The Truth About Tipping on a Cruise: What Crew Members Really Think

Tipping on a cruise is one of the most hotly debated topics among cruisers. Some people feel strongly about tipping, while others see it as unnecessary, especially when gratuities are automatically added to their bill. But what do crew members really think about tipping and other things guests do?

I recently came across an interesting Reddit thread where a Royal Caribbean crew member shared their perspective, and it provides some incredible insights into how we can show appreciation for the hardworking crew onboard. Here’s the breakdown…

Why Tips Matter to Crew Members

According to the crew member—known only by their Reddit username SoulOraLeros—tips make a huge difference, especially for crew members from developing countries. Many crew members work long contracts far from home, and while they are paid a livable wage, cash tips become a vital source of additional income that they can use to support their families. As the crew member put it:

“Your cash tips, no matter how big or small, help us tremendously. For many of us, this extra income means being able to send money back home, pay for our children’s education, or even save for a better future. But if you prefer not to tip, that is completely okay.”

This highlights how tipping can be more than just a gesture of gratitude—it can also make a meaningful difference in the lives of crew members. And if tipping isn’t your preferred way to show appreciation, don’t worry—there are plenty of other thoughtful ways to express your gratitude.

Related reading: Do Cruise Ship Crew Prefer Cash Tips? Here’s What One Former Waiter Had to Say

Post-Cruise Surveys: Why They’re So Important

One way to express gratitude is by completing your post-cruise survey. You’ve probably heard crew members encourage you to fill them out, and here’s why: surveys aren’t just feedback tools—they’re lifelines for crew recognition and career advancement.

When you mention a crew member by name in the survey, it can lead to incredible perks that make their demanding jobs a little easier. These perks include:

• A day off (a rare and highly valued break from their packed schedules!)
• A free specialty meal, giving them a chance to enjoy the ship’s dining experience as a guest
• A stay in a guest cabin for one sailing, providing a luxurious escape from their usual accommodations
• Scratch cards with prizes like free internet, room service, discounts, cash bonuses, and more

For waiters and dining staff, these surveys are even more crucial as their ratings can impact their table assignments. Higher ratings mean more tables to serve and, ultimately, more opportunities to earn tips. On the flip side, consistently low ratings can result in reassignment to less favourable positions, which can be more stressful and less rewarding financially.

The last question in the survey usually includes a free-form text box. This is where you can make a big difference by naming crew members who went above and beyond. As the Reddit user emphasized, even a few words of praise can have a ripple effect on their morale and opportunities.

So, if someone made your experience extra special, don’t forget to give them a shoutout in your survey—it really does make a difference for them both professionally and personally.

Handwritten Notes: A Personal Touch

Another thoughtful way to show appreciation is by leaving a handwritten note. It might seem small, but it’s incredibly meaningful to crew members, who often work long hours away from their families. The Reddit user shared that they’ve kept folded notes from guests for years and still revisit them after a tough day, finding comfort and motivation in those simple words of gratitude.

Whether it’s your bartender, cabin steward, or activity host, a quick thank-you note can brighten their day and remind them that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. For example, you could thank your cabin steward for always keeping your room spotless or your waiter for remembering your drink preference every evening. These personal touches make the note even more special.

If you have time, consider writing one before disembarking. Even a few sentences on a postcard or piece of paper can create a lasting impact. Crew members treasure these notes not just as tokens of appreciation but as affirmations that their efforts made your vacation memorable. It’s a simple, heartfelt gesture that leaves a lasting legacy of kindness.

Remembering Names: A Simple Yet Powerful Gesture

Imagine working long hours, seven days a week, far from home, often in a high-pressure environment. Now imagine a guest remembering your name and addressing you personally. According to the crew member, this simple act can make a huge difference:

“A guest remembering us and calling us by our names makes us feel seen and appreciated. It shows that we are not just invisible workers but valued individuals. You have no idea how a simple thank you can make our day.”

This small gesture is more impactful than many realize. It creates a personal connection and reminds crew members that their efforts are recognized. For instance, when addressing your cabin steward by name, you could also take a moment to ask how their day is going. This level of personal engagement not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of mutual respect.

So next time you see your cabin steward, dining staff, or bartender, take a moment to greet them by name and offer a kind word. It’s a small effort that means the world to them and helps create a more positive atmosphere onboard for everyone.

The Cruise Duck Controversy

If you’ve cruised recently, you’ve probably come across the quirky tradition of hiding and finding rubber ducks around the ship. What started as a fun activity for passengers has grown into a full-blown phenomenon, with entire Facebook groups and hashtags dedicated to the hunt.

While some passengers find it silly, it turns out that crew members—especially those with kids back home—love this trend. Many collect the ducks to give to their children as souvenirs, creating a special connection between their time onboard and their family life back home.

However, the Reddit user shared a cautionary tale: one crew member was fired for collecting too many ducks, as it violated onboard policies. To ensure that you don’t unintentionally cause trouble, it’s best to gift a duck to a crew member directly.

This way, they can enjoy the token without risking their job. If you’re unsure, consider leaving a note with the duck, explaining your intent and thanking them for their hard work. This small but meaningful gesture can bring a smile to their face and brighten their day.

Related reading: People Are Hiding Rubber Ducks All Over Cruise Ships, But Not Everyone’s Loving It

Gifting Crew Members: What to Know

If you’re thinking about giving a gift, be mindful of onboard rules. Crew members can’t accept alcohol or items purchased from ship stores unless there’s a receipt and it’s documented. To avoid any issues, involve the shop manager or gift the item in a monitored area to ensure compliance with the ship’s policies. This helps protect both the crew member and yourself from any misunderstandings.

One thoughtful and practical gift idea someone has shared is laundry detergent. Crew members often buy their own in port or from the ship’s store, so gifting this saves them money and shows that you’ve considered their daily needs. Also, toiletries like shampoo, or even high-quality sunscreen are also incredibly useful gifts, as crew members might find these items more expensive or harder to access during their contracts.

Another unique idea shared by SoulOraLeros was a framed photo gifted by a guest, which they cherished and even credited as bringing them good luck in their career. Personalized gifts, such as a handwritten thank-you card attached to a small token, can make an equally memorable impression. A little creativity and thoughtfulness can go a long way in brightening their day and showing genuine appreciation.

The Role of Automatic Gratuities

If you’re new to cruising, you might wonder how tipping works. Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill, ensuring that a portion of your payment directly supports the hardworking crew members who make your vacation unforgettable.

These gratuities typically cover the services of cabin stewards, waitstaff, and others behind the scenes who ensure a seamless onboard experience. As an example, here’s a quick breakdown of Royal Caribbean’s gratuities:

• Standard cabins (inside, oceanview, balcony): $18.50 per guest per day
• Suites: $21 per guest per day

For a family of four in a balcony cabin, this adds up to $518 for a week-long cruise. While some passengers may view this as a significant expense, these gratuities play a vital role in supplementing crew wages. For many crew members, gratuities form a substantial part of their income, helping them support their families and improve their quality of life.

You can choose to prepay these gratuities, which locks in the rate and makes it easier to budget for your trip. Prepaying also ensures you’re not subject to any potential rate increases before your cruise. However, the concept of automatic gratuities isn’t without its critics.

Some passengers feel that tipping should be a personal choice reserved for exceptional service, while others argue that cruise lines should compensate their crew with higher base wages, eliminating the reliance on gratuities altogether.

Despite differing opinions, it’s worth remembering that these gratuities help ensure that the hardworking crew members—many of whom work long hours far from home—receive the recognition they deserve for their dedication to creating memorable cruise experiences.

Closing Thoughts

Tipping and showing appreciation for crew members is a personal choice, but it’s clear that small gestures can have a big impact. From completing surveys to writing notes, remembering names, or even gifting practical items, there are countless ways to make a difference.

What stood out most to you about this crew member’s perspective? Will it change the way you cruise in the future? Let me know in the comments below! And if you found this post helpful, share it with a fellow cruiser—it might inspire them to show their appreciation in a new way.

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