CRUISING GRATUITIES

Cruising Gratuities

Cruise tipping can be a bit confusing at times.  Princess, Celebrity, Disney and Holland America and perhaps other cruise lines have recently changed their tipping policy.  It use to be at the end of the cruise you would add up an amount for the week yourself and give it to the appropriate staff member using the given guidelines.  Now for your convenience the gratuities for restaurants, stateroom services are added (unless you specify on Celebrity and other cruise lines) to your onboard account on a daily basis.  This is shared with wait staff, stateroom stewards, buffet steward, galley staff, laundry staff and others.  The exception is the Casino and Spa personnel who do not share in the Hotel and dining charges as not all passengers utilize these services (this runs from 10% percent on winnings and 15% to 20% on spa treatments).   You can of course add an additional amount to those you feel have done an exceptional job for any service on your cruise.   There are other cruise lines that do continue to use the old policy that waits to give the gratuities at the end of your cruise.  Of course each cruise line varies slightly on the suggested amounts and you have to check that out as you prepare for your cruise.  There are exceptions of course such as high end all-inclusive cruise lines such as Crystal and Regent 7 Seas which all tips are included in the cruise price.  Here is a basic guideline that will vary slightly with each individual cruise line. 

The example below is the breakdown on a Celebrity Cruise.

Restaurant Service               Per Person Per day

Waiter                                  $3.65

Assistant Waiter                   $2.10

Dinning Room                     $1.00

Management

Stateroom Service*             Per Person Per day

Butler (suites only)              $3.50

Stateroom Service               $3.50 ($4.00 for Concierge Class and Aqua Class  Staterooms)

Alternative Services*

Other Service Personnel     $1.25

Beverage Service personnel are acknowledged with a 15% service charge that will be automatically added to the bill.  Additional gratuities may be added to the bill at your discretion.

* Please note that gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirements.

Please take the time before you cruise to be aware of the tipping policy, charges and how they are applied. This can be checked on each cruise line web site or ask me your travel consultant and I will find the exact amounts you need to know.  It can make your trip easier and you can know when and how much to tip as needed.   Then you can relax and enjoy your cruise and there will be no surprises at the end. 

Celebrity has beautiful AquaClass Suites.  They also offer exceptional  service with 1 staff member to every 2 guests aboard.