One cruise passenger unknowingly started a huge debate over tipping cabin stewards in cash.
John Heald, Carnival's Facebook-famous Brand Ambassador, took to the popular website to ask how other guests felt about giving crew members money as a tip. "Poll time. Things that I have been asked today," he begins, "Spelling thank you out in money."
Tipping on a cruise ship is often a heated topic, as some don't believe they should be charged daily automatic gratuities by the cruise line. Rather, they should be included in the cruise fare. As such, many prefer to tip crew in cash to thank them for their hard work.
Carnival's current daily gratuity rates are $16.00 per person for standard cabins and $18.00 per person for suites. This means that it's easy for a family of four to spend over $400 in tips on a 7-night cruise. Other lines, including Norwegian, have higher daily rates, charging as much as $25 per day for passengers in their top-tier suites.
Cruisers who elect to keep the daily recommended gratuity typically decide to leave a cash tip for specific crew members who made their time onboard extra enjoyable, such as cabin stewards or dining room waiters.
30% of respondents indicated they have no problem with other passengers writing out "thank you" in cash, believing any extra tip is appreciated.
Though a smaller number of Facebook users selected the poll option stating that spreading money on the bed is "demeaning" for the crew, many called out the controversial action in the comments.
The following day, Heald shared a photo of dollar bills spelling out, "Thanx Ketut" on the bed of a Carnival cabin, sparking more controversy among cruisers.
Some found it to be creative, while others thought it was tacky and disrespectful to the crew member's time, especially when they are responsible for flipping so many staterooms on disembarkation day.
Read more: 15 Tipping Mistakes NOT to Make on a Cruise
"[I]t should be about the recipient not about the customer"
Some took to the comments to express that leaving a cash tip isn't the same as taking the time to arrange the money in a "self indulgent stunt."
"People are free to leave a gratuity for their cabin attendant any way they choose, but I believe spreading money around is a simple self indulgent stunt that is less about the cabin attendant and more about posting it on social media as they inevitably do," said Dennis W Craig.
Andrew Hofmann added, "I always give tips to the person directly and shake their hand and thank them properly. Having them have to 'collect' the money spread out on the bed is so degrading. I could never do that to another human being."
"It's more time consuming for the cabin stewards to pick up the money when they're under pressure to get the cabins cleaned up," wrote Cindy Schlegel.
Carlos Del Valle commented, "To each their one. For me that would be unnecessary. I hand them [an envelope] and thank them in person. It that was me I’d appreciate it more that way."
Read more: 9 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
