Tipping Protocols for Cruise Ship Dining Staff: Guidelines and Etiquette

Tipping is a crucial part of cruising etiquette, ensuring that staff members who serve you are fairly compensated for their hard work. The protocols for tipping dining staff on ocean liners can vary by cruise line, but this article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the tipping process.

Standard Tipping Practice

Many cruise lines adopt a standard practice of automatic gratuities, which is a day-to-day charge added to your onboard account. This fee covers a range of services, including dining room staff. Typically, this charge ranges from $14 to $20 per person per day. While this is included, additional tips can be appreciated and are highly encouraged for exceptional service.

Additional Tips for Exceptional Service

If you truly believe the service was outstanding, consider leaving cash tips for your dining staff. It is common practice to tip 5 to 10 dollars per meal per server. For example, if you are served by a head waiter or assistant waiter, this can be a substantial boost to their satisfaction. On longer cruises, where you might develop a rapport with the staff, you might consider tipping more.

Tipping Frequency on a Cruise

The frequency of your tips can vary. It's customary to tip at the end of the cruise or after a particularly memorable meal. However, if your service was consistently excellent, you might consider tipping on a nightly basis. This can show your appreciation for the dedicated and attentive service you've received.

Cruise Line Variations

It's important to check your specific cruise line's policies on tipping. Some lines, like Carnival, include automatic charges for room stewards and dining room servers. You can always visit the front desk to have these charges removed if you prefer to manage your tips personally. Additionally, many cruise lines provide envelopes for you to leave tips for room stewards and dining room staff.

A Personal Note on Tipping

Some cruisers prefer set time dining, where the same servers attend to you throughout the cruise. This allows for a more personalized service where servers get to know your preferences, leading to a more enjoyable experience for you. For example, I often end up with multiple desserts because the servers remember my taste. On a recent cruise, we tipped a total of $100 for each server (waiter and assistant) at the end of the cruise. Our cabin steward received $200, and we usually left $50 each for café and bar staff. These little acts of appreciation go a long way in ensuring a memorable cruise experience.

Remember, tipping is a personal choice, and it's important to only tip what you can afford and feel comfortable giving. The key is to show appreciation for the high-quality service you receive while cruising.