Tipping on Carnival cruise?

Question

On Carnival cruises, does the reccomended tip added to my account go directly to the staff that served me or is it pooled and then divided among everyone? Is it better for the people who served me to just tip them directly?

Answer 1

To answer your question, yes the money is distributed to only those individuals that serve you in the dining room (Team Headwaiter and Team Waiter 60/40 split), and clean your cabin (Cabin Steward and Assistant Cabin Steward(s) - 50/25/25 or 65/35 depending on whether there are 2 assistants).  

The percentage for the alternative dining (which are the Lido deck servers) is the only time that gratuities are distributed evenly among everyone working that area.  If you don't eat on Lido, you can have that percentage removed from your account.  Alternatively if you feel your Dining Room/Housekeeping Teams deserve more or less, you can also have those amounts adjusted or even remove everything and pay them directly in cash.

But I can promise you that each individual that takes care of you during your cruise does get their gratuities.  I know this cause in my position I am responsible for the program that allocates the gratuities accordingly.

I hope this clears up any uncertainties for you. :o)

Answer 2

from Carnivals FAQ

For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account. The total amount is $10.00 per guest, per day (our recommended guideline) as follows:

$ 3.50 Per Day Stateroom Services              

$ 5.50 Per Day Dining Room Services          

$ 1.00 Per Day Alternative Services: distributed to other kitchen and hotel service staff

Answer 3

i think its divided to everyone except the ones who helped you directly. i.e. waiter, steward

Answer 4

No, you have to tip them directly...if u dont have any cash on you, then they can take money from ur account and give u cash for it....unless you dont want to tip, but thats not such a nice thing to do....they will give u an envelope and with that you can place the cash in it....

-----> Hope this helps and have a great time!  <-----

Answer 5

The tips are divided n distributed to all staff...however, shud there be some u wish to tip extra..u r welcome to give them on the last nite.

Answer 6

Your tip goes to the people that help you.  Tips may already be included in your cruise package- no use paying twice.  Check with your agent or call Carnival to be sure.  As a travel agent I can tell you that it is best to prepay everything.  Choose your excursions, get the drink armbands, buy computer/ phone time- and anything else you can think of before the trip.  Its usually cheaper to prepay, than to get it on-board.  The excursions fill up fast too.  You may find that it is against policy for the personnel to accept tips.