The Truth About Tipping on Cruises: The Pros, Cons, and How to Avoid Double Tipping

Tipping while traveling can be a confusing topic — especially on cruises, where gratuities are often included, added automatically, or requested at multiple points during your trip. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, understanding how tipping works can help you show appreciation without overpaying.

At Monkey Love Travel, we believe great service deserves recognition, but we also want our travelers to be informed about when and how gratuities are applied — because double tipping is easier to do than you might think.

💰 The Pros of Tipping

1. Recognizes Excellent Service

Cruise ship crew members work long hours to make your vacation special. From your stateroom attendant to your dining staff, tips are a meaningful way to say “thank you” for exceptional service.

2. Supports Crew Income Many crew members rely on gratuities as a significant portion of their income. Your tips can help support them and their families back home, which is why cruise lines emphasize fair and consistent tipping practices.

3. Encourages Personalized Service A little extra appreciation can go a long way. When you tip fairly (or give a small extra amount directly for amazing service), you often receive even more personalized attention during your cruise.

⚠️ The Cons of Tipping

1. Automatic Gratuities Can Be Confusing Most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your onboard account — usually between $14–$20 per person, per day. These charges cover a range of staff members. The confusion comes when you’re also prompted to tip at bars, specialty restaurants, or spas — even though service charges are already included.

2. Double Tipping Happens Easily This is one of the most common mistakes cruisers make. For example:

• When you order a drink at the bar, the receipt may already include an 18–20% service charge, but the line for an “additional tip” still appears. Many travelers add another tip without realizing they’ve already paid one.

• Specialty dining venues often have a built-in gratuity, but the final bill still shows a blank tip line.

If you’re not paying attention, these small extras can add up quickly — meaning you could be tipping double (or even triple) without intending to.

3. Inconsistent Expectations Every cruise line has its own tipping policy, and even within a ship, expectations can vary by department. Some guests feel pressured to tip on top of what’s already been charged, while others prefer that the cruise line handle everything through automatic gratuities.

🧭 How to Avoid Double Tipping

• Check your receipt — Look for terms like “service charge included” or “gratuity added.”

• Review your onboard account — Your cruise app or guest services can show what gratuities have already been applied.

• Ask if you’re unsure — Crew members are used to these questions and will kindly clarify if tipping is already included.

• Adjust your preferences — Some cruise lines allow you to prepay or modify gratuities before your trip, so you know exactly what’s covered.

❤️ The Bottom Line

Tipping is a wonderful way to show gratitude for the hardworking crew who make your cruise special. But it’s important to understand how and when gratuities are applied so you can tip confidently — not accidentally double up.

The goal isn’t to avoid tipping; it’s to tip smarter. By staying aware of automatic charges and checking your receipts, you can ensure your appreciation goes exactly where it’s intended — to the amazing people who make your cruise unforgettable.

Ready to plan your next cruise adventure? At Monkey Love Travel, we’ll help you navigate every detail — from booking your dream itinerary to understanding your onboard charges — so you can cruise stress-free and focus on what really matters: making memories at sea.