Daily "Tip" cost?

Question

After spending a few thousand dollars for a restfull cruise, how much should I expect to pay for "tips"
I've heard the foreign registered ships don't pay their crew well.
Why don't they just add the crew's pay on the bill?

Answer 1

Cabin stewards and Waiters should get approx $3.50 - $4.00 per person/per day. Busboys should get approx $2.00-$2.50 per person/per day. Of course if service is exceptional you can give more. When you purchase any beverages, a service fee of 15%-18% is generally added to the bill. You don't have to tip any more, although I have found if you find a good bartender or waiter, an extra $1.00 here or there will go a long way when trying to get drinks at a crowded bar, club, or pool....

Answer 2

Figure on an average of $10 per day. You have an option of pre-paying your tips when you book your cruise or if you choose not to do this then almost all cruise ships now add on to your shipboard account the standard tips. You are still free to adjust them any way you wish. We usually remove all the tips except the amount that goes to the lunchtime buffet servers and then tip each of the crew that assisted us in person in cash. This is almost always more than the suggested amount as they usually do an outstanding job and deserve this recognition. In addition we also include a handwritten card expressing our thanks and maybe a personal memory that they provided us to carry in our memory. Like all servers and maids/butlers etc they are paid a very small monthly wage and the rest is made up in tips. Also, please remember to fill out the questionaire at the end of the cruise and praise those individuals that help make you time special. This is the means by which they are recognized by the ship and can lead to promotion OR demotion. On the top of the line luxury ships there is still no tipping allowed even though some will still tip individuals for something special
Also...don't forget that while room service is free, it is customary to tip at least a dollar for a drink or small snack and a couple of bucks for anything larger like a couple of snadwiches, dessert, etc

Answer 3

It is an excellent question to ask, as it is often overlooked by people going on cruises.

You are right the stewards, often from the Philippines and Goa in India are on low wages, they are away from their families for between 6 - 9 months at a time in small cabins of six people. They work very long hours as they start early and finish late and they only have a day off every fortnight or more.

The cruise industry has grown up on this tradition and nothing will change, as the cost of the cruise would rise and the stewards are very dependant on the tips to send home to their families.

I would suggest something between $10 - $20 a day for a good steward. A steward will be very dedicated to you and treat them with the respect they deserve...many passengers don't!

Have a fantastic time1

(My Step Mother is a Doctor and my Father is a Senior crew member on one of the largest cruise ships, hence I know the inside track).

Answer 4

Most cruise lines will add a tip onto your bill. Depending on the cruise line it will be anywhere from $10 - $25 per day per person. Most lines require that you pay this while some have a "tip not required" policy and you can adjust the tips to your desire.

Answer 5

Most cruise lines have a "suggested" tip guideline per person. But I feel this should be considered as a minimum tip, especially for the cabin stewards. They make up your room twice a day and are always very friendly. I usually give them at least double the recommended tip.

Answer 6

about 15%

Answer 7

you should tip fairly generous since yes they are not piad well because they assume most of their pay will come from tips so their pay is less than minimum wage about $2