How Much to Tip on a Cruise
$16–20 per person per day
Most major cruise lines add an automatic daily gratuity of roughly $16–20 per person per day (more in suites) to your onboard account. Bar drinks and spa services usually add an 18–20% service charge on top. Extra cash for standout staff is optional.
Typical: $16–$20 per person per day.
Tip$252.00
Per person figures assume you split the tip evenly.
Tipping cruise staff: situation by situation
| Situation | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Automatic daily gratuity (standard cabin) | ~$16–20 pp/day |
| Suite guests | ~$20–25 pp/day |
| Bar and specialty coffee | 18–20% added automatically |
| Spa services | 18–20% often added |
| Room steward or waiter who went beyond | $20–50 cash at end |
| Port porters at embarkation | $1–2 per bag |
Worth knowing
- Rates change; check your line's current gratuity page before sailing.
- Person-days = guests × nights. A couple on a 7-night cruise is 14 person-days.
Questions people ask
Can I remove cruise gratuities?
Many lines let you adjust them at guest services, but staff pay relies on them, so most passengers leave them.
Do kids pay cruise gratuities?
On most major lines, yes, children are charged the same daily gratuity as adults.