You’ve finally booked your dream cruise. The itinerary is sorted, the bags are nearly packed — but then a new question surfaces: how much do you tip on a cruise? And who actually gets it?

If you’ve found yourself confused about cruise tipping etiquette, you’re not alone. Between automatic service charges, optional cash tips, and confusing policies across cruise lines, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Some travellers worry they’re not tipping enough — others feel cornered into paying extra.

This guide breaks down the who, when, how, and how much of gratuities on cruises, with clear, experience-backed advice to help you tip confidently and respectfully while staying in control of your budget. Whether you’re cruising for the first time or wondering what’s changed post-pandemic, we’ve got you covered.

Why tipping matters on cruises

Cruise crew members work incredibly hard — often for months at a time, with long hours and minimal days off. Gratuities are a meaningful part of their income and are built into the structure of cruise hospitality.

Unlike in restaurants on land where tipping is often optional, on cruises it’s typically baked into your fare — or expected as a standard gesture of appreciation.

Understanding this structure helps you navigate tipping with clarity and fairness, without unnecessary stress or guilt.

Automatic gratuities vs cash tips

A waiter serves drinks at an outdoor café to two seated customers, one reaching for a cup, under a shaded awning.

What are automatic gratuities?

Most cruise lines now automatically add a daily service charge to your onboard account.

This charge covers:

  • Stateroom attendants
  • Dining room servers
  • Kitchen and behind-the-scenes staff
  • Guest service staff (in some cases)

These charges range from £10 to £18 per person, per day, depending on your cabin class and cruise line.

Some lines let you prepay these fees before your cruise — which can simplify budgeting. Others allow adjustment (up or down) at guest services if you feel service was exceptional or disappointing.

When to tip in cash

While automatic gratuities cover most service staff, cash tips remain customary for certain roles:

  • Room service delivery: £1–£3
  • Speciality dining servers: £2–£5 per person
  • Bartenders (if not included): £1–£2 per drink
  • Shore excursion guides or drivers: £2–£5 per person
  • Spa staff: 15–20% if not already added

Cash is especially appreciated for above-and-beyond service. It’s a personal, heartfelt thank-you — and for many crew members, a meaningful gesture.

Cruise line gratuity policies: A quick comparison

Each cruise brand has its own tipping structure. Here’s a general overview of popular lines:

Cruise Line Gratuity Rate (pp/day) Adjustable? Prepay Option?
Royal Caribbean £14–£17 Yes Yes
Carnival £13–£15 Yes Yes
Norwegian £14–£20 Yes Yes
Celebrity £15–£19 No (in some cases) Yes
MSC Cruises £8–£15 Region-dependent Often mandatory
Princess £13–£16 Yes Yes
Disney £14–£18 Yes Yes

Always check your line’s official site for up-to-date figures — gratuity structures can change year to year.

For an in-depth look at how cruise pricing structures work overall, this guide to understanding cruise pricing will help contextualise what your fare actually covers.

Tipping by cruise role: Who gets what?

Included in automatic gratuities:

  • Cabin stewards/attendants
  • Main dining room servers
  • Assistant waiters and head waiters
  • Galley and support crew

May require additional tipping:

  • Spa staff
  • Bartenders and baristas (unless tips included in drinks)
  • Casino hosts/dealers
  • Youth programme staff (optional)
  • Butler or concierge staff (in suites)
  • Shore tour guides (especially off-ship)

If you’re unsure whether someone is covered, ask discreetly at guest services.

Should you adjust or remove gratuities?

A waiter in a white shirt and blue apron serves a plated meal to a woman seated at an elegantly set dining table by the window.

This is a hot-button topic in cruise forums. While cruise lines allow gratuity adjustments, it’s generally discouraged unless there’s a major service failure.

Good reasons to adjust:

  • Service that was truly above expectations — increase the amount
  • A consistent, unresolved issue with cabin or dining service — reduce or remove (speak to guest services first)

Avoid removing tips as a cost-cutting strategy. Crew depend on these payments, and many come from countries where base wages are minimal.

Tipping for speciality services

Spa and salon

Most spa treatments automatically add a 15–20% gratuity at checkout. Always check your receipt before tipping extra.

Room service

Some lines charge a delivery fee, while others offer room service for free. Either way, tipping £1–£3 in cash is standard and appreciated.

Speciality dining

Even when there’s a cover charge (e.g., £25 for steakhouse), gratuities may not be included. If the service is excellent, tip your waiter as you would in a fine restaurant.

Shore excursion tipping

Tipping isn’t mandatory on tours, but it’s expected, especially for private or small group excursions. General guidelines:

  • Coach tour guide: £2–£4
  • Driver only: £1–£3
  • Private tour: 10–20% of total cost

Bring small currency notes, as change may be difficult in remote destinations.

If you’re planning tours independently, our breakdown of top tips for booking shore excursions includes guidance on cost, timing, and etiquette beyond just tipping.

Family cruises: Tipping for kids

A family stands together on a wooden pier, overlooking a tranquil ocean at sunset. They're dressed in casual attire, enjoying their time.

Most cruise lines apply full gratuities to all passengers, regardless of age.

However:

  • Infants and toddlers may be exempt (check your cruise line)
  • Teenagers using adult facilities (spa, bars) should be tipped for accordingly
  • Babysitting or kids’ club staff don’t typically receive tips — but a small cash thank-you is appreciated

When in doubt, ask crew members what’s customary — they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Tipping in luxury and all-inclusive cruises

Some higher-end cruise lines include all tips in the fare, such as:

  • Silversea
  • Seabourn
  • Regent Seven Seas
  • Viking Ocean Cruises

In these cases, tipping is not expected — but still welcomed for exceptional service. A discreet envelope at the end of the cruise is a nice touch.

Tipping hacks for smart cruisers

  • Prepay gratuities: It simplifies budgeting and avoids surprises
  • Bring small bills: Especially in USD or EUR for ports and tipping in cash
  • Set a tip tracker: Jot down names of standout crew members
  • Use envelopes or cards: For personal thank-you notes
  • Avoid overtipping out of guilt: Stick to fair standards unless service truly warrants more

Final cruise tipping etiquette reminders

  • Always check your account daily — gratuities often appear as separate line items
  • Don’t double-tip unknowingly — look for “service included” on receipts
  • Respect cultural differences — tipping is not universal, but appreciation is
  • Speak up if you’re unsure — crew and guest services are happy to clarify

Gratitude should never be a burden. Done right, it’s simply a way to honour those who help shape your experience at sea.

Conclusion: Tipping isn’t a burden — it’s a thank-you

Cruising offers you the luxury of waking up to new horizons every day — and behind that magic is a dedicated team of individuals working tirelessly to keep things smooth, safe, and spectacular.

Tipping on cruises may seem confusing at first, but with a little foresight, it becomes just another part of your thoughtful travel planning. And when done with sincerity and fairness, tipping becomes more than a transaction — it becomes a moment of genuine connection.

So as you prepare for your next voyage, remember this: it’s not about how much you give — it’s about showing appreciation where it counts. Cruise kindly, tip thoughtfully, and your journey will feel all the more rewarding.