Tipping on Viking

We are first time river cruisers and looking forward to the Viking Grand European cruise leaving from Budapest and ending in Amsterdam. The Viking website says that 12 Euros a day per guest is recommended as a tip to staff. Is it added automatically to our bill? Thanks again in advance

It's not automatic. On the last evening you settle your bill and they ask if you want to give anything for staff and anything for cruise director. Then they add it or you can use the provided envelopes and put cash in a box. Definitely no pressure to follow their recommendations.

You will also be expected to tip local guides and bus drivers which means having a seemingly endless supply of local currency coins or small notes.

The tips for the guide and drivers do not need to be in local currency, in your case. The suggested amount is 2 euro pp for the guide and 1 euro pp for the driver ( if there is one).

Also, if you want to reward a particular crew member for exceptional service, you will need to do that in cash. The front desk cannot add those gratuities to your shipboard acct. They will provide you with envelopes to put the cash in to then hand to the crew member.

Becki

Thanks to everyone for the help...