Cruise Line Tipping Policies: Luxury Lines

Thank you for posting this interesting article. IMO, tipping is such a difficult topic. On the two luxury cruise lines we sail on, where tipping is not expected, more and more people are deciding to tip. This seems to have created an expectation from the staff that did not exist a few years ago. On Cruise Critic we suggest that passengers who feel better when they tip, give to the crew fund rather than to individuals.

Check out this brand-new Luxury cruising article from Cruise Critic

So how do you translate Crystal Cruises stated policy (on their website) of:

Gratuities

With Crystal’s all-inclusive cruising, complimentary gratuities for housekeeping (Penthouse Butler, Penthouse Attendant, Stateroom Attendant and Trainee Stateroom Attendants), bar and dining staff (including specialty restaurants and in-room dining service staff) are included.

If you would like to present gratuities for other service personnel, please do so at your discretion, or if you have any questions regarding gratuities, please contact the Reception Desk on board.

to:

Alternatives: While not obligatory, additional gratuities are appreciated. However, they are entirely at the discretion of each individual passenger.

Where does it say they are "appreciated"? It is, as with many other lines, entirely at the discretion of the guest - if you are going to present a comparative article why not quote what the lines actually have as their policies as opposed to rewording it - or at least link to it

TC2,

I think many of those who feel it necessary to tip on all inclusive lines are people who are switching from other lines where tipping is expected. They just can't seem to bring themselves to adhere to the no tipping policy. Also many of them have never heard of the crew welfare fund which is the best way imo to reward the entire staff monetarily.