Cruise Tipping Guide
How cruise gratuities work today, and when to tip on top.
Ask About Included TipsCruise Tipping Guide: How Gratuities Really Work
This cruise tipping guide answers the questions that confuse first-timers and veterans alike. On most mainstream lines you do not hand out envelopes any more. Instead, a set gratuity is added to your onboard account for each guest, each night, and shared among the crew who look after you — cabin stewards, dining staff and many behind-the-scenes teams.
Three Gratuity Models
Automatic daily charge
Most mainstream lines add a set amount per guest per night to your account. The rate often differs between standard cabins and suites.
Pre-paid gratuities
Many lines let you pay the gratuities with your fare before you sail, so they are not on your bill at the end. Some promotions include them.
Included in the fare
Many luxury lines and some others include gratuities. Virgin Voyages and Regent are two examples, per their own published inclusions.
Who the Gratuity Covers — and Who It Does Not
- Usually covered: cabin stewards, dining room and buffet teams, and other hotel staff.
- Often charged separately: a service charge on bar drinks, spa treatments and some specialty dining.
- Not covered: local tour guides and drivers in port, and porters at the terminal.
- Optional: an extra cash thank-you for someone who went beyond the routine.
Cruise Tipping Etiquette in Brief
Leave the automatic gratuity in place unless something went badly wrong — and if it did, tell guest services what happened rather than quietly removing it. Carry small bills for porters and port guides. Write a name in the comment card for anyone who made your trip; on many lines that recognition matters to the crew member. Packing small bills is on the list at Cruising Checklist.
Tipping Questions
Can I remove or change the automatic gratuity?
Many lines let you adjust it at guest services on board; some do not. Gratuities are how much of the crew is paid, so most cruisers leave them in place and add extra for outstanding service.
Do I tip the bartender if I have a drink package?
On many lines an automatic service charge is added to bar purchases and to drink packages. Check your receipts; an extra cash tip is optional.
Do children pay gratuities?
On most lines that charge daily gratuities, they apply to every guest in the cabin, often including children. Some lines exempt very young children; check your line’s policy.
Should I tip my tour guide in port?
It is customary to tip local guides and drivers on shore excursions; the ship’s gratuity does not cover them.
Gratuities When You Change Cabins or Lines
Gratuity rates are often higher for suites than for standard cabins, so an upgrade can change your daily amount. Lines also differ: moving from a mainstream line to one that includes gratuities can make a higher fare look more reasonable. When comparing two quotes, add each line’s gratuities to the total before deciding.
Want Gratuities Included?
Ask our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise about lines and promotions that include gratuities, and get free quotes that show them clearly.
Ask About Included Tips