How is tipping (gratuities) handled on the ship?”
You have the option on some cruise lines to choose between an automatic charge to your on board account or leave it discretionary. Some cruise lines set these gratuities automatically but this process can be changed by visiting the purser’s service desk. Gratuities have been set automatically to ensure that ship personnel receive a major source of their income and the cruise line is able or retain their services. Beverage gratuities are generally 15% and automatically added to your tab. Check with the waiter or preferably the purser’s desk to determine the practice on the cruise line so you are not paying tips twice. The recommended gratuity total is $10.00 per adult per day, $5.00 per child 2-12, and $0 under 2. Broken down this is: Stateroom attendants – $3.50 per person, per day. Your table waiter – $3.50 per person, per day. Assistant waiters – $1.75 per person, per day. And gratuities for the Maitre D and other service personnel are at your discretion.
