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Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creator provides guidance on navigating the complex culture of tipping and gratuities while cruising. She identifies several common mistakes, such as failing to budget for automatic daily service charges which can add hundreds of dollars to a trip. The video explains that certain services like spa treatments or drink packages often include mandatory service fees, meaning additional cash tips may result in double tipping. The creator also advises travelers to carry small bills for porters on boarding day and for room service delivery. Regarding financial planning, she advocates for prepaying gratuities to lock in rates and simplify budgeting. When exploring ports of call, she suggests researching local tipping customs and checking bills for pre-included service charges. Finally, the creator clarifies who should and should not receive tips, noting that officers and captains should not be tipped and that cash is more practical for crew members than physical gifts. She concludes by noting that while removing automatic gratuities is possible through guest services, these funds are distributed among many staff members, including those working behind the scenes.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Norwegian Cruise Line
No strong opinion
All-time creator consensus for Norwegian Cruise Line
A Nibble

This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & AdviceπŸ…Authority Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

now when I went on my first cruise I have to admit when I booked it I really didn't know how the Tipping worked

I actually advocate for prepaying the gratuities if you plan on leaving your gratuities there in any case

I have noticed no difference at all most of the time I really get very good service whether it's in the dining room or my cabinet tendon

you do not tip or try to tip any of the officers on the cruise ship and certainly not the captain

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“Budget for daily automatic gratuities which can add 15 to 20 dollars per person per day
βœ“Bring enough small bills for tipping porters on boarding day and for room service
βœ“Prepay gratuities to lock in rates and simplify budgeting
βœ“Tip tour guides and drivers on excursions with cash
βœ“Adjust tipping based on local culture when in port

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Not budgeting for daily gratuities β€” Budget for 15 to 20 dollars per person per day in automatic gratuities
Confusion about drink package gratuities β€” Know that drink packages include gratuities, so no need to double tip at the bar
Not bringing enough cash for tipping β€” Bring small bills for tipping porters, room service, and in ports

Questions This Creator Answers

QWho to tip and who not to tip on a cruise
QHow daily gratuities work and when they apply
QWhether you can remove gratuities and pay cash instead
QWhat to do about tipping in ports and on excursions

Topics Covered

Service Crew3 Happy BaconValue Pricing2 Happy BaconDining Room Service1 Happy BaconDrink Package1 Happy BaconBooking Process2Β½ Happy BaconPort Destination1 Happy BaconExcursions1Β½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

St Martin
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Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube