Tipping on Cruises

[steam_mill]

My wife and I and our best friends are going on a Royal Carribean cruise the last week of January. This will be our first cruise. <br /><br />How do you tip?<br /><br />I travel alot for business and have gone down to carribean resorts (Mexico, Cuba and Panama) and have alway tipped and received great service.<br /><br />On the Royal Carribean website, they have tipping guidelines. But many of the tips are included in the services. Example, 15% gratuity on room service.<br /><br />Do you walk around with a wad of cash for tips?<br /><br />Do you wait 'till the end of the cruise and settle your bill and include the gratuity?<br /><br />Besides cruise ships, I've alway travelled where I will usually tip at the beginning of the stay generously. I then get great service the rest of the week. I usually go to all inclusive.<br /><br />I'm just so confused by tipping on the cruise ship.<br /><br />Any ideas?<br /><br />tx.<br /><br />Joe

 

[roscoe]

Re: Tipping on Cruises

I've only been on one cruise, so keep that in mind.<br /><br />We were told by the travel agent, to tip on the last day of the cruise, cabin boy/steward, waiter, etc. ($10-12 per guest per day) <br /><br />Tip as you go for bartenders, and other pay as you go services (massages, etc).<br /><br />You will want $100 in 5's and 1's, $200 in 20's plus a ccard. <br />You can set up a tab, and just sign for the services, and get a final bill. <br /><br />End of trip tips should be in cash. Also carry $200 in travelers checks.<br /><br />I know one couple that lays down a partial tip on the first day, for the cabin boy only. They think they get better service??<br /><br />Some people like to throw money at every crew member they come in contact with, but thats not needed. <br /><br />I'm sure your travel agent can give you a list of tipping guidelines.

 

[bh357]

Re: Tipping on Cruises

I've been on 2 cruises (Carnival and Princess), and on both all the tips except for the bar service (tip as you go) were included on our shipboard account bill. They have a default amount, but you can adjust it if the service was much worse/better than expected. Roscoe is right on the money with the amount, usually about $10/person/day

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Tipping on Cruises

I've been on a few too and they gave us a list with positions and amounts close to the end. <br /><br />You really don't need any cash while on the Boat. You can get a card to pay for your drinks and settle up at the end. You really only need cash when going to the Casino

 

[aspeck]

Re: Tipping on Cruises

Been on 3 cruises and all of them gave you the guidelines along with envelopes to put your tips in the last day of the cruise. Remember, they are guidelines - I have had some great service on the cruises and gave more, but in one instance, the assistant waiter was very unfriendly and gave poor service. This was registered with the Matre 'd and the assistant waiters tip reflected the poor service we felt we had received. You will tip the Matre 'd, the waiter, the assistant waiter, and the room steward. All get varying amount suggestions, depending on the number of people they serve.<br /><br />Royal Carribean does a nice job of pampering you. Not a great cruise for kids - try Disney or Carnival - but great with the Mrs.!