Top Tips for Tipping

Well this is always a controversial topic when it comes to cruise lines. It is guaranteed  to get British cruisers hot under the collar. It’s not just because we are mean ( some people maybe so ) simply do resent paying tips. Americans hand out dollar bill tips to people for opening a car door for them or serving a drink in a bar; the British wouldn’t dream of it.Sit by reception on any cruise ship with British passengers at the start of any holiday and watch as one by one they come by, asking for the gratuities to be removed from the their account.

It certainly is a cultural thing  but Cultural or not, gratuities have always been a headache for cruise lines as first they have to justify them and then find ways to make sure people pay them.

I find the Tipping experience all very  embarrassing and if I can prepay I will do . 

Let me help with a quick guide to the cheapest companies for tipping .

The American cruise companies goes without saying that it is definitely expected although with Royal and Celebrity at the moment  they have some great promotions on that you can have them  included which also gives you the opportunity to also have freedom dining.

There are a couple of cruise companies that don’t expect Tips at all which include Thomson and Swan Helenic .Also a couple of 6* Luxury liners that have a more all Inclusive approach which are not unlimited to Silversea, Crystal and Regent Seven Seas.

P&O As they are  a British company ,  you cannot prepay with them in advance they have a recommended amount of £3.95 per day With a discretionary service charge that’s so reasonably priced, P&O are hard to beat at £3.95 per person per day . Children under the age of 12 aren’t charged, unlike some other lines – a nice touch on the part of this family friendly cruise line.P&O also assure guests that 100% of this tip goes to the steward, butler and waiting team i.e. the actual individuals that have helped you during your stint at sea – £3.95 per person, per day, over the course of a sail, multiplied by however many other people they look after, soon adds up to happy crew members.Unlike some lines, P&O don’t allow you to pre-pay your tips before you head on board.

Fred.Olsen They  request £4 per person per day and this is automatically  added to your account  and is split down the middle for your cabin steward and waiter

 Cruise & Maritime 

The longer you cruise the cheaper your tips they range around  £5 per person per day .

Costa Cruises ,Costa’s tipping policy says that they use this mandatory tipping charge to incentivise their staff members who perform hotel duties, making sure that the quality of service is always top-notch for guests . Costa automatically add the gratuities to your on  board account  at £6.30 per person per night and children between the ages of 4 and 14 pay 50% of the adult charge, while under 4’s are free.

 MSC Not quite as straight forward as other companies as it depends where you are cruising to , the average price, is £6.15 per person per night and children pay 50% under the age of 13 and you can also pre- pay before you go .