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That tips are expected for services on cruises comes as no surprise. Most cruise lines pay their staffs nominal wages and presume passengers will make up the difference in tips. Tipping tips let passengers cruise in style
A Tampa Tribune Wire Report
To relieve some of the pressure, cruise lines will let you know just how much you're expected to give. Some lines, however, have done away with voluntary tipping and simply add a 15 percent service charge which is then divided among the crew.
Here are some tipping guidelines to help you (amounts are per person, per day):
At a minimum, expect to tip your cabin steward, waiter and busboy. Tip the cabin steward and waiter $3 each (more if you've demanded lots of service). Tip the busboy half of what you gave the waiter.
Tip 15 percent to the sommelier, who brought and opened your wine each evening. It is appropriate to tip each time.
A tip is expected each time room service is delivered.
Others who might appreciate being thanked the good old American way are the deck steward (50 cents a day) and the maitre d' ($5 to $15 for special services).
If you frequently order off the menu, table hop, or order flaming desserts whipped up at your table, consider tipping the headwaiter at your discretion.
Tip bartenders as you go, just as you would on shore, 15 percent of the tab.
Always tip in U.S. dollars.
On cruises of less than a week, it is customary to tip on the last night at sea. If the cruise lasts several weeks, it is appreciated if you tip once each week.
It is considered gauche to tip uniformed personnel (that is, ship's officers, cruise director or crew members).