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

Tipping on cruise ships has changed a lot over the years. These days, most cruise lines add automatic gratuities to your bill, usually somewhere between $16 and $21 per person, per day, with some premium or ‘all‑included’ packages effectively pushing that total closer to $25.

It’s a convenient system, and it helps make sure staff across different departments receive a share, including many crew you might never meet face‑to‑face.

But what do the crew actually prefer? Is handing over cash still the best way to say thanks? One former cruise waiter recently shared their view online, and it offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look.

A welcoming group of waitstaff aboard an MSC cruise ship, dressed in crisp white uniforms with bow ties and smiling as they prepare to provide guests with exceptional dining service.

Life Behind the Scenes

The ex-waiter participated in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) in mid-2025, providing an honest account of what life was like working on a cruise ship. Their ship sailed under a Maltese flag, so experiences might vary slightly across lines, but many aspects will feel familiar to frequent cruisers.

According to them, automatic gratuities were included in their base salary, and they could earn extra bonuses depending on departmental performance. Guests also had the option to leave cash tips in envelopes distributed near the end of the sailing, with space to write down crew members’ names and departments.

Recommended reading: 14 Things Your Cabin Steward Secretly LOVES You Doing

Why Cash Still Matters

An aerial view of a luxury cruise ship sailing on vibrant turquoise waters, featuring multiple decks, a tennis court, and lounge areas. In the foreground, a hand holds a fan of $100 bills, symbolizing the financial aspect of cruising or travel expenses.

Despite the built-in tipping system, this former waiter was clear about their preference: cash tips.

And it wasn’t just about earning more money. They explained that receiving physical cash felt psychologically different — it wasn’t something that touched their bank account, so it didn’t feel like “real” spending. As they put it:

“I preferred if they gave me cash because then I would not touch my bank account and in my head it means I’m not spending money if that makes sense.”

Many of us can relate to this sentiment. Cash can feel more like a bonus or something to be saved rather than spent immediately.

Real Numbers: How Much Do Crew Receive in Cash Tips?

So how much did they actually receive? On a typical cruise, they might pocket between $100 and $120 in direct cash tips.

On a shorter five-day sailing, they received around $340 in cash during the cruise, including about $115 from one particularly generous guest. After the cruise ended, another roughly $400 came in through the envelope system — again with the same guest leaving around $170.

More Than Just Money

A Royal Caribbean tipping envelope with the playful message 'Tip tip hooray!' printed on the front, inviting guests to acknowledge exceptional service by providing additional gratuity, with space to write the crew member's name and stateroom number.

Some of the most meaningful moments shared weren’t about money at all. One story stood out: the waiter had casually mentioned missing Cola Haribos. The following night, a guest surprised them with a bag. It was a small but thoughtful gesture that made a big impact:

“It feels like we matter and are not just another sea in the ocean basically. Little things matter.”

Tips, personal notes, kind words, or even a small treat — they all show appreciation in memorable ways.

Final Thoughts for Cruisers

Automatic gratuities are one of the main ways cruise lines distribute tip income to crew, including many behind‑the‑scenes employees that guests rarely meet. But if someone goes above and beyond for you, a personal cash tip is often not only welcome but preferred.

Personally, I stick with auto-gratuities to cover the basics, but I always bring some cash too. I like to leave something extra in the cabin or hand it directly to the steward or any crew member who made the trip extra special.

The takeaway? Be kind, be thoughtful, and if you can, bring a little cash. It could make someone’s day.