Updated: July 11, 2025 to reflect current cruise tipping policies, gratuity rates, and onboard practices across major cruise lines.
TL;DR: Cruise Tipping in 20255
- Gratuities range from $16–$25/day per guest
- Adjust at Guest Services if needed
- Luxury lines include tips in fare
- Cash tipping still expected in some cases
- Pack small bills: $1s, $5s, $20s
Why Tipping on Cruises Still Matters
Tipping on a cruise continues to confuse new and experienced cruisers alike. Each cruise line handles gratuities differently, and expectations vary depending on your itinerary, cabin type, and service experiences.
As of 2025, the vast majority of cruise lines apply automatic service charges to your onboard account. These fees help ensure equitable pay distribution for service crew, dining teams, and stateroom attendants. But even when gratuities are automated, many guests still choose to add extra cash tips when service exceeds expectations.
2025 Gratuity Rates by Cruise Line
These daily charges are added to your onboard account unless prepaid in advance:
| Cruise Line | Daily Gratuity Rate (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | $16.00 – $18.00 | Suites pay higher |
| Royal Caribbean | $18.00 – $20.50 | Varies by stateroom class |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $20.00 – $25.00 | One of the highest rates in 2025 |
| Princess Cruises | $18.00 – $20.00 | Discounts available for prepayment |
| Holland America Line | $17.50 | Flat rate across all cabins |
| Celebrity Cruises | $18.00 – $21.00 | Higher for Concierge & AquaClass |
Can You Adjust or Remove Automatic Gratuities?
Yes. You can visit Guest Services at any point during your cruise to:
- Increase gratuities for exceptional service
- Lower them based on service quality
- Remove them entirely (discouraged unless service was poor)
Automatic gratuities represent a significant portion of crew compensation. Removing them entirely is considered poor form unless you had a seriously negative experience.
Tip: Prepaying gratuities before embarkation may allow you to lock in older rates or qualify for small discounts, depending on the cruise line.
What’s Included on Luxury Cruises?
Many premium and expedition lines include gratuities in your fare:
| Cruise Line | Gratuities Included? | Additional Tip Expected? |
|---|---|---|
| Regent Seven Seas | Yes | Optional for exceptional service |
| Silversea | Yes | Optional for butlers, drivers, guides |
| Seabourn | Yes | Tipping discouraged |
| Viking Ocean | Yes | Not expected, but accepted |
Tipping at Bars, Spas, and Specialty Dining
When you purchase drinks, spa treatments, or dining upgrades, your receipt will typically include a 15–20% service charge automatically.
You can still tip extra by writing in an amount on the receipt. This is the only confirmed digital tipping method available on cruises as of 2025. There is no verified rollout of QR code or app-based tipping systems.
When to Tip in Cash (and How Much)
These guidelines reflect real traveler behavior from Reddit, CruiseCritic, RoyalCaribbeanBlog, and AAA Club Alliance:
| Service Role | Typical Tip Amount | Source Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Stateroom Steward | $10–$20 per day | Reddit user consensus |
| Dining Room Staff | $5–$10 per server | CruiseCritic forums |
| Bartenders | $1–$2 per drink | Widely accepted community practice |
| Concierge / Butler | $10–$20 per day | Based on luxury cruise blogs |
| Shore Excursion Guides | $5–$10 per person | AAA Club Alliance |
| Porters / Drivers | $2–$5 per bag or ride | AAA tipping guidance |
What to Bring: Cash Planning for Your Cruise
- $40–$60 in $1 bills for bar staff or room service
- $50–$100 in $5s and $10s for stewards, wait staff, and guides
- A few $20s for concierge or butler staff
Pre-Cruise Tipping Checklist
- Check your cruise line’s gratuity policy for updates
- Decide whether to prepay to lock in rates
- Bring a mix of small cash bills
- Track exceptional service for additional tipping
- Visit Guest Services if you wish to adjust gratuities
- Use the receipt tip line when appropriate
If this is your first cruise, it’s also helpful to review what to expect on embarkation day, where tipping policies are first applied onboard.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, cruise tipping is more structured than in years past – but it still rewards personal discretion. Automatic gratuities take care of the basics, but great service deserves recognition. Bring a small cash reserve and use it when you’re genuinely impressed. You’ll make someone’s week – and probably improve your own cruise experience in the process.
