Cruise Ship Tipping

Cruise Ship Tipping: What Crew Members Really Think

Tipping on a cruise is one of the most hotly debated topics among cruisers. Some guests feel strongly about tipping, while others believe it’s unnecessary—especially when gratuities are automatically added to their onboard bill. So what do crew members actually think about tipping and guest behavior?

I recently came across an insightful Reddit thread where a Royal Caribbean crew member shared their honest perspective, and it offers a valuable look behind the scenes. The crew member shed light on how tipping—and simple acts of kindness—impact the hardworking people who make our cruises unforgettable.

Here’s the breakdown.

Why Tips Matter to Crew Members

Tips make a significant difference, particularly for crew members from developing countries. Many cruise ship employees work long contracts—often six to nine months at a time—far away from their families. While they earn a livable wage, cash tips can be a crucial source of additional income.

As the crew member explained:

“Your cash tips, no matter how big or small, help us tremendously. For many of us, this extra income means being able to send money back home, pay for our children’s education, or even save for a better future. But if you prefer not to tip, that is completely okay.”

This perspective highlights an important point: tipping is appreciated, but not demanded. Crew members understand that automatic gratuities exist and respect guests’ personal choices.

Automatic Gratuities vs. Cash Tips

Most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, automatically add daily gratuities to guests’ onboard accounts. These gratuities are distributed among a wide range of crew members—many of whom guests never interact with directly, such as kitchen staff, laundry teams, and maintenance workers.

While automatic gratuities provide a reliable income stream for crew, cash tips given directly to individual staff members are often seen as a personal “thank you” and can feel especially meaningful. According to the Reddit post, even small amounts are appreciated and remembered.

That said, the crew member made it clear: guests should never feel pressured to tip beyond what they’re comfortable with.

Other Ways Guests Can Show Appreciation

Tipping isn’t the only way to make a positive impact onboard. The crew member shared that some of the most meaningful gestures don’t cost anything at all:

• Using a crew member’s name and making eye contact

• Saying thank you and acknowledging their hard work

• Leaving positive comments in post-cruise surveys (this can directly impact promotions and contract renewals)

• Being patient and respectful, especially during busy times

Many crew members work extremely long hours, often seven days a week. Simple kindness and understanding go a long way.

The Bottom Line

Cruise ship tipping doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Automatic gratuities ensure that crew members are compensated fairly, while optional cash tips and kind gestures provide extra appreciation for exceptional service.

What matters most, according to those who work onboard, is mutual respect. Whether you tip extra or not, treating crew members with kindness, gratitude, and understanding helps create a better experience for everyone.

After all, the incredible service we enjoy at sea is made possible by people who work tirelessly behind the scenes—and recognizing that effort, in any form, truly makes a difference.