Cruise Tips: Gratuities & Tipping
Gratuities and tipping can be a confusing part of cruising. What are gratuities and who are they for? Do I have to pay them? Who should I tip? When is a tip included and when do I need to add one? These are just a few of the questions a new cruiser may have. I hope I am able to answer these questions…
Cruise Line Gratuities
Gratuities per person, per day will be added to your account unless they were prepaid. (Some cruise lines add this charge each day and some add all on the second to last day of the cruise) This goes to your room steward, MDR wait staff and other behind the scenes personnel.
- Carnival current rate is $12.95 pp/pd (13.95 for suites)
- Royal Caribbean current rate is $14.50 pp/pd (17.50 for suites)
- Norwegian current rate is $14.50 pp/pd (17.50 for suites)
- These can be removed if you choose to tip in cash on some cruise lines
- Sometimes first time cruisers are not expecting this charge
Tip the bartender???
Gratuity is added to every drink you buy at the bar or every drink package. No need to tip above unless your bartender is awesome.
Yes, you can give extra
You can tip above and beyond the gratuities charged for great service
Small cash is king!
Bring small bills ($1s and $5s) to tip on the ship and especially in port. You may need or want to tip a porter for handling your bag, a performer or a special photo op or for a ride (examples: bicycle carts that bring you from the ship into port)
Specialize your tip
We like to bring a gift bag for our steward/attendant – (tide pods & dryer sheets are nice to add) – this is the one crew member you will have the most interaction with on board, make them feel special!
Room service
Room service is free or comes with a small fee but it is customary to tip the person who brings it to you.
BE NICE!!!
BE FRIENDLY to the crew! They will go out of their way to help you, be kind in return!
I hope you find these tips helpful! Be sure to check out our other posts for: what to do before your cruise; extras to pack; what to do after boarding; food & drinks; ports & excursions; shopping onboard & in port and activities not to miss on a Carnival cruise.
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Thanks,
Alisa
EECC Travels
10 Responses
Dear Alisa I am from Australia and love watching your videos I am planning a cruise next year and am looking forward to it even more now because of you and your family videos you have given so many good tips I will probably look like a pro when I go even though it is my first no I will probably get to do something and go what did Alisa and Jason advise I will have to carry your list in my pocket anyway I can’t wait to go doing the South Pacific and just going without kids grandkids going with friends and just going to eat drink and be happy good bye for now Lorna
Hi Lorna! I am so glad our videos are helping you get prepared for your cruise, how exciting!! The South Pacific will be an amazing adventure! I would love to hear all about it when you get back!!! Alisa
We are new subscribers; love your videos. We are sailing on the Dream Oct 7th. We just saw the one for your 10k giveaway. We like the cruise prize.
Hi Kerry! So glad you found our channel!! Please leave a comment on the video as this is where the winners will be chosen. Thanks so much!
Love your videos n I’ve subscribed to your newsletter and you YouTube channel! Hubby any I are taking our first cruise in April 2019 in the Carnival Miracle to Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay, and Cayman Islands. I’m so excited! Hubby not so much. Lol he was on a submarine in the Navy, so he thinks he has seen enough. Our son and daughter-in-love are blessing us with the cruise and are going also. This will be their second one. I’m loving your family and watching your adventures!
What a wonderful gift! I hope you all have a wonderful cruise and I’m so glad to hear that our videos are helping you get excited for it!!!
Hi Alisa my husband an I are trying to plan a trip on perhaps the carnival sailing out of Jacksonville or Charleston South Carolina somewhere close to home Hope you will be able to help I just love your bubbly personality and how you are always laughing and cutting up with your husband looking forward to hearing from you
Love your channel.
What do you suggest to include in the small gift for the room steward? Great suggestion. Just not sure what they may appreciate and want to provide something they would enjoy.
Thank you for your excellent advice.
EECC Travels,
My husband and I along with a lot of iur family members are going on a cruise for the 1st next year. Not sure what to expect but your video’s helped me understand a few things that were getting me lost. That is a great thought for the stewart gift. I can’t wait to go on my 1st cruise.
This article is full of information. I am very much impressed. Thank you