Do cruise employees prefer cash tips?

Cruise Employee Preference for Cash Tips

Cruise lines generally promote electronic tipping for ease of onboard management. However, this trend has not entirely replaced the traditional preference for cash tips among cruise employees.

Reasons for Cash Tip Preference

• Discretion: Cash tips can be given discreetly, allowing passengers to show gratitude without public display.
• Flexibility: Passengers have the option to tip specific employees or services that exceed their expectations.
• Control: Cash tips provide employees with immediate control over their earnings.
• Tax Implications: In some cases, cash tips may be less likely to be reported for tax purposes, allowing employees to potentially retain more of their earnings.

Acceptable Methods of Cash Tipping

While electronic tipping is the preferred method, cash tips are still accepted by cruise employees. Passengers should inquire with their cabin attendant or other staff members about the appropriate method of tipping for each service.

Tips for Cash Tipping

• Discreetly preferred: Avoid handing cash tips directly to employees in front of others.
• Denominations: Smaller denominations, such as $1, $5, and $10 bills, are preferred for convenience.
• Envelopes: Consider using envelopes to make cash tips more discreet.
• Personal notes: Adding a brief handwritten note expressing gratitude can enhance the employee experience.

Conclusion

While cruise lines encourage electronic tipping, cash tips remain an acceptable option for passengers who prefer a more personal and discretionary method of expressing gratitude to cruise employees. Passengers should inquire with staff about the preferred method of tipping for each service and follow the suggested guidelines for cash tipping to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for both passengers and employees.