Tipping is a hot topic among cruisers.  A few cruise lines have backed away from tipping, but have only confused the issue.  Tipping is a traditional part of cruising.  Just as in restaurants, it is a crucial part of the income of crew members on a ship.  They are in the service industry and are serving you the passenger.  Passenger tips make up, by far, the largest part of their income.  While every cruise line will provide a guide to tipping, many have begun to add a set amount per day to the final bill.  If you disagree with the amount, or want to tip more, less or not at all, you can make the adjustment when paying your final bill.

• Airport skycaps usually given $1.00 - $2.00 for each bag depending how far they carry them and their size.

• Porters at the cruise ship loading area should also receive $1.00 - $2.00 for each bag

• Cabin Stewards and Waiters $3.50/4.50 each per passenger, per day

• Servers or Busboys $2.00/3.00 per passenger, per day

• Maitre d’ $10.00 - $20.00 per passenger for the voyage.  This would depend on how helpful they have been.

• Bar and lounge tips are added to bill at a standard 15%.  You can usually adjust the amount depending on poor or excellent service.  Always check the individual bill to determine whether a tip has been included.