Understanding Tipping Policies on Cruise Ships
The practice of tipping on cruise ships is a topic that often garners much discussion and debate among passengers. While understanding the policy on cruise ships can be straightforward, it's important to know how tipping works and what you can do if you feel you need to adjust the amount.
Mandatory and Optional Tipping on Cruise Ships
On most cruise ships, a gratuity is automatically added to your room account. On major cruise lines, this is typically 20.00 per person per day, translating to a hefty 560.00 for a week-long cruise. While some might see this as an excessive charge, it's important to note that these gratuities are distributed among various crew members, including cabin boys, waiters, and dining room staff.
Even though these gratuities are mandatory, they are still considered additional compensation for the crew's labor. However, it's not uncommon for some guests to slip a bit more to their cabin boy, often around 50.00 the night before their departure, as a token of appreciation for their service.
A Closer Look at Gratuities
According to the Ultimate Tip Calculator, tips are never mandatory on a cruise, although they are always welcome, especially for exceptional service. If you appreciate the service and believe it exceeds expectations, you can leave additional tips. However, it's best to reserve this for those crew members who truly deserve it.
Some cruise lines offer the option of having gratuities deducted from your total bill, and for others, they may be included in the price of your cruise. It's often possible to adjust the amount based on personal discretion, especially for bar bills which typically have tips already built in.
Customary Practices and Personal Adjustments
On most cruise ships, it is customary to have about 15 per person per day added to your bill as a tip for the cabin steward and wait staff. This amount can be modified based on your satisfaction. For those additional staff members who provide exceptional service, such as the Maitre D, your favorite waiter, or the sommelier, it is customary to provide cash tips on the last night.
Source of Information
The information provided here is based on general knowledge and practices observed across various cruise lines. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the company's website or contact the cruise line directly.
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