Tipping.
Tipping is standard on board of most ships. Ships are normally registered in countries that have little or no labour laws, and as such the on-board staff's earnings come mostly from tips. The cruise line offers a small stipend as well as living expenses, and being flagged in mostly tax free ports, staff are not burdened by the taxes paid by most guests! In some respects, this may seem unfair, however it does improve service levels beyond the norm of most hotels and resorts, and on-board staff are financially better off at sea, than at home. The staff are directly paid by you, and as such, are far more responsive and attentive than average. Compared to a 15% gratuity at a restaurant, cruise tipping is a bargain. The suggested tip for your waiter is between $3.50-$4.00 USD per person, per day, $1.50-$2.00 USD per person per day for the assistant waiter (bus boy), and $3.50-$4.00 USD per person per day for the cabin steward. This adds up to between $56 and $70 per person per week. Some cruise lines will charge your on-board account for this standard amount, especially if you have dining options. You do have discretion to adjust that tip amount with the Purser's office, either up or down, depending upon the service experience you have had. Some lines, offer "no tipping required", and no suggestions are made for on-board tips. Even on these lines, the staff is normally tipped, especially by repeat passengers or those who have sailed on other lines. The luxury lines will often inform their guests that tipping is not necessary, as their staff is paid a higher level of wages.
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