port gratuities?

[new2cruising86]

we booked a couple of excursions through Carnival and we were wondering if we would have to pay any gratuities? if so, what would be a suitable amount to tip?

[paul929207]

I usuall give the guide a driver a few dollars for each of us for a 1/2 day tour.

[CruisinKLB]

I always tip my tour guide. Usually $5 extra per person. Depending on how long the excursion is, etc.

[new2cruising86]

okay, I appreciate your posts. this will help.

[cb at sea]

If the "guide" is simply a driver, we generally don't tip. If the "guide" is someone who actually participates in the excursion and does a good job (personable, friendly, knowledgable, etc) then we will tip in the $5 range.....it's totally up to you and if you feel it's worth it....there's no "rule" that says you have to tip!

[jerry2457]

Yes there is no rule that you have to tip but these people live off the tourist trade so I always tip them. If they are "just a driver" ie cab etc then tip a couple of bucks. If they take you on a 5 hour excursion, get involved, participate, etc you should tip them accordingly. If its 10 people maybe $5 per person is fine but if its a few you should tip them 15-20% for the experience. Remember in many of these ports these people depend on the tourist trade and I would feel bad if someone took me on a 5 hour excursions and really did everything to make it a wonderful experience and I gave him $5. Yes its your call you can do whatever you want but when I took a 5 hour tour with a guide in Antigua and he took us all over the island (just 2 of us) we tipped him $30...but that's me!

[new2cruising86]

oh okay! i know on our canopy adventure in jamaica we are following our guide walking 10 minutes from dock. the dolphin swim im really not sure if there will be a driver and a guide but now I have a general idea of how much I should tip. thank you much! :D