Are you planning on taking a cruise soon? If so, you may be wondering whether it’s better to prepay gratuity or to pay it onboard. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
What is gratuity?
First things first, let’s define what we mean by gratuity. Gratuity is a fee that cruise lines charge to cover the cost of service provided by the crew. This includes your room steward, dining room staff, and other service personnel.
Prepaying gratuity
Many cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuity before your trip. This means that you pay the fee upfront, and it’s added to your total cost at the time of booking.
Pros:
- You don’t have to worry about paying for gratuities once you’re on board.
- You can budget more effectively since you know exactly how much you’ll be spending on tips.
- Some cruise lines offer discounts if you prepay your gratuities.
Cons:
- If the service is not up to par, some passengers feel like they’re stuck paying for something they didn’t receive.
- If you decide to remove or adjust the gratuity amount once on board, it can be challenging to do so.
Paying onboard
Alternatively, you can choose to pay gratuity once onboard the ship. This means that the fee will be added to your onboard account and charged at the end of your trip.
Pros:
- You have more control over how much tip you give based on your experience with each crew member.
- If there are any issues with service during your trip, you have the option to adjust the gratuity amount accordingly.
Cons:
- You may have to wait in line at the customer service desk to remove or adjust gratuities, which can be time-consuming.
- It can be challenging to budget effectively since you don’t know exactly how much you’ll be spending on tips.
Conclusion
So, is it better to prepay gratuity on a cruise? It ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
If you like to have everything paid for upfront and don’t want to worry about tipping during your trip, prepaying gratuity may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value flexibility and want more control over how much tip you give based on your experience, paying onboard may be a better option.
No matter which option you choose, remember that gratuity is an important part of cruising culture that allows crew members to make a living wage. So, regardless of how you choose to pay it, make sure to show your appreciation for their hard work with a generous tip!