Tipping & currency advice for cruise in Europe

[Bretty]

I’m hoping someone can give me a bit of guidance as, since CC changed its platform searches for what I’m looking for throw up hundreds of irrelevant posts with partial word matches, and if I try Boolean search terms (as the search suggests), it’s no more accurate.

 

I’m from the UK and cruising the Norwegian Fjords in May (on the Nieuw Statendam, can’t wait), and like many I like to give a few extra tips above the HSC at the end of the cruise to crew who have been helpful. Last year, which was my first cruise, it was no problem as I was cruising Alaska and therefore had US dollars, knowing the onboard currency is also the US dollar.

 

This time though I’m in Europe, starting in Amsterdam, so will be carrying both Euro and Norwegian Krone. My question is, am I okay tipping in either of these currencies or do I need to go to the trouble of obtaining US dollars? I seem to remember seeing a post somewhere once that suggested crew are happy with whatever currency they receive, local currency to the area travelled being appreciated but I can’t find the thread.

 

Additionally, since we’re on the topic of currency, I like a little flutter in the casino too. Do I need to obtain US dollars cash for that or can I draw down from my ships account (excluding OBC which I know can’t be spent in the casino)?

I’m basically trying to minimise the cash I need to take and in what currency (I’m not really a cash person as it goes).

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

Edited February 6, 2019 by Bretty

[RuthC]

If you have any US currency left over from your trip to Alaska, this would be easiest for the crew to deposit to send home. And it would get rid of your leftovers! But I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase US currency at this point.
Otherwise, I would suggest Euros would be the next best choice. If the recipients have an opportunity to leave the ship while it's in Europe, they are more likely to have the chance to use Euros than Krone.

[Stratheden]

Don't buy US$ just for tipping.  Use what ever currency you will be using for your trip. 

 

The crew will be in the area for the season and will be able to use it or bank it. 

[catl331]

... and if they can't use or exchange whatever currency you give them during the season they can likely exchange it at the end of their contract in an airport on the way home.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

I too would suggest any additional tips be given in Euro instead of Krone - much easier for crew overall to have exchanged/sent home as others have said!

[GUT2407]

They will gladly accept whatever they are given.

[TiogaCruiser]

Adding to OP’s question, as we also are booked for Norway with a few days before in Amsterdam. It’s our first time there.

 

What are the tipping customs in Amsterdam and Norway for tour guides, waiters, and others? (Who, and how much?)

 

ALso, is it typical to need to pay to use the “facilities”?

[Bretty]

Thanks everyone, very helpful and sets my mind at ease. Euro it is then.

 

@TiogaCruiser tipping in Europe is different than in the US; it isn’t expected as wages are generally better and so people tip for excellent service and not necessarily just because it’s expected. About 10% is normal, and in restaurants it’s common to just round up either to the nearest 10 Euro or, for Norway, the nearest 10 or 100 krone.

Tour guides you may tip if you wish but again it isn’t expected.

[grsnovi]

7 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

ALso, is it typical to need to pay to use the “facilities”?

When we did our Norway cruise in June of 2018, I don't recall having to pay to use the facilities while in Amsterdam or while ashore in Norway.

[catl331]

8 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

ALso, is it typical to need to pay to use the “facilities”?

We try to find a timely restaurant. In Bergen it was a Starbucks. If you take a HAL tour there is usually a planned stop.

[VMax1700]

14 hours ago, Bretty said:

 

I I like to give a few extra tips above the HSC at the end of the cruise to crew who have been helpful.

 

.

 

Additionally, since we’re on the topic of currency, I like a little flutter in the casino too. Do I need to obtain US dollars cash for that or can I draw down from my ships account (excluding OBC which I know can’t be spent in the casino)

 

Somewhere, within this forum,, there is a thread which I think will answer both your questions!  I will attempt to paraphrase it, but the experts will be on shortly, as the sun makes it way westward!

 

As HAL's on board currency is USD, I believe you can charge casino chips to your account, or use your account for credit for poker machines etc.  Then, don't spend all your credit and check out (or your winnings ).  I believe they will give you cash.  Then you can use this for additional tips.

I could have it all wrong, but the experts will correct me! 

[VMax1700]

8 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

ALso, is it typical to need to pay to use the “facilities”?

 

Plenty available in Norway without payment..  Coffee shops, shopping centers, tourist information centers.

Amsterdam can be a bit difficult.  Some shops/malls charge. 

[Msrigby]

The crew can spend all foreign money in ports. Also I suspect the ship purser can assist them. Finally if you have left

over krone or other bills, you can exchange for any currency they have on board at guest services. You may lose a few dollars but I was happy to have anything useful vs currency I would never use. As for coins HAL collects these for charity. Again go to guest services. 

 

[drowelf]

1 hour ago, VMax1700 said:

As HAL's on board currency is USD, I believe you can charge casino chips to your account, or use your account for credit for poker machines etc.  Then, don't spend all your credit and check out (or your winnings ).  I believe they will give you cash.  Then you can use this for additional tips.

I could have it all wrong, but the experts will correct me! 

Correct on the casino, you can get both chips and load up your room card at the slot machines charged to your account. We allocate a certain amount of $$ for gambling on our cruises and the DW loads hers onto her card as needed during the cruise (up to the agreed limit). How often this happens depends on the amount of play and win/lose ratio. As I only play table games, I just get a couple hundred $$ in chips to start and see where we go from there. But I always buy my chips with Cash, as I'm not sure if there is service charge associated with buying chips. I know that if withdraw cash from your account there is a 2% or 3% service charge, so if you need the cash, then put it on your room card via the slot machine and then cash it out at the casino cage later. 

 

As for tipping the crew, Euros or USD probably works best. If the ship is going to be in European waters for while, they can spend the Euros in many ports. As for non-Euro currencies, we try and manage it as close as possible. Any left over is donated, generally into the charity bins you see at airports. Its always interesting to see the various forms of currency in them. Since we tend to travel overseas frequently, Euros and UK Pounds just get put away for the next trip. 

 

Edited February 6, 2019 by drowelf

[Hawaiidan]

1 hour ago, drowelf said:

Correct on the casino, you can get both chips and load up your room card at the slot machines charged to your account. We allocate a certain amount of $$ for gambling on our cruises and the DW loads hers onto her card as needed during the cruise (up to the agreed limit). How often this happens depends on the amount of play and win/lose ratio. As I only play table games, I just get a couple hundred $$ in chips to start and see where we go from there. But I always buy my chips with Cash, as I'm not sure if there is service charge associated with buying chips. I know that if withdraw cash from your account there is a 2% or 3% service charge, so if you need the cash, then put it on your room card via the slot machine and then cash it out at the casino cage later. 

 

As for tipping the crew, Euros or USD probably works best. If the ship is going to be in European waters for while, they can spend the Euros in many ports. As for non-Euro currencies, we try and manage it as close as possible. Any left over is donated, generally into the charity bins you see at airports. Its always interesting to see the various forms of currency in them. Since we tend to travel overseas frequently, Euros and UK Pounds just get put away for the next trip. 

 

Use USD.... the crew would have to pay a % to convert another currency and loose money      Use ATM off the ship for local currency as you need.    However credit cards are widely accepted and the best choice.   In Many restaurants   the price you pay  INCLUDES  the service  and in Norway you will pay dearly !!!   Remember  those coins can be 5 to 10 Euro  thats a chunk of change  to throw away. and you can not get them converted    Too remember that many times on HAL ships  your tip is put into a  pool and divided   The crew sends the vast majority their tips and pay back    If you give Kroner  then your forcing  them to pay to convert it  or  pay the outrageous prices in Norway

[Msrigby]

You can pre order casino chips prior to cruise. You are issued a voucher cashable at casino. There is no service charge for buying chips and the purchase counts towards cruise spend. It’s easier than carrying extra gambling cash. I store it in the safe and ration as I wish. Order on line under gifts and indulgences. 

[Tennessee Titan]

Just have the standard HSC deducted from your On Board account and don't worry about it.....

[TAD2005]

4 hours ago, Hawaiidan said:

Use USD.... the crew would have to pay a % to convert another currency and loose money      Use ATM off the ship for local currency as you need.    However credit cards are widely accepted and the best choice.   In Many restaurants   the price you pay  INCLUDES  the service  and in Norway you will pay dearly !!!   Remember  those coins can be 5 to 10 Euro  thats a chunk of change  to throw away. and you can not get them converted    Too remember that many times on HAL ships  your tip is put into a  pool and divided   The crew sends the vast majority their tips and pay back    If you give Kroner  then your forcing  them to pay to convert it  or  pay the outrageous prices in Norway

The highest value for a Euro coin is 2 Euros.   The coin denominations are 1 cent, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro cents, then 1 and 2 Euro coins.   The next higher denomination is the 5 Euro note, then 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500.   There are no 5 or 10 Euro coins.   See pix below.

[Hawaiidan]

17 hours ago, TAD2005 said:

The highest value for a Euro coin is 2 Euros.   The coin denominations are 1 cent, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro cents, then 1 and 2 Euro coins.   The next higher denomination is the 5 Euro note, then 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500.   There are no 5 or 10 Euro coins.   See pix below.

My error...still a  euro is $1.14      and throwing away a pocket full  adds up fast   It seems like everyone wants to give you change in coin too.     I am an advocate of using my credit card for everything  even tips..  on my last trip  to  Paris and Lyon for a week  I  only had to spend about 130 euros in cash

[slidergirl]

If you duck into a restaurant/bar to use the "facilities", please buy something, even just a cup of coffee or a soda.   Yes, even if it's a Starbucks or McDonald's kind of place.  It is a peeve of mine.  Someone has to be paid to service that restroom.  Unless there is a sign that says the public is welcome to use the restroom, I always consider the restroom for customers...  I use that same thinking everywhere I go.  

[drowelf]

1 hour ago, Hawaiidan said:

My error...still a  euro is $1.14      and throwing away a pocket full  adds up fast   It seems like everyone wants to give you change in coin too.     I am an advocate of using my credit card for everything  even tips..  on my last trip  to  Paris and Lyon for a week  I  only had to spend about 130 euros in cash

 

Yeah, the 1 & 2 Euros add up fast it seems. Generally after a couple of days touring around Europe, its not surprising to find that I've got 10-15 Euros in coin in my pocket. At that point I just use those for my small purchases. Generally we use CC for any purchase over 10 Euros and cash for less. If I have a large amount of coin, I'll try and use that. 

 

The real chore is to make sure the DW cleans out her purse every couple of days to collect all the 1, 2 coins she has collected. Since mine are in my pocket, I'm really aware of when it gets heavy, but 20 Euros in coins will just be swallowed up and disappear in your average ladies purse. 

[kazu]

6 minutes ago, drowelf said:

 

Yeah, the 1 & 2 Euros add up fast it seems. Generally after a couple of days touring around Europe, its not surprising to find that I've got 10-15 Euros in coin in my pocket. At that point I just use those for my small purchases. Generally we use CC for any purchase over 10 Euros and cash for less. If I have a large amount of coin, I'll try and use that. 

 

The real chore is to make sure the DW cleans out her purse every couple of days to collect all the 1, 2 coins she has collected. Since mine are in my pocket, I'm really aware of when it gets heavy, but 20 Euros in coins will just be swallowed up and disappear in your average ladies purse. 

 

I have the opposite problem.  I have to make sure I get the coins from DH. 😉 Me?  I have a fantastic little change purse I got in Spain with 3 dividers so it's easy to divide the euro coins and try to use them for tips, small purchases, etc.

 

Any left over currency or coins, I bring home.  The odds of us returning to Europe are usually pretty good and those euro and 1/2 euro coins come in handy when you first arrive.  Besides, usually at the airport, DH goes 'oops' and hands me a pile of 1 and 2 euro coins. 

 

We lose too much cashing them in, and, in hind sight, the ones I had left last time were bought at a much better exchange rate than what I can get them at now, so I'm glad I kept them 😉 

[catl331]

23 hours ago, Hawaiidan said:

Use USD.... the crew would have to pay a % to convert another currency and loose money

But the Euro is currently 13.5% higher than $US, so they could pay a 4>5% exchange fee and still be ahead. Plus $US sent home to Indonesia or Philippines has to be converted to local money anyway.

[drowelf]

1 hour ago, kazu said:

Any left over currency or coins, I bring home.  The odds of us returning to Europe are usually pretty good and those euro and 1/2 euro coins come in handy when you first arrive.  Besides, usually at the airport, DH goes 'oops' and hands me a pile of 1 and 2 euro coins. 

 

We lose too much cashing them in, and, in hind sight, the ones I had left last time were bought at a much better exchange rate than what I can get them at now, so I'm glad I kept them 

 

Yep, thats us too, since you can't exchange the coins, I generally try and dispose of most of the coins with some small purchases at the airport as we are leaving, either some water, soda or snacks are always good for the flight home. 

 

Sometimes we've even hit up the ATM at the departure airport for some additional Euros (or pounds if in the UK), if the exchange rate looks favorable. Its a gamble at times, but hey, its worked out in the long run. Although it led to some fun on our last cruise since UK has changed the 5/10 pounds notes since our last visit. Had to stop by a bank and get them changed out during our outing in Sterling. 

 

[knittinggirl]

We exchange before we leave home.  We tip the guides in local currency.  When we finish w/ a currency, we exchange it at the front desk toward our onboard account.