Suggestions for crew tipping

[dronfield]

I'm taking the back-to-back Radiance cruise from Sydney on March 6. I'll be exchanging US dollars but I like to tip crew in cash most easily used by them (I never allow the cruise line to determine my gratituties). For this itinerary which currency would be best to give crew? US, Australian, Indonesian or New Zealand dollars?

[jaybird from SC]

For me, If I were giving cash, would give US dollars and let them worry about it...

[rkacruiser]

My suggestion would be to use whatever currency the ship is using. Given that it is a Royal Caribbean vessel, my guess would be that US currency is what is used onboard.

[Aus Traveller]

My suggestion would be to use whatever currency the ship is using. Given that it is a Royal Caribbean vessel, my guess would be that US currency is what is used onboard.

I agree with that comment, but I also feel that Aussie dollars would be acceptable. I haven't looked at future itineraries for the Radiance, but if they are cruising out of Australia for a few months, the crew will be able to use AUD when they buy things ashore.

[NSWP]

I'm taking the back-to-back Radiance cruise from Sydney on March 6. I'll be exchanging US dollars but I like to tip crew in cash most easily used by them (I never allow the cruise line to determine my gratituties). For this itinerary which currency would be best to give crew? US, Australian, Indonesian or New Zealand dollars?

Give them the Universal currency...Uncle Sam's dollars !

[dronfield]

Thank you all. I think since Radiance is hanging around Oz I'll use our suggestion and give them AUD as crew can more readily use that currency in port.

[bobhsv]

We always pay the grats, plus tip cabin stewards and dining room people. But that is beside the point. On our last few cruises, we also gave the cabin stewards a prepaid phone card, for calling home when ashore. They have all loved this, and their reaction has been more than when giving money. Easy to purchase from any port.

As said....I would use US$ as the tipping currency.

[robynwally]

We always tip in US dollars...this being "universally accepted".

Crew we have spoken to generally save their tips and send it home to their families.Not one of them has ever said they get off and spend money in the ports....

[Aus Traveller]

We always tip in US dollars...this being "universally accepted".

Crew we have spoken to generally save their tips and send it home to their families.Not one of them has ever said they get off and spend money in the ports....

Many of them go ashore and buy supplies of food and snacks and many of them phone their family from phones ashore.:)

[robynwally]

Many of them go ashore and buy supplies of food and snacks and many of them phone their family from phones ashore.:)

 

Ohhh fair enough. 100's of $$ to spend on snacks and phone calls...I'd be happy with that

[kate59]

Many of them go ashore and buy supplies of food and snacks and many of them phone their family from phones ashore.:)

 

Yes so if you tip them in money they can use for the stopover it saves them having to change the currency on the ship.