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11 Crew Members Who Always Deserve a Tip on a Cruise

Learn who to tip, how much, and why it matters on your next cruise

By Calista Headrick , Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated July 18, 2026

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Tipping on a cruise can feel like a guessing game. No one wants to over-tip and blow their budget, but under-tipping can leave you feeling awkward (or even guilty).

The truth is, many cruise staff rely on gratuities as a major part of their income, and knowing who to tip ensures great service while still helping you save money on travel.

So, who should you tip, how much, and when? Here's a simple guide to 11 people you should tip on a cruise so you can enjoy smooth sailing.

Cabin stewards

Your cabin steward is the one making sure your stateroom stays clean, tidy, and stocked with fresh towels. They often go above and beyond, remembering your preferences and even leaving fun towel animals.

Most cruise lines include their tip in the automatic gratuities, but if you want to tip extra for great service, $5.50 to $6.50 per person per day is the standard. You can give this in cash at the start or at the end of your cruise as a thank-you.

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Porters

Porters are the first friendly faces you'll see when you arrive at the cruise terminal, helping to whisk your luggage away so you can start relaxing.

A good rule of thumb is to tip $1 to $2 per bag when they handle your luggage. It's a small amount that goes a long way in ensuring your bags get to your cabin safely and promptly.

Concierge or butler

If you're staying in a suite with personalized service, your concierge or butler can make your cruise extra special. They handle everything from reservations to in-room dining.

To show appreciation, a standard tip is $10 to $20 per night for a butler and $10 to $15 per night for a concierge. You can tip in cash at the end of your cruise or throughout your stay for top-notch service.

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Room service staff

Ordering room service is a great way to enjoy a lazy morning or a late-night snack in your cabin.

While some cruise lines include a service charge, it's still a nice gesture to tip the delivery staff $2 to $3 per person when they bring your food. A little appreciation can go a long way in getting great service.

Dining room waitstaff

Your dining room waitstaff works hard to remember your favorite drinks, recommend the best dishes, and make every meal feel special.

Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill, so check first. But if you want to show extra appreciation, slipping them a buck or two per meal is always a nice gesture.

Casino dealers

Tipping casino dealers is totally up to you and your winnings. There's no set standard, but if you've been sitting at a table for a while on a winning streak, consider showing appreciation.

You can tip directly with chips or even by "playing a hand" for the dealer. It's all about what feels right for you.

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Spa staff

Most cruise ship spas will add a 15% to 18% gratuity to your bill, but if you've had an especially relaxing treatment, consider tipping a little extra.

A few bucks can go a long way to show appreciation for that perfect massage or rejuvenating facial.

Shore excursion guides and drivers

Whether you've booked a tour through the ship or arranged something on your own, tipping shore excursion guides and drivers is a nice way to say thanks for an unforgettable day.

For a half-day tour, tip around $3 per person for the guide and $1 to $2 for the driver. For a full-day tour, you can bump that up to $6 per person for the guide.

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Kids club staff

If your little ones had a blast at the kids club, a small tip is a great way to show appreciation for the crew who kept them entertained.

While tipping these workers isn't expected, many parents choose to give $10 per staff member per day that their child attended. You can hand it over in cash at the end of your cruise as a thank-you for their patience and fun activities.

Hotel cleaning staff

If you're staying in a hotel before or after your cruise, don't forget to tip the cleaning staff who keep your room fresh and comfortable.

A standard tip is about $3 per night. Leaving cash on the nightstand or near the bathroom with a short thank-you note is a nice touch.

Crew members who go above and beyond

Not every crew member requires a tip, but if someone has made your trip extra special, it's always nice to show your appreciation.

Whether it's the bartender who remembers your favorite drink or a server who went the extra mile, a few dollars here and there can go a long way.

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Bottom line

Tipping on a cruise is essential for showing appreciation to the hardworking crew members who make your trip enjoyable. While many gratuities are automatically added, offering extra tips for great service ensures a smooth and pleasant experience.

To save money on a cruise, consider using the best travel credit cards to earn points or cash back on your bookings. This makes it easier to cover additional expenses like tips. Remember, while most crew members should be tipped, you don't need to worry about tipping the ship's officers, as they generally don't rely on gratuities.

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