The Tipping Point

Tipping may be one of the most confusing and most discussed issues surrounding cruising. Just about everybody will agree that the service personnel on the ship should be tipped. But which service personnel and how much?

You will find that most of the popular cruise lines have made this easier for you. They will automatically add $9-$10 per day per person to your on-board account. This will show up in your final statement as "gratuities". The cruise line takes care of distributing this to the appropriate service staff (usually the cabin steward, waiter, and busboy). You are always given the option to increase or decrease this amount. Just make a visit to the Purser's desk with your instructions. Oddly, the maitre'd in your dining room is not included in this distribution and it is left up to you whether to tip him (almost always a him) or not.

With the growing popularity of "on your own" dining (you don't have a set dining time or, therefore, waiter), tipping the dining staff has become a question. Usually, the gratuity added to your final bill will be divided among all the waitstaff. Disney Cruise Lines, in an interesting move, moves your waiter with you from dining room to dining room.

Most cruise lines automatically add 15% to your bar bills and other services, although it is customary to tip any staff who provide personal service in the spa (hairdresser, masseuse, etc.). I tend to frequent the same bar on a ship -- I usually scope it out the first night! So, I get to know the bartender and she/he gets to know me. For that reason, I usually add something to the already-included tip. I ask, to ensure that my added tip doesn't get spread around, but goes directly to the person who remembers exactly how I like my dirty vodka martinis!

You can look in your cruise documents, when you receive them, to see what your specific cruise line's policy is. Most important, remember that for the people who make your cruise memorable, your tips can be a significant portion of their income. Reward your cabin steward who remembers that you always want a coffee at 9AM, or the waiter who knows you always want decaf coffee during your meal, rather than with dessert. They really go out of their way to make you feel pampered. It's one of the things I find a true joy when cruising. Reward them for their exceptional service!

Do you have a story of exceptional service? Let me know. I will post stories of some of my best service personnel soon.