis. You can adjust the amount at the guest relations desk. 

Extra charges: An 18% gratuity is added to bar charges, beverage and mini-bar purchases, and spa and salon services. 

See Celebrity's tipping policy .

Costa has varying gratuity charges depending on where you cruise. Children ages of 4 to 14 are charged 50% of the adult rates; the charge is not applied to children 3 and under.

Tip amount:  Gratuities amount to $11.50 per person per day (including children) in Britannia accommodations and $13.50  per person in Grill Class accommodations.  

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. To adjust the amount, go to the purser's office. Casino dealers and youth staff do not share in gratuities, given that most guests do not use these services, so consider leaving a tip.

See Cunard's tipping policy .  

Tip amount:  Gratuities amount to $12  per person per day, including children. 

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. Gratuities can be pre-paid up to three days before the cruise. It's traditional to tip servers in the restaurants Palo and Remy at the end of your meal by charging it to your shipboard account. It's also polite to tip, say, $2 for room service when it's delivered, but check the chit sheet to see if it's already included. Tips can be adjusted at guest services.  On the last night of your cruise you'll receive a statement showing you how much your crew attendants received in the way of gratuities; if you want to leave more, you can use envelopes provided for that purpose. 

Extra charges:  A 15% gratuity is added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs and an 18% gratuity is added to all spa services. Note that any soft drinks, bottled water or alcohol that you order from room service will have a gratuity automatically added. 

See Disney's tipping policy . 

Tip amount:  Gratuities amount to $12.50  per person per day (including children) in standard rooms (inside, oceanview and balcony) and  $13.50  per person in suites. 

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. To adjust the amount, go to the front desk. To its credit, Holland America does not hit up guests by asking for an additional tip on charges (such as beverage purchases) where you're already being charged a tip.  

Extra charges: A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges and purchases of wine in the dining room. We've heard that tips are sometimes included on your spa treatment bill — and sometimes not — so ask.  

See Holland America's tipping policy .

Tip amount:  Gratuities vary by destination and onboard currency for this Europe-centric cruise line. Gratuities amount to $12  per day for each adult passenger for Caribbean cruises and eastbound grand voyages, and $6 per night for children 3 and older; on westbound grand voyages, the fee is in euros.

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. MSC does not permit adjustments to gratuities; however, if you're not happy with service, you can contact the Guest Relations manager to have the charges removed or adjusted. 

Extra charges: A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges, spa treatments and alternative dining. 

MSC does not appear to post its tipping policy online. 

Tip amount:  Gratuities amount to $13.50 per person per day (including children 3 and older) in standard rooms and  $15.50 per person in suites. 

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. If you want to adjust the amount, go to the reception desk. Guests who use concierge or butler services are expected to leave an appropriate tip. Certain staff positions, such as youth program staff, don't share in the gratuities and should be tipped for services they provide.

Extra charges:  An 18% gratuity is added for bar charges, specialty and entertainment dining, and spa treatments.

See Norwegian's tipping policy .  

Tip amount:  Gratuities amount to $15  per person per day for guests in staterooms and $23 per person for guests in Penthouse, Oceania, Vista or Owner's Suites where butler service is provided.

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. Oceania teeters on the line between luxury line and premium line, and this is an exception to the general all-inclusive pricing policy found on luxury lines. Interestingly, Many Oceania voyages include air fare in the fare pricing, but not gratuities. Guests may adjust gratuities while on board at their sole discretion.

Extra charges:  An 18% gratuity is added for all beverage purchases, spa services and dinner at La Reserve.

See Oceania's tipping policy . 

Tip amount:  Gratuities are already included in your fare.

Tip amount:  As of May 25, 2016, gratuities amount to $12.95 per person per day (including children) in standard rooms (Inside, Oceanview and Balcony) and  $13.95 per person in mini-suites and suites. 

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. It can be pre-paid up to two days before departure  online via Princess's Cruise Personalizer  or by calling 1-855-500-7690 (mention Special Services item number 0591). Casino dealers and youth staff do not share in gratuities and tips are left to the discretion of guests.

Extra charges:  A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges, dining room wine accounts and Lotus Spa services. 

See Princess's tipping policy . 

Tip amount:  Gratuities amount to $13.50 per person per day (including children) in standard rooms (interior, junior suite, balcony, ocean view) and  $16.50 per person in suites. 

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. It can be pre-paid before departure, and passengers who opt for the flexible "My Time Dining" must prepay. Guests who want to reduce or remove the tips can go to guest services.

Extra charges:  An 18% gratuity is added to bar charges (including mini-bar and beverage packages) and salon and spa  service. Your bill for alternative restaurants should cover gratuities as well. 

See Royal Caribbean's tipping policy .

Tip amount:  Star Clippers recommends tipping 8 euros per person per day, though gratuities are at the sole discretion of the passenger.

How it works: You have the option of charging tips to your shipboard account instead of tipping in cash.

Extra charges : A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges.

See Star Clippers'  tipping policy .

Tip amount:  Gratuities amount to $12  per person per day. 

How it works: Gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. If you'd like to adjust the amount, you may do so at the end of your cruise.

Luxury & river cruise lines

On the luxury cruise lines — Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream — the rule is simple. Basic gratuities are included in your cruise fare and additional tips are not expected. (See Patti's article on all-inclusive pricing .) In general, the only thing not covered are tips for spa services. 

River cruise lines have differing policies. At the high end, Scenic, Uniworld, Tauck and Emerald Waterways are all-inclusive. Gratuities are not included in the vacation price on Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways.

Other things to know about cruise tipping 

Ordering from the bar.

When you order drinks from the bar on board, a gratuity is automatically added to your bill. When you sign your sales slip (chit), be careful to skip over the blank line for gratuity — you've already paid! — unless you're in an especially generous mood. 

Spa & gym 

Some cruise lines add a 15% automatic gratuity for spa treatments and some fitness classes. Others leave the tip up to you. But be sure that you haven't already paid for this. 

Specialty restaurants

As a general rule, you're not expected to leave an additional tip when you dine at a specialty restaurant , even if there's a space for an “additional tip” on the charge slip, because you've already paid for this. 

Excursions in port

If you go on excursion in port and you're happy with the tour, it's customary to tip $2 to $5 to the tour guide and $1 to $2 to the driver.

When transfers to and from your ship are included in your package, gratuities are generally included for luggage handling. However, if you take a taxi to the pier and use the assistance of luggage porters to help you get your bags from the curb to the ship, it is customary to tip them $1-$2 per bag.

Concierge hosts & butlers

If you're booked in a concierge room or luxury suite, you'll need to tip your concierge hosts or butler. Some cruise lines will automatically apply a tip to your account, others will leave it to your discretion.   

Don't skimp on the tips

In the old days, cruise lines would expect passengers to slip tips into envelopes to reward crew members at the end of a cruise. That no longer works, given that it's likely you'll be served by many different staff members during your sailing. So tipping is not added automatically to your bill on most ships.

In our series Smart Money on a Cruise

• Super Guide to Booking a Cruise
• Guide to all-inclusive pricing on cruise ships
• Cheat sheet for deposits, payments & refunds
• 3 best travel rewards credit cards
• 15 tips on how to save money on a cruise
• Patti's 7 money-saving tips for cruise travelers
• Walter's 8 money-saving tips for cruisers 
• Interline: Travel & cruise discounts for airline employees

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Gratuties and tipping on a Cruise ship. A Guide to Extra Tips for Crew Members & Staff

To tip (extra), or not to tip, the dilemma on a cruise.

Bring up the topic of tips & tipping on a cruise ship and you’ll get a wide variety of recommendations and no shortage of opinions on both ends of the gratuity spectrum. For some people, even the mere mention of how much to tip on a cruise evokes panic and stress. We’re here to help out with that a little.

Before we get into tipping etiquette when you go on a cruise vacation, it’s important to point out that attitudes on extra tipping are largely cultural and vary greatly. Americans have tipping engrained in their DNA whereas Europeans don’t consider tipping a requirement. For Europeans, it is more of a gesture of simple “thanks” no matter how small the amount is.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to tipping extra on a cruise. It’s a very individual choice.

The most compelling comment I’ve heard regarding tipping crew members on a cruise was from a fellow passenger from the UK. She simply stated that everyone’s economic situations are different. Someone from the UK who has saved 2 years for a cruise vacation and has paid for gratuities during booking won’t necessarily have significant extra resources to continue tipping people and will likely believe the cruise line-imposed gratuities are sufficient. Conversely, an American passenger will normally budget extra money for their cruise to accommodate additional gratuities while on board.

Most, if not all, major cruise lines impose automatic gratuities now. These are in addition to the cruise fare, port taxes, and general taxes. These automatic gratuities or ‘service charges’ are split, in theory, among all service staff on the ship as well as behind-the-scenes staff. These extra service charges don’t come cheap either! For your average cruise, expect to spend $15 per passenger per DAY. For a family of 4 on a seven-day vacation, this adds up to an extra $420 to the vacation cost.

Each cruise line distributes these gratuities differently among front-of-house and back-of-house staff, so it’s impossible to really know how much of this mandatory service fee goes to each person you come in contact with every day.

All of this complicates the question of which crew members to tip extra and when it’s appropriate to tip on a cruise. So we have put together a quick guide on what we have experienced in 20 years of cruising when it comes to tips for the crew.

If you’re a first-time cruiser reading this guide, check out our 20 great tips for first-time cruisers !

On a Cruise, Who to Tip & how much :

Most importantly, when you spend money for anything on most cruises, there is generally an automatic gratuity added to the bill. First and foremost, if you’re feeling generous and want to leave an extra tip for a service, don’t accidentally double-tip! Inspect your receipt before adding any gratuities. Beyond that, don’t feel pressured or obligated for additional tipping. Reserve it for exceptional service if you feel the need.

Should you tip a room steward / cabin attendant?

Dig through Facebook groups and Reddit threads about tipping on a cruise, and how to handle extras for a room steward. It’s a hot topic! While most cruise lines have a per-passenger daily gratuity added to the cruise fare, many people assume that is for the steward exclusively. In reality that is a shared gratuity. This leads a lot of people to give additional money to their stewards. I’ve talked to so many passengers over the years and the consensus is that giving SOMETHING extra is the norm. What that SOMETHING extra amounts to is so subjective. Here’s how we do it:

If a steward goes out of their way to introduce themselves at the start of the cruise and makes sure you have a bucket of ice or some other small convenience available immediately, generally on the first day we’ll give them $10-$20. While many people will feel like this is ‘greasing the palm’ of the cabin steward, it’s showing appreciation for their proactive attempt at starting the cruise right! Beyond that, if everything is exceptionally clean and we are provided the expected service, mid-cruise we generally contribute another $10-$20 +/- and at the end of the cruise, if the steward has been attentive and performed ABOVE expectations, and maybe makes a towel animal here and there, we’ll leave more! Generally, the total adds up to about $50-$75 for a 7-day cruise in addition to the prepaid gratuities.

However, If we enter our cabin with a steward nowhere to be seen and we don’t ask for anything above basic service, we’ll sometimes leave nothing extra. This will be controversial to many experienced cruisers. So let me put it in perspective.

As a rule, we generally are very clean and tidy up our cabin. On some cruises, we ask for no service for several nights and sometimes never see the steward. I believe we are doing as much or more than financially rewarding them by not asking for anything at all.

Just remember the concept of exceptional. It goes both ways. If your steward is outstanding in what they provide you, they deserve a little extra. If you are an exceptionally messy person and your steward is taking a lot of time sorting out your cabin every day, then they deserve extra. To round this out, if you are difficult as a passenger, they probably deserve a lot more than you’re going to give them!

At the end of the day, the choice is always yours on whether or not to tip the cabin steward extra.

Should you tip bartenders on a cruise?

Tips for cruise ship bartenders are generally more common. Passengers, especially those from the United States equate bar service with tipping. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see bartenders getting tipped frequently on a cruise.

We’ve been on cruises where we’ve witnessed the typical tipping behavior, leaving a dollar or two per drink or per round for a bartender. That’s definitely mighty generous considering that you’re going to be paying an automatic gratuity for that beverage or if you have a beverage package, you’ve paid substantial gratuities in that package cost.

Here are our thoughts on extra tipping for cruise ship bartenders :

As with other service people working on a cruise ship, those who give exceptional service are those we often tip extra. This includes bartenders. Our standard practice is if we’ve discovered a specific bar location and staff that really go out of their way to either give prompt service or make drinks to our liking, we usually tip a little extra a few days into the cruise then towards the end. ($10-$20) If the bartender(s) do something special, we’ll often leave more. However, if we’re on a cruise where we literally just have a beer here and there or a glass of wine on occasion, we’re less likely to tip much extra if any at all.

It’s worth noting that in general, if you tip a bartender, that tip may be pooled with other bartenders at that bar. It’s always worth asking if you intend your tip to go to a specific server or bartender.

Remember, you’re never going to get treated poorly if you do not tip extra! You will still receive great service. Some passengers just choose to tip extra to feel like they’re getting priority service, but in reality, I rarely see anyone get served ahead of another customer because they’re tippers.

Should you tip the main dining room servers?

The automatic service charges you pay when you book a cruise are divided among many staff members, including the main dining room servers and assistants. Though it’s not uncommon to leave extra for a server that has been. your dedicated server for the duration of your cruise vacation. Some people will leave nothing extra while I’ve witnessed passengers give a server $100+ at the end of a cruise. Again, this to me comes down to service level. I’ve had a wide variety of service quality over the years and If the server is the same server every night, I’ll often leave them around $25 at the end of the cruise IF the service has been really good. When there is an assistant server, I’ll usually give them a bit as well. If the service is just average, I’ll sometimes leave nothing extra.

This gets even more complicated on cruises where you can choose your own dining time like on Norwegian Cruise Lines with their freestyle dining. You may never encounter the same server twice, so tipping becomes more difficult.

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Should you tip in the specialty dining restaurants?

Remember! When you pay for specialty dining on your, even if it’s a perk in a package from cruise lines like Norwegian, you’re going to be paying a mandatory gratuity when booking. It makes this tipping advice a bit trickier. Knowing we’re paying an automatic tip means that the service should be special to consider tipping extra in the specialty dining restaurants on a ship. Many may disagree with this since the experience is supposed to be “elevated” and believe gratuities should better reflect that, but I stick with the personal opinion that the service should be above and beyond my expectations to consider tipping extra. When that happens, I’ll generally leave an extra $10 +/- for a specialty dining restaurant tip.

Tipping Musicians & Performers on a Cruise

Generally speaking, the entertainment staff is very well paid and on contract from an outside entertainment company. These talented folks don’t rely on tips and don’t expect any additional gratuities while performing on board. There are a few occasions, however, when we’ve observed passengers & guests tipping singers and musicians. This usually can be seen when there is live music in one of the bars. It’s not uncommon to see a passenger hand a musician singing solo a few dollars or even buy them a drink (depending on the rules of the cruise line).

Other cruise gratuity advice

You are going to encounter hundreds of crew members on a cruise ship, many of whom are paid a living wage and do not ever expect anything extra! These include :

• The Cruise Director
• Entertainment Staff & Performers
• Maintenance Staff
• The Captain

There are other services where people generally give staff a tip and those are:

Room service on a cruise – Remember, it’s never required to tip, but usually people who make use of onboard room service leave a small tip of $1-$5 per delivery.

Baggage handlers at embarkation port – It’s customary to tip a little to a baggage handler, especially at American ports. On average, $5 is usually sufficient. However, some passengers will insist that $5 per bag is more appropriate. I’m somewhere in the middle on this. I generally tip a minimum of $5 if I have a couple of bags, but on a transatlantic cruise where I might have 5 or 6 bags, I’ll definitely tip extra.

Automatic service charges & gratuities by the major cruise lines

Each major cruise line has a slightly different policy and fee for per-day automatic service charges and gratuities .

MSC Cruises Daily Service Charge / Gratuities:

MSC Cruises doesn’t call this “gratuities”, they call this a hotel service charge. These charges also vary by region. In typical MSC fashion, there’s nothing straightforward about their service fees <insert huge eyeroll>

For the Caribbean, South America, and Asia MSC daily gratuities are:

• $14.50 per night per adult and $7.25 per night per child (2yrs or older)
• 12 Euro per night per adult / 6 Euro per night per child (2yrs or older) for European booked clients

European Itineraries, MSC bills and books all gratuities in Euro only:

• 12 Euro per night per adult
• 6 euro per night per child

South African cruises have a slightly different daily gratuity amount with MSC:

• $10 per adult per night
• $5 per child (2 and over) per night

MSC Cruises charges a little more for Grand Voyages depending on the itinerary, it’s best to confirm this with them at the time of booking.

What is Royal Caribbean’s service & gratuities daily amount?

The Royal Caribbean automatic service gratuity is as follows:

• $14.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Junior Suites and below, or
• $17.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above.

Read the full automatic gratuity policy at the Royal Caribbean website.

How much are the required daily gratuities and service charges on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian has steadily raised their daily service charge per person depending on cabin type.The service fees are as follows:

• $20.00 USD per person per day for The Haven and Suites;
• $18.00 USD per person per day for Club Balcony Suite;
• $16.00 USD per person per day for all other stateroom types

For the complete service charge information with NCL, see the Norwegian Cruise automatic service charge rates & information .

What are the per-day service fees for Carnival Cruises?

• Standard Staterooms: $16 USD per person, per day
• Suite Staterooms: $18 USD per person, per day

How much is the Celebrity Cruise automatic gratuity?

Celebrity automatically adds gratuities to guests’ onboard SeaPass® account, except for guests in Excluded Bookings*, as defined below, in the following amounts:

• $17.50USD per person, per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms
• $18.00USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms
• $21.00USD per person, per day for guests of The Retreat.

A 20% gratuity will be added to all beverages, mini bar purchases, and beverage packages.

But WAIT! Celebrity also has an all-inclusive program called “All Included rate” (formerly Always Included) where these fees are part of the rate. You’ll have an option at booking to go the all, or nearly all-inclusive rate or select a cruise-only booking where the above automatic tips are added.

For a complete service charge policy, visit the Celebrity Website

Still have questions? Here are a few that we hear being asked regularly. If you still have more, please comment and we’ll add your tipping questions to this list!

Holland America Line Daily Gratuity Amount:

The cruise line calls this “Crew Appreciation” which is the most appropriate across all cruise lines.

The daily Crew Appreciation charge is $16.00 per guest per day on Holland America for non-suite stateroom guests and $17.50 per guest per day for suite guests. The charges are subject to change without notice.

Holland America Line explains their gratuity policy and how it’s adjustable on their website, which makes it feel a little better about being charged extra fees.

Do you have a comment?

Did we miss something? Have you had a different experience? Did we get it wrong?

Recently we were asked this by a fellow passenger – so let’s elaborate :

For the Room Steward, you give “about $50-$75 for a 7-day cruise in addition to the prepaid gratuities” for services above expectations. This converts to a daily range of about $7-$11, helpful for shorter / longer cruise calculations. For MDR waiters, you often leave ~$25 at the end of the cruise for really good service. But you don’t indicate the length of cruise you are referring to. Is that figure also for a 7-day cruise, which would convert to about $3.60 per day? CR Christian

As for the question, I use this as a guideline regardless of the cruise length actually. With gratuities already being added to the cruise, and they are ever-increasing, I’ve become more selective on how I choose to tip extra. If our room steward goes out of their way for anything, I’ll tip extra… and if they frequently go out of their way, I’ll possibly leave an extra $75 regardless of the cruise length.

For the waiters, I use the same rule of thumb. If I am particularly needy during a trip, I’ll leave extra. But I often dine at the specialty restaurants that have gratuity already added, so it’s not unusual for me to only visit the main dining room 2-3 times on a 7-10 day cruise.

This is all discretionary, don’t feel compelled to tip if you don’t feel like it, it’s up to you as the passenger. The topic is frequently discussed and devolves into a heated debate, just remember it’s your money and your experience, tip or not, do what’s best for you!

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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Well, on the one hand, cruise workers don’t get a good salary like that. But sometimes people work really well, which makes you leave a tip. The main thing is not to tip employees who are hypocritical – it is immediately written on their face. I usually tip the steward or the photographers who can take cool photos of me and my partner from time to time! I really adore this. But usually, in general, tips are already included in the cruise ticket, so it’s up to you to leave a tip or not.  But it’s never a bad thing, in fact, if a person does his job well and helps you feel relaxed during the cruise.

I think that it’s ok to tip the photographers. There was a team of 4 on our ship. They worked tirelessly and was always so friendly. Thanks to them we have a wonderful set of photos from our trip. Plus we did a professional photo shoot while aboard. They turned out so beautiful. We tipped them for their work. They seemed surprised as if they never see tips.

I don’t entirely disagree about photographers, especially when they do a great job! But like you said, they’ll probably be surprised as they don’t usually get tips.

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Complete Guide to Cruise Ship Gratuities for 2024

Whether your cruise line calls them daily service fees, cruise ship gratuities or crew appreciation, it’s simply tipping on a cruise. Nearly every cruise line has a name for these automatically-added service fees. 

Most cruise lines add daily gratuity fees directly to your onboard account throughout your cruise. Plus, different onboard experiences, from using your stateroom mini-bar to dining in a specialty restaurant , have an added fee.

We’ve listed each cruise line’s per-person daily gratuity. We break down tipping on a cruise to what you’ll pay depending on your stateroom category, plus any additional service fees. 

What are Daily Cruise Ship Gratuities?

Every cruise line has a recommended amount that each guest should pay to the crew. Holland America calls it a “Daily Service Fee.” Princess calls it “Crew Appreciation.” Basically, it’s a gratuity fee; how much you’ll pay for tips on a cruise ship. 

Some cruise lines may call this a “Guest Services Fee” on your onboard account statement. While others simply add “Gratuity” to your onboard account. 

Tipping on a Cruise Begins Before Sailaway

Savvy cruisers know that gratuities begin before you board your ship. Why? If you plan to drop off your larger pieces of luggage, be prepared to give the portside luggage handler a $2- $5 tip per bag. The amount can depend upon size, weight and amount of luggage.

If you’re a solo traveler and only have one large bag to check, a $5 tip is appropriate.

Consider this tip as baggage delivery insurance.

Should I Pre-Pay Cruise Gratuities?

If you want to get the daily cruise tipping fees out of the way before your cruise and avoid last-night sticker shock, I always suggest that you pre-pay gratuities.

Also, if you pre-pay your gratuities, and should the cruise line raise the cruise tip amount before you sail, you are “grandfathered-in” at the previous lower rate. 

Don’t pre-pay gratuities and if there’s an increase, you’ll pay a bit more at the end of your cruise. For one person, it’s not too bad. If you’re paying for a family, it could be a very costly added expense.

Average Daily Cruise Line Gratuity

Roughly speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $11.50 – $20.00 per passenger per day for onboard gratuities. As mentioned, cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. 

Luxury lines like Azamara, Ponant, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Sea Dream, Virgin Voyages include gratuities in the cruise fare.

On cruise lines where gratuities are not included, you can monitor the charges on your shipboard bill either from the Front Desk or on your stateroom TV.

Sometimes cruise gratuities are only added at the very end of your cruise, too. Talk about sticker shock!

Cruise Line Gratuities for 2024

Here’s what you will pay per person per day for cruise ship gratuities/service fees/crew appreciation as of this writing. 

CARNIVAL:  $14.50 for Standard Staterooms; $16.50 for Suites. An 18% automatic charge is added to beverages at the bars, plus at Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki and Chef’s Table restaurants.

On April 1, 2023, Carnival raised its services fees to $16.00 per person per day for those in standard staterooms. Suite passengers now pay $18.00, an increase of $1.50 per day.

CELEBRITY:   $17.50 for Standard Staterooms; $18.00 in Concierge and Aqua Class staterooms. Those booked in the Retreat do not pay a daily gratuity fee. If you purchase Celebrity’s All Included plan, the gratuity is included. But you’ll pay 20% fee if you order a drink that’s not in your beverage package (Classic or Premium). There’s an 18% charge for the spa and salon services.

COSTA:   An automatic $12.50 service fee is added onto all U.S. departures. There’s €11 on Europe departures. 15% beverage charge. Kids 4-14yrs 50% less. Under 4, no charge.

CUNARD:   With a name change from “gratuities” to “hotel and dining service charge”, you’ll pay $11.50 for Britannia Class staterooms (inside, oceanview and balcony). Then, $13.50 for those in the Grill Suites. Pay a 15% beverage charge and 12.5% for a visit to the salon or spa.

DISNEY:  $14.50 is the suggested amount for those in standard staterooms. If you’re in a suite or concierge stateroom, Disney recommends a $15.50 gratuity fee. Disney doesn’t automatically post the fees to your account, however. 15% beverage charge and 18% for spa services

HOLLAND AMERICA:   $16.00 for those in standard staterooms. Suite guests will pay an automatic $17.00 per person per day fee. Gratuity charges for beverage packages, drinks, dining room and specialty dining, and other non-included service fee amenities is 18%.

HURTIGRUTEN:   $12.00 – Suggested amount on expedition cruises. Norwegian coastal cruises there is no gratuity fee.

MSC CRUISES:  Valid until summer 2024:  $14.00 for adults 12 years and older. $7.00 for children ages 2 – 11 years. Under 2 years old, no charge. This applies to Caribbean, Canada and USA cruise departures. Cruises abroad, gratuities are in euros and at a comparable exchange rate. MSC website also states they do not recommend tipping individual members of staff.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE:   Book a Club Balcony Suite and below and pay $20.00 per person per day. Reside in The Haven or above Suites and it’s $25.00 pppd. For children under three years, there’s no daily fee. There’s also a 20% beverage charge with each non-included drink you order. On Hawai’i sailings, there’s a 4.275% pre-paid service charge GET tax.

OCEANIA:  $16.00 for guests occupying standard staterooms. For Penthouse, Oceania, Vista or Owner’s Suites with Butler Service, gratuities of $23.00 per guest, per day will be added. An 18% service gratuity is automatically added to all beverage purchases, spa services and dinner at La Reserve.

PRINCESS: Now called “Crew Appreciation” the daily fee is as follows:  inside, oceanview or balcony staterooms are $16.00. Mini-Suite and Reserve Collection staterooms are $17.00. Book a suite and you’ll pay $18.00 pppd. There’s also a “service charge” of 17% for specialty dining that’s included in the cover charge. You’ll pay 18% for individual drinks and drink packages, corkage fee and spa services. 

ROYAL CARIBBEAN:   Royal Caribbean automatic gratuity rates are $16.00 per person, per day for guests in non-suite staterooms. Book a suite and pay $18.50. Gratuities will be applied to each guest’s SeaPass account on a daily basis. There’s also an 18% charge for beverages, mini-bar items, and salon and salon purchases.

VIKING OCEAN CRUISES :  Simple here. $15.00 per day for all staterooms and a 15% beverage charge.

Should You Tip the Room Service Delivery Person?

Here’s another category that needs addressing; room service delivery fees.

Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian automatically add a room service delivery fee . Sometimes it depends on what you order. 

You can still directly offer a tip to your delivery person. He or she will appreciate it.

I always suggest to bring $1 and $5 bills from home. This way, you’re ready to personally hand it to the room service delivery person. 

Having several small bills is very handy, especially for early morning breakfast delivery. You don’t have to fumble around to find a tip. $2.00 to $5.00 is appropriate, depending on the food or how many meals ordered.

Who Gets a Share of the Gratuities?

Depending upon your cruise line and accommodation category, the amounts of who gets what may vary by a few dollars. But this should give you an idea as to where the cruise ship tips go and how it’s divvied up at the end. 

For this example, the amounts listed below are for standard (non-suite) staterooms, may vary by a dollar or so and subject to change every couple of years.

Also, these amounts will differ because the cruise lines stress that a portion of the service fees also goes to many crew members who work behind the scenes and/or towards a shared crew incidentals/emergency fund.

The top tier of crew recipients, however, are the waiters and stateroom attendants. Next, are the assistant waiters and staterooms attendants. The head waiter may or may not receive a cut in the share. 

Those hard-working crew members behind the scenes that you never see will get a small piece of the pie, too. 

Cruise Tips for Those Not on the Automatic Gratuity List

Some onboard services aren’t subject to automatically-included gratuities. Since these are people that you may interact with on a daily basis, it’s nice to add them to your gratuity list.

• Childcare provider: At your discretion, similar to your babysitter at home.
• Bartender: Plan to frequent the same bar throughout your cruise? Give your new favorite bartender a $10 – $20 upfront tip. If you’ve had excellent service, another tip at the end of the cruise is also appreciated.
• Wine sommelier: Based on their involvement, $10 or $20 at the end of the cruise is appropriate. Some cruise lines have done away with a sommelier and your waiter is responsible for keeping track of your wine bottles. Tip accordingly.
• Shore excursion guide: $2.00 – $5.00. Some passengers base their shore excursion tip on 10%-20% per person based on the cost of the tour.
• Shore excursion motor coach driver: $1.00 – $2.00, especially in Europe.
• Spa and Salon services: The spa will automatically add a 15% – 20% gratuity. Is there a need to tip your service provider? It’s up to you.

Read more:  Seven Stateroom Locations to Avoid

Personalize your tip-giving experience.

Many cruise passengers from Britain and a few European countries where tipping isn’t a common practice, prefer to have the automatically-added tips removed from their account. This can be requested at the Reception (Purser’s) Desk.

Hopefully, these folks will then hand out cash to those who have worked hard for them during the cruise. Others simply refuse to tip. And it’s not just non-Americans, either. 

Conversely, some guests who are familiar with and follow the tipping guidelines, prefer to hand out cash-filled envelopes to crew members.

Bring a stack of small bills from home and keep separate from your other cash, to avoid the last night panic line at the Purser’s Desk.

You can also visit the casino cashier to break your larger bills. Bring envelopes (and thank you notes) from home in case the ship’s front desk doesn’t have any to give for tips.

When in Europe, Euros are the preferred currency for tipping on both ocean and river cruises . Or you can usually put the gratuities directly onto your onboard account and credit card.

I always leave the automatic gratuities on my account. Then on the last night, if service was very good, at dinner I’ll bring envelopes with a little extra cash for my waiter, assistant waiter and sommelier.

Whether or not to tip the Maître d’ is up to you, depending on if you’ve actually communicated with this person. 

On the last night or on the morning of departure, I always give an extra tip to my room steward when I say goodbye.

Tipping After Your Cruise

After the cruise, if you ask a porter to load your luggage and wheel it to the outdoors or motor coach, you’ll need to dip into your wallet one more time.

In many ports or after a transatlantic crossing, you’ll get through the customs and immigration line quicker if you ask a porter to help with your luggage. 

If this was helpful, please PIN for others!

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17 comments.

Hi Jackie, Thanks for your comment. I agree 100%!

Tipping is absolutely necessary on cruises. These people work for peanuts, and they work very hard with no days off for months. TIPS stands for To Insure Proper Service. When on land you tip at bars and restaurants, then why on the cruise ships should people question it and cheap out. When we get on the ship, we leave extra tip money in the safe. On the last night, we give the envelopes with cash in it to all the people that took such good care of us on our cruise. Be a good cruiser.

Hi Crissy, thank you for reading my article and for your question. Are you referring to the concierge that, for example, is in charge of a loyalty club lounge like the Royal Caribbean Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Club? On cruises where I’ve used the concierge’s services (for show or dinner reservations or help with shore excursions), I’ll usually give the concierge $20-$30 at the end of a seven-night cruise. On a luxury line, I would tip more, depending on how involved the person was with assisting me with reservations etc.

If you’re referring to your stateroom butler, the gratuity prices are set by the cruise line and of course you can always add to it for exemplary service.

I hope this is helpful info. Thank you again for reading the article and taking the time to ask your question. Happy cruising!

How much do you suggest tipping the suite concierges?

Hi Nick, That’s a great question and thank you for writing. Since this is your first time handling the financial ends of a cruise, I would suggest leaving the automatic gratuities on your accounts. It will make the cruise more seamless and you won’t have that last-minute scramble finding small bills to put into envelopes and then locating the people for whom the envelopes are intended. If someone goes above and beyond regular service, it’s perfectly fine to simply hand him or her an extra gratuity. This could be your room steward or bartender or waiter. Have a wonderful cruise and thank you again for writing. Sherry

I’m about to go on my first cruise with my girlfriend and not with my family. Prior to this cruise, I was never responsible for any of the “stateroom “ accounts since my father always took care of the monetary issues of the vacation. After reading the article and the responses I am confused as to whether or not to take the automatic gratuities taken off my account when I go on my cruise and just gave out envelopes at the end of my vacation. What do you think

Coworker used to work for Celebrity – they get NO SALARY from the cruise line, they rely on the gratuities. Removing the automatic gratuity and then not actually tipping at least that amount in cash is akin to participating in modern-day slavery ie expecting people to contentedly serve you for free.

Echoing Jeff’s comment about folk who stingily resent a few hundred dollars to the ones who need it most.

Hi Rachel, Very well written. Thank you for your comment. Sherry

Mandatory gratuities. I don’t know whether to characterize this as the third world corruption tax in action (being forced to pay civil servants, hospital nurses, etc. a bribe before they will do the job that they are hired and paid to do); or first world predatory capitalism in action. Pretty clearly the cruise lines have offloaded the responsibility for paying their employees a living wage (or any wage) directly onto passengers via mandatory gratuities. Why don’t they just call it “bribes” or “employee salaries” on the invoice instead of “mandatory gratuities.” It is ridiculous that on top of paying for a horrendously expensive cruise and shore excursions, you have to pay bribes/employee salaries in the form of mandatory gratuities. And in some cases you have to pay extra bribes in addition to, on top of, the mandatory gratuities. It all adds up to making a cruise a “once in a lifetime” experience rather than a repeat experience.

Hi Shannon, Congrats on your first cruise! For tipping, the amount may depend upon the cruise line and your stateroom category. After your automatic gratuities have been charged to your onboard account, you could hand your room steward $20-$30 (two people) in recognition for good service. I hope this helps. Happy cruising! Sherry

Hi Sherry, I’m going on my first cruise this summer. What’s an appropriate tip range for the room steward on a 7 day cruise?

Hi Jeff, Nicely said. I would like to think that a lot of the non-tippers or those who queue at the front desk on the last night to remove the service fee are from countries where tipping isn’t part of their culture. But not always so. Thanks for your comment. Sherry

I always wonder how someone can pay thousands for a cruise, airfare, and shore excursions and then be resentful of a few hundred dollars in tips for the lowest paid of those who make the trip enjoyable. The desire to stick it to the little people reminds me of the great quote from tax cheat, Leona Helmsley, who once said that, “Only the little people pay taxes”. The jury of” little people” had little trouble convicting her. The people who are put out with tips should find other ways to vacation.

I have my doubt where the cruise gratuities go to. You can never find out what a crew member earns or how much they actually receive out of gratuities paid and so that end I refuse to have gratuities added to my state room account. However the crew get do get paid to do a job and they knew the pay before they started, they get free food and board plus flights home and we as paying public have already paid for the service they provide. Assuming that all the gratuities are passed on. The ratio of crew member to passenger after removing the staff that are not part of the gratuity pot is about 4 or 5 to 1. On a 14 day cruise at $12.75 per person that adds up to $178.50 per person x 4 and the sum per fortnights holiday gives a bonus of $714 each. That for a 9 month contract would give them a bonus of around $13500 plus pay….Think about it

Found out that the cruise line does not give the gratuities to the crew , those tips are kept by the cruise line -ask a crew member, lies and rip off .

Hi Lisa, Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the article and I hope it was helpful.

Thanks, Scott!

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Updated on January 12, 2024 by Sherry Laskin

Tipping on a Cruise Ship – The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Gratuities

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Cruise line tipping policies vary from one cruise company to another. However, there are a few common practices and guidelines. Even though cruise gratuities technically aren’t mandatory, they are customary on most mainstream cruise lines.

If you’re new to cruising, you might be wondering who to tip on a cruise, how much to tip, and exactly how onboard gratuities work.

I’ve got you covered! I’ve been cruising for over 15 years, and the practice of tipping on a cruise has certainly evolved. Cruise lines have implemented automatic gratuities, options to prepay gratuities and some popular cruise lines have begun including tips in your cruise fare .

In this post, I’ll be going through the cruise tipping policies by cruise line and answer some of the most common questions people have about gratuities on a cruise.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How Gratuities Work on a Cruise

If you’re going on a cruise, you can expect daily gratuities to be charged automatically to your onboard account. This amount varies by cruise line, however the average daily gratuity is $14-15 US per day, per passenger for a standard cabin and $17-18 a day for guests in suites. Cruise gratuities are divided among your cruise cabin steward, waiters and other crew members who work as support behind the scenes.

Some cruise lines refer to the gratuities as a crew incentive or a service fee, but essentially these are tips for crew members that are used to augment their low wages. In addition to the automatic daily gratuities, a tip or service fee of 15-20% is added to drinks and/or drink packages as well as spa services on a cruise.

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Can You Prepay Cruise Ship Gratuities?

You also have the option to prepay your gratuities before your cruise. This is a convenient option for cruise passengers that don’t want to think about extra charges once onboard. We like to prepay gratuities when we make our final payment for our cruise, but this is optional.

Read more: Should You Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise or Pay Onboard?

Can You Pay Tips in Cash?

If you don’t prepay your gratuities, they will be added to your onboard account. Typically, this is associated with your credit card which you’ll be prompted to set up when you complete your online check in. However, if you prefer to pay off your account and daily gratuities in cash, you can do so by going to guest services.

When you book your cruise, you’ll be charged your cruise fare, port fees and taxes. However, your cruise vacation expenses won’t end there. You’ll want to factor in the cruise line gratuity charge, sometimes called on board service charges (Norwegian Cruise Line) .

How Much Should You Budget for Cruise Gratuities?

The average daily gratuity on a cruise is $14-15 USD per person  – approximately $30 per day, per couple in a cabin. A couple should budget about $200 in gratuities for a 7 day cruise. Most cruise lines charge for children as well, although there are some exceptions for very young children on select cruise lines.

Cruise Tipping Guidelines by Cruise Line

Wondering how much gratuities are on a cruise? Here is a list of the daily gratuity charges by major cruise lines.

Prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted and cruise line gratuities may be referred to a daily service charge or crew incentive.

Carnival Cruises

Carnival’s daily gratuities are $13.99 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. $15.99 per person per day for guests in suites. There is no charge for children under 2 years of age.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises now includes daily gratuities in it’s Always Included cruise fare.

Costa Cruises

On Costa Cruises, service charges of $12.50 per person, per day are charged for cruises departing from the US. Cruises in Europe, World cruises and those departing from a non-US Caribbean port charge 10 Euros per person, per day. Other itineraries may differ. Please check Costa’s website for details.

Service charges for guests ages 4-14 are half of the adult rate. Children under 4 are not charged.

Cunard ‘s daily gratuities are set at $11.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. The cost is $13.50 per person, per day for guests in Grill Class suites.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney cruises has a suggested daily gratuity charge of $13.50 per person, per day for all guests.

Holland America Line

Holland America’s daily gratuity is $14.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $16.00 per person, per day for guests in suites.

MSC Cruises

The service charge on MSC Cruises is $12.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. Children aged 2-11 will be charged $6.25 per day. There is no service charge applied for children under 2 years of age.

Please note that gratuities are charged in US dollars for Caribbean, US and Canada cruises. Cruises in Europe are charged in Euros. There are different service charges for certain itineraries. Please check MSC’s website for details.

Oceania Cruises

The gratuities on Oceania Cruises are $16.00 per person, per day for most staterooms and $23.00 per person, per day for guests in suites.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line charges a daily service fee of $15.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $18.50 per person per day for guests in suites and The Haven. There is no charge for children under 3 years of age.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises will automatically charge a crew incentive of $14.50 per person, per day for guests in inside ocean view and balcony cabins. The gratuity is $15.50 per person, per day for guests in mini-suites and $16.50 per person, per day for guests in suites.

Princess Cruises also has the Princess Plus fare, which includes gratuities or the crew incentive, Medallion Net wifi and Princess’ premium beverage package .

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s daily automatic gratuities are set at $14.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $17.50 per person, per day for guests in suites.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises gratuities are $15.00 per person, per day for all staterooms.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises daily gratuities are $12.00 per person, per day for all cabin types.

Cruise Lines that Include Gratuities

With the exception of a couple cruise lines on this list, most cruises that include gratuities are luxury lines.

Luxury cruise lines have a higher upfront cost than most popular cruise lines, however they’ll often include many valuable extras. While each cruise line is different, many include alcoholic drinks, soda and specialty coffee, gratuities, specialty dining and some shore excursions.

Here’s a list of cruise lines that include gratuities:

Something to note is that although daily gratuities aren’t charged, there may be a service fee or tip added to certain services onboard.

• Celebrity Cruises 

Celebrity Cruises isn’t a luxury cruise line, however it is a top premium cruise line that markets itself as “modern luxury”. When booking a Celebrity cruise, tips are included in their Always Included program. A cruise only rate may be available on select cruises, which would not include gratuities.

• Crystal Cruises
• Paul Gauguin
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seadream Yacht Club
• Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages does a lot of things differently than it’s mainstream peers. One of these differences is that cruise gratuities are included.

Cruise Gratuities: Who to Tip on a Cruise and How Much

When paying the automatic daily gratuities, cruise lines tell us this amount gets divided by your cabin attendant, waiter and other dining staff. In addition, a portion of the tips are given to those who work behind the scenes or may serve you in different areas of the ship. 

Are there additional tips charged onboard a cruise?

Gratuities or a service charge are added onto some onboard services. This includes drinks at the bar or cafe, spa services and salon visits. A tip of 15%-20% is common, so check the bottom of your bill before adding an additional amount.

Who Else Should You Tip on a Cruise?

While not obligatory, there are some of the workers you may want to recognize with a tip when cruising.

Keep a few dollars handy to tip the cruise porters on embarkation day . The porters will assist with your luggage and it’s customary to tip for their service.

We like to keep a few dollars handy for this purpose as we board our cruise ship .

Room Service

You may want to give a small tip to the person who delivers your room service order.

Do you have a favorite bartender? You may want to give them a tip per drink or a larger tip at the end or even the beginning of your cruise. There will be an 18-20% tip automatically charged when ordering an individual drink, so no need to add more in most cases.

Specialty Restaurant Waiters

If you opt for a specialty restaurant, the tip isn’t usually included. It’s customary to tip the waiters generously at specialty restaurants.

Shore Excursion Staff

If you go on a tour or shore excursion, it’s nice to tip the driver or shore excursion staff if you’ve appreciated their service. Have some small bills handy for these times.

Youth staff

Some cruise lines point out that you may wish to tip the kid’s club staff. If your kids have had a great time and you’ve appreciated the service, a few extra dollars are surely appreciated.

Cruise Gratuities Frequently Asked Questions

Can i opt out of paying gratuities or have them adjusted.

Most cruise lines allow guests to remove automatic gratuities . You can do so by going to guest services and making the request. You can also adjust your gratuities up or down. If you choose to pay tips in cash, there are usually some envelopes available at the guest service desk.

There are some exceptions. Norwegian Cruise Line has onboard service charge will is charged automatically for guests 3 and up, and distributed among staff that serve you in various ways. Rather than reducing the amount payed, they point out on their website that they will work to resolve any service issues experienced.

The fact is, the tips that crew get from passengers make up a good part of their wage. Crew members work really hard and make the difference between an ok and a memorable cruise vacation. Since this is the current pay structure for most major cruise lines, removing tips really affects the cruise line workers.

I go into more detail about this topic in this post:  Can You Refuse to Pay Gratuities on a Cruise?

Is tipping on a cruise mandatory?

“Do I need to tip on a cruise or pay service charges” , is a question that comes up often. Although gratuities aren’t mandatory, and in most cases you can go to guest services and have the amount adjusted, most cruise lines do tend to discourage it.

Cruise Tipping Etiquette – Should I give more than the recommended or suggested amounts?

As much as some people opt to remove gratuities on their account, some give extra. If you feel that you want to tip above and beyond the cruise tipping guidelines, go for it.

This is a personal decision and I’m not sure if there’s a tipping etiquette for it. If you feel that you wish to give an extra amount to anyone who you feel has done a great job, they will be appreciative.

What I can say, on a personal level, is that we have found that the majority of cabin stewards, waiters, assistant waiters and ship staff have given us amazing service. In  fact, I think most would agree that cruise line staff make a huge difference in the cruise experience.

What to do if you’re not satisfied with the service on your cruise

This may be rare, however if there’s a problem with service or you have a complaint on your cruise , that you should bring this to the attention of the staff member, supervisor, or guest services when it occurs. The worst thing you can do is wait until you are home from your cruise to address it. It’s unlikely to do any good by this point.

In reality, the cruise staff on board want you to be satisfied, so this is the time address a problem. Not only will it improve your cruise experience, but you’re also allowing the cruise ship staff the opportunity to make things right.

Video: Cruise Gratuities Explained

Here’s a video which answers many questions that you may have about cruise gratuities and tipping on a cruise ship. It includes who to tip, who not to tip, and some tips to help as you plan your cruise vacation.

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Final Thoughts on Tipping on a Cruise & a Guide to Cruise Gratuities

In this post, we’ve gone over how tipping works on a cruise. In addition, we’ve included a list of daily gratuities per cruise line and who else you may wish to tip. As a cruise passenger, you want to be aware and set your budget expectations to include these amounts for the cruise ship staff.

What do you think about cruise line gratuities and service onboard? Do you prefer to prepay your gratuities or to pay in cash? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy cruising!!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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18 Comments

Could you possibly make your articles printable? Our Hawaiian cruise in April will be the first we’ve been on in 15 years, so, obviously, things have changed a lot. I love reading your blog and learning, but I don’t often have time to sit down at the computer to read. It would be so helpful if I could print just the blog to read at random times–car trip, etc. Any chance of that?

I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog and find the posts helpful and appreciate the feedback.

Having the articles in a printable format is a really interesting idea. I’ll definitely look into it and see how I can best do that on this site.

Your cruise in April sounds amazing! Is it the 15 day or the 7 day from Honolulu? Both beautiful cruise options!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and leave a comment!

Hi – this was helpful, thank you. We did prepaid gratuities, and then I also see that bar tabs will have the auto 18% added so I feel like it won’t be necessary to leave an extra tip on the bar tab. But I also feel like people will think I’m rude for not doing so – in reality tho, they are already being tipped 18%. Thoughts? Thanks!

So glad this was helpful. You’re right – an 18% gratuity is added each time you purchase a drink. I don’t think anyone will think you’re rude for not tipping over and above this. Of course, as always, it’s at your discretion.

Have a great cruise!

Still confused . We sail Celebrity and opt to prepay gratuities. However ,usually you can have at least 2 cabin stewards. Given that most , all ? Are very professional, what should a tip look like at the end of a 10 day cruise?

If you’re booked with Celebrity’s Always Included, the gratuities are included. If you want to give an additional tip to your cabin steward (or two), I’m sure it’s very appreciated. The amount is very personal. I have a video on my YouTube channel about this and people have commented amounts they give so his could be helpful (just check YouTube and search cruise gratuities Life Well Cruised)

Have a great cruise,

It’s important to note that, especially on the luxury lines, tipping is not expected. After 50 cruises I know they really mean it! Also, if free gratuities are an amenity, you’re not expected to go beyond it unless someone goes way beyond what’s normally expected. The best advice I can give Americans and Canadians, if they are tipping questions arise either on the ship or ashore, follow the lead of Aussie’s and ask their advice. Most are experienced cruisers and, as a group, they’re very well-liked. They will seldom steer you wrong.

Great points about luxury lines and that gratuities are included. As for tipping above and beyond prepaid gratuities, I agree completely that there is no expectation. Thanks so much for your input on this.

We’ve been on 4 cruises with our 5th. one in 2023. We usually do the prepaid tipping and also give some extra at the end of our cruises. The thing that gets me so mad is we never were approached by the Maitre’d…..except the last night when the extra tipping comes in. We never gave him anything. I think it’s pretty bad when that’s the only night they make their presence be known. I’m not expecting him to kiss our butts, but come on.

That’s a funny thing that we’ve experienced in the past as well. I have to say, we simply prepay or leave the tips as is, so I really don’t pay attention these days. Our last few cruises on Celebrity and Princess, we actually had lots of interaction from the Maitre’d and we did appreciate the work they did.

Cruise line employees work their butts off to earn those tips. They are always pleasant and willing to do whatever they can for you. I always prepay the gratuities. I also tip constantly while on the cruise. The staff learns real quick who tips extra, and who does not. They will do extra for you after they realize you are a tipper! You will get great service either way. If you tip extra, you will get FABULOUS service! I give my room steward $5 at the very beginning of the cruise. That lets him / her know upfront that we tip, and there is more to come at the end of the cruise!

Cruise line employees are extremely hard working, I agree, and they go above and beyond so often. I don’t tend to tip in advance, so this is an interesting way of doing things.

Thanks for sharing.

I agree with Kelli. Having worked in the service industry, if people want to extra tip, then doing it at the beginning is the way to go. You just can’t help being extra nice or helpful when you know the people are going to be extra nice to you, ie the extra tips. If you wait to the end to tip, then the servers won’t know and you possibly missed out of knowing how wonderful the cabin steward or others could be. However, extra tipping and being a jerk do not go hand in hand. Extra tipping doesn’t give you the right to be a jerk, but if you are a jerk, you had better extra tip!

Love this! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

We always tip cruise staff but in cash not automatic tipping. We also always tip bar staff even when drinks are complimentary. Our concern is that the cruise lines take advantage by paying lower wages and then guilting passengers into higher tips. The industry should pay fair wages so that our tips are in fact tips and not wages.

Thanks for sharing your view on this. The cruise industry has worked this way for a long time, although the automatic gratuities are only the last few years. I would imagine we’d see prices increase overall if they did this, but perhaps it amounts to this anyway.

Could you please go into tipping for the haven ncl staff , butlers and more. Your articles are so helpful at navigating the cruise world.

This is a good question. I do think it’s a very personal choice, but we can talk about this in a future video for sure!

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Tipping porter at cruise port

By maryup , September 19, 2019 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Getting ready to start our cruise on Sunday in Rome.   What do you tip the porters who handle your luggage?

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I usually do $1 (or 1 EU, if in an applicable country) per bag, with a $5 / 5 EU minimum.

I am in such a good mood when I get to the pier and I want to make sure my bags get to the cabin (Lmao!), that I typically tip $5 per bag.

Markanddonna

The porters only put the luggage on a cart and perhaps wheel them into the terminal. The NCL crew are the people who deliver your luggage to your cabin.

11 minutes ago, Markanddonna said: The porters only put the luggage on a cart and perhaps wheel them into the terminal. The NCL crew are the people who deliver your luggage to your cabin.

Of course, I know that. That's why I included the (Lmao!).

It's really all about being in a great mindset as we're on our way to enjoying a wonderful vacation and spreading the smiles to everyone we encounter.

Haven't been to Rome, but at every other port as the porter takes the bags, usually 3, I hand him a five dollar bill.  They always seem pleased with that and say thanks.  

$2-3 per bag average.

This is such a scam in many USA ports. They are threatening the safety of your luggage to extort $$$ for simply slinging a bag onto the cart behind them. Google what a union porter makes in NYC, probably more than 50% of the PAX. Unfortunately I realize that I must pay the extortion fee also.

KeithJenner

In Europe they don't expect any tip at all.

Feel free to give them a dollar or two if you want, but you will likely be one of the few who does. It isn't expected in the way that it is in the US. They certainly don't hang around waiting for something, and if you aren't quick then they will be gone.

7 minutes ago, bones774 said: This is such a scam in many USA ports. They are threatening the safety of your luggage to extort $$$ for simply slinging a bag onto the cart behind them. Google what a union porter makes in NYC, probably more than 50% of the PAX. Unfortunately I realize that I must pay the extortion fee also.

I've never had anyone threaten the safety of my bags, but I do understand it has happened to others.  It's customary to tip porters in the U.S.  They do more than put the bags on the cart though, as the carts get taken to the ship by these same porters.

Named-Tawny

Silly question, but are there porters at all of the ports?  When I was cruising out of Seattle, I don't remember seeing any.  There was a bag check line (like at an airport) but that was it - nobody meeting us at the cab to take our bags or anything like that.

3 minutes ago, Mike_DeA said:   I've never had anyone threaten the safety of my bags, but I do understand it has happened to others.  It's customary to tip porters in the U.S.  They do more than put the bags on the cart though, as the carts get taken to the ship by these same porters.

Technically, not every porter takes the cart to the ship. There is a crew that does just put the bag on the cart and a couple other guys who drive the tugs. No they don't threaten the safety of your bag, it's kinda implied, don't give them a tip one day just for the heck of it and see the look they give you and tell me then that you're not concerned about your bag.

Anyway they don't need tips to bolster their income.

With all these tipping threads on here, I decided to test a theory.  I stood at my office door for hours one day and not a single person who passed by or stopped to ask me a question tipped me.  SHEESH!  The nerve of some people.

MotownVoice

59 minutes ago, bones774 said: This is such a scam in many USA ports. They are threatening the safety of your luggage to extort $$$ for simply slinging a bag onto the cart behind them. Google what a union porter makes in NYC, probably more than 50% of the PAX. Unfortunately I realize that I must pay the extortion fee also.

Yeah he's gonna take 5 bucks from as many people as he can, and then take an exorbitant 6 month trip around the world laced with drink and ladies.  That's what that 65 year old, shabbily dressed grandfather of 12 is going to do with your precious tip. (good god.)

1 hour ago, roger001 said: Haven't been to Rome, but at every other port as the porter takes the bags, usually 3, I hand him a five dollar bill.  They always seem pleased with that and say thanks.  

lol  In Rome he may look to see if it's US currency and not Euro, and then look up you like, "great.  thanks.  I'll use this then next time I see a 7-11."

6 minutes ago, MotownVoice said: Yeah he's gonna take 5 bucks from as many people as he can, and then take an exorbitant 6 month trip around the world laced with drink and ladies.  That's what that 65 year old, shabbily dressed grandfather of 12 is going to do with your precious tip. (good god.)

a little exaggeration to make your point? Doubt there is any 65 year old grandfather doing it , shabby dress men for certain though.

and yes he will take as many 5 dollar bills as he can',  tax free, and add that to his union scale.

Have you googled yet??

1 minute ago, bones774 said: Have you googled yet??

Have you taken a sociology class yet?

You do realize that you won't be cruising from Rome, right?  The port is Civitavecchia which is an hour plus away.

When we cruised from there, our shuttle dropped us off alongside our cruise ship and the cruise ship staff took the bags directly from the coach bays.  There were no porters handling anything.  I believe my husband gave the driver five Euro, he's the one who loaded the luggage into the bus in Rome.  

Tipping the porter in Rome (typically anywhere in Europe) is not expected.  Europe does not have a tipping culture at all, waiters in restaurants maybe get 5-10% and taxi drivers perhaps a couple of € to round up to the next 0 or 5 but that's all.

In US ports, I tip $2 per bag and round it up to $5 for 2 bags or $10 for 4 bags. I think it is clear that tipping is different outside the US.

It’s not true that tipping is not expected in Europe! It depends which country in Europe. 

They are not as in your face about it like in the US but they appreciate a tip 10% is normal.

I tip taxi drivers, coach drivers and porters throughout the world.

I learned the hard way in Miami. DH dropped me off at the port with our two bags while he went to park  at a distant lot he needed to shuttle back from.It was a hectic time at the port and I forgot about needing to tip the port porter and had no money with me at all.  Apologized profusely but got a  nasty look. Anyway, the bags arrived on the ship eventyally as we had to hunt them down, but the tags were gone and a handle was missing from a new suitcase. Learned a very hard lesson.  We now try to take all our own luggage on board as that was not the first ruined suitcase for us, even when we tip well!

31 minutes ago, Deeliteful said: It’s not true that tipping is not expected in Europe! It depends which country in Europe.  They are not as in your face about it like in the US but they appreciate a tip 10% is normal. I tip taxi drivers, coach drivers and porters throughout the world.

I certainly wouldn't say that tipping isn't expected in Europe. As you say, it depends on a number of factors.

I would however say that the porters at European ports do not appear to expect it. I usually arrive by taxi. The taxi driver will take the bags from the car and whilst I am paying them it is not unusual for the porters to have taken the bags and be busy with the next person before I have finished.

Very different from my experiences in the US where the porters tend to hang around until you have tipped them.

Birdie And Sue

4 hours ago, maryup said: Getting ready to start our cruise on Sunday in Rome.   What do you tip the porters who handle your luggage?

However much I feel like tipping them that day.

EleventyBangBang

2 hours ago, Mike_DeA said:   I've never had anyone threaten the safety of my bags, but I do understand it has happened to others.  It's customary to tip porters in the U.S.  They do more than put the bags on the cart though, as the carts get taken to the ship by these same porters.

I still remember my first cruise.  (This was out of Miami.)  The porter says, with a slow, ominous tone, "So, do you have a donation for the bag man?"  The implication was very clear that I risked angering the Bag Gods if I did not offer at least a token sacrifice. 

I gave him 4$ to handle a bag and a case of water.  They arrived in my cabin without incident so I assume the Bag Man was pleased with my offering. 

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I’ve Worked on Cruise Ships for 10 Years—These Are 18 Mistakes Every Traveler Should Avoid

Cruise tips for the perfect trip.

F or more than a decade, I have worked on some of the best cruise lines , and for the last six years, I’ve been a cruise director. It’s a dream job: I am the face and voice of a 3,600-person-capacity ship, organizing entertainment around the clock for guests, creating the master schedules, coordinating excursions, hosting special events and so much more. I’ve been on  hundreds  of cruises and live on a ship for most of the year, so it’s safe to say that I know a few cruise tips you’ll find useful.

I also know a thing or two about the mistakes people make when it comes to cruises, whether they’re first-time cruisers or regulars, and whether they’re taking an  adults-only cruise , a singles cruise or a family cruise . From creating a smart cruise packing list to knowing the  things you  can’t do on cruises anymore to finding the best deals at sea, this insider information will ensure that you have the best trip possible.

*Danielle asked that we use her first name only and not identify the cruise line she works for.

Get  Reader’s Digest ’s  Read Up newsletter  for more travel tips, tech, humor, cleaning and fun facts all week long.

Booking too late

It is true that if you’re very flexible with your travel plans and/or you live near a popular port-of-call (like Miami), you can get some great bargains on cruises by booking at the last minute. But those opportunities are harder to come by these days, thanks to sophisticated computer algorithms that do a great job of adjusting prices to fill bookings earlier.

What to do inste ad: If you’re sure you want to book a particular cruise or your travel plans aren’t flexible, book as early as possible—as in, the date bookings open. Prices will be at their lowest then, but if for some reason they do drop, you can ask customer service to match the new lower price. Just be aware that price adjustments need to be made before the “final booking window,” when all rates are locked in, usually one to three months before departure.

Not asking for an upgrade

Post-pandemic , a lot of ships are sailing at low capacity, so there are often plenty of open rooms. People are often nervous to ask for an upgrade, but those rooms will just be left empty if they’re not filled by departure time. We love making guests happy, and as long as you’re polite and phrase it as a question, not a demand, we’ll do our best!

What to do instead: When you arrive, talk to any of the employees greeting guests about rooms available for upgrades. Different cruise lines have different policies, and the employees will know how to help you. And in case you were wondering, you can ask for an upgrade regardless of how you purchased your tickets. If you’re there for a special event, like a milestone anniversary or a honeymoon, definitely mention it—even if you can’t get an upgrade, they will find other ways to make your cruise special.

Some cruises also allow you to “bid” for an upgrade, meaning that you can offer an extra amount of money for that nicer cabin. This is still a good deal, since even with the extra fee, it’s still cheaper than if you had paid the original rate for that room.

Not packing a carry-on bag

This is one of those cruise tips you’ll really be glad you know before your next trip. Many people overpack their main luggage and don’t give enough thought to what they’re toting in their carry-ons. Remember: It takes several hours minimum to get your luggage to you. Luggage times can range from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on staffing levels and your cabin location. This is why it’s essential to have a day pack with anything you’ll need right away—and don’t forget the fun stuff!

What to do instead : Pack a roomy carry-on with medication, contact solution, a change of clothing, a swimsuit , sunscreen , sunglasses , sandals or other items you’ll want to have immediate access to.

Being rude or cold to the crew

We’re here to help you, but we’re not slaves. I’ve seen passengers have full meltdowns over everything from not being able to get prescription medication from the first-aid station, to the buffet not having a dish they ate on a different cruise line, to their towels being folded instead of shaped, like they saw on Instagram. Regardless of your demeanor with us, we’ll always do our best to help you, but we won’t be motivated to go above and beyond for you. Keep in mind that some events, such as dinner with the captain, are by invitation only or are not advertised, and having a crew member to help you get your name on the golden ticket could make your cruise experience something out of this world.

What to do instead: Be polite and kind to the crew. To be clear: You’re allowed to complain, and we definitely want to know if something isn’t right or if it could be better, but just remember that we’re people too—often operating on very little sleep.

Not taking advantage of flash deals

During booking or before boarding, many cruises offer limited amounts of “flash deals” for things like entertainment shows or drink packages. Many people wait, thinking they can just decide once they’re on board, but you won’t find those same deals on the ship. And these deals are worth it: Purchasing a flash deal ahead of time could get you half-off discounts for food and alcoholic beverages, an VIP excursion or priority seating at shows. Talk about an easy way to get perks and  save some serious money !

What to do instead : If they’re offering something you know you’ll use, it’s almost always cheaper to purchase it through a flash deal. Flash deals are publicized through a cruise’s site and via email, but the fastest way to be alerted is by installing the app for your cruise line and registering your trip. And be sure to purchase quickly, since many deals are available only for a short time and/or in limited quantities.

Using the internet a lot

Internet on cruise ships can be overpriced and unreliable. This is because ocean-going ships have to use satellite systems for internet, and they are slower and tend to lose service more easily. And expect to pay for the privilege of slower service—older ships still sell internet by the minute (50 to 75 cents), while state-of-the-art ships offer day passes. Day passes average about $25 per device, per day. This can add up faster than you realize. So while it’s technologically possible to stream a Netflix movie to your cabin, it may not be the best use of your time or money.

What to do instead: See it as a gift! My advice would be to switch off completely while at sea and save your money. Cruise ships are equipped for maximum entertainment, and you should take advantage of all the fun we have on board. (Plus, in a cruise tip that doubles as a life tip, it’s good for you to do a mini digital detox and take a break from social media every once in a while.) If you do need to use the internet—say, to check your work emails or contact family—it will be cheapest and fastest to wait until you’re at port and find a Wi-Fi hot spot. Otherwise, just plan to use the ship’s internet strategically; have a plan before logging on rather than just surfing.

Not signing up for the free loyalty program

All major cruise lines have loyalty programs that offer real perks, including discounts on tickets, free meals, free internet, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and even free cruises. If you don’t sign up, you’re missing out. While the perks will depend on what “tier” of the loyalty program you sign up for, top-tier loyalty programs are the best deal for serious cruisers. That’s where you’ll be treated like royalty, with upgrades, special events, free or heavily discounted tickets, priority booking and lots of other extras.

What to do instead: The base programs are free to sign up, and you’ll want to register for them as soon as possible because you can start earning points immediately. Higher-tier programs are fee-based, but they can be a great deal depending on what amenities you want and how often you plan to cruise. You will be offered the chance to sign up or upgrade during the booking process, but if you miss it, you can sign up at check-in or at any point during the cruise—even when disembarking.

Depending on the package and loyalty tier, some of your points will be available immediately for use on your current cruise. Some major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, have partnerships with major credit cards that allow you to use your card to rack up loyalty points throughout the year. (Editor’s note: Here are some Disney cruise secrets you’ll want to know about too.)

Sticking to the buffets

Yes, buffets are fantastic because they offer a wide variety of popular foods, and it’s all-you-can-eat around the clock. But if you’re only eating at the buffets, you’re missing some of the best food on the cruise! The restaurants are designed to give you a full dining experience and offer regional or specialty cuisines that can’t be found on the buffet. Plus, you can order according to your taste and special-order dishes if you have particular dietary concerns. Many restaurants offer extras like dining with the chef, watching the food be prepared or special entertainment events.

What to do instead: Ask your host about special dining events, like the chef’s table, or to help you get reservations for a specialty meal—for instance, a Brazilian steakhouse meal or a five-course tasting with wine pairings. These dining experiences usually cost extra, but they’re totally worth it. Try to book two or three if you can.

Not using room service enough

When you’re staying at a hotel, you might forgo room service because it can get pricey—or because you can’t order whatever you want, whenever you want it. That’s not necessarily the case on a cruise. Post-pandemic, you can order anything off the menu through room service, 24/7 … but not all the food is free. You may have to pay extra for that cheeseburger at 3 a.m.

What to do instead :  While what’s included in room service varies from cruise line to cruise line, as well as what package you’ve booked, breakfast will likely be free—no matter what. Make the most of this cruise ship secret , and you never have to leave your room for breakfast again if you don’t want to! One etiquette-based cruise tip, though: While tipping isn’t necessary, if you do order room service in the middle of the night, consider tipping the staff a few dollars when they bring it.

Not reading the ship’s insurance policy

If you enjoy doing adventurous activities like ziplining and surfing, make sure you know the risks and what you are covered for in case of an emergency. The ship’s insurance policy covers only the very basic things—those that are directly the cruise line’s responsibility, like canceled cruises or lost luggage. But anything related to your health or other travel issues won’t be covered, so you’ll need to rely on personal policies.

What to do instead : Make sure to read through the insurance policy and ask your cruise host or travel agent if you have questions. Check with your personal insurance provider to see exactly what they cover for cruises and/or out-of-country trips. And it’s never a bad idea to purchase separate travel insurance .

Going to Medical for seasickness

Cruises are required to have a certified doctor on the ship, but it costs money to get medical care onboard . Doctors bill an hourly rate—often around $100 per hour—plus fees for any services or extra supplies. Cruise-ship medical bills can range from $50 to thousands of dollars if you end up needing to be helicoptered out. However, many medical items are available for free through the customer concierge, so save those medical trips for illnesses or injuries that really require a doctor’s attention.

What to do instead: Seasickness pills and other over-the-counter meds, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, are free through guest services, as well as things like Band-Aids, heating pads and wraps. Stop by the host station, ask any staff member or call directly from your cabin. Pro tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, ask for a cabin on a low deck and mid-ship, since they pitch the least in relation to the rest of the ship.

Not tipping your waiter

It’s true that tipping isn’t the same on cruises as it is in other places—after all, most cruises are all-inclusive. But there are different levels of “all-inclusive.” Luxury all-inclusive cruises don’t require or expect tipping at all, while “regular” all-inclusive cruises don’t require tips for basic services … but it’s a nice gesture, particularly if the staff member went above and beyond to help you.

What to do instead: It’s still polite to tip your waiter $5 and your bartender $1 per drink at the restaurants. You can add it to the check or to your room tab, but cash tips are preferred. Bring at least $100 in cash with you onboard for tips and incidental expenses.

Taking sketchy DIY excursions

This really depends on the location, but in lesser-known areas, it is generally wise to stick to the ship-sponsored excursions as opposed to relying on sales pitches from locals, taking internet advice or just winging it. After all, you want to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of, you’re safe and the ship doesn’t leave without you if the excursion runs late!

What to do instead: Stick to reputable excursions. Your cruise director will have a list of ship-sponsored excursions and will also be able to advise you on local companies that the cruise line has worked with. It also never hurts to do research before setting sail, looking up your particular ports-of-call and seeing what excursions you might want to ask about.

Going too far from the ship

It’s fine to go ashore independently and find your own adventures, but I’ve seen too many guests end up losing track of time or distance, and then end up waving the ship goodbye from shore. If this happens, you’ll have to find your own travel to the cruise ship’s next port of call.

What to do instead: Instead of driving yourself, find a local taxi driver who knows the area well. Just be sure to negotiate the price and time before hopping in. If you do decide to go it alone, stay fairly close to port, watch the clock and build in extra time for things like traffic jams. Make sure to get back to the boat at least 30 minutes before boarding time.

Underestimating how windy it gets at sea

Anytime you’re outside on the ship, make sure to secure all your belongings. Hold on tightly if you’re walking around, and if you’re putting your items down, place them in a zippered bag attached to a chair or table, or tether larger items (like blankets) to furniture. It doesn’t take much wind to launch your cellphone, hat or glasses into the ocean. This happens far more often than you might think!

What to do instead: I recommend that guests always bring towel clips for securing towels, clothing, flip-flops and other flighty items. Your ship may come equipped with some anti-wind protections like special shelters by the pool, lockers or wind breaks—just one of the hidden cruise ship features you may not know about.

Not honoring cruise traditions

Ships, cruise lines and even cruising culture in general have their own traditions. The most popular one on all cruise lines is the “ Cruising Duck .” Never heard of it? Guests bring a rubber duck and hide it around the ship to be discovered by others. But there are many more traditions based on individual cruise lines, travel routes or themes (say, a Disney cruise), and part of the fun is getting to discover them. You can read up about them on online forums or just wait to be surprised.

What to do instead : Participating in these little traditions will make it more fun for you on your trip, and it’s a great way to integrate yourself into the cruising community. It’s especially fun if you’re doing a themed cruise .

Not following current health protocols

Health protocols change often, especially post-pandemic. For instance, most cruise ships now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Some are still doing rapid tests before boarding. Most prefer (but don’t require) you to wear a mask if you develop any symptoms of illness while aboard. If you test positive for an infectious illness, you’ll be quarantined. And remember, it’s not just COVID they’re concerned about: Outbreaks of norovirus and influenza are common in the close quarters of cruise ships.

What to do instead : Stay up to date on the current rules, and do your best to follow them. This information should be given to you the week before your cruise, via email or your online portal. You can also check the website, call customer service or talk to a host during the boarding process. But please don’t argue with us—we don’t make the rules. If you need clarification or an exception, speak to the ship’s doctor.

Not booking your next cruise while you’re still on the ship

This may sound crazy, but it’s one of the smartest cruise tips. Booking your next cruise while on your current cruise is a terrific way to make the most of free onboard credit and loyalty points. Once you leave the ship, the deals they’re offering will be gone.

What to do instead: Ask your host about what deals they are offering before you disembark. This is the best time to get a great deal on your favorite cruises —and ones that won’t be available at a later date. Cruise lines really want you to book your next cruise while you’re still there and excited, so they may offer you a cheaper upgrade to a higher tier of the loyalty program and/or nicer perks on your next cruise. If you can book at this time, you definitely should.

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19 Shocking Cruise Ship Secrets And Tips I Learned After Going On Seven Cruises

Booking a cruise is just like buying a car, meaning you can negotiate the price and get bonus perks, so ~never~ pay the price you see online.

BuzzFeed Staff

Hey! I'm Spencer , and I just got back from my seventh cruise. I've seen and learned a lot of really cool behind-the-scenes secrets while traveling the world on these ships, so I wanted to share some of the most interesting ones with you here, including some tips that may be helpful for your own future adventures. Enjoy!

For context, I've traveled on four different cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, and now Carnival. My most recent trip was a seven-day sail aboard Carnival Firenze, which traveled throughout Mexico. This was my first time on Carnival, and I somehow managed to get a private tour to areas of the ship that even the most elite VIP passengers will never, ever see. Here are some things I learned along the way.

1. First of all, yes, most cruise ships have both a jail and a morgue on board. These were the only areas of the ship where I wasn't allowed to visit (trust me, I asked multiple times) because they're strictly off limits unless you find them the old-fashioned way...by getting arrested or dying. I didn't want to take those chances, but I did find out that shorter cruises tend to see a LOT more action in the jails (aka "the brig"). Guests typically treat shorter sailings as more of a party by taking advantage of unlimited drink packages, and more alcohol = more fights on board, so needing a jail totally makes sense.

In terms of the morgues, those are usually located on one of the ship's lowest decks. Think of these as giant refrigerators that, depending on the ship's size, can house anywhere from a couple to nearly a dozen bodies. The majority of these deaths are obviously of natural causes – for reference, as of 2018, fewer than  25%  of global passengers were under the age of 30 – but the average age of a cruise ship passenger is getting younger and younger every year now.

2. The higher you are on a ship, the more movement you'll feel, so if you're someone who tends to get motion sickness then you should definitely book your room on the lowest floor possible (just not in the morgue). I've personally never had an issue with motion sickness on a cruise, but I'll occasionally see passengers with at-sea patches behind their ears for help. Contrary to what you might think, though, you'll probably get the best night's sleep of your life on a cruise. Yes, there's a ~very~ slight rocking, but it'll feel sort of like you're a baby again who's being lulled to sleep in a cradle. Just trust me on this one.

This is a photo of what my cabin looked like. I also included a picture of my bathroom, which was a little bigger than I thought it'd be. The shower itself was a pretty decent size and left me with room to spare (if you want a point of reference, I'm 5'11" [a real 5'11", not a Tinder 5'11"]).

I was in a balcony room on Deck 6, and, again, I had no issues with motion sickness. I've also sailed on higher deck levels before (up to Deck 9) and didn't have any issues then either. In terms of where on each deck you should book your cabin (i.e. midship, aft, or forward), that doesn’t actually matter because you won’t really feel the motion differently in other spots on the same deck.

3. But I promise that you probably won't even have to worry about getting seasick. I got a private tour of the ship's control room, and I learned that they do a lottttt to combat any movement from the waves. For example, ships try to hit waves at a 45-degree angle because that's apparently the most effective way to help break them up and cut down on the extra motion. Ships also have stabilizers that can extend outwardly (picture, like, wings on an airplane), which help to keep things super, super stable.

Think of these stabilizers like fins on a fish, so they help each ship glide along the water. I spoke with the captain and some of the engineers in the control room, and they explained that the stabilizers require extra fuel and also decrease the speed of the ship, so they tend to not use them unless the water is pretty rocky.

4. Before you book a cruise, you should know that they're sort of like buying a car: you can negotiate! Basically, the price you see online should almost never be the price you pay (though they often offer great discounts that you should absolutely check out!). Instead, it's best to call and book your trip with an actual person (i.e. someone who works for the cruise line, a travel agent, etc.). For example, travel agents are usually free, and they can get you a ton of bonus perks and huge discounts on rooms for a fraction of the original price.

A lot of cruise lines occasionally offer "buy one, get one" discounts, as well as a ton of other sales around specific holidays. There are also a bunch of sites where you can book discounted sailings to fill the leftover rooms that haven't sold, so just do a little research. Also, places like BJ's and Sam's Club offer trip discounts if you have a membership card to their stores, so take advantage! I booked a previous cruise through one of them a few years back and got a massive discount for my room, onboard credit, and free gratuities. It pays to save!

5. And if you ever want a "free" cruise then you should definitely hit up the casinos on board. It's super common to get extra perks on future sailings (like free Wi-Fi, drink packages, or even entire trips altogether) if you're someone who gambles a lot. Basically, each bet is tied to your personal cruise card (i.e. your room key) every time you play the slots or put money down at a table game. Your total winnings are tracked on that card, and you'll earn points based on the amount you spend. The more you gamble, the more likely you are to get offered those extra perks.

I'm always mesmerized by cruise casinos because they literally created their own mini Las Vegas on board. Like, there are pit bosses and thousands of tiny security cameras and everything else that a real casino would have. The only downside is that these casinos are obviously much smaller than what you'd find in Vegas, so they probably won't have every table game you're looking for. Yes, they have roulette (my favorite) and craps and half a dozen variations of poker, but I still haven't found a pai gow table on board. Maybe next time!

6. The cool thing about cruises – especially for people who are ages 18 through 20 – is that they can sort of make their own laws while at sea. This is known as Maritime Law. For example, gambling at the casino is only allowed once the ship is at least 12 miles from land, but that also means they can lower the age limit from 21 to 18 while in international waters. The legal drinking age on most cruise ships is also 18, not 21.

There were actually two separate casinos on my recent Carnival ship. The larger area allowed smoking and had hundreds of slot machines, a ton of table games, and "adult" claw machines that replaced stuffed animals for huge wads of cash. The other casino, though, was the designated non-smoking area, and even though it was much smaller it still got the job done.

I'm still surprised that people are allowed to smoke in the main casino (there was also a cigar room on board but on a different deck), but, hey, I guess that's Vegas, baby.

7. There are themed cruises for pretty much anything you could ever imagine – for example, Royal Caribbean offers an immersive Star Trek cruise , and Norwegian is even offering a 2,300-person nude cruise next year – but on "regular" cruises there are certain SFW guidelines that guests (and staff!) need to adhere to. For instance, it's forbidden for staff to hook up with guests on board. Doing so would result in a pretty quick termination of their employment contract. Also, there are thousandsssss of security cameras on board, so, like, good luck trying to get away with it.

Years ago I befriended one of the gym trainers on a cruise, and he revealed that he actually managed to hook up with a guest on board. Because there are so many security cameras, it would have been impossible for either of them to visit the other person's cabin without getting caught, so he told me they hooked up in a random towel closet. I guess this is why a lot of cruise ship employees end up dating each other instead of the guests, because it's way less risky and a lot more convenient.

8. Speaking of hooking up on board, there was so much "swinging" happening between couples that a lot of cruise lines had to create training programs for the staff. Basically, decorating cabin doors is a pretty common thing for elite cruisers (as pictured below), and the secret symbol for swingers is an upside-down pineapple. As a result, a lot of couples would decorate their doors with upside-down pineapples to let other guests know that they're open for fun. According to the high-up staff member I talked to, employees on their previous ship were instructed to report any pineapple decorations found on board.

That staff member also told me that this whole issue started because some couples would leave their cabin doors ajar as an invitation for other swingers. However, the housekeeping staff (who are truly, truly incredible!) unknowingly entered while the couples were ~doing the deed~. Employees on cruises typically come from all over the world (on my Carnival ship, they had staff from over 100 different nations), which means they also have certain religious backgrounds. Spotting and removing these pineapple decorations was done in an effort to protect the staff and their religious beliefs.

9. You have to remember that these ships are basically floating cities, so they have everything you could ever want. Like, I've been on ships with a freaking ice skating rink before, and my recent Carnival sailing had an 18-hole mini golf course on the top deck. Also, itineraries are left outside each guest's stateroom every morning, and they list alllll the activities you can do (or not do!) that day. Want to try your luck at bingo? Have at it. Always wanted to go to an art auction? They've got those too. Want to prove your sports, movie, history, Harry Potter , Friends , or just general knowledge at dozens of trivia events? Be their guest! I promise that you'll never be bored on a cruise.

Cruises even have LGBTQ+ mixers, silent disco parties, wine tastings, and cooking classes. There are also discreet meetings for those who are sober or in recovery. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are labeled as "Friends of Bill" events on each ship's itinerary (this is a nod to Bill Wilson, who co-founded AA).

10. Keep in mind that items on cruise ships are definitely more expensive than what you'd normally pay on land. The spa and salon on my last sailing, for example, charged $175 for a 75-minute Swedish massage and $99 for a "red carpet blowout." If that's somehow in your budget then have at it, but if you want heavily discounted prices then you should book those treatments on days when the ship is at port – this is when most passengers will be off the vessel, so a lot of cruise lines offer discounted treatments to help fill up those time slots and prevent people from hitting up the spas on land. Again, though, you can typically negotiate for certain spa perks when booking!

Every cruise I've been on has had a full-fledged shopping mall on board. There are dozens of stores that sell everything from designer goods to any type of candy or snack you could want. Again, these prices are pretty steep, so if you forget to bring sunscreen then it's probably best to just wait until you get to the next port. Even so, there are definitely ways to save money while cruising! 

11. The more you cruise with a specific line, the more perks you'll get (like free room upgrades, priority access, unlimited internet, and on-board casino credit). These loyalty programs are based on the number of days you sail with each line, so, for example, everyone on their first Carnival cruise is in the Blue tier, then they reach Red status on their second sailing, and once they hit 25 days on board they'll reach the Gold tier. Platinum is achieved after 75 total days of sailing, and Diamond status is for people who've sailed for at least 200 days. I met so many Diamond members that my jaw kind of dropped – like, these people LOVE cruises and go on several a year. It isn't just a vacation for them; it's a full-on hobby.

While doing some research, I also found out that Royal Caribbean even has a "Pinnacle Club" for people who've sailed for over 700 days on their ships, which, holy crap??? So if you're prepared to spend the equivalent of two years on a ship (which kind of sounds like a dream to me, to be honest), then get ready for the ultimate form of perks and luxury.

12. Another way to save money is by booking your shore excursions through third-party vendors. Booking through the ship is definitely the most expensive route, but it's also the safest because you'll never have to worry about the ship leaving without you. Ships have strict docking schedules to follow on port days, so they ~will~ leave without you if you aren't back in time. Otherwise, you're in charge of making it to the next port of call on your own, so good luck. If you have a short port day and are only docked for a few hours then I'd suggest booking through the ship so you don't risk getting left behind.

Cruise lines display all excursion reviews from past passengers on their site, so this can be such a helpful resource to prevent you from booking something that sounds good on paper but is underwhelming in reality (been there, done that). I typically book excursions through vendors who are waiting outside as soon as everyone gets off the ship, but I do a lot of research ahead of time and will often find things to do that aren't even offered by the cruise.

You obviously don't have to go on any excursions at all either. There have been plenty of times when I've simply explored on my own by walking around, grabbing a bite from a local spot, or relaxing at the beach. You also don't even have to leave the ship if you don't want to. In fact, port days are incredible for peak relaxation on board because it's way more quiet, and you'll never struggle to find an open lounger by the pool. Free is my favorite number, so remember that there will always be plenty to do no matter your budget.

13. You should know that there are some banned items you simply can't bring on a cruise. Before boarding, you'll quickly go through security, sort of like a relaxed version of TSA at the airport. The whole process typically only takes a few minutes. Depending on the cruise line, you're usually allowed to bring up to 12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages (my friend brought a six-pack of ginger ale in case she felt seasick, and those made it through just fine. I also saw a bunch of Diet Coke-obsessed people with whole cases, and those made it through too). Candles, hot plates, and the obvious knives, guns, fireworks, etc. are all banned as well.

Bottled water isn't typically allowed through security when checking in, but you can absolutely buy it on board. More importantly, though, there will be plenty of free fill-up stations for your water bottle throughout the ship, so that's an easy fix. I can't stress enough how necessary having a water bottle is, so make sure you bring one (both for your regular onboard living but also for when you leave the ship on port days).

14. Also, don't even try to sneak alcohol on board because you'll definitely get caught. Each ship is different, but for the most part you're only allowed one unopened bottle of wine or champagne in your carry-on. If you buy spirits while at port then you'll have to check them when you get back on the ship, and they'll be returned when you disembark. After all, most cruises only become profitable after adding up their total alcohol sales and casino winnings (I guess it helps that Carnival's 27 ships, for example, sell over 14,000 margaritas each day). For reference, a standard cocktail on my last trip was about $13, and the unlimited drink packages were about $60 a day.

Depending on the cruise line, these unlimited drink packages can range from $55 to over $100 each day. These include specialty coffees, soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and the works. Remember, some people treat cruises like parties (my last sailing had FIVE different types of espresso martinis at the bars, so, like, I sort of don't blame them), and they certainly try to get the most bang for their buck. I've done the math, and you need to have at least five specialty drinks per day to make the unlimited package "worth it."

Non-alcoholic drink packages also exist, like a $9.50-a-day pass that'll get you unlimited sodas. But there are free drinks on board, whether you're at the buffet or sit-down dining, like tap water, brewed coffee, hot teas, hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea, fruit juices (fresh-pressed ones will cost extra), and milk.

15. Cruise ships obviously make tons (and I mean that literally, not figuratively) of food every single sailing. After all, the average ship holds about 3,000 guests and 1,000 crew members. An employee who I spoke with said Carnival serves about 30,000 burgers every single day, and they'll make over 1.3 million pounds of French fries each year. There are free sit-down restaurants and buffets on board, but there are also specialty dining options that guests can pay for, like hibachi and steak houses. My family always sticks with the free dining options, and I think non-cruisers will be shocked by how good the food actually is, but the best part is that you can order several appetizers, entrées, and desserts per person, so, like, you'll never leave hungry.

All of that food used to mean there's a lot of food waste, but that's not really the case anymore. In fact, a lot of ships are working on how to become more and more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For example, rather than dumping food waste in the water, I saw on my private tour that Carnival has a "food digester" room. Basically, it's a massive machine filled with bacteria that'll break down all the food scraps, just like how your own body breaks down food. Yes, it smelled just as bad as you probably think it would.

Similarly, some ships are even using artificial intelligence to make their sailings more environmentally friendly. While in the control room, one of the engineers told me about how their ship is using new AI that basically studies each sailing so it can recommend new ways to make future voyages as efficient as possible, like by creating energy-saving routes and so on.

16. If you're worried about potentially having bad weather on your cruise then, well, think again. Yes, there's obviously a lot to do inside, but a lot of ships also have retractable roofs on their top decks. So, if it's ever too cold, rainy, or windy then they can usually cover the entire lido deck (i.e. where most of the pools, jacuzzis, and lounge chairs are), which means you can relax "outside" even in the terrible weather. A lot of ships also offer indoor pools and adults-only sections, so, like, you'll totally be set no matter what.

My recent cruise had a regular pool and jacuzzi setup on the lido deck, but there was also another section at the back of the ship with one more pool and two more jacuzzis. There was even a "Serenity" section at the top deck, which served as an "adults-only retreat," meaning passengers younger than 18 weren't allowed. That area unfortunately filled up super fast on sailing days, so if you ever go on a ship with one I'd definitely recommend getting there early.

A lot of ships also offer private areas and decks that are exclusive to only those who book certain rooms. This secluded area was much quieter, super luxurious, and actually felt like I was on a totally different ship. If you're booking a cruise and see that there's an exclusive area, you should absolutely ask about how to get access ahead of time.

17. It's tradition for every ship to have a celebrity godmother or godfather who christens the boat before the inaugural launch, and those celebs are typically rewarded with free cruises for life (!) on that specific vessel. For example, Oprah Winfrey is the godmother of a Holland America ship, and even Audrey Hepburn was the godmother of a Princess ship. Carnival only has two godfathers, and they're fittingly both for their Italian-themed cruises: Jay Leno and now Jonathan Bennett. Christening the ship used to entail smashing a bottle of champagne against its hull, but the night before my cruise I got to watch Jonathan Bennett pour a bottle of champagne over the ship's bell to toast its safe travels instead.

Judi Dench is also the godmother of a ship, and it famously took her three different attempts to break the bottle of champagne against its hull, which then sprayed all over her. That was in 2002, so I think switching to this new christening method with the ship's bell is definitely less messy.

18. One of the most unique parts about cruising is that you'll typically find a cool towel animal waiting for you after returning to your cabin every night. The housekeeping staff are all trained in towel folding, so after dinner you'll have a new animal sitting on your bed or, in my case, hanging from the ceiling. A lot of ships even host towel-folding classes during sailings so guests can learn how to make the animals themselves, and how-to books are also available in the bookstore. I found out that Carnival's housekeeping team makes about 15 million towel animals every single year, which, holy crap.

One morning while on my way to the gym, I walked through the lido deck and saw hundreds of towel animals sitting on every single lounge chair outside. There were monkeys and elephants and dogs, but the most impressive towel animal that I saw was an octopus. I still have no idea how they managed to pull this off, and I'm genuinely so impressed.

19. And finally, the most important thing you should know about cruises is that there are several self-serve ice cream machines on board, and they're all completely free (and unlike McDonald's, these machines are always working!). If you're like me and deserve a sweet treat after dinner – or, let's face it, after or even before breakfast – then you understand how big this is. After all, you're on vacation, so you should be eating as much ice cream and frozen yogurt as you can get your hands on.

I worked at Dairy Queen for a few summers as a teen and genuinely loved it there, so having the ability to serve myself a cone whenever I wanted made me feel at home. And if you're more of a gelato person then I totally understand! Luckily for you, cruises have got you covered. My ship had a freaking gelato spot on board, and they expect to serve about 750,000 scoops this year, but I have a feeling half of them were because of me.

That's it! If you have any other cruise travel tips that have worked for you, please feel free to share them in the comments. Thanks!

Note: BuzzFeed was granted this cruise aboard Carnival Firenze for free, though we were under no obligation to provide a positive review.

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• Vessel Sanitation Program
• Stay Healthy on Your Cruise
• Meetings & Announcements
• Vessel Sanitation Training
• Data Summary
• Public Health Resources
• Addressing AGE on Cruise Ships

About Vessel Sanitation Program

• Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers.
• This exposure can create the risk for illness from contaminated food, or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact.
• CDC helps the cruise ship industry prevent and control gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on cruise ships.

Information for passengers

CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) A helps the cruise industry prevent and control the spread of GI illness. We also provide information for passengers:

• Tips on healthy cruising , including what to do if you get sick onboard
• Cruise ship inspection scores and reports , including violations and recommendations to address them
• Information on outbreaks we investigate

Did you know?‎

How we help prevent and control gi illnesses.

We help the cruise industry prevent and control the spread of GI illnesses by

• Inspecting cruise ships to determine how well ships are operating and maintaining sanitation standards in eight major areas
• Monitoring GI illnesses and responding to outbreaks
• Reviewing ship construction plans for compliance with sanitary design standards in five general areas
• Providing training for cruise ship supervisors

Media inquiries: Email our media team .

Public inquiries: Visit CDC-INFO or call (800) 323-2132.

Mailing address: Vessel Sanitation Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, S106-6, Atlanta, GA 30341

What you can do

Learn more about how VSP is addressing GI Illness.

Get travel advice for specific destinations.

Inspection scores for specific ships

Outbreak information for specific ships

Tips for healthy cruising

• VSP operates under the authority of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 264 Quarantine and Inspection Regulations to Control Communicable Diseases). Cruise ships under VSP jurisdiction carry 13 or more passengers and have a foreign itinerary with U.S. ports.

The Vessel Sanitation Program helps the cruise ship industry prevent and control the introduction and spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships.

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6 Tips For Cruise Room Upgrades

By Donna Heiderstadt | Published on May 21, 2024

Everyone loves an upgrade — and they're especially memorable if you booked an inside-stateroom but dream of balcony views or suite indulgences. The good news: Scoring cruise room upgrades is simpler than you think.

Royal Caribbean offers several ways to earn stateroom upgrades. You can also use loyalty points accrued from previous sailings or apply credit card points to offset part of your cruise fare. Other tactics for scoring cruise room upgrades require a bit of a gamble, including a program called Royal Up.

To take advantage of potential upgrades, the best strategy is to book the least-expensive stateroom you'll be content with during your cruise and then plot your way to a next-level upgrade — from an inside to an ocean-view stateroom or an ocean-view to a balcony stateroom, for example. With continued loyalty and a bit of savvy planning, you might even be able to upgrade from a balcony stateroom to an exciting suite. Read on for everything you need to know about upgrades before your next sailing.

1. Bid For An Upgrade With Royal Up

There's nothing to lose and a lot to gain with Royal Up , Royal Caribbean's bid-based stateroom upgrade program. Once you've booked your room on any Royal Caribbean sailing, you can see if your cruise is Royal Up eligible. If so, you'll be able to bid for an upgrade to a higher category — everything from ocean-view and balcony cruise staterooms to spacious cruise suites.

The process is simple and straightforward. At some point after you've booked, you'll be invited to browse all available stateroom categories and select a dollar amount you're willing to pay for an upgrade. There will be a minimum bid listed, but it's advantageous to make an offer that's a bit higher than the minimum. You can also bid on multiple staterooms, which increases your chances of getting upgraded. Don't worry: You'll only pay for the one upgrade you are offered.

After placing your bids, watch for an email from Royal Caribbean notifying you that a bid has been accepted. This can happen anytime up to two days before your sailing. You can't reject the upgrade, and you'll be charged immediately for the amount you bid. If your bid isn't accepted, however, you'll keep the stateroom you originally booked and you won't be charged anything extra.

Every Royal Up bid is priced per person based on two people occupying a stateroom. The good news for families or groups of friends sailing in the same stateroom: You'll only be charged extra for the first and second guest, even if you have third, fourth or fifth guests staying with you. That makes cruise room upgrades for the entire family — or a cabin full of your besties — that much sweeter.

2. Book Your Cruise During A Free Upgrade Promotion

During certain times of the year, especially the cruise industry's annual "wave season" from January to March and the early fall shoulder season, you might see free balcony upgrade promotions online or in your email inbox. With these deals on select sailings, you can snag a balcony stateroom for the same fare as an ocean-view stateroom or even an inside stateroom. Extra tip: Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor® Society members get notified first, so make sure to join if you haven't already.

3. Gamble On A Guaranteed Stateroom

When you make what's known as a guarantee (GTY) booking with Royal Caribbean, you'll get the lowest price and be guaranteed a room within the category you booked, whether that's interior, ocean-view, balcony or suite. There's even a chance, depending on which categories of cruise staterooms sell out, that you could be bumped to the next category or even higher. It's a gamble though because you don't get to choose your stateroom location and won't know its location until close to your sail date or even until check-in. But if you're a risk-taker or don't particularly care where you sleep, you could find yourself enjoying an unexpected free upgrade. So long, ocean-view and hello, balcony stateroom!

4. Consider Using Crown & Anchor® Points

By cruising often with Royal Caribbean and accruing points with its Crown & Anchor® Society loyalty program , you become eligible for discounts on balcony and suite accommodations; depending on the cruise's length and price, this can be equal to a free upgrade. Discounts begin at the second-level status of Platinum, which is achieved when you earn 30 points, the equivalent of 30 nights in a cabin or 15 nights in a suite. The discounts increase in value with every subsequent level reached. If you book a cruise that's more than six months out, the discount will be greater.

The ultimate score when it comes to upgrades is a free cruise. Crown & Anchor members will receive a Milestone Cruise Certificate for a free sailing for two people in a balcony stateroom when they reach the top-tier status of Pinnacle Club (700 points). A complimentary sailing for two in a junior suite is available at 1,400 points — and then every 350 points thereafter.

5. Use Credit Card Points To Upgrade

Using credit card points to pay for an upgrade is also a smart strategy. Depending on your specific credit cards, you might be able to use points to pay for a portion of your cruise fare. For example, if you see an inside stateroom fare for $800 per person and a balcony fare for $1,100 per person, you might be able to book the balcony by using points to pay for the $600 fare difference for two people, thus earning a free upgrade. If you are a Royal Caribbean loyalist, having the Royal Caribbean Visa Signature Card  (with no annual fee) can earn you a sea of rewards — including a fast track to cruise room upgrades.

6. Track When Prices Drop

If you book a Royal Caribbean cruise and reserve an inside or ocean-view stateroom because a balcony is priced several hundred dollars higher, make it a point to track stateroom prices on royalcaribbean.com  regularly. You'll need to do this before your voyage's final payment and cancellation date, which is 75 or 90 days before departure, depending on cruise length. If you find a lower price for a balcony, request an upgrade by calling Royal Caribbean customer service or your travel adviser and asking to switch your booking to an available balcony.

To check out the latest Royal Caribbean cruises, visit royalcaribbean .com .

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Cruise ships to return to Baltimore two months after bridge collapse

Royal Caribbean and Carnival temporarily relocated to Norfolk after the Key Bridge collapse in March.

Cruises will soon set sail from Baltimore again, resuming operations two months after a cargo ship took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

In an X post on Wednesday, the Port of Baltimore revealed that Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas would leave on May 25 for a five-night trip to Bermuda. It will be the first cruise from a major carrier that leaves from Baltimore since the deadly bridge collapse on March 26.

The cruise line confirmed the news, saying in a statement it “looks forward to returning to the Port of Baltimore once again.”

Three major cruise lines sail from Baltimore, though only two had ships based at the port during the spring. No cruise ships were in port when the accident happened. After some scrambling , Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line both moved their Baltimore-based operations to Norfolk.

Carnival said in a statement that it plans to sail the Pride from Norfolk on May 19. That ship is expected to finish the cruise in Baltimore a week later. Because of those plans, the cruise line is encouraging guests to make their way to Baltimore ahead of the trip, and take a free, Carnival-provided bus more than 200 miles to Norfolk.

The ship is scheduled to leave Baltimore for a 14-day Greenland and Canada itinerary on May 26 before resuming seven-day Bahamas or Caribbean cruises.

“We remain in close contact with local, state and federal officials regarding the return of our operations at the Port of Baltimore,” Carnival said. The port said Wednesday it could only confirm Royal Caribbean’s schedule.

Norwegian Cruise Line does not have any Baltimore sailings scheduled until September. American Cruise Lines, a smaller company that operates river and coastal cruises, was able to start operating Chesapeake Bay trips from Baltimore earlier this month.

More than 444,000 people cruised out of Baltimore’s port last year, according to a news release issued by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office.

Baltimore bridge collapse

How it happened: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship . The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers have recovered the bodies of two construction workers , officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . A mayday call from the ship prompted first responders to shut down traffic on the four-lane bridge, saving lives.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, which provides about 20,000 jobs to the area . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

Rebuilding: The bridge, built in the 1970s , will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild , experts said.

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Help! Our Cruise Operator Went Bankrupt and We Are Out $17,905.

A couple purchased an Arabian Sea voyage, but Vantage, the cruise company, went under. Their travel insurance was supposed to cover financial default, but the claim was repeatedly denied.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

In September 2022, I booked a 17-day Arabian Sea cruise through Vantage Travel Services to celebrate my 80th birthday with my wife. The cruise was to set sail in October 2023. I used my credit card to leave a $2,000 deposit and paid the remaining $17,905 shortly afterward by bank transfer. I also bought the Worldwide Trip Protector plan from Travel Insured International (for $1,954), in part because it covered financial default and bankruptcy of cruise lines. Vantage then canceled the cruise and offered me an alternative date I could not make; I also declined their offer of credit and asked for a refund, which they agreed to. But no refund ever came, and they stopped answering the phone. My credit card returned the $2,000, and I filed an insurance claim for $17,905. It was denied, as was my first appeal. Then Vantage filed for bankruptcy, and my second appeal was denied too. The reasons given by the insurer were outrageous. They cited a vague parenthetical phrase in the policy’s bankruptcy clause, claiming I wasn’t covered because I purchased the cruise directly from the cruise line (rather than, say, through a travel adviser). Then they said my policy lapsed when I canceled the trip. But I did not cancel; Vantage did. I also filed a complaint with the New York State Department of Financial Services, which was rejected. Can you help? Michael, Smithtown, N.Y.

Dear Michael,

When Boston-based Vantage filed for bankruptcy last year, it owed thousands of customers a total of $108 million for cruises and other travel products they had paid for but never received. The company’s former owner is facing lawsuits in New York and Pennsylvania. But you had purchased an insurance policy to cover just such a risk, a smart move. Or so you thought until the insurance company, Travel Insured International, denied your claim and then used exasperating logic to fend off your two appeals, first interpreting the policy’s financial default and bankruptcy clause in a maddening way and then twisting the meaning of the word “cancel.”

You made a few mistakes as well — most notably, by making a claim based on a financial default that had not yet happened. But after speaking with law professors, insurance experts and competing insurance companies, I believe Travel Insured International was wrong, at least by the time of your second appeal, and should pay up.

What does it have to say for itself? For nearly five months, Travel Insured International and its parent company, Crum & Forster, did not respond to my detailed inquiries. Days before publication, however, a spokeswoman, Amy Whilldin, sent the following statement:

“The claim was properly considered, and the correct determination was made based on the facts of this claim, which was to the satisfaction of both the New York Department of Financial Services and the New York State attorney general.”

Ms. Whilldin is correct about the state’s financial services department . An examiner with the department, which regulates the insurance industry, rejected your complaint. “After a review of the policy language," he wrote, “we do not find they are acting in an arbitrary or capricious manner,” referring to Travel Insured International. I disagree with that determination, as we are about to get into.

But the attorney general’s office was not satisfied. You had complained to its Department of Consumer Frauds and Protection, and they did not receive a response from the company. “Despite our repeated efforts,” an employee wrote, “they have failed to respond.” The letter goes on to recommend you consider suing the company.

I have a better idea. You should file a formal grievance with Travel Insured International, which under your policy allows you to submit new evidence, and if that fails even argue your case in person. (You told me you are not interested in a third option, to accept travel credits under the conditions offered by the Australian company that bought Vantage’s assets.)

In the meantime, your story provides great lessons on how travelers should choose the appropriate travel insurance policy, and what can go wrong even when they do.

In your initial claim to Travel Insured International, filed in late 2022, you cited Vantage’s “very poor record” in refunding its customers and your “assumption that the company is in default in making payments.”

This was an error: Your policy defines financial default as “the total cessation of operations,” and Vantage at the time was running at least some cruises. Travel Insured International’s response simply said that “your travel supplier canceling your trip is not a covered reason.” True.

When you first appealed in April, Vantage was two months short of declaring bankruptcy outright, and was not yet in financial default as defined by the policy. But it was teetering. (That one of its cruises left at all made headlines in The Boston Globe .) This time, Travel Insured International denied your claim, citing the bankruptcy clause, which protects policy holders in case of “Bankruptcy or default of an airline, cruise line, tour operator or other travel provider (other than the Travel Supplier, tour operator, travel agency, organization or firm from whom you purchased your travel arrangements).”

That parenthetical says you are not covered if the organization that sold you the cruise goes bankrupt. You purchased the cruise directly from Vantage, so you are not covered, according to the claims adjuster’s reasoning. (Why the company even cited this clause, if the cruise line was not yet in default, remains a mystery.)

Similar clauses appear in many travel policies, but that’s not what they’re supposed to mean, said Loretta Worters, vice president for media relations at the Insurance Information Institute , an industry group.

Such provisions, she explained, are intended to exclude coverage for an unscrupulous or financially flailing middleman that goes belly-up after collecting your money but before passing it along to the actual travel provider.

“Some of these are fly-by-night, travel-agencies-in-their-kitchen kinds of things,” Ms. Worters said. ( We encountered one such agency in a previous Tripped Up column .)

Guess who agreed with Ms. Worters: The agent who answered the phone when I called Travel Insured International’s customer care line as a potential customer. I asked about the clause and she agreed it was ambiguous, checking with a supervisor before saying: “If you are booking directly with the company and the company itself goes under default or bankruptcy, you would be able to file a claim for the nonrefundable portion of your trip.”

Ms. Whilldin, the spokeswoman for Travel Insured International, did not specifically answer my question about this apparent conflict. But it seems their claims adjuster made a mistake, aided by the ambiguous language of the underwriter who wrote the policy. (That’s United States Fire Insurance, another Crum & Forster company.)

Now, let’s discuss the second appeal. “Once you cancel your trip, the coverage under the plan ends,” Travel Insured International said. Your argument is that you did not cancel; Vantage did.

I think almost anyone who isn’t a lawyer would agree with you. But Oren Bar-Gill , a professor at Harvard Law School and the author of “Seduction by Contract: Law, Economics and Psychology in Consumer Markets,” explained to me the opposing argument. Vantage was contractually allowed to change the dates or offer credit, and you refused, the equivalent of canceling.

But, he added, when Vantage agreed to refund your cruise, it could be “considered a waiver of their contractual rights,” weakening the argument that you canceled your contract.

In a lawsuit New York State filed against the now-defunct Vantage and its former owner, Henry Lewis, the issue also comes up: The suit says Vantage “deceptively” mislabeled cancellations as “postponements.”

Even Travel Insured International admitted that Vantage had canceled, in its original letter rejecting your claim. “It is our understanding that your travel supplier, Vantage, canceled your cruise,” the claims adjuster wrote. Somehow, however, by the third response you had gone from cancelee to canceler.

You also missed a red flag when you chose your policy. Suzanne Morrow, the chief executive of InsureMyTrip , where you found your plan, told me you called the company within minutes of your purchase and asked an agent to point you to the bankruptcy clause. (You confirmed this to me.)

That means you’re not the typical insurance customer blindsided by small print you never read. If you were so concerned about the cruise line’s solvency, you could have canceled your plan during the insurer’s “free look” period and chosen one with more straightforward language — I found several on the InsureMyTrip website.

What lessons can we take away from your debacle?

To begin with, pay for everything with a credit card when your credit limit allows. Because of an odd quirk in a 1974 law , card issuers are required to reimburse you if the company you interacted with goes bankrupt.

Beyond that, the basic advice for travel insurance remains unchanged: Shop for a plan separately through a provider you trust or an aggregator like InsureMyTrip, rather than adding trip protection by checking a box just before you purchase a big-ticket item. Read the policy summaries fully and click through to the actual policy document to read fine print on issues that concern you most (say, bankruptcy protection or medical coverage for pre-existing conditions).

If you don’t understand anything, call the company. If it cannot answer satisfactorily and follow up in writing, choose another provider.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

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