Mastering Cruise Ship Tipping: Your Complete Guide to Gratuity Etiquette and Tips!

[@CruiseSeakers]

A very sensitive topic and one with lots of opinions! But it needs to be understood and a personal decision must be made. Ad in the cultural aspect of tipping and it gets even more muddy!

[@craigsinclair-wood2684]

I don't understand a multiple billion dollar cruise company can't pay their workers, 3500 passengers ×$×days at sea just do the maths????????

[@TerryeToombs]

Our first cruise on Royal, we had amazing service. The cabin steward went above and beyond. Our wait staff spoiled our non-verbal autistic son (we took him for his 10th birthday). They had a fruit plate sitting at the table waiting for him at dinner every night, they cut up his food, sang to him and the night of his birthday, they had as many staff as possible (at least 15), come over to sing him happy birthday and dance. My husband and I were so thankful that we paid them full amount of gratuities in cash even through we'd already pre-paid. Everyone made our son feel accepted which is hard to find on land. My husband went from a "I don't want to cruise" to "when is our next one?" :D Oh, and I just found your channel and thank you for all the information. Subscribed!

[@CruiseSeakers]

What a wonderful story and welcome to the cruise seakers crew! We have quite a few similar stories and one had my wife in tears when we disembarked because of the wonderful service the staff gave. Lots of hugs given and received on that one.

[@TerryeToombs]

@@CruiseSeakers The wonderful people working on the ship is what really makes the cruise for us.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@TerryeToombs so true! Something you just can’t find with any other type of vacation.

[@mirnajiri]

I have a questions usually we satay in a SUIT SOME FRIENS NEVER TIP the suite,concierge they say the tip is includes with the day tipping!!!! I will love to know what is the correct amount of tip for day some times the cruses we take are 15 to 20 days!!!!!

[@Ed-pl1zv]

I’ve been over tipping for some time now even after prepaying $300 for all gratuities with 18% drink packages. I have and decided if I have to stand in line or walk to the bar to get my drink then the prepaid gratuity is Enough! If I have to stand to order food and take my own tray no extra tip. I will be tipping on service from now on. Room attendants extra $20. Drinks delivered $1 a drink extra. Porters $2 a bag. Bartenders if I’m sitting at the bar and only if they’re taking care of me then $1 extra a drink. If my drink is empty and I have to wait. No extra tip. I believe this is fair.

[@CruiseSeakers]

This sounds very reasonable.

[@kathryncashner3294]

Having recently tried an "almost all inclusive" line, that is totally the answer. Tips are included in the cruise fare. When we offered a tip at the spa, it was politely refused. Yes, on some lines ALL tips are included--that means there is no way to add extra for a drink at the bar, the spa, or anywhere else. And the crew told us they earn about three times as much as on their previous lines where tipping was expected. I wish all lines would have a policy of charging a real cruise fare that includes most things and quit the "nickel and dime" culture that so many have.

[@CruiseSeakers]

That’s an amazing experience you had. Do you mind sharing the line you are talking about? I would love to know and maybe try them out sometime soon.

[@kathryncashner3294]

@@CruiseSeakers Virgin Voyages. Cruise fares include regular wifi, tips, and basic beverages. Thru 2023, they have a deal where if you have loyalty on another line, they will give you Sea Rover status in their loyalty program....which gives you premium wifi, $10 per day premium coffee/tea (like Starbucks), $100 bar credit, a free bag of laundry, etc. Not sure what is happening with loyalty as of 2024.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@kathryncashner3294 I have had many people tell me how much they love Virgin Voyages!

[@shameless7899]

Tipping is suppose to be for service above and beyond. My job isn’t to tip you because the cruise line refuses to give you a proper salary. I don’t tip the cook at a restaurant, I tip my server. I have that same mentality when cruising.

[@CruiseSeakers]

I tip based on the culture. Every local is different. We should adjust our views based on the constraints placed on us within the culture. Just consider it part of the general cruise fare. It makes it so much easier. Do you complain with "resort fees" that hotels are now charging? Its pretty much the same concept. When you remove the automatic tips you are removing food from someone's families mouths.

[@scottchace780]

@@CruiseSeakers And when I tip, I am removing the food from my families mouths. Sorry, my family comes first.

[@snow56border]

You mentioned one form of what tipping has been used for. Another form of tipping is wealthy people giving tips to people who are providing service to get preferential treatment. When you are tipping case on a cruise line already doing automated gratuities, this is what you are doing. Cruise ships are getting better and getting more people on board for the same number of crew. For the 1000's it costs to cruise, a couple bucks here and there will in fact get you higher service then those around you. No matter if you think it's right or not, just the way things are.

[@oldgoat50]

My mom was a waitress for 40 years and never made more than a dollar or so per hour. She told me 60 years ago that TIPS stands for, To Insure Prompt Service.🤑

[@carolgravius9312]

Good advice. I feel the same. The better the service, the more we tip.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Thanks Carol! The crew all work so hard to give us a memorable vacation. It’s rare to see such dedicated service staff these days and it’s greatly appreciated by me and my family.

[@IdLike2Know]

Put simply, we are paying the crews salary. IE: $37.00 a day for a suite d.o. x 8days =$296.00 x 12 cabins = $3552.00

[@CruiseSeakers]

That’s why I like to think these are not gratuities but service fees. In theory they should be included in the price of the cruise, but the marketing folks love to advertise a lower price on their sites vs the true cost of the cruise.

[@joannekelly2578]

$600 for the butler and $600 for the cabin steward plus cash tips for bartenders, waiters, etc.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@joannekelly2578 thank you so much for being so generous to the crew! I hope one day to be as generous.

[@blargblarg5657]

Let's all help the cruise lines underpay their employees.

[@IdLike2Know]

Yes, and RC made $1.2 Billion last year 😮

[@davexander4142]

First timer here, going on Wonder of the Seas in Oct, yes, Im setting the bar high with this ship... you've answered like 27 questions I had and had no where to look, subscribing and liked, you rock!

[@CruiseSeakers]

So glad you found us and we are so happy we were able to answer those questions you had!

[@amylaracuenta7317]

Thank you for the awesome suggestions!! I will be doing what you do, I think it’s a great idea!!

[@CruiseSeakers]

Thanks Amy.

[@papercitygamerjeff1437]

I tip $100 to the cabin attendant and $100 to the main dining room server that helped me all week. I just always bring xtra cash for the workers who make my cruise better. This is still only less than 10% of the total trip even with the $20 a day i prepay for

[@CruiseSeakers]

Thank you for being so generous to the very hard working crew. I’m sure they and their families appreciate it.

[@dasabroo7287]

They don't care about you. It's their job. They have thousands of people like you. So whether you tip or not, they won't remember you anyway.

[@snow56border]

@@dasabroo7287 Tipping at the end wont change their attitude towards you, as they will never see you again. Figuring out what you might tip for exceptional service on your cruise, and giving half up front to people you know you will interact with, will get you substantially better service.

[@emjayvick511]

​@@CruiseSeakers they just think you're mugs...

[@amitraina2]

I like the older system.

[@CruiseSeakers]

I was a fan of that system too. I personally like tipping directly to my service providers. The current system I have come to accept as a fee vs a gratuity.

[@skeletor9121]

I liked the older system too but unfortunately there were cheap skates who wouldn’t leave a tip at the end of the cruise.

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

Why should someone who has a $5,000 suite be charged the same gratuity as a someone with a $1,000 inside cabin?

[@July.4.1776]

@@Gregory-Masovutch… suites actually pay more.

[@louiem5397]

I like my own system...I cancel the auto tipping and carry change to tip whom I want...And that's it

[@VoiceEnFuego]

I'm just here for the comments on this one

[@CruiseSeakers]

This will be interesting. Lol

[@SoloCruising]

I would rather tip in person with cash. I have not been able to find proof how the daily fees are paid to crew. With the current changes at Princess, I need the fees to pay for items that are no longer included in my cruise fare.

[@CruiseSeakers]

It stinks how princess now charges for use to be free dining.

[@lynnewilliams542]

tip what you want. the cruise lines recommended amount is usually too high for the service received

[@CruiseSeakers]

You should tip what is expected. Many people you don’t encounter take part in the gratuities draw. It’s not just the direct service providers. Consider it a fee. Not a mandatory fee. But one where you will hurt the least of us if you fail to do so.

[@bobanderson8749]

Some people cannot afford to tip but they do pay there gratuity , and to be honest you do not even have to pay that (but I do think you should) But If your paying your gratuity, I see no problem if you cannot afford to pay extra tips,for some a cruise is a once in a lifetime experience I know many more people are in the lower income level then the higher. And any employee knows what there wage is and whats expected from there job as well as not eveytime will there be tips or bonuses, and they choose if they are going to work for that employer. I say tip what you can and enjoy your trip, and if you can tip more and want to please do, but do not judge others from your life view point because not everyones life view point is the same.And really what bussiness is it of anyones what another person is tipping or not tipping stay in your lane

[@CruiseSeakers]

As long as everyone pays the automatic gratuity you have done your job and hurt no one. Anything extra like you said is 100% discretionary.

[@skeletor9121]

I typically pay gratuities in advance when booking. Then if the service is good, I will typically tip the cabin attendant and main dining room service waiter.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Sounds like we are very similar!

[@skeletor9121]

@@CruiseSeakers And of course, I may slip my favorite bartender a couple bucks too. Found you get much better service doing that.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@skeletor9121 they defiantly keep an eye on your glass when you do that!

[@Steph.sMusic]

Thank you for the helpful video. I'm going on a cruise in May by myself and usually relied on other people I was with for tipping. I"m going on MSC and wasn't sure how they do their gratuities. I'm probably just going to do what you do with the cash, since I did not buy a drink package or any specialty dining. Seems to be the easier way for me. Thanks again.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@louiem5397]

Be sure to go to customer service to cancel automatic tipping the day after sailing.

[@tombeegeeeye5765]

very helpful

[@CruiseSeakers]

Glad I was able to help!

[@usernameisusername]

Screw tips. Raise the cruise price if you need to pay your people more.

[@CruiseSeakers]

I agree, just roll it in or call it a fee. That will allow gratuities to be what they were intended to be. An addition for great service. I basically go about cruising in this manner. I consider the pre paid gratuities as a fee and I pass out cash where I see fit.

[@mareeberry6951]

Pay your employees a good wage, let us tip those that deserve it. No one seems to know the meaning of "tip" anymore.

[@zenal4me]

I agree , this tipping thing is ridiculous , thankfully not happening in Australia , listen to this guy he is a tipping maniac.

[@mikes.3574]

...I initially had an idea after watching the video. Then i read the comments. Now I'm back to square one.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Don’t get too bogged down with the comments. Tipping brings out a lot of different pressures and prospectives. Personally I follow what’s customary and expected. And adjust upwards from there if I feel like it.

[@robertk4552]

Auto gratuities just makes no sense at all. Why isn't this just added to the passenger fare if the cruise line needs our help in their employees general compensation? Cruisers either tip on the go or at the end of the cruise tip extra for any above and beyond service. We always remove the auto gratuities and tip in cash the positions suggested by the cruise line. In June 2024 we are trying a Princess cruise with Premier package that appears to do that very thing.

[@CruiseSeakers]

The premier package and the old Celebrity have it all package that rolled in the crew gratuities is a great idea. It keeps the crew who rely upon those tips and are not in a direct service role flush. Taking off auto gratuities harm those crew members who don’t directly interact with you who share in the tip pool so I never recommend taking them off. I understand the frustration but I don’t let my frustration harm these crew members. I consider it a when in Rome kinda thing, and I just have to leave my pet peeves at the door.

[@louiem5397]

You never know to whom the monies go...I think the company pocket th money and if you have a complain goto to a court in Valletta to issue a claim.

[@kf8478]

First Time Cruiser. Going on NCL. 10 day cruise. Prepaid my $20 per day. In addition to that. Who should I tip? Cabin Steward? Dining Room staff? I don't drink. Just lots of Diet Coke! How much per day would be recommended? Thanks for your help and advice.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Thank you for prepaying your 20.00 per day. In theory you do not have to tip anyone at this point. It’s purely up to you. What I do is if the cabin steward was exceptional, for a 7 night cruise I would throw them 50-100. My dining staff. If I have my time dining and never the same waiter or assistant waiter, 5.00 for the waiter and three for the assistant waiter. If the service was exceptional. For standard dining with the same staff. For a seven night cruise. 40.00 for the waiter and 25 for the assistant. For people that fetch my drink or if I’m at the bar. 1.00 per drink to either the drunk runner or bar tender. Again this is what I do and is no way requires or expected by the crew.

[@anthonyb1339]

Here's a tip, if you want better service tip. The bar or club we are hanging for the night I'll start by hitting the bar tenders with a $20 and work from there with smaller #'s to keep them interested. While everyone is waiting for a drink eye contact is enough and our drinks are waiting. I'm on vacation not going to nickel and dime these people, if you have some time to talk to them their lives are amazing and in most cases come from poorer countries and don't see their families for months. We're blue collar people so of course we know the value of service what hard work is. These a people like us lets treat them as we would like to be treated.

[@CruiseSeakers]

So true. I do the same. Cash tips every time you get a drink gets you know. Fast.

[@scottchace780]

@@CruiseSeakers Personally, I would be insulted if someone gave me extra money out of fear that I wouldn't do my job properly otherwise.

[@jackwill3578]

i won't tip so i don't cruise anymore ! Do I get tipped to do an excellent brake job on your car so your life is in my hands and IDO NOT GET TIPPED !

[@CruiseSeakers]

Into my mechanic all the time. I even tip the kids who change my oil. I throw him or her a ten and say get yourself some lunch.

[@jackwill3578]

WONDERFUL YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DO THAT ! MAYBE I WOULD IF I HAD THE COIN ! BUT TO MAKE IT MANDITORY! NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@CruiseSeakers

[@jtc1574]

Around how much do you give to the tour coordinator and drivers?

[@CruiseSeakers]

Me personally 5-10 bucks each

[@joannekelly2578]

What about suites in NCL's Haven? Are they included in the pre-pay gratuities?

[@CruiseSeakers]

Haven rates do not include gratuities

[@snow56border]

Your question can be taken a few different ways. NO stateroom's listed price has the pre-paid gratuities shown, this is something that either shows up at the end, or you can pre-pay. Suites and Haven Suites on NCL charge $25.00 per day per person instead of the 20.00ppd. This goes into the pool and it includes your cabin steward and any of the Haven staff. If in the Haven, the Butler / Concierge is NOT included in this pool. Your butler will likely let you know this and how many rooms they are in charge of... so its one of those things were you tip a little up front to ensure you are more of a priority then the other rooms they deal with.

[@julieb7882]

If cruiselines actually paid the tipped employees higher wages and raise the fare, how many of the people complaining about automatic gratuities would then complain about the price of cruising being too. high for them to cruise ?

[@CruiseSeakers]

All of them. They would say, why did the price go up from an average of 155 per person per night to 168.00 per person over night. It’s a no win situation. You can’t make everyone happy

[@egriffiths8993]

Makes no difference total cost or low cost plus tips you have to pay. Equals the same amount. This is American maths the rest of the world doesn’t understand. It’s just so you can tip and feel benevolent the rest of the world just want pay the cost.

[@billkallas1762]

On NCL, if you have an excursion cancelled, you only get cruise credit, unless you haven't paid your $20 a day, service fee. Then it's taken off of that, to reduce your service fee charge. PS. How much, per day, is your average cabin attendant tip, at the end of the cruise?

[@CruiseSeakers]

It can range from 40-100.00 for a seven night cruise.

[@billkallas1762]

@@CruiseSeakers I was thinking $50, for a 7 day, but I'm cheap. I'm doing a 7 day in June, and then a 21 day in October.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@billkallas1762 fifty is pretty average. That’s a very reasonable number.

[@billkallas1762]

@@CruiseSeakers But how much for a three week cruise....$100??

[@peterpeter8086]

The MSC staff, requested extra tips. They left the empty envelopes. I do tip the buffet workers. They will give you the freshest food available.

[@CruiseSeakers]

That’s kind of odd for them to request extra tips. Kinda like begging.

[@peterpeter8086]

The service was non-existent. The buffet workers took care of us. Rooms were dirty and very small. We had 6 couples on this cruise with us. We all had simular experiences.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@peterpeter8086 I will be doing my first MSC cruise come 2025 on their new World America. Its their "answer" to Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships. Its going to be her first voyage with passengers. I'm hoping MSC will be putting their best foot forward on this one.

[@neilhurt1992]

Not being a North American (Brit) I think that your tipping culture has become a little bit excessive. The cost of my holiday should include the stateroom, the food and the crew's salary. If the cruise line (don't forget, a multi-billion dollar corporation) can't pay their staff a decent wage why should I subsidise that? If I want to give tips for service 'above and beyond' I certainly will (and have done many times in the past) but please don't expect me to cough upfront before I even step foot on the ship.

[@CruiseSeakers]

The American tipping culture is pretty different from the rest of the world and the cruise lines follow the same rules American service people deal with. A very low wage. Servers in the US make 2.35 an hour. They live on their tips. Same with the crew on ships. It’s the way it is. Wish it was different but there are lines that do include tips in the fare or pre booking packages which include gratuities. I would investigate those lines if it’s a huge issue.

[@neilhurt1992]

@@CruiseSeakers Reading through a lot of the comments, this is such a contentious issue. Your approach, as you have clearly explained, does make sense. It's just a shame that the 'system' operates like that. The big cruise companies, like Carnival Corporation, use 'flags of convenience' to register their ships and therefore get away with paying the crew sub-par salaries. I don't like it, it seems a lot of people don't like it, but it is what it is. It won't stop us cruising though...

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@neilhurt1992 I have the same feeling. I simply circumvent the marketing of low prices and just compare apples to apples with tips prepaid. It’s amazing how the premier lines like Celebrity , Princess, HAL and Virgin Voyages become more competitive with MSC and Carnival once you add in everything you want Included on your cruise.

[@leofochtman5905]

I had to cancel a cruise to Europe. I have Euros that were not used. Can I tip with Euros on a NCL cruise to Canada?

[@CruiseSeakers]

Here is the problem with tipping with euros. The crew tends to use dollars to purchase stuff they need when in port and dollars are universally accepted in many places. Euros don’t have that advantage. I would recommend depositing the euros in your personal bank and get dollars to tip in cash with, if you desire to tip additionally in cash.

[@leofochtman5905]

Thank you@@CruiseSeakers

[@cruisecrazy7066]

No problem. They will exchange them.

[@mrcodyjmiller]

You prepay a ton for gratuities and then are expected to tip even more. I would rather just tip in cash and not pay in advance, as I’m sure it just lines the owners’ pockets. Referring to my upcoming NCL cruise where they’re asking for $700 in gratuities for my family of 5. This is in addition to all the gratuities I’ve already prepaid for. This is my first cruise, maybe I’m misunderstanding.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Extra tips are never expected. The daily gratuities are sufficient. There are also automatic gratuities added for any drink or food package you may opt in for the bar tenders specialty dining wait staff, bar backs and drink runners. No need to tip above that and a majority do not. NCL does have a large gratuity load. It’s 20.00 per day per passenger for your base fare crew staff. (Cabin steward, main dining and buffet workers, behind the scenes staff that make your cruise experience perfect). If you get the free at sea package and opt in for the open bar and specialty dining perk you pay the 20% gratuity on the drink and dining package price for the people getting the free at sea. So yea that’s not really free. NCL is very deceptive in this marketing lingo if you ask me. It can add up. But it’s the cost of cruising. I wish they didn’t have all these hidden fees. I never look at the “advertised” price. I always look at the final costs and compare from there and make a decision of value with those numbers. I like to tip extra to staff who serve me directly too. But that’s just me. It’s not required. I have been blessed and like to share my good fortune with others when I can.

[@louiem5397]

They will get you for Spa, Drinks, Room service, mini bar at a rate of 20%...good luck!

[@dasabroo7287]

This is not gratuities, this is a service fee.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Agree. But they like to call it a gratuity or crew appreciation. It is what it is. Verbal gymnastics

[@tristancollins3037]

Tipping is bonkers, there are so many low paid indistirs that require their staff to deliver high quality professional service, the cruise industry is no differnt. Iys solely the cruise lines responsibility to pay theur team properly.

[@CruiseSeakers]

I would just like them to increase the fares by 18 per day per person and just get rid of the tips.

[@CPO-Snarky]

How many of these generously tipping cruisers are as equally generous to the room attendants at the hotels that they utilize in their travels? Cruisers acquire a unique sense of euphoria from the experience which causes them to 'make it rain' money on folks who are doing what they are paid to do. If the cruise lines held the hard-working crew in as such an equally high value, then the crew salaries would be more in line with the efforts the crew puts forth and not devalued and subsequently guilt-tripping the passengers into providing adequate compensation.

[@CruiseSeakers]

I have no guilt in tipping for great service. I always tip the people who bring my bags to my room at a hotel or clean my room. Heck I even tip the kids who change my oil or rotate my tires lunch. I’m lucky and blessed in my life and I love helping others that help me. I know I can’t take the cash with me when I leave this earth. So might as well spread it around now!

[@scottchace780]

@@CruiseSeakers Yes, well you are clearly superior to those of us who do not tip.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@scottchace780 not superior, just giving, if tips are customary I tip. I do what’s expected.

[@BasedinReality1984]

I’ll tip the people that take care of my room, good table service and people that take my order and bring me drinks. That’s it. I’m not tipping at the bar, the drinks are to over priced. Automatic gratuity….. forget it 😂

[@CruiseSeakers]

So punish the bartenders and the bar backs because you don’t like the price of the drinks that they don’t control. Makes perfect sense to me. If you can’t bring yourself to deal with the practices of how tipping is done on a ship, the it’s best to stay home. The hospitality industry is full of fees and taxes throughout. Cruise ships are no different think about those resort fees hotels now charge. To advertise lower price. Tips are similar on cruise ships. They are part of cruising.

[@BasedinReality1984]

@@CruiseSeakersdo I have to tip the captain too ?

[@scottchace780]

How come these discussions are always about how much one should tip, instead of how much one can afford to tip? For some people to tip a lot is not an issue. For some people every $20 needs to be considered.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Tipping parameters usually fall withing a customary band. For example, going to a restaurant, its 15-20% for the price of the meal. Going on a cruise, the cruise line sets up a daily gratuity that will be added to your bill. Its usually in the range of 16-20 dollars per person per day. If you cant afford the tips don't partake in the activity. Don't go out to eat if the 20% tip on an 60.,00 meal is too much for you. Don't go on a cruise if the 250.00 for tips on an average 7 night cruise is too much for you. Any additional tipping is completely up to you, but the customary level of tipping should always be considered in the total cost of the activity, thus the discussion of how much to tip.

[@scottchace780]

@@CruiseSeakers I disagree. Tipping is supposed to be optional. If it's mandatory than it is a fee. If "the customary level of tipping should always be considered in the total cost of the activity," than it should be charged up front instead of sneakily adding it on to your bill.

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@scottchace780 it’s not sneaky it’s known. As cruising became more mainstream to prevent people from stiffing the service staff automatic billing of the tips became the norm. Just consider it a fee if it makes you happy. But don’t stiff the staff. Don’t like it, a simple solution is available. Don’t cruise. Don’t go to a restaurant. Don’t go to a bar. These places tipping is customary. Can’t be part of the custom Tony partake of the activity.

[@user-TonyUK]

Why is it still a thing to tip Cruise Staff, do you tip the Police who stops you for speeding....No, do you tip the Doctor or Dentist ....No, so why are the Cruise Companies STILL UNDER PAYING THEIR STAFF and expecting the Customer to top up the Wages of Cruise Staff.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Who is it a thing to still tip waiters. Bartenders. Your taxi drivers. Just understand it’s the way things are on a cruise ship. O need to howl at the moon. It doesn’t care how much you sing to it. It just is was it is.

[@user-TonyUK]

It was a THING to own People of Colour in the USA, that changed for the better so WHY can not Cruise Compannies change for the BETTER.@@CruiseSeakers

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@user-TonyUK Thats a false equivalency. The hospitality industry as a whole is notoriously a tipping culture and a fee based industry to market lower pricing. This is not a cruise issue, it's a hospitality issue. Lux lines are different if you want an all inclusive price. They can do this because their clients are not as price driven as the main stream lines. When the clients are price driven, the company will try to advertise the lowest possible dollar amount.

[@michaeldianewynne8414]

Never pay the gratuity and ask for it to be removed. Only a small percentage goes to the staff, the rest, probably goes to the share holders, executives and towards the building of new ships - how else do they pay for them? Tip staff at the end of the cruise. Do the math 3000 passengers at 20 a day on a seven night cruise is 20x3000x7 = 420,000 Usually around a 1000 crew on that size ship so does each crew member receive 420 for a weeks work - I think not.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Your math is defiantly off a bit. In general the average passenger to crew ration is a little over 2, so a cruise ship with 3000 passengers will have approximately 1500 crew. The average gratuity is 17.00 not 20.00 industry wide. Only NCL is an outlier here. So the total tip pool for a week cruise is 357,000 divide that amongst 1500 crew and you are only at 238.00 per week. All of these crew work 7 days a week with no days off, and work approximately 12 hours each day. That equates to 2.83 dollars per hour for tips. The math works. The tips do go to the staff. I was told by all the staff that they indeed do see the tips and are informed when tips are removed when a cruise is ended after you leave the ship., because it directly will affect their pay check. There are also many people who don't provide direct service who rely on this money. It is sad to pull money away from these people. Do I think this the way I think the cruise lines should run? No... I wish they just provide a living wage and not have the staff rely on these tips. But that's just not the model they employed. Rather than assume what's being told to you is a lie, accept it at face value. There is no proof that this money is going to the profit line of the lines, its just your supposition and the staff all confirm over and over again that they do in fact see this money. Accept the word from the people who rely on this money. Even if your numbers are correct. 420.00 a week for 7 days a week for 12 hours of work, you still are at an hourly rate of 5 bucks an hour. BELOW minimum wage, and even if the line bumped them an additional 2.50 per hour, you are just at basic minimum wage. for working 12 hours a day for 7 days a week., at no overtime rate. I recommend NEVER taking off the gratuity, and if you feel you are getting exceptional service, tip extra if you are in a position to be able to. I would rather people not tip a dime extra and just pay the automatic gratuities, vs taking them off and passing out money, even if its more than the automatic gratuity, because if you remove the auto gratuities you will be affecting some staff that are not in direct service roles but worked their tail off to give you a great cruise vacation.

[@michaeldianewynne8414]

@@CruiseSeakers Icon of the Seas will have a crew of 2,350, and a capacity of 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity, so not too much wrong with my maths! Don't worry won't be sailing with any American cruise line again nor will many other cruisers I know.

[@markalan5755]

you shouldnt have to tip at all on cruisess

[@CruiseSeakers]

Well we all have been for decades. It’s not really your call. You can decide not to cruise if you don’t wish to tip. Just like deciding not to go out to dinner if you don’t wish to tip your server.

[@markalan5755]

@@CruiseSeakers who do you think you are ?????, this year will be our 10th cruise, never tipped on any of them, I dont cruise to pay their employees wages !!!!!!!

[@whiskywillie]

I use cash and I tip those who directly help serve me. That's all.

[@CruiseSeakers]

You are basically taking money out of others pockets. Many people who help service your experience take part of the tip pool. It would be better not to tip in cash at all to direct service providers and leave tips on. That way you are not hurting a soul. Just follow the norms. We chant change the system. Only the workers can by not accepting contracts structured the way they are. It’s like fighting city hall. It’s part of the fare. Even if it’s not.

[@ccordray4]

We always remove the auto gratuities and give tips as we see fit to the service people that actually directly serve us.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Unfortunately, many of the back of the house service folks will be drastically affected by this. I know its out of the norm but I highly recommend not tipping directly and just do the auto gratuities, and if you believe someone went way above and beyond tip extra. This way no one is harmed. I talked to many a cruise crew member. Everyone says they would rather everyone keep on the gratuities and not tip cash. Because it harms many of their crew friends when people do not if they rely upon those tips but are not in direct service roles.

[@andrealinda6069]

@@CruiseSeakers I always auto pay gratuities, but have recently been watching this discussion over many cruise boards. I've always been pro keep them on... but I'm hearing the other argument now. If they're not in direct service roles... why do they expect a tip? ETA: Also, I just watched an interview with John Heald. He was asked about Australia vs North America in regards to tipping. He denied that the tipping was built into Australian fees. He said that was something that Carnival would never do, that it would possibly ruin the service standards. When asked why we were expected to tip and not Australia, his best answer was that we're a whole different kettle of fish and that tipping culture hasn't really reached over to Australia. I was a little baffled. It seems they can pay the staff on those ships a fair wage, but the staff serving our ports seem to heavily rely on tipping.

[@georgestokes5116]

pre pay tips you got to be kidding

[@CruiseSeakers]

You really have to consider them service fees and not tips, based on how the cruise line pools them to share amongst crew who don't have direct contact with the guests. Figure them to be part as your base fare. Like a resort fee in Vegas that they don't advertise in their price for the room per night.

[@skeletor9121]

@@CruiseSeakers Agree. A better description is gratuities vs. tips. And they cover the cooks, kitchen help, along with the crew that does all the cleaning of the ship including the bedding.

[@comfixit]

The new system is the cruise line doesn’t pay salaries, the smart cruisers who tip individually with envelopes or come from countries that don’t believe in tipping don’t pay eh salaries and the chumps who believe the BS shoved down their throats pay the crew salaries. It’s not a bad system depending on who you are. With the increasing rates the crew get paid what they need I suppose but would be best if it came from the cruise companies.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Whether higher salaries that comes directly from the cruise companies with higher fares or via daily gratuities. It really doesn’t matter other than how they market the pricing. By removing daily gratuities someone gets hurt. So I just leave them alone and consider it part of the base fare.

[@comfixit]

@@CruiseSeakerswhen you leave the cash to the cruise members individually as you described doing you are helping them out the most. In a sense you are doing the old school tipping where you give money to specific people that service you. Makes sense to me. But when there is a fee for tips (which I think is actually compensation) for people you may never even meet, that clearly should be covered by the employer in my opinion and never be a suggested burden on the passengers shoulders. Keep up the good videos

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@comfixit I agree. I just wish they just increased the fares and get rid of the daily gratuities. I love giving he crew my cash tips. But I never get rid of the auto gratuities because of the damage it could do to some crew members. .

[@comfixit]

@@CruiseSeakersI think your heart is in the right place but there is the possibility that auto gratuities actually enable the cruise company to not pay the employees the amount they should get in the first place. And how does it make sense that a prepaid gratuity might be $X and then 6 months later it’s increase 15% or you get a % off gratuities in some deals. I suspect crew pools get a guaranteed minimum from the cruise and a percentage of the take collected above that from passengers. I think the cash that you give directly is the only pure money that the corporation doesn’t get their hands on. If you like prepaying I think you should get rid of the auto pay and give those crew members that serve you the money in an envelope ahead of time so they keep all of it vs the corporation getting their hands on the money. As a stock owner of RCCL I like the policy, as a customer I absolutely hate it.

[@emjayvick511]

Simple solutioj..DONT TIP..

[@CruiseSeakers]

Even simpler solution. If you do not want to tip. Don't cruise. Its the custom in the industry and if you do not, you are hurting some very hard working people. No matter what you think of the custom, why would you harm the people who are working. It makes more sense not to cruise to hopefully change the industry if people of like mind follow suit.

[@emjayvick511]

@@CruiseSeakers that is a ridiculous comment.. its only the custom as Americans have this weird obsession with tipping everyone. Why don't you tip pilots, cabin crew, train drivers, bus drivers and the ship builders ? We always book a suite because we can easily afford it partly because we dont tip... US cruise lines should do whst European lines do, include tge tio in the fare price ( and many akso include the drinks packages too )

[@CruiseSeakers]

@@emjayvick511 cruising has the custom. It has nothing to do with the American custom. The industry just took it as a means to pay their employees. It can easily be fixed by just rolling in the tips to the fare. But until they do. If you remove them it’s akin to stealing since you know it’s removing money desperately needed from a workers pocket.

[@blargblarg5657]

If you're giilted into paying money it is not a tip nor a gratuity. To be either of those it has to be 100% voluntary. At this point it is borderline extortion. My recommendation. Remove auto "gratuities", tip as much or as little as you want, feel zero shame because you don't assist cruise lines underpaying their staff. Not sorry.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Do you feel guilted into paying a tip to your server at a restaurant? This is the same thing. If you can't pay the tip don't take the cruise. Consider it part of the fare.

[@blargblarg5657]

@@CruiseSeakers I generally do, yes. I also don't tip at restaurants. However, I will continue to cruise and I will expect the cruise line to either pay their employee a proper wage or the employee to seek a better paying job if pay is that bad. Their salary is not, and most likely never will be, any of my business.

[@Elderly-Marian-in-UK]

Tipping leaves poor passengers embarrassed because they've saved for years to take the cruise and cant afford any extras like tipping.

[@CruiseSeakers]

Tipping is part of the culture of cruising. Just like going out to dinner. If you can't do the minimum of tipping, thats a problem but if you paid your daily gratuities, there is no need to be embarrassed. You did what was expected. But if you have to remove the daily tips to afford a cruise, then just don't cruise because you are hurting others.

[@barryhaley7430]

You are the person who has screwed up tipping.

[@CruiseSeakers]

I’m the person who happens to be generous. You do not need to follow what I do. Just pay the daily gratuity and you’re done. That simple.

[@jackwill3578]

YOU NEED A JOB WHERE YOU GET PAID TO DO YOUR JOB PERIOD ! THIS IS SO STUPID ! THOSE WORKERS DO NOT GET WHAT YOU GIVE ! ASK THEM ! I HEAR "SIR, I TELL YOU I LOST MY JOB "!

[@CruiseSeakers]

I asked many a cruise line worker. If you give them cash they get to keep it. I also hear if you take off the auto tips it affects their pay. I do both. It’s the industry standard. You can’t change the industry alone. I just conform and consider it part of my cost. Just because it’s not on an invoice does not mean it’s not customary. Do you not tip your servers at restaurants too? We don’t make the rules. We just need to understand them.