Tipping stateroom attendants on cruise ships is customary practice to show appreciation for their service. Determining the appropriate tip amount can be confusing for first-time cruisers. Here is a guide to help determine reasonable tipping rates for stateroom attendants based on industry standards, advice from cruise experts, and factors to consider when deciding how much to tip.
Typical Recommended Tip Amounts
Industry experts and cruise lines typically recommend tipping stateroom attendants in the range of $3.50-$5.50 USD per person, per day. Here are some common tip recommendations:
- $3.50-$4.50 per person, per day – Lower end of typical recommended amount
- $4.50-$5.50 per person, per day – Higher end of typical recommended amount
- $70-$110 per week for a couple – For 7-day cruise, based on per person rates
These daily tip amounts would be provided once on the final day of the cruise rather than daily. Tips are customarily provided in cash and handed to the stateroom attendant personally on the last day, with a note of thanks if desired.
Factors That Impact Tipping Amount
While the typical amounts provide a helpful benchmark, the following factors can impact appropriate tip levels:
Quality of Service
The main factor to consider is the quality of service received from the attendant throughout the cruise. Excellent service deserves a higher tip, while unsatisfactory experiences warrant a lower amount.
Size of Stateroom/Number of Guests
Attendants with larger rooms to manage or more guests to serve may warrant higher tips. For example, a $5 tip for an interior single room may be less appropriate than $4 for a spacious suite.
Length of Cruise
Short cruises of 2-3 nights have lower total tips; week-long cruises warrant higher overall tips. Daily rates generally apply but can be adjusted for cruise length.
Level of Cruise Ship
Luxury or high-end cruise lines and ships may set service expectations that could adjust tip amounts. However, attendants work hard regardless of cruise line.
Cruise Destinations
Though not directly related to service, some cruisers factor destinations into tip amounts. For example, tips could be higher for exotic itineraries than standard Caribbean cruises.
Cruiser Budget/Financial Situation
The total price of a cruise and personal finances can allow some guests to tip more generously than others when warranted.
Should You Tip Daily or at End of Cruise?
Tipping stateroom attendants at the end of the cruise is the norm, rather than daily. Here are some benefits to single end-of-cruise tips:
- Allows cruisers to base tips on entirety of service
- Gives attendants lump-sum they can likely use more broadly
- Creates simpler tipping process for cruisers
- Avoids potential awkwardness or pressure from daily tip encounters
However, some cruisers opt to tip small amounts daily. This can show gratitude for excellent service each day. Both options are acceptable; choose whatever is most comfortable.
Non-Cash Tipping Options
If cash tips are not possible or preferred, there are other ways to tip stateroom attendants:
Pre-Paid Service Charges
Some cruise lines automatically apply service charges to shipboard accounts for distribution to staff like attendants. However, cash tips are still encouraged by most lines to reward great service.
Tip Credit on Shipboard Account
Tips can be added onto shipboard folio accounts, similar to hotel gratuities. However, attendants may prefer cash tips personally handed on the last day.
Gift or Gift Card
A small gift like a souvenir, gift card, or gift certificate makes a suitable tip substitute if cash is impossible.
Tip Sharing Between Attendants
Stateroom attendants often work in pairs that share rooms and tips. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Ask attendants if they share tips to avoid confusion
- If yes, one tip can be provided to be split between both
- If no, tips can be provided separately
- Clarify names of each attendant you want to tip
Some attendants also share portions of tips with assistants. These details usually don’t impact tipping responsibilities but are useful to understand.
Tax Implications for Tipped Crew
It’s important to note that tips are considered taxable income for stateroom attendants and other crew members. Those who receive over $20 per month in tips have to report tips to the IRS to pay applicable taxes. While not directly impacting tip amounts cruisers give, this is useful context when considering appropriate tip levels.
Other Key Stateroom Attendant Tipping Insights
- Attendants may receive automatic gratuities via service charges from some cruise lines. However, additional cash tips are still standard practice.
- Tips under $3.50 per guest per day could be considered inadequate based on extensive work required.
- Tips over $5.50 per guest per day are considered very generous.
- Attendants divide tips evenly between shares, so no need to tip separately.
- Tips are customarily provided on the last cruise day during departure.
- Handing cash tips directly to attendants is preferred over pre-paid tips when possible.
- Writing a thank you note with your tip is always appreciated.
- If providing daily tips, place cash in an envelope marked with your stateroom number.
Tipping Scenarios and Examples
Here are some examples of how tip amounts could be determined for different cruise situations:
| Cruise Situation | Tip Example |
|---|---|
| 5-day Caribbean cruise in interior stateroom with excellent service | $20 total ($4 per person per day for family of 2) |
| 14-day Europe cruise in large suite with exceptional service | $350 total ($5 per person per day for family of 4) |
| 7-day Alaskan cruise in obstructed-view room with sub-par service | $70 total ($3.50 per person per day for couple) |
| 3-day cruise in standard room with average service | $25 total ($4 per person per day for family of 3) |
| 10-day Mediterranean cruise in mid-size balcony room with good service | $275 total ($4.50 per person per day for family of 3) |
Conclusion
How much you should tip your stateroom attendant depends on several factors, but the typical recommended amount is $3.50-$5.50 per guest per day of the cruise. Excellent service warrants tipping at the higher end or even above that range if affordable. Providing cash tips at the end of the cruise directly to the attendants is customary. With these tips in mind, cruisers can show their gratitude through reasonable tipping that reflects the service received.