TIPPING service providers is such an ingrained part of our culture, it’s often an oversight when we travel to other countries. When do you tip, when DON’T you tip? How much is enough? Do you have to use the local currency, or does USD work? What about gratuities on board cruise ships? Here we go….
TIPPING ON CRUISE SHIPS
In the old days, the cruise line would provide a stack of envelopes for you to put cash to recognize your service providers. About 25 years ago, they moved to billing gratuities to your room charges. There are a number of advantages:
- It’s easier. The cruise line distributes tips to the crew (and yes, there are independent audits that verify this is happening effectively).
- You can pay by credit card… because it is charged to your room.
- It’s more equitable: The dish-washer works just as hard as your waiter, and is every bit as critical to the delivery of great service. You DON’T see him/her, so in the old system, this person would NOT be recognized.
Tipping is always at your discretion, but a question we sometimes get: “Can I remove the automatic gratuities from my room charges, and instead recognize people individually?”. The short answer is “Yes”, but you should NOT do so. Here’s why:
- Most of the people providing service to you are invisible, and they will get paid LESS as a result of this action.
- You are undoubtedly aware that those working on cruise ships get paid very little, and they rely on your tips for their livelihood.
TIPPING ON LAND
You need to be aware of what the tipping culture is in whatever country you are visiting. Here’s a (somewhat imprecise) guideline:
- The lower the latitude of the country, the MORE they rely on tips to make ends meet. There are exceptions (like the United States or Canada – higher latitude countries, where service providers DO rely on tips).
- In Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other developed economies, service providers are paid a living wage, and tipping is less required, and in some cases COULD be considered rude or arrogant.
WHAT ABOUT CRUISES IN EUROPE?
The crew on board are paid very little, even though they are operating in Europe. Tipping on board is encouraged. Tipping on land in Western and Northern Europe is less necessary. In Eastern Europe, you should consider tipping.
WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I USE:
- If you’re paying by credit card, the currency is not a consideration (but DO make sure the tip is added if those are your wishes). There may NOT be a prompt to add a tip.
- Local currency is ideal, when you’re in the country for a while.
- Euros or USD are acceptable substitutes if you don’t have local currency. The general rule here is if you’re closer to Europe, use Euros. If you’re closer to the US, then use USD.
Dream-Travel-Share UNPACKED:
Check out our VIDEO BLOG where Kim & Bob talk about TIPPING when you’re travelling abroad:
In Case You Missed It:
JAPAN: There continues to be high demand to visit this country. Here’s some different ways to see it:
https://pamperedcruiser.com/japan-destination-focus/
AMA WATERWAYS: AMA has a strong focus on culinary, has a wide choice of included shore excursions, and your final payment is due 90-days prior to departure.
https://pamperedcruiser.com/ama-waterways-private-sale-90-day-final-payment/
HOW WE USE AI: There’s no doubt ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE will change the travel business. Here’s how we intend to use it (HINT: We’re doubling-down on the human connection)
https://pamperedcruiser.com/do-you-want-to-deal-with-artificial-intelligence-or-a-real-person/
Featured YOUTUBE Post:
AMA WATERWAYS Shore Excursions. Bob chats with AMA’s Co-Owner Kristin Karst about what to expect for your AMA shore excursions, and how they are different than other river cruise lines: https://youtu.be/YK30TUkkueY
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Today’s Travel Opportunities
AMA WATERWAYS on the RIVER
We’re holding space on SPECIFIC VOYAGES that have some special pricing:
RHINE: Amsterdam to Basel departing March 28 for one-week
- Visit Amsterdam (overnight), Dusseldorf, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel
- Fares from $3898 (less 5% on Category D rooms only).
PORTUGAL & SPAIN departing May 5 for one-week
- The Douro River is incredibly popular, and space for this year is difficult to find.
- Visit Porto, Douro valley, Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Afurada.
- See the vineyards and estate wineries, traverse the locks, take in spectacular scenery, visit castle ruins, see paleolithic art, and enjoy architectural treasures.
- Optional extensions to Lisbon.
- Fares from $5298 (less 5% on Category D rooms only)
Paris & Normandy round-trip Paris departing September 17, 2026 for one-week
- Visit Les Andelys, Le Havre, Honfleur, Normandy Landing Beaches, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon, Paris (overnight).
- Optional 2-night Paris Extention
- Fares start at $5448, and we can get you 5% off any available cabin
AZAMARA – Small Ship Experiences
Azamara is a cost-effective way to travel by small ship. With only 680 guests, these R-Class vessels are guest favorites. Your fare includes on board gratuities, an open bar, some shore activities, and a shuttle service into the city center at port stops where that is necessary.
They also run COUNTRY-INTESIVE voyages. Here are a few examples:
SPAIN INTENSIVE from Barcelona to Lisbon departing November 11 for 11-nights
- Visit Barcelona, Valencia, Majorca, Alicante, Motril, Malaga, Ceuta, Seville (2 nights), Lisbon
- Verandas from $2519
ITALY INTENSIVE from Nice to Venice departing May 2 for 10-nights
- Visit Nice, Florence (overnight), Rome, Sorrento, Amalfi, Crotone, Kotor, Bologna, Venice
- Verandas from $3769
CROATIA INTENSIVE from Venice to Athens departing June 29 for 9-nights
- Visit Venice, Opitija, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Kotor, Athens
- Verandas from $3739
SEACLOUD – Salt-Water River Cruises
These small ships (holding between 60 and 136 guests) compare more closely with a River Cruise, than they do with ocean cruises. Imagine visiting charming little port stops (like a river cruise), with a small group (like a river cruise), but only having to unpack once, with a first-rate culinary offering.
Be one of the first to try this brand that is new to the American marketplace.
CARIBBEAN’S ABC Islands departing February 9 for 8-nights
- Start in Curacao, then sail to Bonaire, Aruba, Cartagena (overnight), San Blas (Panama), and finish in Colon (to fly out of Panama City).
- Fares from $5140*
CARIBBEAN: Philipsburg (St. Maarten) round-trip departing March 26 for 7-nights
- Visit St. Barts, Dominica, Isles des Saintes, Martinique, Anguilla,
- Fares from $4495*
MEDITERRANEAN: Naples to Nice departing October 6 for 7-nights
- Visit Bastia (Corsica), Viareggio (Italy), Portofino, Menton (France), St. Tropez
- Fares from $4305*
*SeaCloud fares include all taxes and fees, on-board gratuities, an open bar, internet on the ship, and some shore activities. We are also able to add a $250 per person on board credit to any bookings made in August.
DOMESTIC LAND CRUISES with TAUCK
Explore our own backyard with all the details taken care of by Tauck. Here’s some examples:
US NATIONAL PARKS: America’s Canyonlands departing Phoenix to Las Vegas for 8-days
- Visit Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion NP, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon
- Departures March through October from $4990
- Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/american-canyonlands-grand-canyon-escorted-tour?insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser
SOUTHEAST US from Jacksonville to Charleston for 8-days
- Visit St. Augustine, Jekyll Island, Savannah, Beaufort.
- 2025: Departures in September and October from $5490
- 2026: Departures March through December from $5290
MICHIGAN and Mackinac Island from Traverse City to Detroit for 8-days
- Visit Traverse City (for the sand dunes, vineyards, and sandy beaches), Petoskey, Mackinac island, Midland, Bay City, Frankenmuth Bavarian Village, Dearborn (for Henry Ford Museum), Detroit.
- 2025: Departures in October from $5290 per person.
- 2026: Departures May through October from $5290
- Click here for more details: https://www.tauck.com/tours/michigan-lakes-mackinac-island-escorted-tour?tcd=mi2025&insider=mmjy-sue-bob-bradley-the-pampered-cruiser
Recently booked a Viking Cruise?
Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board. Our clients worry that if they book on-line, that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation (even if you booked ON BOARD).
We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.
We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.
There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).
If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.
If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
