Passengers on Carnival Cruise Line ships often wonder how the gratuities they pay, both through prepaid packages and additional cash tips, are distributed among the crew members who serve them. John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, recently provided some clarity on this topic in response to a passenger inquiry.
When cruisers purchase the Cheers beverage package, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to the cost. Many guests also choose to give extra cash tips for exceptional service, which can result in more attentive and personalized attention from bartenders and servers throughout the voyage.
According to Heald, the distribution of these gratuities varies depending on who provides the service. For drinks served by
bartenders, the prepaid gratuities are pooled and shared among all bartenders. However, if a passenger gives a cash tip directly to a specific bartender, that individual keeps the entire amount for themselves.
The system works differently for roaming bar staff, such as servers who circulate around pool areas or other parts of the ship. In these cases, the server who delivers the drink retains the full gratuity associated with that order.
This information may be particularly relevant to passengers who are deciding whether to tip extra for certain services. For instance, some guests may choose not to add an additional tip when simply receiving a bottle of water, knowing that the server will already receive the prepaid gratuity for that transaction.
The pooling of bartender gratuities ensures a more equitable distribution of tips among staff who may work at different bar locations throughout the ship. This system recognizes that passenger traffic and ordering patterns can vary significantly between venues.
For passengers, understanding this gratuity structure can help inform their tipping decisions. Those who wish to reward a specific bartender for outstanding service may choose to do so with cash, knowing it will go directly to that individual. Conversely, passengers can feel assured that their prepaid gratuities are being shared among the bartending staff as a whole.
The roaming server policy, where individuals keep the gratuities for drinks they personally serve, may incentivize attentive service throughout the ship. This can lead to experiences where servers remember passenger preferences and proactively offer drinks or services.
It’s worth noting that while tipping practices can influence service quality, Carnival emphasizes that all passengers should receive excellent service regardless of additional tipping. The prepaid gratuities are designed to ensure fair compensation for crew members across the board.
For those participating in the Cheers beverage package, the automatic 18% gratuity is intended to simplify the tipping process and ensure that crew members are compensated for their service. However, the option to provide additional cash tips remains available for passengers who wish to show extra appreciation.
Carnival’s transparency regarding gratuity distribution helps passengers make informed decisions about their tipping practices during their cruise. It also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes aspects of crew compensation, which is an important consideration for many travelers when choosing their vacation options.
As cruise lines continue to evolve their policies and packages, understanding how gratuities are handled can be an important factor for passengers in budgeting for their trip and deciding how to show appreciation for the service they receive onboard.