What Crew Members Really Think

Cruise tipping causes more arguments than almost anything else onboard. Some people refuse to pay extra. Others tip on top of gratuities. And both sides are convinced they’re right.

Most cruisers talk about what they think is fair. Very few stop to ask the crew.

The US vs UK culture clash only adds fuel to the fire, especially when automatic gratuities are already built into the bill. It feels like you’ve paid. So why would more be expected?

Then I came across a candid post from a Royal Caribbean crew member that completely shifted the perspective. It wasn’t defensive. It wasn’t demanding. It was honest.

And there’s one thing about tipping that most passengers never consider.

1. Tipping Means More Than You Think

For many crew members – especially those from developing countries – tips aren’t just a bonus; they’re a lifeline.

While they do get a base salary, the crew member explained that extra cash goes a long way. We’re talking school fees, medical bills, supporting families back home, or saving for a better future.

That said, if tipping isn’t your thing, don’t worry – you’ve still got options for showing appreciation.

Of course, your cruise line might insist on automatic gratuities anyway (more on that in a bit), but you don’t have to be obligated to give cash tips in any situation if you really don’t want to.

There are other gestures that mean just as much (or more!) to the crew.

2. The Post-Cruise Survey Is REALLY Important

You know that survey you get at the end of your trip that you’re tempted to skip? Don’t.

Filling out that feedback form – especially if you name-drop a crew member who went above and beyond – can result in serious perks for them:

• A rare and well-deserved day off
• A specialty restaurant meal enjoyed as a guest
• A night in a guest cabin – hello, floor space!
• Scratch cards with prizes such as internet time, cash bonuses, or crew discounts

For dining staff, your review could even influence which tables they’re assigned next – meaning more chances to earn tips, or fewer if ratings are low.

So, if someone made your cruise that little bit more special, mention them by name. A few kind words go a long way – maybe further than you realise.

3. Crew Members Love Handwritten Notes

Sometimes, a simple thank-you note does more than you might expect.

The crew member shared that they’ve kept thank-you cards and notes from guests over the years – and still re-read them on tough days. If someone made your cruise extra memorable, why not leave a postcard or short message behind?

You don’t need to be Shakespeare – just something sincere like, “Thank you for making our trip so wonderful. You made our family smile every day!” can absolutely make their week.

It’s feedback like this that really shows that the crew aren’t just financially motivated. They care about their jobs, and they want to do well, and a little bit of recognition for that will show them that they are doing so.

4. Remembering Names Matters

Want to brighten a crew member’s day in three seconds flat? Say their name.

It might sound small, but remembering and using a crew member’s name helps them feel seen and appreciated. Whether it’s your room steward, bartender, or waiter, a friendly “Hi, John!” or “Thank you, Maria!” goes a long way.

It’s easy to do, since they all wear name badges!

Crew members say that being greeted by name makes a real difference – and can even turn a rough shift around.

A lot of cruise crew members will come from countries with names you may not be used to. But do you want to know the secret to learn how to pronounce a name you’ve not encountered before?

You ask.

Honestly, it isn’t offensive, and the fact that you care enough to get it right is actually a gesture in itself.

5. Gifts Aren’t Always a Good Idea

Thinking of bringing a little something for your favourite crew member? Lovely idea – but there are a few rules to keep in mind.

Gifts to avoid:

• Alcohol
• Items from onboard shops unless you’ve got a receipt and follow ship policy
• Anything bulky

Crew members only have very small cabins, and so they need to avoid clutter. When asked, almost every crew member will say that they prefer cash, as they can use it to buy the things they actually want and need.

If you really do prefer to give a physical gift, here are some ideas based on what crew members have said that they like…

Good gift ideas:

• Travel-sized luxury toiletries
• Sunscreen (especially if you’re heading to sunny ports)
• Laundry detergent (yes, really – they often have to buy it onboard!)
• Individually wrapped snacks or sweets

The crew member from Reddit shared a story of a guest who gave them a framed photo. Not only was it treasured – it became a good-luck charm they credit with helping their career take off.

Pair your gift with a thank-you card, and you’ve got a feel-good moment that’ll stay with them long after you’ve disembarked.

One interesting gift you may consider is a duck.

The cruise duck trend is still going strong, and the cheeky rubber ducks are hidden all over the ship by passengers. And they’re not just a huge hit with fellow cruisers, but also with the crew.

Many crew members collect them for their kids back home. It’s a cute way to stay connected to their families while they’re away at sea.

That said, one crew member was reportedly let go for collecting too many ducks (yikes!).

So, if you want to gift a duck to a crew member, it’s best to hand it over directly, with a quick note explaining why. It’s sweet, safe, and shows thoughtfulness.

The Truth About Automatic Gratuities

It’s important to talk about automatic gratuities at this point.

Most cruise lines now automatically add gratuities to your cruise fare. You can either pay these in advance or you can wait until you’re onboard and pay the gratuities when you’re settling your bill.

Only a handful of cruise lines don’t charge tips – typically the British ones (P&O Cruises, Marella, etc.) or the ultra-luxury ones. MSC Cruises also waives gratuity charges on certain sailings.

For the other cruise lines, they’re automatically added to your account, hence the name.

They aren’t mandatory though. You can remove them by visiting the Guest Services desk onboard.

Read more: Can You Refuse To Pay Gratuities On A Cruise?

Some people remove them because they prefer to give cash tips. Which is OK, except that the automatic gratuities are often split between several teams, some of whom you might never see to hand over a cash tip. So they get shorted when you stick to cash only.

Others remove them just because they don’t like the tipping culture.

The issue is that some cruise lines make the automatic gratuities part of the crew’s salary. So they aren’t really tips, more a part of their wage, and each guest who removes their gratuities then harms the salary earned by the crew.

So it’s always best to pay the automatic gratuities, and then if you want to, top it up with a little bit of cash for the crew members who go above and beyond.

Suggested read: How Much Extra To Tip Cruise Staff

Cash tips are really appreciated because the crew receiving them keep 100%, and so it’s really valuable to them.

Final Word

So here’s the part most passengers never consider.

On many cruise lines, automatic gratuities aren’t just a “thank you” bonus. They form part of the crew’s expected income. When they’re removed, it doesn’t just send a message. It can directly reduce what someone takes home to support their family.

Extra cash tips are always appreciated because the crew member keeps 100%. But recognition matters too. A named mention in a survey can improve future table assignments. A good review can earn rare perks. A short handwritten note might be kept for years.

You don’t have to tip beyond what you’re comfortable with.

But once you understand what gratuities actually mean behind the scenes, it’s hard to see them the same way again.

Related Posts