Thread: Gratuity question

We are going on our first cruise next month. It is a 4 day Bahama cruise on Royal. The ship is Sovreign of the Seas.

I am a bit of a worry wart when it comes to $$$ and the the unknown gratuity bill scares me... . My boyfriend and I are not big drinkers, we may have a few glasses of wine.

Can anybody give me some idea on what to expect to pay in gratuities (above and beyond the basic amount Royal will charge us)? Also, travel agent told us to bring some $1's with us... any suggestions on how much?

If I can get the unknown $ questions resolved, I think I would be even more excited about our trip!!!!

Thanks for any help on this!!!!
Linda

Gratuities for liquor will be added to the bill when charged to your sea card, I believe the gratuity for the cabin steward and waiters are $10 a day PP, if that has changed someone will correct me, $1's and 5's come in handy for cabs, porters who help with luggage before cruise and after cruise, and room service.

Most cruise lines add on a 15% or 18% gratuity to your bar bills.

We carry a few 10's, 5's and 1's to get to the ship.

But after that we carry travelers checks and cash them on the ship for whatever we need.

Royal Caribbean adds 15% gratuity to the bar bills, in-cabin mini bar, botles of wine in the dining room and in general any beverage that is not free.

Also, if you order room service (food is free) a tip to the person who brings it is in order. Depending on how much he brings we generally tip $1 or $2 dollars.

Hi Linda, We always bring a little extra cash along for cash tips. Luggage is one thing, when you drop off your bags, people usually tip the porters. $1 per bag has been a standard but for say....three bags, We'll just give him a $5. Sometimes, I'll slip the room steward a little something in advance and they REALLY will be there for you. You don't drink enough to worry about the waiters other than the RCI set tipping, just my opinion. You probably only need about $40 or so in cash for extra tips. If you feel you been given great service, your instincts will guide you. It's really not a big deal so relax and enjoy the anticipation of what will be a wonderful cruise.

Originally Posted by Char

Royal Caribbean adds 15% gratuity to the bar bills, in-cabin mini bar, botles of wine in the dining room and in general any beverage that is not free.

Also, if you order room service (food is free) a tip to the person who brings it is in order. Depending on how much he brings we generally tip $1 or $2 dollars.

I bring stuff to the cabin and Lynette never tips me!!! Well not in dollar bills anyway.

Originally Posted by packercruising

I bring stuff to the cabin and Lynette never tips me!!! Well not in dollar bills anyway.

sounds like you are tipping her

Originally Posted by sue miller

Gratuities for liquor will be added to the bill when charged to your sea card, I believe the gratuity for the cabin steward and waiters are $10 a day PP, if that has changed someone will correct me, $1's and 5's come in handy for cabs, porters who help with luggage before cruise and after cruise, and room service.

I think it is still $10.00 per person per day, But I know the cab drivers like the
$20.00 bills more. LOL

You've gotten some great information. For budgetary purposes, plan on $10 per day per person to cover your cabin steward, waiter, and assistant waiter. If you don't want to hassle with the cash, you can have this added to your onboard account, which will be charged to your credit card.

As was pointed out, you don't need cash for anything purchased on the ship, including alcohol, which automatically has a gratuity added to your bill. The only time you'll need cash is for your cab ride to/from the pier (if applicable), tips for luggage handers, and room service - although the food is free, it's nice to provide the server a gratuity, usually $1 - $2 for coffee or snacks, more for meals.

It's nothing to worry about and don't let it scare you - it's nothing that will break the bank.

Pete

Conrad how much should you tip excursion guides?