13 Big Tipping Mistakes NOT to Make on a Cruise

[@LifeWellCruised]

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[@susanhendriemorrow1024]

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[@esterlyngibbs9880]

They don't pay us good , but thanks to the guest that gave us a little extra

[@squeestar]

My very first cruise with my husband, our steward discovered I brought along a stuffed monkey and always left it on the bed. So, throughout the cruise we would come back to our cabin and find my stuffed toy in various "scenes" such as watching tv, or drawing a banana on a pad of paper. This escalated when he created a mouse made out of a washcloth at which point, we would find scenes like our pillow chocolates with a lil piece cut out and the mouse and monkey would be on the bed with the remote sharing the chocolate. We found the experience so fun we left that guy an extra tip along with a note thanking him for "monkeying around with us". 🙂

[@nancyruckman5875]

This is beyond adorable! Thanks for sharing that!!

[@danasandoval624]

Omg that is wonderful. What line and ship were you on?

[@squeestar]

@@danasandoval624 Golden Princess

[@danasandoval624]

@@squeestar thank you for the info

[@dobees8183]

You're a grown woman??

[@nancysmith2874]

Tipping is out of hand

[@pm1104]

I hate this tipping nonsense……..it shuld be included in people’s wages ! 😊

[@elizabethmckenna6471]

They get people from countries that desperately need jobs. Try to have compassion. Some work long contracts and are not even allowed off the ship. I remember they used to pay people from Pakistan $100 dollars a month. 😢

[@maureensullivan2139]

But it isn’t, so get over it.

[@Isaiaswolf66]

that’s like slavery, why isn’t the employer responsible then ?

[@davidrayner9832]

Australian here. One thing we hate about cruising (and visiting the US) is tipping. We begrudgingly accept the practice and we do it but why can't all businesses, no matter what or where they are, simply pay their workers a decent living wage that doesn't need to be suplimented by the customer?

[@carmenenoll3964]

Some of us go above and beyond and deserve more. You should keep that in mind. JS!

[@davidrayner9832]

@@carmenenoll3964 No, your employer should keep that in mind.

[@carmenenoll3964]

Nope I like it that way. I make way more money. We all have opinions though.

[@davidrayner9832]

@@carmenenoll3964 More money than they're paying you now, not more money than they should be paying you. BTW, have you ever travelled on a train?

[@carmenenoll3964]

@davidrayner9832 Yes

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

I hate this expectation of tipping every minute of the day. When I book m6 cruise, tell me the actual cost, then leave me alone. This nickel and diming is ridiculous

[@davidbrooks8809]

So true

[@LTT20101]

Amen it sure is

[@sandrapowell5695]

I agree with you 100%.

[@anohacharlesschlosser9305]

My thoughts too

[@klimas2000]

If people stopped tipping, maybe something would change.

[@perthian]

The American tipping culture is so wrong. Let the company pay a decent wage to its employees.

[@andyoden3044]

I agree the companies should pay a fair wage, but amost all cruise lines are NOT US OWNED or operated. Blame the right folks, plz.

[@petersinclair8620]

As a retired older gentleman thinking of going on my first cruise, I'm shocked at the way you talk so happily about tipping. Carrying plenty of small bills to tip with. It seems to me to be a constant round of giving money away. After already paying a lot of money for the cruise and maybe purchasing goods on board or ashore. Cruising has all the hall marks of being one big rip off. Sadly!

[@Isaiaswolf66]

Maybe she’s rich. I share your sentiment, it’s tough to save money and travel, I prefer to get the complete price and evaluate if I can afford it or not.

[@katherinkeegan8601]

When my husband and I went 15 years ago, it was a different story. We were shocked at how much the culture has changed. We don't mind tipping the cabin person or someone who we interact with and has earned it, but the fact that the cruise line "collects" all the tips to distribute to the crew doesn't sit well. I have seen comments from ex crew that say the cruise line keeps half or better. This is their way of guilting us into thinking we are helping the crew out instead of paying decent wages and then keeping some or more for the company. I see no reason to "tip" someone I have not interacted with. The "tipping " culture is out of hand and not just on cruise lines. It's unsustainable.

[@petersinclair8620]

@@katherinkeegan8601 Just anther way to milk passengers I'm sure.

[@bobbifoth5492]

The demand for tips is out of control You have to pay pay pay I’m an accountant. Do I get a tip ?

[@danm6695]

When tipping becomes confusing, much like this, I just opt out. It should be clear for the consumer to decide if they received great service and provide the tip.

[@anohacharlesschlosser9305]

Exactly

[@MoDavI-sl7iy]

I love your videos. You explain everything with such clarity & class. But I must say, watching all of these videos about do's & dont's on a cruise, what to pack & not pack, etc. It all makes me wish I would've booked an all-inclusive vacation out of the country somewhere. This appears to be a bit much, & so stressful.

[@ORCLEAM]

One thing we learned is that tipping doesn't stop when you cross the brow on departure. The survey you get from the line is also a form of tipping. Remember the names of the staff that really impressed you and why they impressed you. The survey is going to ask you who went out of their way to make you cruise great. The mentions earn the crewmembers things like extra phone time with their families, promotion points and other perks.

[@cdtheque]

Tipping is a cruise line scam. Do you really think the cruise line is allocating all of the resources necessary to collect and distribute tips without taking a cut? How much is that cut? Who decides? Until there is transparency, I refuse to pay gratuities to the cruise line. I will tip as I go. The cruise lines are too greedy to be trusted with the hard earned money of their employees.

[@travelnomad2128]

I know. They're not audited by the IRS, they operate outside of the US law. They can do whatever they want with the auto tips! I tip cash directly to my room steward & mdr waiters!

[@daffyduck8244]

Tipping is shameless. It should be up to the customer what they feel is appropriate. Recently took a cruise and the cruise line made me get a doctors note explaining that my wife didn't drink otherwise they make it mandatory if someone buys a drink package in the room everyone else has to. Totally shameless from the cruiseline

[@trishconlon9258]

It is actually quite understandable. I’m sure enough couples have purchased one drink package and then both enjoy the unlimited drinks. Similar to if you go into an all-buffet restaurant-everyone who enters pays and it is not appropriate to take doggy bags to share with others.

[@janiec8753]

Carnival limits you to 15 drinks a day.

[@ck121075]

@@janiec8753If you need more than 15 drinks per day you might be an alcoholic.

[@ck121075]

Yeah. Of course. People will order a drink and give it to their spouse so they only have to purchase 1 package. It’s not the cruise lines fault, it’s the greedy people that ruined it.

[@mightyfineanderson]

​@@ck121075, one drink package should be enough for a couple. Whether they share it or not. That's just a way for the cruise line to get more money.

[@frankxd9232]

Too much tipping ! rip off !!

[@Jog_on]

Absolute madness isn't it?

[@frankxd9232]

@@Jog_on Most of Cruise lines increased the gratuities and on top of that they expect cruisers to pay extra gratuities.

[@raymondwong7674]

Wow , I don't realize people are so generous when cruising, money don't come easy for me, not many people tip like that in real life.

[@travelnomad2128]

Don't stressed! Tip what you can afford. It's not mandatory!

[@maureensullivan2139]

@@raymondwong7674 It galls me to hear people say that - they plop down $5,000 for a cruise and then weep about a lousy $100 extra for tips.

[@tazman572]

My first time watching this channel, but I had to stop after a minute or so, as all of the hand movements were extremely annoying.

[@helenorgarycrevonis2022]

Love your presentation skills! As always helpful, clear and understandable. The service charge in the Spa is a very good catch, the first couple times I double tipped, no big deal, but it could get pricey.

[@MrClickitorTicket]

We have gotten massages in the past. I know the 18% gratuity is added to the cost of the massage. Even still, I will tip extra in cash as the massage is usually very good. Then I ask them not to badger me with the attempts to upsell us there potions and lotions. The cash tip is more than what they will make on the commission of that stuff they try to sell me. They have been happy to comply with my request. This is all done politely.

[@melissaduffy4]

@@MrClickitorTicket Also, I wonder how much of that 18% if any the masseuses actually get when it is not paid directly to them.

[@mediagem]

​@@MrClickitorTicket😊

[@lenvella9541]

Nothing hard to know about tips and gratuities silly look it up. Gratuities are for services you have received meaning after you have achieved this service not before. Very simple. Problem is Americans will fall for anything.

[@travelnomad2128]

I know, they fall for a sob story too easily that's why a lot them are scammed 😅

[@rmatthews4212]

Merriam-Webster definition for gratuity is "something given voluntarily or beyond obligation", Cruise ship nor any other company should make tipping part of your bill. I would like the cruise lines and all other companies set their prices so they can pay their employees what they deserve and we can tip for excellent work. It appears these companies are trying to show a lower price item, then add on after and during the cruise. Some people are saving years to take this cruse and not able to pay the extra money, we need to let those people know it's OK to just say THANKS!

[@travelnomad2128]

I don't let myself be guilted or pressured to tip. I tip what I can afford and tip only to room steward & mdr waiters. No more. The cruise fare alone is expensive enough and I'm not rich to be giving away money to everyone!

[@maureensullivan2139]

@@rmatthews4212 So you pay $5000 for a cruise but an extra $100 is going to break the bank. Geesh.

[@katherinkeegan8601]

​@@maureensullivan2139If the cruise is a once in a lifetime experience, yes that extra $100+ per person can put pressure on a person. The more they charge you for gratuities the less you have for excursions and souvenirs. And before you say "If you can't afford to tip then you can't afford to cruise", that is a very elitist attitude. And it's not just cruising where there is this out of control tipping culture. Large Tipping is getting out of hand and is unsustainable. It has become mandatory. The definition of tips is "To ensure prompt service". People now expect you to pay it regardless of how well they perform. Again this is unsustainable.

[@daviddiehl-gy2sq]

Don't like automatic tips and refuse to pay them. You get tipped if you DESERVE it.

[@donnaturner3377]

I am ok with auto gratuities, but I really do think cruise companies should share how these tips are distributed. Since we are tippers I feel it is our business.

[@davidbonnichsen2901]

I don’t tip anywhere any longer. So many places have raised prices to help subsidize staff, etc. I feel I am already paying an extra 20% for everything. May sound like I am a terrible person, but paying 20%+ and then an extra tip is just getting out of control.

[@richardsonkevin20]

I agree 100%. If my employer doesn’t give me a cost of living raise, then I can’t/ won’t subsidize there income.

[@annar6081]

Finally a smart comment. The reason I am going to cruise is not to do a social justice to workers who are not paid by their employer. I go to cruise to enjoy a trip, meet new people and see new places. Employee- employer relationship is non of my concern.

[@cheryllassonde8080]

I agree with you....and tipping is a choice, no one should be shamed for not tipping.

[@janetholmes733]

I agree. I have since stopped The gratuities have been paid.

[@VNeto94]

Tipping should be a special prize for a special service. I went on a cruise and only tipped the cleaning lady and the waiters of the main dining room who served us during the entire trip. If, for example, I had stayed drinking at the same bar with the same couple of bartenders I'd also have tipped them.

[@travelwithchopsticks8982]

The worst is when you order a drink, they automatically add in a tip and then they want you to sign the charge slip with another empty line under tips. I hate this moment so I always add in another dollar or two but I always feel ripped off as I'm double tipping. I wish they would stop doing that.

[@Laurie911]

Better decision is to stop feeling guilty and don’t add more and it will stop. You are in charge of you.

[@lw3158]

I hear you but if people would stop doing this if they have the pre-paid, the cruise line may get the hint.

[@robertcold4669]

I don’t feel the least bit guilty about not tipping in addition to the gratuities that are already in the drink package. Having said that, certain bartenders that you get to know, I tip the heck out of.

[@joypaul1191]

Dont feel guilty..just don't do it! You're in charge of it not them!

[@ajs11201]

@@robertcold4669 I totally agree. I never feel obligated, but when I do receive truly excellent service, I happily add another dollar or two (or more! lol).

[@lesmotley6839]

Ive found in life that countries like japan Australia and those in the EU where tipping is not common people tend to offer better service than the US where tipping is part of the culture. Tipping in japan is particularly frowned upon, the Japanese give their best service and honesty because this is expected in their culture.

[@brendaworthington5423]

I agree with you. Everyone should do the job they are paid for to the best of their ability, and never expect a tip. I did my job for almost 40 years and was actually not allowed to accept tips or monetary gratuities at all! It should NEVER be up to the customer to supplement salary! Fair pay for fair work!

[@AndreasS.-mh8ti]

Well said! I disagree with “not being allowed to tip.” I’ve worked for places like that and followed their rules. However, if someone wants to tip you, you earned it and should be allowed to keep it. At one place the owner kept my tips. When customers noticed, they said to him, “The tips is for her. She earned it. Let her keep it!”

[@sak_5]

I give extra tip to my cruise attendants and servers, specially since most of them are from nationalities where tips are greatly appreciated. The tip I hate the most giving is to the porters at U.S. ports, those guys are never satisfied with a $1, $2 or even $5 per bag and they always made “comments to themselves like whinning” as we leave… For my next cruises, I guess I won’t tip at all to these people.

[@VNeto94]

​​@@sak_5yes, and their jobs could be easily replaced by robots. Can't wait for it.

[@sashamellon822]

This is my pet peeve. The price should be upfront . That is what we are use to in Europe this tipping bullshit is creeping into the Uk where they automatically add it to your restaurant bill. I’ve stopped eating out to places that do that.

[@Unknown-jo7xd]

Disgusting. Cruises should pay their workers and not rely on tips the experience should be all inclusive. I will never cruise again especially cunard cruise liners their customer service sucks

[@louiem5397]

I have a clear view about tipping. In Europe as a whole tipping is almost nil…The only country that tips a lot is the USA and I do not include the tip in my embarkation package…I tip the people I consider close to me…the room attendant and helper and the dinner steward and helper… The rest got the tips included in places as bars, spa, manicure, massage and many other things…room service is also tip included . If they are so dependent on the tips, is about time that they include that amount in the price of the room…the maî·tre d'hôtel is a management position and I refuse to tip this person…if he doesn’t like it…so be it

[@Nrustica]

I think in order to discourage removing the automatic gratuity, the cruise ship should disclose what percentages of that money is going to. Officers and captains?

[@MR3DDev]

Tipping on a cruise is a tax on American guilt, the so called daily gratuities should just be called a service charge. Companies are smart and know they can guilt you into paying more if they name it tip or gratuity.

[@marivega3294]

I'm Very stingy when it comes to tipping and I don't think it should be customary to give someone additional money just for doing the job they are supposed to do the way they're supposed to do it. I went on my first Cruise last August and watched a lot of videos on this topic so I knew what to expect. I knew to have gratuities removed at the end and brought some cash to tip those who really deserved it. In the end I only ended up tipping my cabin attendant and made sure I did it in cash. Reality is you're all wasting your money tipping all these people who most of the time don't deserve it. I'd rather take cash and tip those who go above and beyond. Reality is if that job underpays then maybe you should find something better. I work hard for my money and it's not something I'm going to give away just because I'm afraid to be embarrassed. Sorry.

[@travelnomad2128]

I feel the same.

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

Thank u,. Marivega,, & NO "sorry" I can't stand the ""tip"" jars in coffee shops,. Etc. I wouldn't give them a penny 😑🤬😮. Do the job u r paid for,. Tip? For passing a bag to me😣😑NO

[@jillharling]

Retired nurse here, never got a tip😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@redrum3r]

imagine the poor quality of worker that would be doing that job if the opportunity for tips wasn't there. if you thought they were bad already.

[@jamess7315]

Agree completely - I cannot believe the double dipping here that we are expected to pre-pay gratuities plus cash tip along the way. Madness! To make it worse - they charge young kids the same amount for the pre-paid gratuity.

[@kenstears2512]

We always pull the prepaid gratuities! We tip as we go and never allow the cruise lines to control our tips. We never tip on a ship sponsored excursion. We only tip our MDR waiter and asst. waiter, cabin steward and bar tenders! Cruise lines are getting out of hand on tipping!

[@dancooper41]

Thanks Ilana for another very helpful video. I’d like to see you do a deeper dive into how the various cruise lines administer the daily gratuity funds. You say you believe the money goes to the crew, but I’ve heard it really just offsets the labor costs that the cruise lines are already obligated to pay. In other words, the crew aren’t paid less if people remove the automatic gratuities. If someone removes the gratuities, does their particular cabin steward get less or does it just reduce the pool of funds distributed amongst all crew? If someone prepays at $16 per day but the charge goes up to $20 for those having it posted to their onboard account, do the crew members servicing the prepaid guests get less? This whole subject is very opaque and could do with some serious investigation by someone like you!

[@LifeWellCruised]

You’ve got good questions…, :)

[@Commonsenseisnotcommon8]

That would definitely make a good video, I also want to know do you tip guest services. If they helped you out. I feel like that’s a gray area 🤔

[@leslieoconnell2051]

We always tip or room stewards and wait staff but we also enjoy carrying $5 bills to give to random workers who ordinarily don’t get tips. Their appreciation is amazing.

[@grajur3710]

I tip lady who clean smoking area. She was very grateful; smile every time we were there. I also wrote a note about her in customer service so she got extra 1 hour off,

[@judithpearson8870]

When we pre pay tips, is the crew and the cabin steward aware of that prepayment. I would feel very bad if they felt they were “stiffed”

[@druegillis1744]

Ilana, Don’t forget $2.00 bills! I got a bunch of 2’s for our cruise because they are rare and the person you are tipping will remember who gave them. Plus it reduces the number of one dollar bills you need on hand. And it makes it easy to tip baggage handlers. 3 bags, 3 $2 dollar bills. Sometimes your bank will have to order some in for you but they are unique and service providers will remember you!

[@gigs2riches]

My mom gives my kids $2 bills for every birthday

[@NCNATIVE]

We do the same, even at home $2 bills get attention.

[@vhdalton17]

This is what I do when I go.

[@judithpearson8870]

This is what we plan to do.

[@paulfuller7175]

Such a great idea

[@Supercell2]

I've worked in the service industry, so my views on this are most likely different from those who haven't and that's o.k. I tip extra for good service and when I'm out drinking, I don't wanna wait. I found a very good bartender the first day on our cruise. We ordered 2 drinks and I tipped her $40. I did not wait behind ANYONE for the rest of the trip. She would see me and immediately ask what I wanted. She had my number memorized by the second day. I had Platinum and Diamond members giving me the stink eye. Which made me laugh a lot. If memory serves for our 5 day cruise I tipped her a total of $300. Now I budgeted for this specifically and I'm glad I did. She worked her ass off and earned it.

[@tazzel2699]

You can take the automatic daily gratuitous off. I always do and just pay cash to crew that serve me directly, if they are good. I find lately that crew are very indifferent these days

[@Samny221]

Just took a 7 day NCL trip and that was not an option. When I asked at guest services, I was told it was not something they can take off the daily charges unless there was an incident and management would have to be involved. I was responsible for 7 people of a 16 person group. Interested to see how people are getting out of this.

[@ellainebenjamin5142]

@@Samny221, with NCL you can go to guest services on day 6 or 7 and explain you’d like to opt out as you give tips individually. They will give you a form to complete (including reason) then deduct daily service charges.

[@carly1478]

How do you remove them on carnival?

[@larrywong7834]

Don't Tip. Cruise Tipping is a racket. Two adults. Two kids. $100 a day is a Rip. Ask yourself who really are pocketing the Huge Tips. Or most the tips Cruises makes you pay. Of cource if you're rich or have money to blow... feel free to Pay for Joy.

[@travelnomad2128]

Have it reduced or removed.

[@funship5673]

I have worked as a cabin steward for more than 13 years. The biggest mistake is removing your gratuities then trying to run off the ship on embarkation morning 😢😅😅😅 having the heart to looking at your cabin steward in his/her face saying the tip is on the card. For those of you who don't know this.... from the time you withdraw your gratuities the crew will know 😢😅😢😅 so please 🙏 don't be smart with your hard working crewmembers.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you for sharing this & I’m sorry to hear this happens

[@abiviens]

Do workers ACTUALLY get the tips. I would rather give them myself. I'm not sure

[@cherriekorpusik6113]

Ilana, I am going to Alaska on first cruise ever. I can’t tell you enough how helpful your videos have been. Your explanations and advice have been priceless to me. Thank you does not seem enough!! Stay safe and well. Best regards, Cherrie

[@NanetteG.-ii4xy]

Bring binaculars. For wonderful sights in Alaska 👍😊

[@empresswb641]

Is there a way to know if your tips really are going to crew if you prepay? Does the crew know if you pay tips or remove tips? It feels weird to me when I prepay because I wonder if they think I did not tip. Last cruise I realized halfway thru that I was double tipping everytime I got a drink.

[@judywelday9387]

I always extra tip our cabin attendants and our MDR servers because these people take care of us daily and we really appreciate them. Love your videos!

[@QuangWynn2711]

How much extra tip if you don’t mind to share ?

[@kclarke1513]

I'm American so of course I tip well, but agree tipping is completely out of control now. In fact, it's more expected than appreciated at this point & quality of service is getting worse, not better. To add insult to injury, I was told by a cruise employee that the 18% added to my already inflated priced spa treatment pretty much goes to the company's "charities" (not her.) I'm inclined to believe her since I work in my corporation's finance department. The automatic gratuities & service charges customers are being bomarded with is for employers to pay employees higher base salaries (ironically so they won't need to depend on tips to earn a decent living wage) as well as an incentive to offer better health insurance plans, etc.. Then, employers turn around and donate a few pennies in return for huge tax cuts that result in millionaire owners paying less than everybody else. What's more, it's against corporate policy for me to accept a $25 restaurant gift card from a grateful client, yet my salary is about the same amount as a cruise ship butler or conceriege. It's especially comparable when their work contracts are 6-9 months while the rest of us work 12 months with a yearly performance review. Moreover, I haven't encountered 1 ship employee that wasn't younger & healthier than me & they're typically sending money home where the cost of living is a lot less. Yes, cruise staff work hard. I do too & wish I could enjoy the vacation I take once every few years without the weight of their woes weighing on my conscience the entire time. I promise, the people working on cruise ships enjoy many more benefits than many of their land based peers.

[@travelnomad2128]

I stopped myself from feeling guilty about tipping. I go on a cruise I can afford and I tip what I can afford. I don't do wholesale tipping. I feel like when we go traveling, every place is fleecing us for more money, like for resort fees, baggage fees, parking fees, etc. Add to that some businesses asking for charitable donations at the register! I say enough! I won't let myself be bullied or shamed.

[@patriciasmith364]

My husband and I keep one tip on the bill and we remove the other tip. We use the removed money, along with extra money to tip the waiters, the room attendant and anyone else who has done anything extra for us. A 5 day cruise will usually amount to close to $100 for the tip that we keep on the tab, and we usually end up giving out another $200. That usually works out well for us.

[@LA53844]

This is exactly what I did on one NCL cruise. My server was absolutely ridiculous, I have my mom with me, on the whilechare... I went to a customer service desk, and asked them to remove 50% of my gratuity, and took that money and gave 2 girls who really helped me on that cruise.

[@tonygreen249]

Thanks good video, I just hate the tipping culture because it seems if you’re paying for service that they should be providing any way. I worked in the service industry and have seen how some discriminate by saying a certain group don’t tip as much and they don’t like servicing them. The company should pay them enough and give incentives on good service by surveys and etc.

[@arokh72]

I'd like to add that cruises based out of Australia have gratuities baked into the fare you pay. So if you pay $1058pp AUD for a 4 day cruise ex Sydney, that's all gratuities, taxes, and service charges included. This includes purchasing drinks packages, etc. However you can tip your cabin steward, and others if you so desire, for good service, however as tipping is generally not part of the Australian culture it is optional.

[@esterdrass4964]

I like that idea best, include it all and if you want to leave extra, you can. I am very well used to the idea of having plenty of at hand cash for tipping.

[@ROBMACDUI]

This! Here in America the businesses like to put the responsibility of paying the employee on the customer. It's so out of control. Literally every time we pay for anything we are confronted with a screen asking how much tip we want to add and that tip usually starts at 20% and goes up from there.

[@susansullivan9626]

I keep auto gratuities for sure but tip waiters and sommeliers at every meal, usually $5 and $1 for random drinks around ship. Tip cabin steward around $5 a day at end of trip. Anyone else who goes out of their way to solve a problem I tip at the time. Of course, it depends on your financial means but I know for sure I have more than those hard working crew members who leave their families for months at a time and work 7 days a week.

[@mikebilon8208]

Since for the most part traditional dinning is no more. It's difficult to tip the MDR staff since you may have a different team through out the cruise. I tip my stateroom stewards even if the service is 'standard', it's still been a tough three years for them.

[@lindaprice1876]

Thank you for this video. I’ve double tipped but was fine doing that for most services. Crew work really hard and I feel like they deserve it.

[@kevindecot186]

I think after Covid the US became tip happy. I don’t think tipping for carry out at a minimum of 15% is necessary. Tipping is becoming almost obligatory.I don’t like that!

[@susantownsend8397]

On land or shipboard I frequently tip anyone I see cleaning a restroom. Imagine a cruise, restaurant, or entertainment experience without them! I’m not going to miss those few dollars.

[@PhillProbst]

Bottom line: "gratuities" is a MISNOMER! They are nothing of the sort. There is nothing "free will" of these charges. They are a significant portion of the recompense of the wait staff/crew, and should be included in the price of the cruise up front. Having said that, you need to include those charges when comparison shopping cruises.

[@monicap5054]

Great tips and on point as always. We always prepay our gratuities when booking our cruise and still give out tips to our bar tenders and servers. We also always start out our cruise with a gift to our cabin Stewart that includes a thank you card in advance with cash, international calling cards and candies. On the last evening of our cruise, we will again tip for all of the assistance provided us during the week. They all work so hard and very long hours and deserve it!

[@stacythomas1587]

I'm going on a 16day cruise next April and I will definitely do this for my stateroom attendant.

[@MrClickitorTicket]

I had not thought about international calling cards! I know several years ago they were very useful, but are they still helpful now that everyone has some kind of cellular phone?

[@elizabethtwombly3266]

I was wondering the same about the calling card. Are they still a useful item?

[@Jedi71]

Bartenders? The drink package added a 20 percent gratuity across the board.

[@monicap5054]

@@MrClickitorTicket I would think that this saves them a little bit of money when calling home. An international plan on cell phones might be expensive

[@neilcharles2520]

Tips are pooled now and shared,not fairly ! The water person who does most of the work at your dinner table get's the least tip,i always tip them xtra on the last night of the cruise...There is a reason cruise lines are building mega muti millions dollars ships...They nickle and dime passengers now while service and food quality has declined...Your Cabin attendant hardly does anything now,and always out of site...They have certain times now when available,On my cruise last year,one even told me if i need ice ,i can always go to any one of the bars and get it myself...Back in the good old days,ice was in your cabin 24/7...seem like the cabin attendant never slept,they were always around to greet you...

[@dorotadurazinska7822]

3h to go before I am on my first ever cruise. Thank you for all your tips.

[@AceGoodheart]

How much did they tip you?

[@janetholmes733]

Have fun😊

[@kevinditchburn4902]

Help. Does anyone know if MDR staff get automatic tips even when guests eat elsewhere (buffet, specially restaurants etc..). Seems odd if they do.

[@DenaInWyo]

The ONE time I dislike the auto gratuity is on a drink package. I wish this could be removed because I definitely prefer to tip cash (and I do tip well) to the specific bartender. Removing this wouldn't be like taking off the cruise grats that go to behind the scenes people, or at least I don't think so. It sucks because my conscience won't let me order a drink without at least a buck tip to that bartender right in front of me. Oh well, I just have to consider it a part of the drink package. I enjoy tipping, but I think there is a growing trend of tipping fatigue. Every counter service and drive through has the option now, and it's getting kind of nuts.

[@Johnno010]

Well said. I too enjoy tipping, but tipping fatigue is real. Case in point, many of the vendors at my local farmer’s market take payment through credit card readers on their iPads, and I need to select a tip percentage or No Tip before the payment will process, for purchase of 3 tomatoes!!! Can’t wait til this feature shows up at my local grocery store. Likewise, extra tip line on the bar receipt, after patron has prepaid gratuities, contributes to the “gimme more more” impression that travelers often feel about cruise lines.

[@DenaInWyo]

@@Johnno010 I know! And then when you have to hit "no tip" right in front of the person..although I have to say I'm getting over being embarrassed about that. Come on, the farmer's market??? But yeah, I get real joy tipping my bartender in person, and it feels kind of unfair they also collect the auto grat. Then too, last cruise from NOLA there were people in line at guest services to complain about this mysterious charge put on their S&S and people in the FB roll call complaining that Carnival was trying to rip them off with this added "gratuity" charge they "never agreed to."

[@AndreasS.-mh8ti]

You’re right. I think the cruise lines count on people also tipping in cash, aka double tipping. It’s psychology to get their workers more total wages.

[@xtkmpv35]

Call me cheap but 'tipping' sounds like hidden charges. Sounds like tipping is expected pretty much every breath I take. Might as well add the tip to every price tag and show one number rather than breaking it down as if I care, and businesses just figure it out in the back-end when distributing how much goes where.

[@alwilliams64964]

One thing that I don't think you mentioned. If you get complimentary drinks or food (because of a loyalty tier level, suite perks, etc.), then there is typically no automatic service charge. Tipping in this situation is a good idea.

[@theresapalmer-s8p]

One comment about restaurant workers in both Canada and the US. In the US, there are very low wages that are legal for restaurant servers, knowing that they will be supplemented thru tips. In Canada, however, this is not the case. Even if servers make minimum wage in each respective province, they are still making much more per hour than in most US states. Therefore, to my mind, the tip culture in Canada is wrong and should NOT be like in the US but instead, should follow the culture in Europe instead. Canadians are expected to tip workers who often make more money than the customer.

[@renamccully1462]

When traveling anywhere away from home, i always find out what the tipping culture is for my destination. A cruise ship is a destination all its own, of sorts. I tip generously, not because i have extra money laying around but because i budget for it as part of my vacation cost, and it's a small way for me to appreciate those who work so hard to help make my cruise enjoyable. There's a saying out there "When in Rome..."

[@Isaiaswolf66]

You should tip doctors also, they work so hard. Some barely sleep, let alone nurses 12 hours shifts. Teachers specially elementary, imagine controlling 20 , seven year old kids. And they sometimes put in from their own bags to take treats or buy material for classrooms, why not tip them ?

[@renamccully1462]

@Isaiaswolf66 is it the culture where you live to tip doctors, nurses, and teachers? If it is, then if I visited you, I would follow the culture.

[@Fudgieguys1969]

Since ALL cruises know this, you bring extra cash and are open to theft and possibly muggings at port. Criminals will be criminals.

[@teddoyle491]

I used to tip about 18-20% . Then I found out that all the tips you add to your bill go to a general fund and managers take about a 40% cut. Now I tip nothing. Period. I have paid for all these services when I paid my fare. It is up to the cruise operator to pay staff wages not me. When I was a young man 10% was generous tip. Where did this 20% or more come from? Tips have become a racket and I chose not to participate.

[@gulfstream-tvstudios9546]

between 15 to 20 % of the cruise cost should be given to the staff as a tipp ... minimum...if you are very happy with the service its 25% ... thats the rule since the titanic sunk ....

[@dbenadon]

Another great video on a sensitive topic delivered with care. We always pre-pay and then tip in cash our room steward, butler (if we are in the Haven) and bartenders that we use. The crews work so hard and for so long, I think that every budget should allow some extra cash to show appreciation.

[@medinawick28]

Exactly... The actual person taking care of your wants and needs need to have the extra "tip" to show your appreciation. These attendants are sending all they can to their family back home.

[@veronicashine1812]

We do the same. We always prepay. I find it so much easier on having a very low end of the cruise bill. I do leave an extra tip for the cabin steward and asst. I know that tips are included in spa services and some drink packages, but I still tip the bartender and massage therapist.

[@21AirDrop]

May I ask what you tipped your Haven room steward, butler and MDR server? I was thinking $100 each. Additionally, I pre-pay gratuities as well, the cash tip is additional.

[@veronicashine1812]

@@21AirDrop That would be about what we do for cabin steward and butler. I never do MDR but the Haven has their own venue to dine in and we rend to do specialty dining. I always get different servers and just let the prepay take care of that but the maître d' of the Haven restaurant will get 50. We had a great one who had made sure we had a lovely and same table each time we dined there.

[@lenvella9541]

You do not prepay for tips or gratuities look it up you are a fool if you pay in advance for something you have not yet had.

[@AnonyMous-nl7ig]

Does the Auto Daily Gratuities appear on the Cruise lines profit and loss statement ? Is there a special department administering the collection / disbursing of ADG and are their salaries paid out of the ADG $ collected..many questions, few answers.

[@rosadelctorres2405]

Another group of people I always tip (~ $10 to $15) are the staff that provide wheelchair assistance during embarkation and disembarkation. I have some walking issues and I usually request this service. They make sure take me to the e-muster station and once checked, they proceed to a dining venue or any place of my choice. Your tips are very helpful, as usual. How much is an appropriate tip for the different services is useful information.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s something I never thought of. Thanks for mentioning this

[@Eaglejake]

Well done, and this should be done across the board. I'm over 55, and everyone knows that cruises attract Seniors. I am amazed at the "entitlement" of many that require wheelchair assistance, and don't tip the endless assistance, every day, for the length of a cruise. I actually recommended they have a "Wheelchair Package", much like all the other a la carte "packages", on the last post cruise survey. It is only fair.

[@PeteChatteris]

My job is exactly that. I work in Auckland at the cruise terminal and help people in wheelchairs. In our country, tipping is not part of the culture. In the four months I have been doing this job I have never had a tip, not have I ever expected it. However today a guy gave me a tip and I felt a little strange. I said no it's fine, but he insisted. I was a little uncomfortable but told him I will pass it on to charity and thanked him. Expecting tips is totally weird and definitely not part of any culture I would like to be in. I do my job well and love helping people. I get paid fairly well and want to provide the best possible service to our guests. I don't need a tip for that, just a thank you is fine.

[@rosadelctorres2405]

​@PeteChatteris I could add then that it would be wise to know about the culture of the place we are going. It would be embarrassingly awkward to accidentally offend a person for doing their job.

[@louiselunt9713]

if the company paid those doing a job their proper wages, then tips should be a personal preference. We personally wouldn’t give tips to someone moving our cases to the side for transfer onto the ship’s onboarding moving belt, where they go for security checking and onwards to your cabin. Why make choices between porters, and other jobs, ie. reception or security….Why tip a select few? It just seems an outdated way of recognising a lowly paid worker, instead or paying them properly. People shouldn’t rely on tips for income.

[@Laurie911]

We just learned a new tip after 72 cruises. First day on a 13 night cruise went to our room on embarkation and met the room steward who was just finishing cleaning our room. We tipped him ahead for the week. Then latter that evening a new room steward introduced himself. We were confused and said What happened to the room steward we had earlier? He said he is in a new area for this cruise. So we learned never tip the first day. (Side note we already prepaid the regular gratuities before cruise)

[@annar6081]

Why would you pay in advance for the service you did not get yet? How did you feel when you figure out that a new person is there?

[@Laurie911]

@@annar6081 We know we are going to get the service. When we tip ahead we get even better service than waiting until the end. When they know you’re generous and a tipper do they do more for you. If you don’t tip they don’t know if you will ever tip. We just tipped the new guy. We will wait or ask to insure that person will be our room steward for the week next time. The only time this ever happened in 75 cruises now.

[@diverdave4056]

come on now... Yes the Captain's and officers do enjoy getting TIP"S $$$ and gifts ! please prove to us all , that every employee that works on the ship all get the same amount of $$$ that the company takes in ! I have been on ships where the tip money is given out with much more cash to the Officer's and very little to the wait staff and cleaning crew .

[@anncochenour9920]

When I was in Italy I noticed people didn’t tip Except when the waiter knew we were Americans they would say to us only “ Doesn’t include tip”. They know we our suckers. Ha ha.

[@jwinns9859]

Don't forget to tip the common area workers. Those who clean the stair case, elevators, public bathrooms, those that clean the pool deck at 2am and walk around cleaning up. I consider them the silent heros

[@hughbryant898]

Include the mariners down below deck like trash sorter, laundry-linen department, cooks, nautical engineers & so on.

[@paulainreallife2974]

😂😂😂

[@nicolasbouyiouclis4726]

Those corrupt cruise companies under pay their employees with the blessings of the us government and the make tipping mandatory for the cruisers...! Corruption at its top levell..! Each cruiser / customer should be free to tip as he or she pleases based on the service he or she receives.. that's why is called tipping. ..but corrupted societies redefine the rules with a big dose of gilt for the customer that eventually becomes the norm!

[@brunkerj]

Just reading a few comments, I know my reply is often not popular. In The Retreat on Celebrity gratuities are included. I've asked waiters and butlers and they have all assured me that they receive these tips. So I don't tip twice. I do give extra to those that go above-and-beyond. But my gratuity was included in my original fare.

[@tedm9848]

Tipping has become abusive and demanded previously called gratuity to show your gratitude for the service. I've always gotten good service on a cruise ship and a good tip has been earned but it's to the point when they put it on your bill AKA it is demanded this is wrong and you're promoting it. When you add all this up at setting quite a bit of expense to your trip and taking away your ability to judge. I can't help to believe you were paid to promote this

[@DungNguyen-hz5tb]

Why tipping??? Pay the worker.

[@elizabethmckenna6471]

The service charge is split amongst so many including the captain. They make so little money and many have families that they don’t get to see for about 9 months. We get a few hundred dollars and give the bartender $1 dollar per drink and give our food server 3-5 dollars per meals. Our room stewards are separate. We always take care of them. I realize it’s not normal in other countries but it takes so little to make someone happy. I worked on a ship and we made $11 dollars per day. Yes, we didn’t have bills to pay, but every outing was expensive because you are in tourist destinations.

[@michaelalbert5518]

I have been bringing a strap of$1 bills to ensure I do not run out of small bills....I use them to "double tip" the bar waiters for better service. This has worked so well in fact, that I have gotten preferential treatment, by this I mean, getting my drinks faster than other people, even if they have been in the bar before me.

[@vivienbichette9180]

I have gratuities included in my package along with the drink package. So am I supposed to tip room service or the crew member that brings me a drink ? I believe I have free room service too.

[@bonniesatterberg1018]

This was GREAT information on tipping! Do you have any suggestions on the proper way to acknowledge a ship’s officer who routinely goes above and beyond to make your cruise special?

[@georgefraser589]

America is completely out of step with the rest of the world when it comes to tipping, An expected 20% is obscene! Also please tip in the local currency when ashore as dollars are not the world currency.

[@newfellazlive]

This is wild this almost wants me not to go on a cruise.

[@brianstevens3963]

The cruise lines always push to prepay tips that's fine I pay in advance and they charge tips in the drink package that's fine with me !! if that's what they want fine but I'm not giving them more tips !! they started this not me

[@mychaelvo7597]

I am not cheap and I do give tips ...but watching this video really stress me out with how much awareness I need to have with tipping on a cruise. I have been to many cruises so I know the drill ...but is is still tiring. I am going on a cruise soon, in Jan-2024.

[@kaasmeester5903]

Watching these videos, it appears that cruising is a hellish minefield of do's and don'ts :)

[@MoDavI-sl7iy]

I agree

[@Peachez4044]

This is overwhelming 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@tedmeeuwsen712]

Message for the US. Aussies and Canucks don't tip. It's not in our culture and really gets up our noses.

[@ricknolte6846]

Perfect timing on this video as I am going on a Mediterranean cruise in a few weeks to celebrate retirement. For crew members who I feel deserve something extra I bought some thank you cards and envelopes to use for tipping at the end of the cruise. If a server, room attendant or someone made my voyage special I can thank with a card and a tip. My question though is should I tip in Euros or dollars? LOL! Any advice? Looking forward to a great vacation with Celebrity.

[@joserego9210]

Tipping should be treated as a crime. I hate it, when you have to tip 20% for the employer to have free labour.

[@makiontour6686]

Thank you for this video! In Germany, you have to make any kind of additional costs that will be charged automatically (including tipps, taxes etc.) visible for your customers befor they book or buy anything by law, so I was actually a little surprised about the first mistake. There are still some diffenrences between cruising in Europe and cruising in Canada/USA, I suppose 🙂

[@Drjanetta]

Can you please explain !

[@makiontour6686]

@@Drjanetta Explain what?

[@annar6081]

@@DrjanettaWe Europeans tip only small amount of money for an exceptional service. Employees are paid by their employers, so customers do not need to feel pressure of tipping. If I go to a cruise, I go to enjoy a trip, see new places, meet new people. I am not going there to do a social justice for employees that are not paid enough by their employers. Got it now?

[@yuriclement3925]

If you get great service you tip....simple...i tip everywhere i get good service....seems some of you have never been a server or bartender

[@PeterKlein-n8c]

TIPS mean "To Insure Personal Service". I aways tip the head bartender to the bar we will be consuming the most beverages. I get my drinks as I walk up and on crowded nights, I don't have to wait! We have been on 14 cruises.

[@Robert-eg2oy]

Tipping is always included automatically into your fares. No need to watch this video.

[@meganstuart5626]

I also tip the blackjack dealer. Typically in the form of betting on their behalf. I find that they're more willing to help me make the right decisions if I'm betting for them as well.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s an interesting one :)

[@captainjohn51]

I am from Australia. Just like a canoe we don't tip!!!!

[@georgiahilton6051]

Thanks for this information. I am in the middle of booking our first cruise and have so much to learn. Honestly, I'm a little weary of the $200 here and the $500 there. Lesson learned. I'll be better prepared for our next one though.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Don’t stress too much about the “extras”. There is a lot to do on the cruise without paying extra :)

[@lindabradford9591]

Keep watching videos. That's what I ended up doing and for our 1st cruise, I was well prepared.

[@jt8280]

Fact, tipping culture is out of hand, the cruise lines must pay a livable wage to all.

[@markrubinstein7889]

Your videos have been very helpful in planning our first cruise. Thank you for all the great videos.

[@jackip2ava]

We should NOT tip anyone

[@garyroberts3859]

You’ve managed to put me off cruising for life

[@susieminnick6801]

Don't let this woman steer you away.she is so wrong about so many things!!

[@lsheree1]

🤣🤣🤣

[@grafixmedia]

@@susieminnick6801il faut en prendre et en laisser, ce n’est pas si compliqué