Service charge:
The topic of tipping is a question that is difficult to answer. Since the tip is rarely included in the question of the right tipping amount is often asked and how and to whom the tip is to be handed. The amount of the tip depends on the shipping company and ranges from 7 to 12 Euro/USD per person and night spent on board.
The service charge is automatically charged to your board account:
Many American shipping companies charge the tip automatically to the board account. The money is divided among the staff assigned to you as well as the employees looking after you in the background. If you do not agree with the calculated tip you may object and have the tip for applicable day changed or cancelled. The following are examples for shipping companies which automatically charge the tip to the on-board account: Royal Caribbean International, MSC, Costa, Holland America Line and Cunard.
The service charge is manually allotted:
Other cruise ships such as Phoenix, TransOcean or Hapag-Lloyd pass out envelopes on the last evening on board where you can deposit the tip for the applicable employee. The shipping company gives recommendations or guidelines for the amount of the tip.
The service charge is included in the travel price:
On AIDA, Carnival or Azamara Cruises the tip is included in the price. Often this is also the case with luxury companies such as Silversea and Regent. If the tip is included in the price the e-hoi page displays the following symbol:
Payment on board:
In order to design your cruise as pleasant as possible, a credit card number is deposited at the beginning of the trip and you are handed a personal board card. Alternatively, a certain cash amount or travelers checks may be deposited. During the trip the board card is a means of payment, identification for boarding and leaving as well as a room key. This board account pays for all expenses on board so that you need not carry cash. If you deposit cash at the start of the trip, your expenses on board must remain below that amount. Modern ships allow you to access the subtotal of your bill on the cabin television. At the end of the trip you will receive a complete statement of your expenses, payable in cash, by travelers check or credit card.
