How much tip money to bring? How much to tip?

[Set Free]

OK - So we've been charged the standard tip money for HAL but I know I'll also want to tip here and there for excellent service and those who have a more personal touch in our vacation. So what would be a good amount of singles/fives to bring on a 7 day cruise? There are 4 of us (hubby, myself and my two school aged kids) so it would be for all of us. Also, what do we tip for the different people we might encounter? If we use the children's program, how much do we tip them?

 

Thanks for your help!

[PattyG12]

Be prepared to tip a couple bucks per bag for the porters that take your bags to the ship. You'll also want some for taxi rides at the ports you're visiting. If you use room service, we normally tip them with ones as well ($2 for a snack - $5 for a full meal). It really depends on what you're doing. Also, if you are shopping at your ports, bring smaller bills so you don't get a ton of "other money" in change.

[uppitycats]

OK - So we've been charged the standard tip money for HAL but I know I'll also want to tip here and there for excellent service and those who have a more personal touch in our vacation. So what would be a good amount of singles/fives to bring on a 7 day cruise? There are 4 of us (hubby, myself and my two school aged kids) so it would be for all of us. Also, what do we tip for the different people we might encounter? If we use the children's program, how much do we tip them?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Tipping above the standard "service charge" (auto-tip, or whatever they're calling it on HAL) is entirely at your discretion.

 

We didn't bring a lot of singles/fives -- enough for the porters, for sure, and cabs. But otherwise, if we feel the cabin attendants have given us exemplary service, then we'll give each of them (usually there are 2) $20 at the end of the week. Or If we're stuck with traditional dining, then $20 for the main server at the end of the week. And a few dollars for room service. We rarely order anything more than a pot of coffee, so $1-$2 is sufficient each day. Otherwise, we just pay the "recommended tip".

[grod19]

I normally bring about $100 in 1's 5's and 10's. not 100 in each but 100 total. Its good to have small bills so you can haggle with vendors if you want to buy something on land. Worst case take some big bills to the casino and ask them to break them for you.

[cb at sea]

If you've already paid the suggested tips, the only other things you may need to tip for would be room service delivery, porters and taxis, if you use any of them...

We never bring wads of ones....too bulky. Bring larger bills...the ship can break them down for you and you won't have to stuff what will feel like tons of money into wallets, pocketbooks, etc...!