Cruise Tipping Guide: Gratuities Explained
Cruise tipping is mostly automated. A daily gratuity is charged to your onboard account and pooled among the staff you don’t directly pay — room stewards, waiters and support crew. Drinks and spa treatments carry their own service charge. You can usually prepay gratuities when booking, and adjust them at guest services, though reducing them affects the crew’s pay.
Estimate a cruise drinks tip
Typical cruise gratuities
| Charge | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily gratuity (standard cabin) | $16–$18 pp/day | Auto-added to your account |
| Daily gratuity (suite/premium) | $18–$23 pp/day | Higher for suite service |
| Bar / drinks | 18–20% | Added to each drink or package |
| Spa & salon | 18–20% | Added automatically |
| Room service delivery | $1–$3 | Cash at the door |
| Exceptional steward | $20–$50 extra | Optional, in cash at the end |
What the daily gratuity covers
The automatic daily gratuity pools tips for the crew who serve you indirectly — your cabin steward, dining-room waitstaff and their assistants. It appears on your onboard account each day. Because it’s shared, it’s the main way most crew are tipped, so think carefully before removing it; guest services can adjust it if service genuinely fell short.
Should you prepay or tip in cash?
Prepaying gratuities at booking locks in the rate and spreads the cost, which many travelers prefer. Whether you prepay or pay onboard, the amount is the same. Cash on top is optional and best reserved for people who went above and beyond — a favorite steward or waiter — handed over discreetly near the end of the cruise.
Drinks, spa and specialty dining
An 18–20% service charge is added automatically to bar tabs, drink packages, and spa or salon treatments, so you don’t need to add more. Specialty restaurants may include gratuity in the cover charge — check the menu or your receipt. Shore excursions run by the cruise line usually don’t include a tip for the local guide, so bring small cash for them.
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FAQ
How much are cruise gratuities per day?
Usually about $16–$20 per person per day for standard cabins, added automatically and shared among the crew who serve you.
Do you tip extra on a cruise?
It’s optional. Drinks and spa already add 18–20%. Extra cash is a nice thank-you for a steward or waiter who gave exceptional service.
Can you remove cruise gratuities?
You can usually adjust them at guest services, but they fund crew pay, so only reduce them for a genuine service problem.
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Reviewed 2026-08-10. Tipping is customary, not mandatory; adjust for your budget and service quality.