Viking® has announced it has taken delivery of the company’s newest ship for the Nile River, the Viking Sobek. The delivery ceremony occurred when the new ship was presented at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. The 82-guest Viking Sobek joins the company’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art ships for the Nile River and will sail Viking’s popular 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
“We are proud to welcome the Viking Sobek to our award-winning fleet. In our view, these identical sister ships are by far the most elegant vessels on the Nile,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Egypt has always been a destination of great interest among our guests, and demand for these voyages continues to be strong. With the arrival of the Viking Sobek, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the country’s rich history and fascinating cultural treasures.”
The Viking Sobek & Viking’s Growing Egypt Fleet
Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new Viking Sobek is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. An identical sister ship to the Viking Osiris, the Viking Aton and the Viking Hathor, the Viking Sobek features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Other ships in the Egypt fleet include the Viking Ra and the MS Antares. Viking plans to welcome four additional ships in the next two years—the Viking Amun and the Viking Thoth in 2025 and the Viking Sekhmet and the Viking Ptah in 2026—bringing Viking’s fleet to 10 vessels on the Nile River.
During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramidsitinerary, guests begin with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where they can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the necropolis of Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Grand Egyptian Museum. Guests then fly to Luxor, where they visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding a Viking river ship for an eight-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River, featuring visits to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings, and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, the temples at Abu Simbel and the High Dam in Aswan, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village, where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the ancient city.
Highclere Castle, Egypt & Viking
For years, Viking has offered a variety of ways for its guests to experience life at Highclere Castle, which is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the historic estate best known as the filming location of Downton Abbey. George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, is also the godfather of the Viking Osiris. His great-grandfather, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, was the benefactor and co-explorer of Howard Carter, the world’s most famous Egyptologist; together, they discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun on November 4, 1922. Among many talents, the 5th Earl was an avid amateur photographer with an artistic eye for composition.
His photographs are currently at Highclere Castle, stored in photo albums in The Library. They show the process of discovering and excavating the tomb of Tutankhamen and scenes of daily life in Egypt of the period. With kind permission, the Carnarvons have allowed Viking to share this private collection with guests sailing on board the Viking Osiris and her sister ships.
For guests looking to extend their journey in Egypt, Viking also offers pre- and Post Extensions that provide Privileged Access to archives and exhibits. Guests on the five-day British Collections of Ancient Egypt extension will begin the journey in London, where they will meet their Viking Tour Director, an expert Egyptologist, and experience Privileged Access to two museums: first, a private, early morning visit to the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum before it opens to the general public – and then a visit to the home and personal museum of world-renowned architect, Sir John Soane, where the tour will be illuminated by candlelight, a re-enactment of how Soane entertained guests and showcased his exquisite collection of Egyptian antiquities, including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus.
Guests will also visit London’s Petrie Museum, which houses more than 80,000 ancient Egypt and Sudan artifacts. In Oxford, guests will visit the Ashmolean Museum, one of the oldest in the world and home to a varied collection of Egyptian mummies and art—and go behind the scenes at Oxford University’s Griffith Institute, where they will enjoy a Privileged Access visit to see Howard Carter’s archives, which detail the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb. Lastly, guests will have further privileged access with an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s magnificent private collection of Egyptian artifacts, archives, and exhibits that are not ordinarily accessible to the public.
Viking’s Award-Winning Fleet
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking (Credit: Viking)
Viking was rated #1 for Rivers, as well as #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions, by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. This achievement marked the first time a travel company won these three categories in back-to-back years. Viking’s Egypt ships have also been included in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” the last two years. Viking was also named a “Best Luxury River Cruise of 2024” in Forbes’ “Best Luxury Cruises” list. Additionally, TIME magazine featured both Giza and Saqqara on its “World’s Greatest Places” 2023 list, mentioning sailing the Nile River with Viking. TIME notes that Viking is among the very few who stop in both Giza and the village of Sakkara, where excavation sites, like the megatombs of animal and human mummies, are active.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
Holland America Line is introducing its first-ever branded sparkling wine this October in collaboration with Four Feathers Wine Services, based in Prosser, Washington. This exclusive sparkling wine is crafted using Methode Traditionnelle, the same technique for producing Champagne.
“Our goal was to create a wine that elevates a sense of luxury onboard,” said Drew Foulk, senior manager of beverage and dining operations and innovation at Holland America Line. “Whether our guests are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging during their voyage, we aim to provide them with something truly exceptional.”
Holland America and Four Feather Wine Services’ partnership brings together world-class winemaking expertise and state-of-the-art automated equipment to ensure that each bottle meets the highest quality standards.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Holland America to craft this exceptional sparkling wine,” said Rebecca De Kleine, general manager and director of winemaking at Four Feathers Wine Services. “This wine showcases the best of our estate-grown fruit, grown in the celebrated Columbia Valley. The Four Feathers team has ensured each bottle is a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, from vineyard practices to production, ensuring that our commitment to environmental stewardship enhances the quality and integrity of this wine.”
Holland America Line’s, Rotterdam. (Credit: Holland America Line)
The Holland America Line branded sparkling wine will be available for purchase by the glass and bottle in all restaurants and bars fleetwide. It will also be featured at key events, including the Captain’s Toast and Mariner Reception, and can be purchased for in-stateroom gift packages.
The wine is expected to be available to guests by the end of the month.
Seabourn has announced an exciting program of immersive 2026 itineraries available on Seabourn’s ultra-luxury ocean fleet—Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Quest, and Seabourn Sojourn—which will explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska and British Columbia, Japan, and Canada and New England between March and December 2026. The new program will feature more than 200 destinations in almost 40 countries on over 50 distinctive itineraries, including two unique voyages that will feature a chance to view the total solar eclipse occurring on August 12, 2026.
Seabourn’s New 2026 Voyages
The new 2026 Seabourn voyages are now on sale, with dates and full itinerary details available at www.seabourn.com.
With itineraries ranging from seven to 21 days, Seabourn will offer diverse experiences across multiple regions, immersing guests in authentic cultures while visiting a mix of renowned destinations and lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path ports. Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn will sail the Mediterranean from June to November 2026, covering destinations along the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona to Istanbul. Seabourn Ovation will explore the British Isles, Iceland, and the Norwegian Fjords and then cross the Atlantic to Canada & New England. For the first time, Seabourn Encore will spend the entire summer in Alaska, offering seven-day itineraries to explore the Last Frontier, along with sailings in Japan during peak spring blossoms and fall foliage periods. Seabourn Ovation will also offer two additional Southern Caribbean departures between Barbados and St. Maarten in late March 2026.
“Our new 2026 voyages were thoughtfully, well curated with our guests in mind, featuring a great combination of Seabourn all-time favorites along with many new unique experiences,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “With our private, yacht-like atmosphere, a personalized array of guest services, and captivating itineraries featuring boutique ports, there’s no better place to explore the world than on an ultra-luxury Seabourn ship. We invite our guests to join us and experience the best ultra-luxury travel experience at sea while exploring the world.”
Itinerary highlights from the 2026 season include:
Mediterranean
Guests can experience the private, yacht-like atmosphere of Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn, while exploring boutique ports and sun-washed shores throughout the Mediterranean. The ships will visit 84 destinations across 15 countries, featuring overnight calls on select voyages to St. Tropez, France; Taormina, Italy; and La Joliette in Marseille, France, offering a gateway to the Provence region.
Seabourn Sojourn will sail to 59 ports in 17 countries during a series of 10-day itineraries to the Western Mediterranean between Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Monte Carlo. On August 7, 2026, the ship’s 10-Day Spanish Gems & Solar Eclipse voyage will depart round-trip from Barcelona and offer a unique opportunity to view the total solar eclipse occurring just before sunset on August 12, 2026, from the waters of the Balearic Sea.
Seabourn Quest will visit 60 ports across 15 countries, including a maiden call to Ceuta, Spanish Morocco, and sail on a series of seven-day voyages between Dubrovnik, Fusina (Venice), Istanbul, and Athens, visiting beautiful small harbors and islands in Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, and Turkey. Each of these voyages can be combined to make 14- or 21-day voyages.
The 2026 program for each ship will be quintessentially Seabourn, with complimentary signature events such as a moving ‘Evening at Ephesus’ at Kuşadası, Turkey, a private concert in ancient ruins under the stars; and ‘Marina Day’ with complimentary water sports, weather dependent and at the captain’s discretion. Select itineraries will feature “Shopping with the Chef,” inviting guests to visit regional markets with Seabourn’s onboard executive chef to see how the freshest ingredients are chosen. This unique experience is available in select destinations, such as Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Valletta, Corfu and more.
Northern Europe – British Isles, Iceland & Norway
Guests can travel off the beaten paths of Norway, Iceland, and the British Isles on board Seabourn Ovation, which will visit more than 70 destinations in 18 countries on voyages ranging from seven to 22 days. From small colorful towns to the historic castles of Scotland to the stunning fjords of Norway, this region offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Seabourn Ovation will sail on two 14-day departures through majestic fjords to the northernmost tip of Europe, the North Cape, departing May 16 and June 13, 2026. The June 13 departure coincides with Midsummer, celebrating the summer solstice and offering the ideal opportunity to experience the Midnight Sun. Rounding out Seabourn Ovation’s Northern Europe season are several departures of its 14-day Jewels of the British Isles voyages from Dover (London), which will include a combination of top destinations such as Belfast and Edinburgh with smaller gems like Oban, Scotland and Fishguard, Wales.
The award-winning ship will also sail a 14-day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse voyage, departing on August 8, 2026, from Dover (London), England, to Reykjavik, Iceland. The ship will visit unique ports in Western Ireland, including Galway and Killybegs, and position itself off the coast of Ireland in the Atlantic Ocean to view the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The voyage will also feature a special Seabourn Conversations program with Jane A Green, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, to educate guests about the solar eclipse.
Following the special eclipse voyage, Seabourn Ovation will depart on August 22, 2026, for a 22-Day Fire & Ice Passage from Iceland to Greenland and Atlantic Canada, reaching New York City in time for the fall colors in the northeast coast of North America.
Japan, Asia & North Pacific Crossings
Across the other side of the globe, Seabourn Encore will visit 30 destinations across six countries on seven itineraries between March and September 2026. Seabourn Encore will sail on her first season through Japan at the height of spring flowers and cherry blossom seasonal festivities, offering three 14-day roundtrip voyages from Yokohama (Tokyo), featuring overnight stays in Kobe, Maizuru, or Nagasaki. Starting in October 2026, three 12-day voyages between Yokohama (Tokyo) and Osaka will highlight the vibrant autumn foliage of both Japan and South Korea. These itineraries also include maiden calls to Sokcho in South Korea, and Beppu, Hososhima, and Toba in Japan, along with exclusive “Shopping with the Chef” experiences in select ports. Additionally, Seabourn Encore will offer 18- and 21-day Pacific Passage voyages between Japan and Alaska in April and September 2026.
Alaska & British Columbia
Seabourn Encore will reach the pristine waterways of the “Great Land” in summer 2026, marking its maiden arrival to Alaska & British Columbia. The 2026 Alaska program features 27 departures ranging from seven to 15 days, sailing from Vancouver or Juneau, Alaska, between May and September. These curated itineraries offer unique, smaller port experiences that showcase wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and the cultural traditions of the region. The ship will visit 17 destinations, including Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock, the Inian Islands, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, and Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska, as well as Alert Bay and Prince Rupert in British Columbia.
For a deeper and richer experience, guests may choose from a number of immersive experiences through Seabourn’s popular and unique Ventures by Seabourn program, featuring optional guided kayak and Zodiac tours led by the line’s world-class expedition team. In addition, guests sailing on a Seabourn Alaska voyage will receive a complimentary Helly Hansen all-weather jacket. On board Seabourn Encore, guests can expect the same intimate, small-ship experience, enhanced by exclusive amenities such as verandas in every suite, access to The Retreat—Seabourn’s private sanctuary on deck 12—Seabourn’s Sushi restaurant, and outdoor seating at Solis, the line’s newest fine-dining restaurant.
Canada & New England
After its Northern Europe season, Seabourn Ovation will set sail for Canada and New England, arriving in time to enjoy the majestic fall foliage landscapes, as the region transforms into a stunning world of crimson and gold. Guests will explore charming cosmopolitan cities, colonial landmarks, and picturesque villages in signature Seabourn style.
Seabourn Ovation will sail the St. Lawrence River for the first time, offering five departures between September and October 2026, featuring charming coastal communities, quintessential Quebecois towns, and overnight stays. These include three 12-day Canada & New England Fall Foliage cruises between Montreal and New York, featuring two full days in Quebec City and a stop in Bar Harbor, Maine; a 12-day Newfoundland & Gulf of St. Lawrence cruise with an overnight in St. John’s, Newfoundland; and a 13-day Atlantic Coast voyage from Montreal to Miami, with an overnight in Boston, Massachusetts.
For more details about Seabourn’s 2026 ultra-luxury itineraries or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.seabourn.com or contact a professional travel advisor.
A Carnival cruise passenger has complained that she felt discriminated against during a comedy performance, after being unable to see the comedian from her seat.
John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, posted the passenger’s complaint (anonymised) which detailed how, at 5 ft 6, she was unable to enjoy the comedy show in full.
She claimed that anyone over 6 feet tall should be forced to sit in the back row of all Carnival shows, and that “these guys get enough privileges in life” as it is.
She also says that she asked for reserved seating while onboard so that she could sit in the front row, but was told this wasn’t possible, which is her grounds for claiming discrimination.
Heald responded to the complaint publicly, saying that while he understood the inconvenience, it wouldn’t be fair to allow all adults of 5 ft 6 to reserve seating.
Heald also rightly asked whether that was considered short – according to the most recent data, the average height for men in the UK and US is 5 ft 9 while the average height for women is 5 ft 3.5 inches.
He also added a dollop of his trademark humour:
Is this discrimination? I really don’t want her to be upset and protest in the atrium screaming:
What do we want? Rights for small people When do we want them? Shortly
John Heald’s Facebook page
As he also stated, the solution for anyone concerned about being able to see the show was to get there early, to make sure you have the best seat.
While I don’t agree with the guest here, I do think that adults on a Disney cruise wearing Mickey ears during a show are being selfish and are causing unnecessary problems.
If you’re wearing something on your head which could restrict the view of those behind you, take it off for the show.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Oceania Cruises is introducing a new dining venue called the Crêperie on its forthcoming ship, Allura.
This ship is scheduled to set sail in July 2025. The Crêperie will provide guests with a selection of sweet delights, making it a special spot for dessert enthusiasts.
The Crêperie is part of Oceania Cruises’ commitment to delivering “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”
It will feature a menu brimming with French crêpes and other delectable options. Guests can enjoy classic crêpes like crêpe Suzette or customise their own with various toppings.
“Allura, our eighth elegant small ship, represents the next step in Oceania Cruises’ evolution and a new way of exploring the world. Food is at the heart of everything we do at Oceania Cruises; The Finest Cuisine at Sea is not just a tagline, it’s a philosophy which drives our whole business
“However, finest does not always mean the fanciest – and our more relaxed, yet still refined, culinary venues, such as the beautiful new Crêperie aboard Allura, is a perfect example of this. With this addition on board Allura, our guests have never had more choice in what to eat and when – and of course all our dining venues on board are included for all guests free of charge.“
Frank Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises
Situated next to Baristas, the cruise line’s coffee bar, the Crêperie will be a cosy and welcoming place. Guests can enjoy their treats in a setting reminiscent of a small café.
The menu at the Crêperie is crafted by Executive Culinary Directors and Master Chefs of France, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale. There will be over 20 options to choose from, including both classic and innovative creations.
All dining venues, including the Crêperie, are included at no extra cost, offering great value. This means guests can enjoy a variety of foods without worrying about additional charges, enhancing their cruise experience.
More to explore on Allura
In addition to the Crêperie, Allura will offer a range of other exciting features and experiences for guests.
As the newest addition to Oceania Cruises’ fleet, Allura will continue the line’s tradition of intimate, luxurious cruising with a guest capacity of 1,200.
The ship will debut new spacious stateroom designs, including lavish Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively by the Ralph Lauren Home collection.
Guests onboard Allura can also expect an enhanced wellness offering, with the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center providing state-of-the-art treatments and fitness programs, including plant-based culinary options at the Aquamar Kitchen.
The ship will feature the new Broadway-calibre entertainment venue, offering a series of vibrant performances, as well as a reimagined casino for those looking to enjoy some gaming.
For art lovers, Allura will also introduce new enrichment programs, including immersive art classes and guest lectures from experts in various fields.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
MSC Cruises has expanded its partnership with Guinness World Records to encompass its entire fleet over the next year. This decision follows the achievement of 30 world record titles in…
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MSC Cruises has expanded its partnership with Guinness World Records to encompass its entire fleet over the next year.
This decision follows the achievement of 30 world record titles in just 18 months since the partnership began in March 2023 on MSC Seascape and MSC World Europa.
The programme allows guests to attempt breaking official Guinness World Records through various onboard activities.
It’s currently available on 12 MSC ships, including MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Euribia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC World Europa.
“The program has been hugely popular among guests, both adults and children alike. MSC Cruises guests and crew to date have broken 30 Guinness world record titles…
“We’re excited to be able to offer it on more of our ships for guests of all ages to enjoy. The extended partnership is part of MSC Cruises’ broader strategy to further elevate their onboard immersive entertainment programs and provide carefully crafted entertainment for guests of all tastes.
Steve Leatham, vice president of entertainment, MSC Cruises
The activities are popular with guests of all ages, featuring challenges such as pulling 100 metres of rope the fastest, completing 20 chair rotations in under 21 seconds, and putting on the most pairs of socks on one foot in under 30 seconds.
Participants who break a record are verified by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator and receive a certificate.
Since the programme began, MSC Cruises guests and crew have broken 30 Guinness World Record titles. These achievements are celebrated onboard, with participants receiving recognition for their efforts.
Variety is key for MSC
Beyond the thrill of breaking records, MSC Cruises offers a diverse range of activities to keep guests entertained throughout their journey.
From exhilarating waterslides and VR experiences in the MSC Virtual World to relaxing spa treatments and yoga sessions with panoramic sea views, there’s something for everyone.
Guests can also enjoy impressive theatre shows, culinary workshops, and themed parties.
For the more adventurous, the thrilling zip line or Formula 1 simulators offer unforgettable experiences, ensuring a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement at sea.
Activities and facilities vary by ship, so always check before you book.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Royal Caribbean International has unveiled plans for Perfect Day Mexico, a new private destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast near Mahahual, scheduled to open in 2027.
This is part of the cruise line’s strategy to expand its exclusive holiday spots, following the success of Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Perfect Day Mexico will offer a blend of thrilling activities and relaxation, leveraging the natural beauty and culture of Mexico.
The destination will feature water parks, pools, restaurants, and bars, providing a comprehensive holiday experience for families and adventurers alike.
Royal Caribbean is collaborating with the state of Quintana Roo to prioritise sustainable tourism, which includes being environmentally responsible and engaging with the community. The project is expected to boost the local economy and enhance tourism in southern Quintana Roo.
The destination will incorporate eco-friendly initiatives to minimise its environmental impact, such as waste reduction and energy efficiency programmes. Perfect Day Mexico will be a model for sustainable tourism, demonstrating Royal Caribbean’s commitment to environmental care and responsible travel.
Mahahual was selected for its stunning beaches and marine life. This new destination is anticipated to attract numerous travellers, bolstering Royal Caribbean’s position in the holiday industry.
Royal Caribbean has a strong reputation for delivering memorable holidays, with over 50 years of experience and a presence in more than 300 destinations across 80 countries.
Royal Caribbean’s private resort collection
Perfect Day Mexico joins Royal Caribbean’s expanding portfolio of private destinations, which already includes the highly popular Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti.
These exclusive locations are designed to offer guests curated, unique experiences, blending adventure and relaxation in stunning natural settings.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is famous for its Thrill Waterpark and pristine beaches, while Labadee offers a mix of water sports, zip lines, and cultural excursions.
There’s also the new Royal Beach Club destinations that the cruise line is building at existing ports.
While these won’t be the same as the private islands, they will offer exclusive experiences in popular destinations such as Nassau and Cozumel.
If you’ve never taken a cruise before, the whole culture around tipping can be a little confusing. Especially if you’re from the UK where tipping regularly is not a part of our culture.
There are two different types of tips on a cruise ship – that which you’re expected to pay, which are referred to as the gratuities, and then extra tips that you may want to give to the people helping you to enjoy your cruise.
If you’re a novice with tipping, don’t worry. I’ve spent hours browsing the best cruise forums to find out what other experienced cruisers tip above and beyond the standard gratuities.
I’ve collected a ton of data that will help you to compare yourself to others and find a level that feels right for you. Because at the end of the day, it’s totally up to you how much extra to tip, and whether to tip at all.
So, let’s take a look at how much to tip cruise staff, as a guide.
About Cruise Gratuities
Cruise gratuities are the tips that you are expected to pay during your cruise. They apply to all guests and are divided up between different members of the crew, including housekeeping, your room attendant, and those that work behind the scenes that you otherwise wouldn’t see, and therefore wouldn’t have the chance to tip.
Note that I say you are ‘expected’ to pay these. They’ll be added to your cruise account automatically, and you’ll need to pay them to clear your account, although on most cruise lines you can ask for them to be removed.
But you should be aware that for many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, NCL and Carnival, the crewmembers rely on the tips that passengers are expected to pay. People only tend to remove them if they’ve had terrible service, and even on those rare occasions, most passengers still pay them.
Sometimes, your gratuities are already included in your fare. That’s the case with:
MSC Cruises (when booked in the UK)
P&O Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Marella Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Silversea
Many other cruise lines let you prepay your gratuities, too. It’s still a separate charge, but this means you can get it paid for upfront, and then you don’t have to worry about it later.
These include:
MSC Cruises (when booked in the US)
Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Princess Cruises
NCL
Holland America Line
Carnival
There may be some times when you’re asked to pay them upfront. One example is Royal Caribbean’s MyTime Dining plan – if you want the flexibility to eat dinner at a time that suits you, you have to prepay your gratuities.
Otherwise, you’ll have the gratuities added to your account, and you’ll be expected to pay them off at the end, along with any other charges that you’ve accrued during your cruise.
As a rough guide, most cruise lines tend to charge around $15 per person per day for gratuities. It may be slightly more or slightly less. If you book a suite, expect the cost to be closer to $20 per person per day.
Drinks Gratuities
While your normal gratuities cover most staff on the ship, there may be times when you are asked to pay additional gratuities.
One of these is when you order a drinks package, which usually gives you unlimited drinks during the cruise.
While you’ll see an advertised price for your drinks package, some cruise lines – including Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises – will add on a fixed gratuity fee when you pay, which is usually 18%.
Sometimes, a gratuity is added on to every drink, whether you have a package or not. This really depends on the cruise line and which country your ship departs from. The rules vary a lot, so you’ll need to check the terms and conditions of your booking to be sure.
Spa Gratuities
It’s similar with spa treatments. You’ll see an advertised price for your spa treatment, but many cruise lines will add on an additional gratuity to the price you pay – somewhere between 15% and 20%.
With your regular gratuities, and these additional gratuities for drinks packages and spa treatments, you aren’t expected to tip any extra.
Indeed, some cruise lines are very clear that tipping is not expected – especially P&O Cruises, since it’s a British cruise line where tipping culture is not the norm.
Some even discourage it. MSC’s official line from their UK website is: “MSC Cruises does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.”
But on most cruise lines, many passengers do – especially American passengers where tipping is part of the culture. And so if you want to do the same, let’s take a look at average tipping amounts for different crew members…
There is no set amount for how much to tip on a cruise, and once you have paid your gratuities, there’s no need to tip more if you don’t want to. Average extra tips vary, with most cruisers averaging $1-2 for drinks or room service, and $10-20 per day for cabin stewards.
It’s up to you if you decide to tip extra, but your automatic gratuity charge covers all the essentials. Anything extra is just to say thank you to crewmembers for looking after you, or a way to get a slight ‘edge’ in the service they provide.
They can’t go too far above and beyond but if you tip well then crewmembers might be able to offer a few small touches to make your cruise more special, such as serving you quicker at the bar or spending a little more time to create you a special towel animal in your room.
How Much to Tip Your Room Steward
The typical amounts tipped to room stewards varies between around $2 and $20 per day, although it will depend on the length of the cruise. Many people prefer to tip extra at the start of their cruise, to ensure they get the best service for the duration of their sailing.
One of the lower amounts I’ve seen, for those who want to tip extra, is $20 extra at the start of the cruise and then maybe a little more each night. CruisingNewb on the Royal Caribbean Blog forum suggests this was plenty to ensure proactive service.
Many people tip cabin attendants $10 per day, or $50 to 100 as a lump sum either at the start or end of the cruise.
Of course, some people choose not to tip any extra, and are still happy with the service they receive.
How Much to Tip Your Waiter
Main Dining Room waiting staff tend to be covered in daily gratuities, but for people who like to tip extra, an average is usually $100 per week. Some people prefer to tip on a per-meal basis, and tend to weight the tips more for dinner – $20 per dinner, $10 for lunch and $5 for breakfast.
Depending on your cruise line and your choice of dining plan, you might get the same waiter every night. You’ll then really notice just how good their service is – they will usually remember you and your preferences, and be able to make dinner feel like a really special occasion each night. That may be something you want to reward.
But then, there are plenty of others who view the Main Dining Room staff as already having been tipped as part of the gratuities, and, therefore, won’t tip any more than they need to.
Nowadays, more and more cruises offer flexible dining, so you will have a different team of waiters every night. When this is the case, people are less likely to tip waiters in cash as they probably won’t see them again during the cruise.
How Much to Tip Your Bartender
Many cruise passengers will tip their bartender on a per-drink basis, usually $1-2 per drink ordered. Some passengers prefer to tip their bartender a larger one-off amount if they intend to stay at a bar for a little while – up to $20 is seen as normal.
Some cruise ships like Disney and Royal Caribbean will give you a receipt to sign for every drink. Here, you have the option to write on an additional tip amount, which will be charged to your onboard account. This way, you can use any onboard credit that you have accrued to pay for tips.
Alternatively, you can tip in cash with $1 or $2 bills if you prefer. Of course, pounds sterling, Euros or any other currency will also be welcomed by crew members as they often travel the world and can always change it ashore if needed. Just try not to tip with coins.
Some passengers believe that tipping bartenders extra is a nice thank-you for the busy staff who may be making you complex cocktails. Others see tipping as a way of ensuring they get served first, where possible – hence tipping a $20 bill upfront.
If you’ve paid for a drinks package, you’ll already likely have paid an additional gratuity, and so many people don’t then like to tip again.
Passengers tend to tip cruise butlers more than other crewmembers because they tend to offer more services and are more hands-on in making your cruise special. $200 to 300 per cruise is average, although some may prefer to tip more.
Butlers tend to be offered on luxury cruise lines, and many of those – including Regent Seven Seas and Silversea – have tips already included, which are designed to cover the butler. But that doesn’t stop people from tipping extra.
Butlers are also used in suites on some other cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises and P&O Cruises. Royal Caribbean has ‘Royal Genies’ instead of butlers, and there is specific advice given that they are not included in typical cruise gratuities, so any tipping needs to be offered separately.
Most people tend to tip $1-2 per item ordered from the room service menu, or a $5 total for a meal or a larger order. Many people only order small items for room service, and so don’t tend to tip large sums because the cost of what they are ordering is already low.
Again though, this is a personal decision and can vary. You might feel that room service is more effort for the crew, since they aren’t just pouring you a drink at a bar where they’re working, but they’re delivering it all the way to your stateroom.
Or you might take the view that you’ve paid your daily gratuities, and this service is included as part of that.
How Much to Tip Your Porter at the Cruise Terminal
Most people offer a small tip to the baggage handlers at the cruise terminal, to ensure their bags are looked after as they are taken onto the ship. It normally varies between $2 and $5 per bag, although a total tip of $10 for a family’s luggage would be sufficient.
Again, there’s no need to tip your porter, but bear in mind how much luggage they are carrying onto the ship. It’s a nice way to thank them for not having to drag your suitcases around with you all day.
When on a cruise excursion, it’s normal to tip the guide to thank them for their efforts in showing you around – this can vary from $5 per person up to $30 per person for longer tours. If your excursion has a coach or taxi, a tip of $1 per person is more in line with the average.
Tipping your guide or driver won’t tend to get you better service, and so it’s normally done at the end of the day more as a thank-you.
Shore excursion in Monaco
What Currency To Use for Tips
Most people tend to tip in the same currency used on the ship, but generally, it doesn’t matter. You can tip in your own currency if you prefer – crew tend to be grateful for all their tips, and they can bank them all regardless.
The only difference would be on an excursion, where it’s best to either tip in the local currency, or in US dollars, which are accepted more widely.
The Bottom Line
If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll know that tipping isn’t always something that we’re used to. And you might feel awkward tipping on a cruise when you’ve already paid your gratuities. That’s absolutely fine – there is no obligation at all, and you’ll still get great service.
But you might feel equally awkward travelling on a cruise where you know that tipping a little extra is the done thing, and so you might want to take some extra money with you for tips. Don’t tip more than you’re comfortable doing though – you don’t want to stress yourself out budgeting for tips when you have covered the gratuities already.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
An Instagram reel from a cruise guest apparently shows a flock of birds that have taken over a cruise ship cabin.
The reel, from Instagram user chanellbethley, shows the chaos as several birds are flying around the cabin.
She hasn’t provided additional information in the comments of the reel unfortunately, but others have chipped in with details.
Apparently it happened on Carnival Freedom, as the birds sought shelter from the bad weather.
Whether this is true or not is uncertain, but several commenters have said that it is authentic.
You should never leave your balcony door propped open when leaving your cabin for a number of reasons, and this is apparently one of them!
Cruise lines do tell guests to make sure the balcony doors are closed when leaving the room. Hopefully, if this video is genuine, the guests learn from their error.
Royal Caribbean is increasing gratuity prices from 1st November, adding $0.50 per guest per day to each category.
This means that guests in a regular stateroom will pay $18.50 per person, per day, up from $18.
And anyone staying in a Suite will now pay $21 per person, per day, up from $20.50.
While this may seem like a small increase, it comes just a year after the last increase of $2 across all categories, which followed another $1.50 increase in 2022.
This means that guests are now paying around 25% more than they were two years ago for gratuities.
However, anyone who books their cruise before 1st November 2024 and pre-pays their gratuities before the end of 31st October 2024 will secure them at the current rates, not the increased prices, regardless of the sailing date.
Automatic gratuities – right or wrong?
Automatic gratuities remain a controversial topic. Some guests understand that they help to reward the hard-working crew, including those behind the scenes who might not normally receive tips from guests.
Other guests prefer to give tips manually, where they feel they have received good service. And of course, tipping culture varies around the world too.
Automatic gratuities, including these with Royal Caribbean, are not mandatory. They are added to guests’ accounts, but guests can remove them if they really want to.
It’s not recommended, because unfortunately a lot of crew rely on the tips for their pay. Even if a guest receives bad service, it’s not fair to punish the rest of the crew.
The increased charges don’t impact the gratuity automatically added to drinks purchases (18%) and spa and salon treatments (20%).
