Before you start your cruise, prepare several small envelopes that you mark in pencil with the jobs of the people you expect will serve you. Examples include cabin steward, butler, waiter, busboy and table captain. Fill these in with cash amounts equal to the suggested daily tip multiplied by the number of cruise days. As of September 2009, the suggested gratuities (according to cruisecritic.com) are as follows:
Cabin steward: $5 per night
Butler: varies but at least the rate of the cabin steward, if not more
Table captain: $1 per night. Include $5 for every special service such as providing a birthday cake.
Waiter: $5 per night you use the dining room
When you board, store these envelopes in the safe and bring them out on the last night. Erase the pencil names and replace them with the names of the people who actually served you, written in pen. Adjust the amounts as needed, adding more money for exemplary service and taking away some for bad service.
Check to be sure that the tips are not already included in the bill that you receive at the end of your cruise. Many lines have started including these charges as a convenience to passengers who may not have brought enough cash for the tips.
Otherwise, hand out your tip envelopes to the dining room staff during your last meal. Then, whenever possible, look for your cabin steward so you can personally give her your envelope. If you cannot find her, place the envelope on your bed before you go. Be aware, however, that a steward may be assisted by several helpers, who may help themselves to your gratuity.
The envelope guidelines only apply to those staff who serve you regularly. For those offering one-time services, pay at the end of the service.
For waiters in restaurants that charge for their meals, tip the same as in a land-based restaurant, from 15 percent and up.
Bartenders get at least $1 per drink. If you visit the same bar regularly, offer him $5 per night instead.
Baggage handlers receive $1-$2 per bag. If you're simply escorted to your cabin by a one-time steward, give $2.
Guides on shore excursions get $2 for a half-day trip and $4 for a full day. The drivers get half that. Spa staff get 15 percent to 20 percent at the end of the treatment.
