Tipping and Gratuities Information
Budget for daily gratuities
Each cruise line allows you to pre-pay and has a select amount
Based number of nights and number of people in the party
Server, head server, assistant server, stateroom host are the standard positions
Not being aware of tips on extra services
Haircuts, massages,
Read receipt to see if it is included and please add it if not
Drink packages/room service and tipping
You will get a receipt with a zero-dollar tab so you can add tip there
Or bring cash for tipping
Bring enough small bills
Especially for room service
Don’t forget to tip on tours and excursions
Learn (just ask) if the tips go directly to the crew or are pooled therefore if you need to give an extra tip just for that crew member you know
Tipping goes a long way for the crew and their happiness
Tip the porters or the people you help you with your bags
Typically tip a few dollars per bag
Caution double tipping because it is already included
Private shuttle, drinks, etc.
Always look at receipts
When on DCL the second tip only goes to that server, the first tip is split
Tipping beyond the base or recommended amount
Difference between gifts and tips
They really want the money
A gift is something small from your hometown
Do not remove gratuities
They are still serving you and communicate with them if issues
Even if you eat at adult dining do not take away gratuities for rotational dining
If concierge, please tip more or higher because of that service
Some cruise lines do not change the gratuities
Gratuities are an extra $1 per person plus server in lounge, $8 per person at least
As of 2023 $14.50 per person per day split 4.5, 4.5, 3.5, 1 per night and recommend $15.50 for concierge staterooms and suites
18% gratuity added to all drink ordered which are pooled if you want to add additional gratuity that goes to that server
Bring cash for room service and cabana attendant tips as there is not always a receipt to sign and add it to
Can ask if they have Venmo, PayPal or Zelle
If you are fine with paying the $14.50 and don’t want to worry about physically giving Cast Members their tips, the suggested gratuity will be automatically charged to your stateroom bill.
You can also pre-pay gratuities online or with your travel agent and adjust this amount at guest services on board.
Pre-paid gratuities don’t cover extras added to meals (like alcoholic beverages) or dining venues outside of the three rotational dining restaurants.
If you want to give a bigger tip and/or physically hand over the gratuity while on board, you’ll have this opportunity on one of the final nights of your sailing. You will receive four envelopes and slips of paper with the names of each Cast Member in your stateroom. Feel free to add cash to these envelopes also.
You can then hand these over to your wait staff and stateroom host.
Your gratuities are not just for the dinner staff, but for all other servers breakfast and lunch and quick service please remember
Cruise lines suggest tipping separately for room service deliveries, a few dollars per person or per order. As most tips are cashless, just sign the receipt and add your tip amount on the line provided.
Shoreside porters/helpers are not cruise line employees, and many ports have signage indicating it is not necessary to tip them. But of course, that is the passenger's decision and a few bucks per bag is customary.
Are you considering decreasing/reducing the gratuity amounts? Please read as I do not recommended reducing the gratuity
Passengers should present their concerns early during the voyage to give the cruise line time to address their complaints
Consider that gratuities are pooled across several groups, so that deficiencies in one particular area may not warrant the complete elimination or significant reduction of the gratuities
Cruise lines have published detailed information on how the gratuities go toward
Compensation packages for their staff
Train their staff to provide excellent service
