Prepaying Gratuities In Advance: 3 Reasons Why

Above, yes, one should tip their cruise dining room team Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One expense that first-time passengers on cruises are surprised about are gratuities (or tips).

The stewards and others rely on gratuities as do waiters on land for their incomes. (I wonder if President Trump's "no tax on tips" apply to cruise gratuities for American cruise staff). 

Some are shocked at the end of cruises when tips are usually left for one's cabin steward. Some feel that it's easier to pay gratuities in advance. 

Cruise Blog has posted an article on paying gratuities in advance. They also post the gratuity amounts for different cruise lines.

They begin with:

When booking a cruise, you must decide whether you want to prepay gratuities or wait until you are onboard. 

Gratuities, or tips, are service charges that go toward the crew members, including your cabin steward, dining room team, and more — and how you pay them can make a big difference in your cruise experience. 

Within the past two years, I've taken over 15 cruises and prepaid my gratuities for every single voyage. Not only does it help me budget for each sailing, but it helps me avoid uncomfortable surprises at the end of the cruise. 

Far too often do I hear about cruisers who didn't know that cruise lines will automatically bill their onboard account for the daily recommended gratuity rate, resulting in a high onboard statement. 

While budgeting is a major reason I think everyone should prepay their tips, there are other reasons why smart cruisers settle their gratuities before boarding their cruise. 

To read more, go here.