How much did you spend on tips per person the last time you went on a cruise?

Question

PLS NOTE: I'm looking for personal experiences. Not RULES from Cruise Companies' websites which I can easily find myself. My objective in asking this question is to get a feel of what to expect and not to expect when I go to cruise in the summer.

Answer 1

i found this on carnival.com

What is the tipping policy onboard?

Guests can pay their shipboard gratuities in one of two ways:

1. Reverse Gratuity Policy - For our guests' convenience, we automatically add the recommended gratuities to the onboard Sail & Sign account on embarkation day.

Guests will have the discretion to adjust these gratuities based upon the level of service received during the cruise. This includes the option to adjust gratuities (up or down) for any individual on the Dining or Housekeeping staff. In order to do so, the guest will need to visit the Information Desk on board.

2. Pre-Paid Gratuity Policy - Gratuities are pre-arranged and paid at the time of booking or any time up to two weeks prior to the sail date.

All guests on each booking must prepay the gratuities, with the exception of children under two. Guests will have the discretion to adjust these gratuities based upon the level of service received during the cruise. This includes the option to adjust gratuities (up or down) for any individual on the Dining or Housekeeping staff. In order to do so, the guest will need to visit the Information Desk on board.

The dollar amount of the gratuities will appear in the Miscellaneous Charge field on the booking. The guest copy on the cruise ticket will indicate if gratuities have been paid.

The total amount will be $10 per guest, per day, which breaks down as follows:

    * $5.50 pp/pd for Dining Team Service (Headwaiter and Waiter)

    * $1 pp/pd for Bistro Service (Waiter/Cooks)

    * $3.50 pp/pd for Cabin Services (Cabin Steward)

Tipping the Maitre D' is strictly at guest's discretion, based upon services rendered. For guests who wish to extend this gratuity in cash, an envelope will be available on the last evening of the cruise.

Tipping still applies regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or utilizing room service.

Bar Waiters, Deck Stewards and Bell Boys - Certain personnel, as noted above, may be tipped as service is rendered. A 15% gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases which the guest may adjust appropriate to the service received.

Note: Guests under two years of age are not required to extend gratuities.

Answer 2

I have found this website to be very helpful. They have an interactive cruise tip calculator.

http://cruisetip.tpkeller.com/

Answer 3

We just got back from a ten day cruise. We tipped our cabin attendant $50.00 and our head waiter $50.00.  We also tipped the cabin attendant's assistant $10.00 and the Waiter's assistant $20.00.  I felt that we had paid a great deal already and tips are always included in any beverage you buy anyways.  I will admit that we tipped less than the ship recommended.  I personally feel that they should pay their staff better and lay off us a bit.  It is in your face alot during your cruise (in our experience).

Good Luck!