What Is a Good Steward Tip for a Long Cruise?

Going on a cruise can feel like stepping into a floating city. Understanding proper tipping etiquette, especially for your cabin steward, can make the difference between a good cruise and an exceptional one. Every detail of your trip—from your cabin to your meals—is handled by a dedicated crew, with your cabin steward being one of the most important people making your stay comfortable. If you’re wondering what is a good steward tip for a long cruise, you’ve come to the right place for clear, actionable guidance.

Understanding Cruise Ship Tipping Culture

Your cabin steward is one of the most important crew members you’ll interact with during your long cruise. They clean your room daily, restock amenities, arrange towel animals, and often go above and beyond to ensure your comfort. Knowing what is a good steward tip for a long cruise helps ensure exceptional service throughout your voyage.

Category	Who Gets Tipped	Standard Tipping Practice
Cabin Steward	Room attendant	$14–$20 per person/day (auto gratuity)
Dining Staff	Waiters, assistant waiters	Included in daily gratuities
Bartenders	Bar staff	15–18% service fee often added automatically
Shore Excursion Guides	Tour leaders	Not included in cruise gratuities
Spa Staff	Massage therapists, beauticians	15–20% tip expected
Room Service	Delivery crew	Tips not always included
Concierge / Butler	Suite service staff	No fixed amount
Kids’ Club Staff	Childcare providers	No tipping expected

Most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your onboard account, but understanding the breakdown and considering additional tips for outstanding service is crucial for longer voyages.

Who Is a Cabin Steward?

Your cabin steward is the crew member who cleans your room, replaces towels, makes your bed, and often remembers small details about your preferences. They’re behind-the-scenes professionals ensuring your cabin feels like home.

Why Tipping Matters on Cruises

Cruise ship stewards often rely heavily on gratuities. In fact, tips can make up up to 95% of their income. While cruise lines typically charge automatic daily gratuities—ranging from $14 to $20 per person per day—these are pooled and shared among various crew members, including dining staff and housekeeping.

So if your steward goes above and beyond, a personal tip is a meaningful way to say thank you.

Calculating Tips for Long Cruises

For extended voyages lasting 14 days or more, the standard daily rates apply consistently. Here’s what is a good steward tip for a long cruise based on duration:

14-Day Cruise Example	Per person steward portion: $5.50 × 14 days = $77 Couple traveling: $154 total for steward services Plus additional discretionary tips for exceptional service
21-Day Cruise Example	Per person steward portion: $6.50 × 21 days = $136.50 Couple traveling: $273 total for steward services
30+ Day Cruise	Consider the cumulative impact of daily rates Budget approximately $150-200 per person for steward gratuities alone Factor in additional appreciation tips for extended relationships

What Are Cruise Gratuities?

Cruise gratuities are daily service charges added to your onboard account to compensate crew members like cabin stewards, dining staff, and behind-the-scenes workers. These tips are not usually included in your base fare unless you’re sailing with a luxury or all-inclusive cruise line.

Cruise Line	Standard Stateroom	Suite Stateroom	Notes
Royal Caribbean	$18.50/day	$21/day	18% on drinks; 20% on spa services
Carnival Cruise Line	$16/day	$18/day	18% on bar purchases
Norwegian Cruise Line	$20/day	$25/day	20% on beverages, spa, and specialty dining
Celebrity Cruises	$18/day	$23/day	20% on drinks, spa, and specialty dining
Princess Cruises	$17/day	$19/day	Included in Princess Plus/Premier packages
Holland America Line	$17/day	$19/day	18% on bar and wine purchases
MSC Cruises	$16/day	$20/day	Varies by destination; 15% bar service charge
Disney Cruise Line	$16/day	$27.25/day	18% on bar and spa tabs
Virgin Voyages	Included	Included	No tipping required; all-inclusive model
Oceania Cruises	Included	Included	Gratuities now part of cruise fare

How Much Should You Tip Your Steward?

For a cruise lasting 7 to 14 days, here’s a general guideline:

Cruise Length	Suggested Extra Tip (Per Couple)	Notes
7 Days	$25–$40	About $3–$5 per day
10 Days	$40–$60	Adjust based on service
14 Days	$60–$100	Consider mid-cruise and end-of-cruise tips

These amounts are in addition to the automatic gratuities charged by the cruise line. If your steward provides exceptional service—like handling special requests, arranging towel animals, or remembering your preferences—feel free to tip more generously.

Cash vs. Onboard Account Gratuities: A Comparison

Tipping Method	Pros	Cons
Cash Tips	Direct and personal Crew receives it immediately Can be tailored to service level	Requires carrying small bills May not be tracked or pooled fairly Some crew may need to share it depending on cruise line policy
Onboard Account Tips	Convenient and automatic Can be prepaid or adjusted Ensures all service staff are compensated	Less personal May be pooled across departments Crew may receive it later via payroll

Final Thoughts

So, what is a good steward tip for a long cruise​? It’s one that reflects the quality of service, the length of your voyage, and your appreciation for the crew’s hard work. Whether it’s $60 or $100, your tip helps support the people who make your cruise unforgettable. A little generosity goes a long way—especially when it’s wrapped in gratitude.

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