Tipping on a Cruise

So you've finally decided to take a cruise! Welcome aboard!

It's an amazing experience to be on a cruise ship, but it can also be a bit confusing at times. And one of the most commonly confused areas is that of tipping onboard.

First of all, tipping is often included in the total price of the cruise. Note if your cruise information says that it is all-inclusive, which means that the tips are included already. Some prefer when the tips are included. Others prefer to go to the customer service desk immediately upon boarding and remove the automatic tips so they can tip accordingly each person. (Or maybe just because some are too cheap to even give a nickel, but that's another story!)

If the tips are not included automatically, you may opt to tip everyone on the last night. However, think about this. If you tip as you go along, instead of at the end, you are a lot more likely to get better service.

Each cruise line has their own tipping guidelines and suggestions. If you do not get any information in your cruise literature, ask for a copy at the purser's desk on the first day of your cruise. What many people do then is give 1/3 of the suggested total amount on the first day, 1/3 half-way through your cruise, and the final 1/3 at the end of your cruise.

Finally, although you may have seriously enjoyed your cruise, and the captain and officers were absolutely marvelous to you, it is actually very IMPROPER to tip the cruise ship captain and officers. However, it is very proper, extremely enjoyable to the captain and officers, but unfortunately quite rare, to send the captain a letter expressing your thanks. Tell him everything you enjoyed, and always mention names of people who went out of their way to help you. You can always send the letter to the corporate headquarters, which will likely receive your letter before the ship even could. And be certain that they will be very happy to receive your positive feedback.

If you haven't yet booked your cruise, do it right now! And soon you'll be enjoying all of the amazing luxuries onboard too! All you have to do is start your booking at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!