How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make in Tips?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ship workers provide an important service for thousands of passengers each year as they enjoy their vacation on the open seas. As with any hospitality job, cruise ship workers rely heavily on tips to supplement their wages. The amount that cruise ship workers make in tips can vary widely depending on the size of the vessel, the amount of time they spend at sea, and the type of work they are doing.

The size of the vessel is a major factor when it comes to how much cruise ship workers make in tips. On larger ships, there will be more people working and more likely opportunities for tips.

Workers on these vessels can make anywhere from $50-100 per day in gratuity alone, with additional bonuses provided by some companies for exceptional performance. Smaller vessels may not have as many opportunities for tipping and thus may not provide as much money in gratuity to their staff.

The amount of time spent at sea also plays a role in how much cruise ship workers make in tips. Longer cruises with multiple stops tend to be more lucrative than shorter cruises with fewer port calls. This is because passengers often spend more money on board when there are multiple stops along the way, giving them more chances to tip staff members for various services throughout their journey.

The type of work also has an effect on how much cruise ship workers make in tips. Those who work directly with passengers such as bartenders, waiters, and housekeepers typically receive higher gratuity than those working behind-the-scenes such as engineers or technicians. This is because these frontline positions have direct contact with guests who may be more likely to tip generously if they receive excellent service during their stay aboard the vessel.

Conclusion:

How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make in Tips?

Cruise ship workers can make a significant amount in tips depending on the size of the vessel, length of voyage and type of work they are doing. Those working directly with passengers such as bartenders or waiters typically receive higher gratuity than those working behind-the-scenes such as engineers or technicians. Overall, crew members can expect to make anywhere from $50-100 per day in gratuity alone if they are employed aboard a larger vessel.