Tipping on a cruise can be a bit of a hot potato. Some cruisers see it as a must-do to reward great service. Others wonder why they should bother when automatic gratuities are already added to their bill.
And then there’s the whole UK vs US cruise lines and tipping cultures…
But what do the crew think?
It’s an important perspective to understand, and thanks to a fascinating Reddit thread, we’ve been given a real peek behind the curtain.
A Royal Caribbean crew member shared some honest, heartfelt insights into what tipping means to those working hard to keep your cruise running smoothly.
Spoiler: It’s not just about the money.
1. Tipping Means More Than You Think
For many crew members – especially those from developing countries – tips aren’t just a bonus; they’re a lifeline.
While they do get a base salary, the crew member explained that extra cash goes a long way. We’re talking school fees, medical bills, supporting families back home, or saving for a better future.
That said, if tipping isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you’ve still got options for showing appreciation.
Of course, your cruise line might insist on automatic gratuities anyway (more on that in a bit), but you don’t have to be obligated to give cash tips in any situation, if you really don’t want to.
There are other gestures that mean just as much (or more!) to the crew.
2. The Post-Cruise Survey Is REALLY Important
You know that survey you get at the end of your trip that you’re tempted to skip? Don’t.
Filling out that feedback form – especially if you name-drop a crew member who went above and beyond – can result in serious perks for them:
- A rare and well-deserved day off
- A specialty restaurant meal enjoyed as a guest
- A night in a guest cabin – hello, floor space!
- Scratch cards with prizes such as internet time, cash bonuses, or crew discounts
For dining staff, your review could even influence which tables they’re assigned next – meaning more chances to earn tips, or fewer if ratings are low.
So, if someone made your cruise that little bit more special, mention them by name. A few kind words go a long way – maybe further than you realise.
3. Crew Members Love Handwritten Notes
Sometimes, a simple thank-you note does more than you might expect.
The crew member shared that they’ve kept thank-you cards and notes from guests over the years – and still re-read them on tough days. If someone made your cruise extra memorable, why not leave a postcard or short message behind?
You don’t need to be Shakespeare – just something sincere like, “Thank you for making our trip so wonderful. You made our family smile every day!” can absolutely make their week.
It’s feedback like this that really shows that the crew aren’t just financially motivated. They care about their jobs, and they want to do well – and a little bit of recognition for that will show them that they are doing so.
3. Remembering Names Matters
Want to brighten a crew member’s day in three seconds flat? Say their name.
It might sound small, but remembering and using a crew member’s name helps them feel seen and appreciated. Whether it’s your room steward, bartender, or waiter, a friendly “Hi, John!” or “Thank you, Maria!” goes a long way.
It’s easy to do, since they all wear name badges!
Crew members say that being greeted by name makes a real difference – and can even turn a rough shift around.
A lot of cruise crew members will come from countries with names you may not be used to. But do you want to know the secret on how to learn how to pronounce a name you’ve not encountered before?
You ask.
Honestly, it isn’t offensive, and the fact you care enough to get it right is actually a gesture in itself.
4. Gifts Aren’t Always A Good Idea
Thinking of bringing a little something for your favourite crew member? Lovely idea – but there are a few rules to keep in mind.
Gifts to avoid:
- Alcohol
- Items from onboard shops unless you’ve got a receipt and follow ship policy
- Anything bulky
Crew members only have very small cabins and so they need to avoid clutter. When asked, almost every crew member will say that they prefer cash, as they can use this to buy the things they actually want and need.
If you really do prefer to give a physical gift, here are some ideas based on what crew members have said that they like…
Good gift ideas:
- Travel-sized luxury toiletries
- Sunscreen (especially if you’re heading to sunny ports)
- Laundry detergent (yes, really – they often have to buy it onboard!)
- Individually wrapped snacks or sweets
The crew member from Reddit shared a story of a guest who gave them a framed photo. Not only was it treasured – it became a good-luck charm they credit with helping their career take off.
Pair your gift with a thank-you card, and you’ve got a feel-good moment that’ll stay with them long after you’ve disembarked.
One interesting gift you may consider is a duck.
The cruise duck trend is still going strong, and the cheeky rubber ducks are hidden all over the ship by passengers. And they’re not just a huge hit not just with fellow cruisers, but also with the crew.
Many crew members collect them for their kids back home. It’s a cute way to stay connected to their families while they’re away at sea.
That said, one crew member was reportedly let go for collecting too many ducks (yikes!).
So, if you want to gift a duck to a crew member, it’s best to hand it over directly, with a quick note explaining why. It’s sweet, safe, and shows thoughtfulness.
What About Automatic Gratuities?
It’s important to talk about automatic gratuities at this point.
Most cruise lines now automatically add gratuities to your cruise fare. You can either pay these in advance, or you can wait until you’re onboard and pay the gratuities when you’re settling your bill.
Only a handful of cruise lines don’t charge tips – typically the British ones (P&O Cruises, Marella etc.) or the ultra-luxury ones. MSC Cruises also waives gratuity charges on certain sailings.
For the other cruise lines, they’re automatically added to your account, hence the name.
They aren’t mandatory though. You can remove them by visiting the Guest Services desk onboard.
Read more: Can You Refuse To Pay Gratuities On A Cruise?
Some people remove them because they prefer to give cash tips. Which is OK, except that the automatic gratuities are often split between several teams, some of whom you might never see to hand over a cash tip. So they get shorted when you stick to cash only.
Others remove them just because they don’t like the tipping culture.
The issue is that some cruise lines make the automatic gratuities form part of the crew’s salary. So they aren’t really tips, more a part of their wage – and each guest that removes their gratuities then harms the salary earned by the crew.
So it’s always best to pay the automatic gratuities, and then if you want to, top it up with a little bit of cash for the crew members that go above and beyond.
Suggested read: How Much Extra To Tip Cruise Staff
Cash tips are really appreciated because the crew receiving them keep 100%, and so it’s really valuable to them.
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Final Word
Whether or not you leave extra cash tips, your appreciation is what really matters.
Crew members work long hours, live far from their families, and often rely on your kind words or gestures to get through the day.
From surveys and thank-you notes to remembering names and giving little surprises, there are so many ways to say “thank you.”
So next time you’re cruising, take a moment to show a little love. It doesn’t have to cost a thing – but it might mean the world to someone who made your holiday unforgettable.
And if you can give a little extra cash, trust me – they’ll be beyond grateful.
Related Posts
- Should You Prepay Gratuities On A Cruise? Pros & Cons
- British Couple Arrested After Attempting To Flee Their Cruise Bill
- How Much Extra To Tip Cruise Staff
I have “adopted sons” on several different cruise lines in different positions. They NEVER see any extra in their paychecks. Example: let’s say the crew member was contracted at $1500 a month. The automatic gratuities are $500 a month. If the crew member really received the gratuities, the check should be $2000. What actually happens is the cruise line pays a check for $1500, their contracted amount. The difference is only $1000 came from the cruise line and the other $500 was from the passengers that paid the automatic gratuities. I will continue to take off the automatic gratuities and pay cash. I don’t worry about the behind the scenes people, because they will still get their contracted amount.
Can you let us know the name of the différent cruise lives you are speaking about. I realy would like to know if Princess cr
uise is one of them. Thank you very much.
these really aren’t gratuities! At home, gratuities are generally thought of as 20% of your restaurant tab. So if these are “gratuities”, then why are they the same amount for those that have a small inside cabin, and the larger and more, much more cabins typically pay the SAME rate. Gratuities for a large suite should be $2000 or more for the $10000 cabins, while the $1000 should be $100. seems like we aren’t talking apples to apples here!
On our last P&O cruise we managed to sit at the same table for breakfast and Dinner. The waitresses were amazing. On the last night we gave both our servers a custom made duck magnet in a plastic envelope with cash in the back. We also gave our last 2 small plastic glittery ducks. They were so excited about the ducks I had to point out the money in the back. But they just kept thanking us for the ducks and asking questions about how we made the magnets. As we walked away we looked back and they were still going over the ducks. The smile the two girls had really added to the cruise experience for us. We are on the same ship in January and will customise some especially for the staff.
We sail with Saga and gratuities are included in the fare. Yes they are passed on. We know what they like and take chocolate, biscuits although they are treated very well by the Company. .We have got to know the crew over many years We know all about their families. We respect each and every one of the crew. One big happy family away from home.
Tipping the cabin attendant and/or table server seems so excluding. There are a realm of non-passenger facing staff who don’t benefit from direct tipping and may, or may not, be included in a tiny portion of the gratuities added to your fare. Examples of these are the chef, the laundry staff, the maintenance staff, the pool attendants, the entertainment team…the list goes on and on. Thanks is enough.
Cruise companies should pay their staff a decent wage and not rely upon gratuities to pay the wages. Pay a decent wage and include this cost in the initial price of the cruise. Cheapskate cruise companies don’t deserve our custom.
I agree. Why pay a tip to the guy who checks the thrust bearing on the prop shaft? I haven’t ever seen him or know that he does this well or badly. He should be paid properly. I tip for good service that I have received.