How much to tip cruise staff
First, check whether your cruise bill already includes a daily gratuity. Many US sailings add it automatically. If it is there, extra cash is optional for someone who went above and beyond.
Choose your line and room, or enter your booking's rate. You can add an optional thank-you for someone who gave exceptional service.
This sailing
Add a few details to see what to tip.
Daily gratuity already covered
$0 
If your daily gratuity is prepaid or on your bill, you do not need to pay it again. Check your booking or bill for the actual charge.
What to tip
Your line's daily gratuity, if it is already charged or prepaid. Extra cash is optional for standout service.
An optional extra thank-you for a butler, suite team, or dining staff who gave exceptional help. Check the bill first.
$0 extra when auto-gratuity is on and service was ordinary, or when the line forbids additional tips.
When to adjust it
You removed auto-gratuity
If you remove the daily charge, ask guest services how your line handles payment to the crew. Use the line's posted rate to budget the amount; don't assume every cruise uses the same figure.
Specialty restaurants and spa
Some venues add their own service charge. Read the check before stacking another 20%.
Beverage packages
Beverage purchases and packages may have their own gratuity. Check what your line already charged before adding cash for the bartender.
Location matters
Different lines, different rates
The calculator includes published rates for Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian. Choose your room type, or enter the amount on your booking if it differs. Norwegian's listed rates are for bookings from January 2023 and apply to guests age 3 and up; Disney includes infants and children. Norwegian Hawaii sailings may add tax to the prepaid charge.
Luxury and expedition
Some fares include gratuities. Read the contract; the calculator should read $0 extra when that is the deal.
Non-US embarkations
Check the policy for your ship and sailing. The tipping approach may differ from a US departure.
Common questions
How much do you tip on a cruise?
Check your line's daily gratuity first. If it is already charged or prepaid, extra cash is optional for exceptional service.
How do I calculate cruise gratuities?
Multiply your line's posted daily rate by the number of guests it charges and the number of nights. Choose a published line and room rate, or enter the rate on your booking if it differs.
Should you tip if gratuities are automatic?
Usually no extra is required. Leave envelopes only for people who clearly went beyond the automatic pool.
Do you tip the cabin steward separately?
Only if you want to thank them on top of auto-gratuity. They already share in the daily charge on most lines.
What if I prepaid gratuities?
That is the tip. The calculator should read $0 extra unless you choose an optional cash pool.
Sources and policies
These links show relevant company policies and tipping guidance. Our amounts are starting points, and practices can change. Check your booking, bill, or provider before paying.