Tipping Cruise Director

Is it customary to tip the Cruise Director?

Thank you.

NO! The cruise director has never been tipped. Their 'crew' is never tipped either.

Where did you get the idea they are?

Maître 'ds used to get tipped but they no longer are. Before automatic tipping you would get an envelope for their tip- if you wanted to tip them. These people are paid well, no need to tip them.

I agree with Bonnie. No need to tip CD no matter what they do for you

A thank you card expressing your appreciation is always appropriate.

Smooth Sailing ! :) :) :)

Bonnie J

Just inquiring; didn't get any ideas!!!!!!

Thanks.

Thanks ger_77

.......

Just inquiring; didn't get any ideas!!!!!!

Thanks.

LOL :p

Actually. On some small ships (particularly on river cruises) it is not only appropriate to tip the cruise director, but also expected. If this is the case, it will be explained in the cruise lines brochure or your cruise docs.

I might consider tipping the Cruise Director if they promised to stay off of the PA system!;)

On the river cruises I have taken, the Program Director did much more for us than a CD does on the larger ships

I might consider tipping the Cruise Director if they promised to stay off of the PA system!;)

You won't have this on most smaller ships. It's one of many reasons we won't sail a large ship again.

Cruise directors salaries are not based on tips. My Friend's brother has works on the one of the major mass market cruise ships as the music/band director and has said that the cruise directors make between $5800 - 7500 US$ per month and up depending on the cruise line , size of ship and time served with the company.

Tipping not necessary an definitely not customary .

I might consider tipping the Cruise Director if they promised to stay off of the PA system!;)

Or the stupid morning show:)

Some captains get all huffy when you offer them a tip, too.

The "tipped" employees are: cabin attendant, waiter, ass't waiter, and head waiter. Room service delivery person, IF you use that service. That's it. Bartenders add 15% to the cost of each drink, whether alcohol, or not.

A few years back, one of our sons brought a friend and I discovered that the friend bought the Cruise Director a number of drinks at one of the pool parties. I was absolutely livid that the Cruise Director accepted those drinks. He totally lost my respect. 😡

The "tipped" employees are: cabin attendant, waiter, ass't waiter, and head waiter. Room service delivery person, IF you use that service. That's it. Bartenders add 15% to the cost of each drink, whether alcohol, or not.

You forgot some. Fitness instructors, spa and salon personnel, and concierge staff. Casino staff, particularly if you win.

Also shore excursion guides, who may or may not be part of the cruise ship crew--on smaller ships they often are, and on river boats they almost always are.

A few years back, one of our sons brought a friend and I discovered that the friend bought the Cruise Director a number of drinks at one of the pool parties. I was absolutely livid that the Cruise Director accepted those drinks. He totally lost my respect. 😡

I can't blame you.

I'm not saying I would never do so, but I've been on six cruises so far and have never felt the need or desire to do so. That said, the CD and Captain officiated our vow renewal ceremony on the private beach in Bora Bora and we of course shared the bottle of Champagne with them, but that's a different situation.

I can't blame you.

 

I'm not saying I would never do so, but I've been on six cruises so far and have never felt the need or desire to do so. That said, the CD and Captain officiated our vow renewal ceremony on the private beach in Bora Bora and we of course shared the bottle of Champagne with them, but that's a different situation.

Let me also add that he is a very popular CD. 😡

I agree your situation was quite different and I would have done the same.

How fabulous to have a vow renewal in Bora Bora.

The "tipped" employees are: cabin attendant, waiter, ass't waiter, and head waiter. Room service delivery person, IF you use that service. That's it. Bartenders add 15% to the cost of each drink, whether alcohol, or not.

On Carnival, the automatic gratuities drill down a little farther; this is the breakdown from their FAQ:

• Stateroom service team $3.90 per day

• Dining room service team $6.10 per day

• Alternative services team* $2.00 per day

(*galley, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members)

Since the Cruise Director is part of the "entertainment" team, he may, in theory, get part of this auto tip. I don't know, and haven't asked; it's not important to me. I haven't heard of anyone tipping the CD, but I'm sure if he/she does something extraordinarily above & beyond, you could do so.

A few years back, one of our sons brought a friend and I discovered that the friend bought the Cruise Director a number of drinks at one of the pool parties. I was absolutely livid that the Cruise Director accepted those drinks. He totally lost my respect.

I don't understand this. Sometimes friends (and friend wannabes) buy each other drinks. What's wrong with accepting them? :confused:

I never have tipped a cruise director but I have have written them up for recognition when I felt they have done an outstanding job.

I might consider tipping the Cruise Director if they promised to stay off of the PA system!;)

;) Funny Above! :D

Seriously ... tipping the CD , other Staff members, and Officers is inappropriate.

LuLu

On Carnival, the automatic gratuities drill down a little farther; this is the breakdown from their FAQ:

 

• Stateroom service team $3.90 per day

 

• Dining room service team $6.10 per day

 

• Alternative services team* $2.00 per day

 

(*galley, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members)

 

Since the Cruise Director is part of the "entertainment" team, he may, in theory, get part of this auto tip. I don't know, and haven't asked; it's not important to me. I haven't heard of anyone tipping the CD, but I'm sure if he/she does something extraordinarily above & beyond, you could do so.

 

 

 

I don't understand this. Sometimes friends (and friend wannabes) buy each other drinks. What's wrong with accepting them? :confused:

First of all, he is highly paid and you know he gets a deep discount on drinks.

More importantly, he is a professional and was on duty doing his job running the party.

He should not have been consuming alcohol while working.

I have never tipped a cruise director and never will.

I am quite sure through the years DH and I have tipped just about everyone else on the ships :D but CD is not in a 'tipping position'. IMO

;) Funny Above! :D

Seriously ... tipping the CD , other Staff members, and Officers is inappropriate.

LuLu

There is (at least) one position I call 'on the fence'....... :)

Maitre D' or Dining Room Manager.

One many cruise lines, they are officers yet tipping them is not always inappropriate. There are times it seems the right thing to do.

What do you think?