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: Eight Things That Will Surprise First Time Cruisers. How Much Does a Caribbean Cruise Cost? On embarkation day of my very first cruise, a porter came up to my taxi and whisked my luggage away, seconds after I got out of the car. Id love to connect with you on Instagram and Facebook @lifewellcruised. Cash is rarely required on a Royal Caribbean cruise, as all payments onboard are made via your SeaPass account. If you choose to pay tips in cash, there are usually some envelopes available at the guest service desk. You'll find an extensive selection of options all over Canada UK lines such as Fred. We like to prepay gratuities when we make our final payment for our cruise, but this is optional. Having the articles in a printable format is a really interesting idea. I think its pretty bad when thats the only night they make their presence be known. You can purchase the drink package online pre-cruise or once onboard during the first day (or two) of your trip. 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. How Much Water Should I Drink Before Donating Plasma. You also have the option to prepay your gratuities before your cruise. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If you found this helpful, please dont keep it to yourself ;-). But many cruisers (including myself) choose to prepay to avoid a big charge at the end of the cruise. W. 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. For guests staying in Grand Suites and above, the fee is $18.50 per person, per day. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Are very professional, what should a tip look like at the end of a 10 day cruise? Originally formed in 1988 by the Chandris Group in Greece, Celebrity Cruises was acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 1997. In the wake of the increase, a family of four in a . The staff learns real quick who tips extra, and who does not. How much are gratuities on Royal Caribbean cruises? Cruise line employees work their butts off to earn those tips. However, you might end up paying a similar total price on a mainstream line when you factor in gratuities, drink packages, shore excursions, and the like. This is a convenient option for cruise passengers that dont want to think about extra charges once onboard. 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. The cruise line will assess your fee each day, then theyll charge your credit card on file at the end of the cruise. Based on the amount of the bill. Lets just say from the expression on the drivers face that he was not happy with that amount. Our Hawaiian cruise in April will be the first weve been on in 15 years, so, obviously, things have changed a lot. 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. I just arrived on board for our 6th cruise, after my 5th cruise just 2 months ago. What do you think about cruise line gratuities and service onboard? Today is day 10 of a 12 day cruise on grandeur. ~ janet If you put your tips on your seapass you will get a voucher for each envelope. 1 1 Quote Cindi Members 12 Author Posted April 16, 2019 April 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Dining. Holland Americas daily gratuity is $14.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins and $16.00 per person, per day for guests in suites. In addition to this, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to all drinks, spa and salon services. Youll likely get much better service by doing that instead of just removing the tip! Im not expecting him to kiss our butts, but come on. Paste as plain text instead, 1) Get a Free Balcony Upgrade Promotion and How to Find Them Occasionally cruise lines will run special promotions on particular ships, itineraries, and/or destinations offering balcony staterooms at the same price as an outside or inside cabin. This practice can eat into the regular wages and livelihood of hardworking crew and is not advised. Although cards are widely accepted, you may still encounter establishments that do not accept card payments. For many cruise passengers, bars play a pretty large role in their experiences. I always prepay the gratuities. These cruise line employees are highly compensated, and offering a tip isnt necessary. If you wait to the end to tip, then the servers wont know and you possibly missed out of knowing how wonderful the cabin steward or others could be. While most people know it for being a cruise destination, shadowing the coastline to see the glaciers, there is so much People associate umbrella drinks and colorful tropical concoctions with cruising, and fancy-looking martinis have become a nighttime staple at sea. Thanks for sharing your view on this. They did a really good job and I would like to tip them. Youre welcome to use a credit or debit card to make purchases in ports of call whenever possible. Im so glad youre enjoying my blog and find the posts helpful and appreciate the feedback. However, a few lines dont add autogratuities for babies and toddlers under age two or three. The items and service are provided free of charge (except midnight - 5am when there is a nominal delivery fee). They might feel that it gives them more control over tipping, rewarding the crew based on their level of service. These kind, helpful, generous, employees work extremely hard to make sure guests like myself have a fabulous time, and since I do, the very least I can do is show my appreciation in a way that benefits them the most! Since this is the current pay structure for most major cruise lines, removing tips really affects the cruise line workers. Royal Caribbean's VOOM service has two different levels of service with two different prices. 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). Whats included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare, 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise, The 20 worst cruise mistakes that will ruin your cruise vacation, The best cruise itineraries for every type of traveler, How to plan a Royal Caribbean cruise on any budget, Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port. According to RCI's website, of the 2016-updated gratuities (US$13.50), nearly US$8.30 goes to dining / culinary services; suite attendants receive US$6,85; stateroom attendants get US$3,85, and housekeeping service staff - US$1.35. By Can You Refuse to Pay Gratuities on a Cruise? Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Many ships also have an abundance of kids' activities including kids clubs that . You cant choose how much each crew member gets. How Much Does A Cruise Cost? 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.". Afrikaans; Alemannisch; ; ; Azrbaycanca; ; Banjar; ; () Our last few cruises on Celebrity and Princess, we actually had lots of interaction from the Maitred and we did appreciate the work they did. Technically your are not obliged to tip any more than the daily gratuities that have been charged to your room. Some people are retired or on a fixed income, some are well off, some have to save for years for a cruise. Thoughts? The automatic service gratuity is $14.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Junior Suites and below, or $17.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above, applied to each guest's SeaPass account on a daily basis. You also shouldnt tip the cruise director, the entertainment staff, or any independent entertainers like musical guests, comedians, or magicians. Keep in mind that cruise crew members live in tight quarters, so small (and edible) gifts are preferred. Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean charges a $7.95 service fee and room service is available 24-hours a day. Love this! Cunards daily gratuities are set at $11.50 per person, per day for guests in standard cabins. If your shore excursion includes lunch, you generally dont have to leave a tipthe tour company takes care of the lunch bill. And while you dont need to visit a port with $1000 in your wallet, youll want to make sure you have enough money to account for expenses throughout the day. Hi Janet! We never gave him anything. The porters will assist with your luggage and its customary to tip for their service. However, your cruise vacation expenses wont end there. Having worked in the service industry, if people want to extra tip, then doing it at the beginning is the way to go. In their case "tipping" doesn't mean "extra" - it means "salary". Most US lines that base ships in the UK over the summer -- Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, for example -- offer automated gratuity options that charge a standard daily gratuity fee to the credit card you've placed on file for each day of your cruise. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_20',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');In for-a-fee specialty dining restaurants, you might see a spot on your bill (if you get one) to add a tip. So our "big tip" on this subject is this - if you guys have a service staff problem, speak first with your cabin attendant. The price increases during August to approximately $773 (619) per person, excluding taxes. But you should know, that the ship's service staff don't make a salary - your tips are their wages. The amount you tip is up to youI generally give about $5 per person per day to my stateroom steward. Every stateroom has a room service menu. I also tipped my wait staff very generously in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, as well as my drink waiters! Can you remove or adjust autogratuities on a cruise? The amount is very personal. Royal Caribbean charges a gratuity of $16.00 per person, per day. Treasure Coast of Florida. There is no charge for children under 3 years of age. (Youll often see a survey pop up in your email inbox a few days after your cruise.). That was the only time I didn't give an additional cash tip to the wait staff. #4. Given the high level of service, passengers often wonder how much they should plan to tip their cabin steward, especially when they go above and beyond. Its customary to tip the waiters generously at specialty restaurants. If you want to adjust the amount, go to the reception desk. Stay in one of the Royal Suites and room service is included. It May be Time for Some Royal Caribbean Elites to Reconsider Paying for Drink Packages. Id give a much larger tip to a knowledgeable tour guide who led us on an intensive nine-hour experience compared to a guide who did a basic three-hour city walking tour. The only exception is for passengers with prepaid gratuities (they won't be charged daily). Some cruisers swear by tipping at the beginning of the cruise to ensure excellent service. If you want to give an additional tip to your cabin steward (or two), Im sure its very appreciated. During your cruise vacation, youll probably receive services from other people who arent cruise line employeesbut you might not realize it! If you buy a $5 souvenir with a $20 bill in Mexico, for example, youll receive change in Mexican pesos. Youll want to factor in the cruise line gratuity charge, sometimes called on board service charges (Norwegian Cruise Line). Royal Caribbean Cruise Holiday Deals 2020 & 2021 - Cruise Nation www.cruisenation.com. If theres a crew member who goes above and beyond for you, there are some other ways to show your appreciation. Could you please go into tipping for the haven ncl staff , butlers and more. 15% being the rough standard for satisfactoryservice. Ren de Lambert. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Viking Cruises gratuities are $15.00 per person, per day for all staterooms. You may want to give them a tip per drink or a larger tip at the end or even the beginning of your cruise. Its a part of our cruise vacation cost and helps the hardworking crew make a living. Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I was even more surprised that it was a Disney cruise, where they are used to kids, and generally have a good reputation for service. This includes drinks at the bar or cafe, spa services and salon visits. Cruise Ship Engine Power, Propulsion, Fuel, Royal Caribbean Drinks Prices, Beverage Menus, Alcohol Policy, Carnival Cruise WiFi Internet Packages Prices. Or do you remove them altogether? You can, of course, increase that amount based on your experience on the excursion. Read more: Should You Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise or Pay Onboard? All rights reserved. Instead, passengers can tipor notat their own discretion. Similarly, in the main dining room, we tip our waiter around $6 to $8 per day for the two of us, averaging around $50 for a 7-night cruise. In addition, a portion of the tips are given to those who work behind the scenes or may serve you in different areas of the ship. on board service charges (Norwegian Cruise Line). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you go on a tour or shore excursion, its nice to tip the driver or shore excursion staff if youve appreciated their service. At the base level, one person can use the service, and the price rises as you add more logins. See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -Whats Included, What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise (with packing list), 7 Cruises to Avoid and What to Do Instead, Cruise Line Stocks Shareholder Benefits for Cruisers (FREE onboard credit). As I am sure you are aware each cruiser will have gratuities & tips added to their SeaPass account every day (unless you have paid these in advance with your booking). I do think its a very personal choice, but we can talk about this in a future video for sure! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');For other cruise lines, youll be able to adjust your autogratuities at the Passenger Services desk. Should You Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise or Pay Onboard? 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. Royal Caribbean International What's Included: Dining, stateroom, and other key crew members. The rule of thumb is to tip the guide 10% to 20% of the tour cost, depending on how much you enjoyed the experience. Tipped crew make the majority of their income from gratuities! $15.99 per person per day for guests in suites. Given that most , all ? Iwas a waitress for yearslong ago and far away. Hi this was helpful, thank you. Thanks so much for your input on this. The finishings are top notch, and the bathroom, in particular, is well-designed with a separate water closet. But if your excursions include free time where you eat lunch on your own, its a good idea to research the local tipping customs in the countries youll be visiting before your cruise. There aren't any hard-and-fast guidelines for this type of tip since it's contingent on your experience, but 25 to 40 on behalf of a couple roughly works out to an extra 2 to 3 per person, per day, for a seven-night cruise. The gratuities on Oceania Cruises are $16.00 per person, per day for most staterooms and $23.00 per person, per day for guests in suites. You can also leave a small gift for your favorite crew member. Check your bill after your services to see if your tip is already included. The one excursion we had a fifty dollar bill and three ones at the end of the (short) trip. Learn how your comment data is processed. However, most cruisers do tip them for their service. Ive been surprisedor I probably should say I had forgottenhow many hands have been extended for a tip on these shore excursions. This should provide enough money for transportation, food, and small souvenirs in port. Our concern is that the cruise lines take advantage by paying lower wages and then guilting passengers into higher tips. Cruises in Europe are charged in Euros. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. How much shouldwe tip? Tip amount: Gratuities amount to $13.50 per person per day (including children 3 and older) in standard rooms and $15.50 per person in suites. Something you will need cash for on a Royal Caribbean cruise are any extra tips you give to crew members. The gratuity applies to individual guests of all ages and . If youre new to cruising, you might be wondering who to tip on a cruise, how much to tip, and exactly how onboard gratuities work. Crew members work really hard and make the difference between an ok and a memorable cruise vacation.