One of the biggest topics on any cruise discussion board is based around tipping. Whether you are in a traditional cabin or an oversize suite, I truly find the cabin service while cruising typically surpasses most resorts when it comes to housekeeping. So if you are new to cruising, let's start at the beginning. Who do you tip? Here is a general list of housekeeping staff you may interact with on your cruise: The staff works hard so you don't have to. Your Cabin Steward and/or Assistant Cabin Steward will come in your room twice a day. They magically make your beds, clean your bathroom and tidy your room in the time it takes you to slip out quickly for breakfast. Then while you are at dinner, your room is again being tidied and transformed into a relaxing sanctuary for you to get a good night sleep. On some cruise lines, the staff shows off their talent by creating whimsical animals out of your bathroom towels. (See the Cabins section for some creatures we've experienced in our travels.) They may even leave a delicious chocolate or treat in your room. They also typically leave the next day's printed schedule so you can easily decide on the activities ahead of time. Perfect for a planner like me! For traditional cabins, the cruise lines suggest tipping the Cabin Steward and Assistant Cabin Stewards. If you are in a suite, the butler's tip is also added in. Recently the cruise lines are starting to automatically add tips on to your daily charges. They add a specified amount daily to cover the housekeeping staff assigned to your cabin. This way, the housekeeping staff is guaranteed a tip per guest in each cabin (and better yet, you don't have to worry about the correct calculations.) Keep in mind, their base salaries are not considerable, especially when compared to American standards. And don't forget your dining wait staff. If you have a traditional dining option selected, you'll have the same wait staff daily for dinner. They are the ones that remember from each meal to the next your culinary likes and dislikes, seating preferences, and more. Or if you choose to dine at a specialty restaurant, the wait staff in these venues often exceed any service you would find on land. Typically, all of the dining staff on board is included in your automatic daily tips, but you may choose to recognize their hard work after each meal, or find them again at the end of the cruise. For the bars and lounges, the tip is usually included in your drink package or bar tab. But if you visit a particular venue regularly and have a server that you enjoy, feel free to provide something extra. They try hard to make everything special. I still remember a wonderful lounge server that always gave extra cherries in my son's Shirley Temple. He couldn't wait to get to the lounge and look out for her. Perfect for us to enjoy the live music and drinks, too! Besides money, here are some other ideas to consider for tips:
Even though tips are automatically charged, presenting a gift or cash to anyone personally is much more rewarding. Cruise ship staff are always appreciative of a little extra something to make them feel special. I realize that they are away from their family in order to take care of mine. And with 2 young teenage boys, my family isn’t always so neat or easy! I appreciate the daily chores taken off my hands while my only job is to relax and enjoy my luxurious cruise vacation.
2 Comments
7/5/2021 04:22:40 am
Tipping for me, I never thought there would be a tip like this. You made me start to notice. I also realized that when I do anything, just spending a little tip makes things better.
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Alyson (My Virtual Vacations)
7/11/2021 08:07:24 am
I’m so glad you found it helpful!!
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My Virtual Vacations BlogAbout the AuthorThanks for cruising by!
I'm the creator behind this blog, where I share our family’s love for travel, especially cruising. By day, I work full-time in an office—and all the time, I'm a proud mom to two amazing young men. We took our first cruise when they were energetic little boys, and I’ve included plenty of tips for traveling with kids in tow. With our packed work and school schedules, we cherish every holiday break and make the most of our time off. We gravitate toward cruises and luxury hotel stays, always on the lookout for family-friendly experiences that offer comfort, elegance, and a touch of indulgence—think spacious suites, gorgeous décor, excellent service, and memorable dining. When we're not traveling, you’ll find me enjoying local restaurants or getting creative in my own kitchen with cooking and baking. Start dreaming—and planning—your next luxurious getaway, whether by sea or on land, with My Virtual Vacations. I'm always happy to answer questions or offer personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your travels. Be sure to check back often for new blog posts, travel tips, and inspiration—there are always more family adventures on the horizon!
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