As I stood on the deck of my cruise ship, watching the sun rise over the ocean, I couldn’t help but think about the upcoming expenses of my trip. One of the biggest expenses on any cruise is gratuities, which can add up quickly over the course of a week or more.
Many cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuities before boarding, but is this a wise choice? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of prepaying gratuities on a cruise, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your voyage with peace of mind.
When it comes to cruising, there’s a subconscious desire for freedom that we all crave. The idea of being out on the open sea, with no worries or responsibilities, is a dream come true for many of us. However, the reality of cruise expenses can quickly dampen that sense of freedom.
Prepaying gratuities is a common practice that can help alleviate some of the financial burden of cruising, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the argument, so you can make the best choice for your budget and your peace of mind.
- Prepaying gratuities can help with budgeting and managing spending on board.
- Prepaid gratuities may save money if gratuities increase and can unlock more dining options on some cruise lines.
- tips are essential for crew members’ salaries, and poor service issues should be resolved with Guest Services instead of withholding gratuities.
- Not prepaying gratuities may result in a nasty surprise when settling the final bill, and removing gratuities and paying in cash is not fair to the background crew.
Gratuities on Cruise Ships
As a cruiser, I know that prepaying gratuities is like leaving a little symbol of appreciation for the hardworking crew members who rely on tips for their salary. Gratuities etiquette has always been a part of cruising culture, and it’s important to understand the tipping culture on board.
Gratuities are not just a bonus for exceptional service; they’re a significant portion of the crew’s wages and help them support their families back home.
It’s standard practice to prepay gratuities on a cruise to budget and manage spending on board. Prepaid gratuities cover the standard daily service charge that’s added to your cruise account, which is distributed among the crew members who provide you with excellent service throughout your trip.
However, it’s essential to remember that prepaid gratuities don’t cover any additional service charges for one-off purchases, such as specialty dining or spa treatments.
Types of Service Charges
I’ve noticed that there are two main types of service charges when cruising: the standard charge and the additional charge.
The standard charge is a daily fee that covers basic services such as housekeeping and dining room service. This charge is automatically added to your onboard account and is typically around $14-$20 per person, per day. The standard charge is an important source of income for the crew, and it’s important to note that this charge is not optional.
On the other hand, the additional charge is a fee that is added to your account for specific services or experiences. For example, some cruise lines charge an additional fee for specialty dining, spa services, or certain activities and excursions. These charges are not included in the standard charge, and they are not mandatory.
The amount of the additional charge can vary widely depending on the service or experience, and it’s important to read the fine print to understand what is and is not included in your cruise fare.
Benefits of Prepaying
Personally, I find it convenient to lock in the price and potentially save money in the long run by prepaying for my onboard gratuities. Not only does it allow me to budget for my expenses more effectively, but it also ensures that I won’t get hit with any unexpected charges at the end of my trip. Additionally, prepaying gratuities can be a cost-saving tip, as it locks in the price before any potential price hikes occur.
To further illustrate the potential cost savings, I have created a table below comparing the cost of prepaying gratuities on three popular cruise lines versus paying the standard service charge on board. As you can see, prepaying gratuities can save you up to $27.30 per person on a 7-day cruise. Overall, prepaying gratuities is a budgeting strategy that can help you manage your expenses on board while potentially saving you money in the long run.
| Cruise Line | Prepaid Gratuity Price (per person, per day) | Standard Service Charge Price (per person, per day) | Savings (per person, per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $13.99 | $14.99 | $1.00 |
| Royal Caribbean | $14.50 | $15.50 | $1.00 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $15.50 | $18.50 | $3.00 |
Drawbacks of Prepaying
Managing onboard expenses can be challenging, and it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of prepaying for gratuities on a cruise.
One of the main drawbacks of prepaying gratuities is that you may feel obligated to give a fixed amount, even if the service does not meet your expectations. If you have prepaid gratuities, you may feel less inclined to give additional tips for exceptional service, which can be demotivating for staff who rely on tips as a significant portion of their income.
Another potential drawback of prepaying gratuities is that it may limit your flexibility to manage your onboard expenses. If you have pre-paid gratuities, you cannot adjust the amount you give based on the quality of service you receive.
Additionally, if you decide to opt-out of the service charge, you may face resistance from the staff, who may feel that they are being unfairly compensated. However, there are alternatives to prepaying gratuities, such as paying the service charge at the end of the cruise or giving cash tips directly to the staff. These options may provide more flexibility and allow you to adjust your tips based on your experience.
Crew Members and tips
As someone who’s been on multiple cruises, it’s important to remember that crew members rely heavily on tips as a significant portion of their income.
It’s essential to understand that tipping is not just a customary practice but a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the crew members. Providing exceptional service can make a big difference in their lives, and therefore, it’s crucial to tip generously.
It’s also important to ensure that the tips are distributed fairly among all crew members. While it may be tempting to tip only those who provide direct service, such as waiters, bartenders, and room stewards, it’s equally important to recognize the work of those who work behind the scenes, such as the kitchen staff, laundry workers, and maintenance crew.
Fair distribution of tips ensures that everyone is appreciated for their hard work and contributes to a positive work environment on the cruise ship.
Resolving Service Issues
Resolving service issues on a cruise can be done by addressing them with Guest Services and finding a solution that benefits both the passenger and the crew member.
It’s important to remember that crew members rely on tips as a significant portion of their salary, so withholding gratuities should only be done in extreme cases. Instead, passengers can express their concerns to Guest Services and work towards a resolution that compensates for poor service.
If a passenger decides to withhold gratuities without addressing the issue with Guest Services, it’s unfair to the background crew who do not receive direct tips. Additionally, removing gratuities and paying in cash is not a fair solution as it may not be distributed evenly among the crew.
There are also alternative ways to tip, such as giving a personalized gift or writing a note of appreciation to the crew member. It’s important to remember that service issues can happen on any vacation, and it’s best to address them in a respectful and constructive manner.
Onboard Credit Options
When it comes to resolving service issues on a cruise, it’s important to remember that withholding gratuities is not the solution. Instead, guests can address any problems they encounter with Guest Services.
However, if you’re considering prepaying gratuities, it’s worth noting that some cruise lines offer onboard credit that can be applied to gratuities. This can be a great option for guests who want to manage their spending on board and have the flexibility to use their credit for other purchases.
The benefits of using onboard credit for gratuities are twofold. First, it allows guests to budget and manage their spending more effectively, as they can use their credit to cover the cost of gratuities rather than paying for them out of pocket. Second, it frees up cash for other purchases, such as excursions, drinks, or souvenirs.
However, it’s important to note that onboard credit is not given in advance and can only be used during the cruise. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and ensure that you have enough credit to cover all of your expenses, including gratuities.
Specific Cruise Line Policies
I personally find it helpful to research specific cruise line policies regarding gratuities before booking a cruise. Some cruise lines have specific rules and deadlines for prepaying gratuities, so it’s important to be aware of them in advance.
For example, Disney Cruise Line has a shorter window for prepaying gratuities compared to other cruise lines. On the other hand, Princess cruises may be an exception to prepaying gratuities if onboard credit is available.
It’s also important to note that prepayment deadlines can vary by cruise line, so it’s important to check with the specific cruise line for their policy. For instance, Holland America allows for prepayment of Crew Appreciation service charges, but they also have a specific deadline for doing so.
It’s essential to understand the policies for each cruise line before prepaying gratuities to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings. While prepaying gratuities is recommended in most cases, it’s always best to research the specific policies of each cruise line to make an informed decision.
What is the average amount for gratuities on a cruise ship?
Gratuity etiquette varies by cruise line, but the average amount is around $14-18 per person, per day. Cost comparison shows prepaying gratuities may save money and ensure fair compensation for crew members.
Is it possible to adjust the amount of prepaid gratuities?
Yes, adjusting options for prepaid gratuities are available on most cruise lines. It’s a flexible option that allows you to modify the amount according to your satisfaction. Prepaying benefits include locking in prices and saving money if gratuities increase.
Are gratuities mandatory on a cruise ship?
Gratuities etiquette varies by cruise line, but they are typically expected. Alternatives to tipping include prepaying gratuities, giving cash tips, or writing a note of appreciation.
What happens if you don’t prepay gratuities?
Not prepaying gratuities on a cruise can have a significant financial impact, as the final bill may include unexpected charges. Additionally, poor service issues may arise, as crew members rely on tips for their salary.
Can you prepay gratuities for specific crew members on a cruise ship?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to prepay gratuities for specific crew members on a cruise ship. However, some cruise lines offer custom gratuity envelopes for crew recognition at the end of the cruise.