Over the weekend I was in Indianapolis visiting a friend and seeing a concert. It was a little chilly but fun. While I was up there a message came across on my phone from a friend and it read like this:
“Random cruise question for you: when you cruise do you keep the automatic tipping thing they setup, or do you independently tip everyone? We found a cruise to the Bahamas for Dec. and I’m in the process of talking Eric into it … Just wondering”
Now since I know them, they are either talking about Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise lines leaving out of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is tipping in envelopes still, at $9.75 per day. The choice is yours whether is be cash or a voucher.
You can buy vouchers though so you don’t have to hassle with cash. I always tip cash because personally I think that the guys bust their butt and deserve more than the standard rate.
Royal Caribbeans tipping break down per day is:
Stateroom attendant: $3.50 a day per guest
Dining Room Waiter: $3.50 a day per guest
Assistant Waiter:$2.00 a day per guest
Headwaiter: $.75 a day per guest
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival has automatic gratuity at $10 per day. Soon as you check in at the pier and they swipe your card your gratuity is charged (it’s actually one of the first charges on your card). Once aboard the ship you can go to the pursers desk and ask for a increase or decrease in the amount you pay.
Carnival Cruise Lines tipping break down per day:
Stateroom attendant: $3.50 a day per guest
Dining Room Services: $5.50 a day per guest
Alternative Services: $1.00 a day per guest distributed to other kitchen and hotel service staff
Remember a few of other things too:
- Tipping is per day and per guest
- Children are not exempt from tipping
- Its customary to tip your casino staff
- Some entertainers work on a tipping system
- Trips to no where may have a different tipping policy
- Always tip cash at your own discretion on board the ship
- Some entertainers work on a gratuity
- Trips to no where may have a different tipping policy
- You can always add more gratuity on bar items for extended or great service
- Always tip cash at your own discretion on board the ship
Advice or comments?