how much to tip on cruise royal caribbean
We have also taken a few of the ship's "backstage" tours and could see where the crew members reside, dine, kick back to relax, etc. When we tip them individually, do they get to keep the entire amount for themselvesor do they have to share that too? I believe since these are pooled between everybody, additional tipping should only be done if you feel somebody has gone above and beyond. Your cruise in April sounds amazing! Tipping is not required, however, customarily some people do choose to tip anywhere from $1 - $5 per order. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. The industry should pay fair wages so that our tips are in fact tips and not wages. One notable exception is Norwegian Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean Cruises Tipping Policy As of September 7th, 2022, the automatic service gratuity of $16.00 USD per person, per day for guests in non-suites staterooms, or $18.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Suites, will be applied to each guest's SeaPass account on a daily basis. Tipping extra is not necessary, and theres no right or wrong amount to give a crew member. Sometimes it cannot be helped ! So something edible (maybe a favorite candy or snack from your home region?) Prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted and cruise line gratuities may be referred to a daily service charge or crew incentive. The cruise industry has worked this way for a long time, although the automatic gratuities are only the last few years. What currency should you use to tip on a cruise? Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Your email address will not be published. Love this! The average daily gratuity on a cruise is $14-15 USD per person approximately $30 per day, per couple in a cabin. Passengers sometimes plan in advance to bring small gifts to leave with their cabin stewards, either at the beginning or end of the cruise. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');With the autograt system, many crew members who rarely received tips before now get a sharelike the laundry or kitchen staff on some cruise lines. In fact, I think most would agree that cruise line staff make a huge difference in the cruise experience. Credit: whmuc.blogspot.com. This fee ranges anywhere from $12.50 to upward of $20 per person, per day, depending on the cruise line -- usually on the higher end if you're staying in a suite. Technically your are not obliged to tip any more than the daily gratuities that have been charged to your room. A The automatic service gratuity is $16.00 USD per person, per day for guests in Junior Suites and below, or $18.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above, applied to each guest's SeaPass account on a daily basis. I give my room steward $5 at the very beginning of the cruise. So they follow this model with many of their crew members who perform services for passengers. #1 Bring a bathing suit on embarkation day On embarkation day, the pools are open so be sure to pack a bathing suit in your carry-on luggage so that you can enjoy them with less crowds! Royal Caribbean: $14.50 per person, per day ($17.50 for guests in grand suites and above). That is a very personal question. Can You Refuse to Pay Gratuities on a Cruise? Before Your Royal Caribbean Cruise . Lets just say from the expression on the drivers face that he was not happy with that amount. ROYAL CARIBBEAN BIGGEST SHIP. I almost alwaysgive my dining staff a bit extra, my kids generally have some special requests that take extra time and effort for the wait staff. How much shouldwe tip? There is no charge for children under 2 years of age. Read our best tips.). Ive been cruising for over 15 years, and the practice of tipping on a cruise has certainly evolved. You can adjust this based on the length and complexity of the tour. Cruise Tipping and Salaries Dissected, Tipping On Cruises: Cruise Line Policies Revealed, Tipping on Ships: An Australian Culture Clash, Cabin Stewards on a Cruise: What to Expect, How Not to Be Rude on a Cruise: 10 Ways to Make the Crew Love You. Thanks! Thoughts? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. No worries about "shoddy tips" since you have already paid the standard tip. Other itineraries may differ. Clear editor. What Is a Cabin Steward on a Cruise Ship? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I believe that often the bartenders will pool their tips b/c there are so many working the crowd but I think it's an individual choice on their parts as to how they handle this. This should provide enough money for transportation, food, and small souvenirs in port. Also, if free gratuities are an amenity, youre not expected to go beyond it unless someone goes way beyond whats normally expected. Maybe your cabin attendant delivered when you made a special request, or you loved how your steward always sweetly arranged your children's stuffed animals before bed every night -- or maybe you just want to show a little extra appreciation in the universal language of money. The Dream pioneered the innovative and fun cruise ships that are standard today from Carnival Cruise Lines. 1. Youll want to factor in the cruise line gratuity charge, sometimes called on board service charges (Norwegian Cruise Line). April 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Dining. How much cash should you bring on a cruise? Knowing how much cash to bring on a cruise can help you plan your vacation budget and avoid pesky ATM fees along the way. While planning a, The weekend is the perfect time to take a short break, so why not go on a cruise too? Whether $2 to a bartender, $20 to your waiter, or $50 to your stateroom attendant, its common to tip crew members extra for excellent service. All ships have at least one ATM onboard, which is usually located in the Royal Promenade or Centrum. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below. Great points about luxury lines and that gratuities are included. I have a video on my YouTube channel about this and people have commented amounts they give so his could be helpful (just check YouTube and search cruise gratuities Life Well Cruised). There will be an 18-20% tip automatically charged when ordering an individual drink, so no need to add more in most cases. The cruise line assesses a daily fee and divides the money among the tipped crew. We like to prepay gratuities when we make our final payment for our cruise, but this is optional. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. You may also like: Do You Need to Bring Cash on a Cruise? Celebrity Cruises is Royal Caribbean's sister brand that provides a slightly more upscale, refined experience onboard. Heres a video which answers many questions that you may have about cruise gratuities and tipping on a cruise ship. And if the problem still remains unsolved - then adjust the tips. Norwegian Cruise Line charges a daily service fee of $15.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $18.50 per person per day for guests in suites and The Haven. Is it the 15 day or the 7 day from Honolulu? What I can say, on a personal level, is that we have found that the majority of cabin stewards, waiters, assistant waiters and ship staff have given us amazing service. Some cruise lines refer to these tips as a service charge. Ren de Lambert. Those can range from about $15 to upwards of $20 for each . All rights reserved. A cruise only rate may be available on select cruises, which would not include gratuities. Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with third party vendors, or used specifically by this site or app. Iwas a waitress for yearslong ago and far away. You can always add extra for exceptional service, though! Sometimes a shoddy tip was more insulting than no tip at all. Some cruise ship spas, like those on NCL and Royal Caribbean, add on a service fee or gratuity, usually about 18%. The amount is based on the service received of course. The cruise line makes no recommendation for tipping room service. The thing that gets me so mad is we never were approached by the Maitred..except the last night when the extra tipping comes in. ATMs usually charge a $5-6 fee per transaction. I do think its a very personal choice, but we can talk about this in a future video for sure! That lets him / her know upfront that we tip, and there is more to come at the end of the cruise! (Admit it: You tend to miss those nightly pillow chocolates and towel animals after you get home.) Learn how your comment data is processed. Of course, as always, its at your discretion. It's all on the room service menu. This may be rare, however if theres a problem with service or you have a complaint on your cruise, that you should bring this to the attention of the staff member, supervisor, or guest services when it occurs. Credit: Royal Caribbean Show-Stopping Entertainment Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. a $200 gratuity on top of my prepaid gratuities. Our Hawaiian cruise in April will be the first weve been on in 15 years, so, obviously, things have changed a lot. How to Pay: Paid in cruise fare at the time of purchase. Something you will need cash for on a Royal Caribbean cruise are any extra tips you give to crew members. You cannot paste images directly. Ill explain everything you need to know about cruise gratuitiesfrom who you should tip, how much you should tip, and who you should never tip on a cruise ship. On luxury cruise lines, such as Azamara, Crystal, Seabourn, Silversea, Tauck World Discovery and Uniworld, gratuities are already included in the cost of the cruise, and additional tipping is not expected. Most cruise lines allow guests to remove automatic gratuities. If you want to adjust the amount, go to the reception desk. Princess Cruises will automatically charge a crew incentive of $14.50 per person, per day for guests in inside ocean view and balcony cabins. If not, just leave blank. The cost is $13.50 per person, per day for guests in Grill Class suites. The service charge on MSC Cruises is $12.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. If you opt for a specialty restaurant, the tip isnt usually included. I put together a 47 page printable cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise. Now, with automatic gratuities, the process is much simpler and you dont need to carry all that cash. If you want to avoid any ATM charges, though, you can theoretically take money out via the casino. (Want to get the most from your cabin steward? Tips are added automatically to the onboard account (SeaPass) on a daily basis. Thats up to you! Cruise Ship Engine Power, Propulsion, Fuel, Royal Caribbean Drinks Prices, Beverage Menus, Alcohol Policy, Carnival Cruise WiFi Internet Packages Prices. Rather than reducing the amount payed, they point out on their website that they will work to resolve any service issues experienced. Should you tip extra on a cruise? Extra tipping doesnt give you the right to be a jerk, but if you are a jerk, you had better extra tip! Do you tip above and beyond the automatic gratuities? Your glowing review can help a hardworking crew member earn a promotion or raise. Cruising in 2022: Why Onboard Tipping is More Important Than Ever, Cabin Stewardess on Princess Cruises (Photo: Princess Cruises), A Cash Tip Which is Common on Cruises (Photo: elwynn/Shutterstock). By general rule of thumb, the big ship mainstream cruise lines charge it as an extra payment above and beyond the base cruise fare while luxury lines adopt an all-inclusive approach. Our Stateroom Attendant on cruise #5 was fabulous, and I showed my appreciation by leaving him (thanks Mahbob!) There are 2 adults and 1 child in the room, if this. You can choose to pay in local currency, too, but obtaining money in 3+ currencies before a cruise is not necessary. When youre on a cruise, you shouldnt tip the captain or the officers. Until fairly recently, cruise passengers customarily tipped only in cash, in person. I'm so glad you found my post! We are a middle class, retirement age couple (63 and 62) who are not retired with no plans to in the near future. cabin (not suite) recommended amount would be $39 pp times two equals $78 for a 4 night cruise. Royal Caribbean's VOOM service has two different levels of service with two different prices. I always prepay the gratuities. But the sticker price of their fares tends to scare off many budget-minded travelers. Do you have a favorite bartender? 4 Ways to Tip Extra on a Non-Tipping Cruise Ship, What to Expect on a Cruise: Onboard Spending, Service on a Luxury Cruise: What to Expect. Originally formed in 1988 by the Chandris Group in Greece, Celebrity Cruises was acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 1997. The cruise where fun means everything. . Robinson said mainstream cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line charge gratuities on a per person, per day basis. People associate umbrella drinks and colorful tropical concoctions with cruising, and fancy-looking martinis have become a nighttime staple at sea. You may also like: Eight Things That Will Surprise First Time Cruisers. Related: Whats included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare. Note that we are Australian, so therefore not inclined to tip unless the service warrants it. Here's how to get the most out of Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package (or Prime Casino Royale free drinks in the casino). Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. I would imagine wed see prices increase overall if they did this, but perhaps it amounts to this anyway. They might feel that it gives them more control over tipping, rewarding the crew based on their level of service. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. You can, of course, increase that amount based on your experience on the excursion. Our concern is that the cruise lines take advantage by paying lower wages and then guilting passengers into higher tips. You might want to reward your cabin steward, favorite bartender or MDR server, or any other crew member you think did a great job. The best advice I can give Americans and Canadians, if they are tipping questions arise either on the ship or ashore, follow the lead of Aussies and ask their advice. We always tip cruise staff but in cash not automatic tipping. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Since you cant remove the automatic tips for just that one crew member, removing or lowering your automatic gratuities hurts all the tipped employees. P.S. The amount is the only thing that tends to vary on service levels. Your email address will not be published. If you could use cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more, youll love the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner. Cruise line tipping policies vary from one cruise company to another. Here's how it works on Royal Caribbean: As of September 7 th, 2022, the automatic service gratuity of $16.00 USD per person, per day for guests in non-suites staterooms, or $18.50 USD per. Tips on Cruise Ship Tipping - Who and How Much to Tip! I have to say, we simply prepay or leave the tips as is, so I really dont pay attention these days. The tipping culture in North America and on cruise ships is flawed, but (as you mentioned) reducing or eliminating tips only hurts the hardworking crew and their families - and does nothing to change the system. Celebrity Cruises isnt a luxury cruise line, however it is a top premium cruise line that markets itself as modern luxury. You dont need to write a noveljust a few sentences about how the crew member made your cruise even better will do. Then (if your problem continues to bother you) contact the hotel manager. Keep in mind, the venues are not always the same between Royal Caribbean ships, but each of my tips can. Like what you see? If you tip extra, you will get FABULOUS service! One exception is the piano player in the loungemost accept tips for song requests or if you enjoyed their music. But honestly, theyd prefer cash over a gift basketno matter how yummy your treats are! The onboard price of this package varies from $63 to $89 a day, plus an 18% gratuity. Its a good idea to hand over your tips the day before disembarkation. How much people tip a Royal Genie on their Royal Caribbean cruise tends to vary, although many American guests tend to fall at around the $75-$100 per day. If mainstream cruise lines decided to abolish tipping and pay all crew members a reasonable rate per hour, they would have to significantly raise the cost of cruise fares. Most are experienced cruisers and, as a group, theyre very well-liked. Tipping on a cruise ship can be a confusing endeavor, especially for those sailing for the first time. These cruise line employees are highly compensated, and offering a tip isnt necessary. The big three, including Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean expect guests to foot the bill and tips are added to their onboard account. on board service charges (Norwegian Cruise Line). On Costa Cruises, service charges of $12.50 per person, per day are charged for cruises departing from the US. Treasure Coast of Florida. $15.99 per person per day for guests in suites. Its also a nice gesture to tip the matre d or head waiter in the main dining room, especially if they were helpful with special menus or seating arrangements. Some people are retired or on a fixed income, some are well off, some have to save for years for a cruise. Another drink package option for Royal Caribbean cruisers is the Classic Soda package, which includes fountain soda and refills at any venue, Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages and even a Coca-Cola souvenir cup. According to Royal Caribbean, the last increase put the company "in line with its competitors in the industry and recognize the exceptional work that Royal Caribbean's staff and crew does to deliver unforgettable vacations every day.". I purchased the package pre-cruise for $76, this equates to just over $25 per day. Its customary to tip the waiters generously at specialty restaurants. Tipped crew on many cruise lines include housekeeping, dining, and laundry workers. Any chance of that? The article also reviews major changes in the RCI's gratuities policy implemented fleetwide/on all liners. Either way, expect to spend about $15-20 per day. The gratuity is $15.50 per person, per day for guests in mini-suites and $16.50 per person, per day for guests in suites. In their case "tipping" doesn't mean "extra" - it means "salary". Thats a funny thing that weve experienced in the past as well. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Bar, spa and in-room dining for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara have an 18 per cent gratuity charge. Something to note is that although daily gratuities arent charged, there may be a service fee or tip added to certain services onboard. Travelers in suites are. It was just the two of us. For many cruise passengers, bars play a pretty large role in their experiences. Posted September 17, 2021. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Just remember that a cash tip goes to your server, and a charged tip gets added to the tip pool. Typically, this is associated with your credit card which youll be prompted to set up when you complete your online check in. If youre new to cruising, or its been a while since your last cruise, its important to know about cruise tipping guidelines before you sail. Upload or insert images from URL. At some North American ports, youll see signs stating that the porters do not accept tips. Virgin Voyages does a lot of things differently than its mainstream peers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Cruise lines typically flag their ships in countries with lax employment laws. Tips are either covered by the autogratuities or theres a service fee tacked on, so you dont need to tip again. This amount varies by cruise line, however the average daily gratuity is $14-15 US per day, per passenger for a standard cabin and $17-18 a day for guests in suites. Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised, Follow me onYouTube at Life Well Cruised (Vlogs and cruise tips), Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised, Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised. Tipping on a cruise ship isnt mandatory, but it is customary, and many crew members rely on tips as a large part of their income. The amount is very personal. If you dont have a drink package, theyll add the price of each drink plus the service fee to your onboard tab. The average price of a 7 night Caribbean cruise, on a mainstream cruise line, in April is approximately $616 (493) per person, excluding taxes. I generally tip extra, mostly because I come from a customer service back round and know how hard these people work, compared to their pay. Outdoor Activities If outdoor fun is your thing, the Carnival Dream offers a near endless array of ways to fill both day and night with fun. On most cruise lines that collect automatic gratuities, youre able to remove or adjust the charges by visiting the passenger services desk. Viking Cruises gratuities are $15.00 per person, per day for all staterooms. The cruise line will assess your fee each day, then theyll charge your credit card on file at the end of the cruise. Children under 4 are not charged. As it is with most cruise shipping companies, RCI's tourists can remove the daily gratuity but know that these tips are for all the housekeeping and dining staff. Just like with the Carnival's tipping policy, under the new Royal Caribbean tipping policy guests who believe they've been serviced poorly while onboard their "Of The Seas" ship has the right to ask Guest Services personnel to reduce or even to remove their automatic gratuities. Lines with such charges include both of the two giants of the cruise business, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, as well as Norwegian, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line. When people think of cruises,, Theres nothing quite like relaxing on a Caribbean beach with no worries in the world except deciding which tropical, A lot of cruise ship passengers will drive to their port of embarkation, whether with their own vehicle or in a ride, Royal Caribbean cruises are known for the wide-array of entertainment, dining and things to do onboard, and it got us. If you go on a tour or shore excursion, its nice to tip the driver or shore excursion staff if youve appreciated their service. In the UK, tips are completely discretionary and are only to reward service that goes above the normal expectations. Just did 8 nights on Voyager. I had prepaid my gratuities, and I assumed the porter was a cruise line employee, so I didnt tip him. A tip of 15%-20% is common, so check the bottom of your bill before adding an additional amount. Hi All, I just wanted to share something with new cruisers (and old if they do not know this). Cindi Prior to your cruise, youll connect your onboard account with a credit or debit card, and all payments will be charged to that card at the end of the cruise. $10-20 at the end of the cruise is a nice gratuity for their service. Depending on your cruise ship, you may be able to use the Royal . Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You may also like: A Cruise Glossary: Cruise Terms You Should Know. Often cruise lines provide additional envelopes to tuck a little extra cash at the end of the cruise just for this purpose. You may also like: 26 Hidden Cruise Fees You Should Know About. We usually do the prepaid tipping and also give some extra at the end of our cruises. If you dont prepay your gratuities, they will be added to your onboard account. Some cruise lines employ a sommelier or wine steward in the main dining rooms, who isnt included in the tipping pool. The cruise director will also remind passengers about how much and whom the cruise . The price increases during August to approximately $773 (619) per person, excluding taxes. What do you think about cruise line gratuities and service onboard? Although cards are widely accepted, you may still encounter establishments that do not accept card payments. On the flip side, passengers have less control over where their money goes with autogratuities. They often work 7-10 months at a time and 12-14 hours per day for seven days straight before having a half or even a whole day off. The COST Series: Cruise Ship TIPPING | Who to tip on a cruise and how much | Royal Caribbean Tipping The Weekend Cruiser 8.96K subscribers Subscribe 588 Share 10K views 8 months ago. Plus, youre never required to make any extra purchases in the first place if you take advantage of the complimentary options available on a Royal Caribbean cruise. one in 2023. Don't be Held Back on Arrival Royal Caribbean requires you to do an online check-in, at least three days before your published sail date. I wouldn't worry about giving "too little" extra, since you are already paying the auto gratuity. Why taking a weekend cruise is a great escape, 11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, How to get to Royal Caribbean's cruise terminals and how much parking will cost, Top 16 things on a Royal Caribbean cruise everyone needs to do at least once. Wondering how much gratuities are on a cruise? Unless they are below average and that has happened only one time. If you feel that you want to tip above and beyond the cruise tipping guidelines, go for it. Many passengers rave long after their hoilday is over about the service of stewards who go above and beyond. I ALWAYS tip extra to the outstanding employees on every cruise I have ever taken. Although cash isnt required for onboard purchases, there are a few scenarios where youll want to have cash available. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Iwas a waitress for yearslong ago and far away. Cruising can be such a relaxing vacation as well as so much fun. I was thinking of giving ours a $20 at the beginning, not sure if this is about the "norm", or if I should give a little more. Ive got you covered! I'm sure the crew appreciated your extra tips - they all work so hard! For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. After combing through my notes, here's the best tips and tricks for taking a Royal Caribbean cruise. I think its pretty bad when thats the only night they make their presence be known. i understand what you are saying.and I know we are paying roughly 15 dollars a day each as a tip already.