What do you tip a room steward on a cruise?

Typical extra tips may be $15-20 per passenger for a seven-day cruise paid to the cabin steward for exceptional work, or an extra $10-20 per passenger to a waiter who offered spectacular dining service. Similarly, it is often acceptable to tip $1-3 when room service is delivered depending on the size of the order.



Tipping a room steward on a cruise is largely handled through the automatic daily gratuity or service charge added to your onboard account, which typically ranges from $16 to $20 per person, per day in 2026. This pool of money is distributed among the housekeeping and dining staff. However, many cruisers choose to provide an additional cash tip for exceptional service, especially if the steward handled special requests like extra ice, distilled water for CPAP machines, or elaborate towel animals. A common "extra" tip is $20 to $50 per cabin for a 7-night cruise, often handed over in an envelope on the final night. If you are staying in a high-end suite with a dedicated butler, a higher tip of $100 or more is customary. It is important to remember that these crew members often work 10 to 12 hours a day for months at a time, so while the automatic charge covers the basics, a direct cash tip is a powerful way to show personal appreciation for the person who keeps your "home away from home" clean and comfortable throughout the voyage.

People Also Ask

61% tip their stateroom attendant an additional $20–$40 per couple per week, 26% tip $40–$70, and 13% tip an additional $70–$140. The average amount tipped to the head waiter was an additional $20–$50 per week per couple.

MORE DETAILS

Room service: If the hotel hasn't already added a gratuity, tip this person the same way you would a server or bartender in the restaurant downstairs: 15% to 20%.

MORE DETAILS

On any cruise I have taken, room service is free if you are ordering food. I usually tip $2 or $3 depending upon what we order. It's not required, but the word gets out and you get faster service if you tip them when they bring coffee, juice, or whatever.

MORE DETAILS

Similarly, if you're on a higher-end ship that lists gratuities as being included in the fare, that means just what it says. You don't have to tip on these cruises because the line is already paying gratuities to the staff on your behalf. Additional cash gifts are not expected.

MORE DETAILS

For bartenders and housekeepers, you may also want to offer a generous tip at the beginning of the cruise (again, $20 or more, depending on your needs) to ensure great service while on board. As for daily housekeeping gratuity, $2 to $5 per person per day is a good rule of thumb.

MORE DETAILS

Average Daily Cruise Line Gratuity Roughly speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $11.50 – $20.00 per passenger per day for onboard gratuities. As mentioned, cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account.

MORE DETAILS

Because they are charged on a daily basis, you do not have to worry about tipping each crew member yourself. Many passengers, however, still like to leave extra tips for their stateroom attendant and dining room waiters at the end of the cruise.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you should tip someone who brings you room service at a hotel. It is customary to show your appreciation for the hard work and effort they put in to make sure that your order was delivered on time and with accuracy. Plus, it's just good manners! A small gratuity of 10-15% of the total bill is usually appropriate.

MORE DETAILS

Tipping for room service is expected in destinations where tipping is customary and when a room service charge has not already been added to the bill.

MORE DETAILS

As a Hotel Housekeeper, you have the opportunity to earn tips from guests in addition to your hourly wages. If you work in an economy hotel or motel, then you are less likely to receive tips, and the tips you do get will be relatively small.

MORE DETAILS

The average ship steward salary in the United States is $31,683. Ship steward salaries typically range between $16,000 and $62,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for ship stewards is $15.23 per hour. Ship steward salary is impacted by location, education, and experience.

MORE DETAILS

Please place your room service tray outside your door. Calling room service for tray collection is appreciated, just place the tray outside your door. Please always flush the toilet after using it.

MORE DETAILS

While the automatic service charges will cover their basic gratuities, it's generally considered good form to tip them a bit extra for a job well done, especially if you have made any special requests. Should you choose to, for a seven-night cruise, consider tipping about $2 to $3 per person, per day.

MORE DETAILS

Again, cash might be the only thing they will take, and in most of the Caribbean you can tip in U.S. currency. As a side note, it can be nice to have some cash on your cruise so you can also tip people like street performers while in port.

MORE DETAILS

How much should you tip cruise waiter? The cruise gratuities cover the wait staff, so you're not obligated to give them any more of a cash tip. However, if you received outstanding service from a waiter and would like to show them your appreciation with a cash tip, $5 per day per passenger is the suggested amount.

MORE DETAILS

Tipping your stateroom steward on a cruise is customary and appreciated for their housekeeping, turndown, and other services. The standard tip for a stateroom steward is $3 to $5 per person per day, but you can tip more for exceptional service.

MORE DETAILS

It comes as no surprise that the ship's captain has the biggest salary from working on a cruise ship. The master of the vessel has a huge responsibility for ship safety for crew and passengers along with navigation. The captain can earn almost $100,000 manually depending on the cruise line and experience.

MORE DETAILS

Your room steward serves as your cabin attendant for the length of your cruise. He or she will visit your room at least once a day (often twice on mainstream and luxury ships) to make your bed, take out the trash, replenish your towels, take away used glasses or room service trays and do other basic cleaning chores.

MORE DETAILS