Sailing with Disney Cruise Line is an experience like no other. From Broadway-style musicals, special moments with Disney characters, themed deck parties, immersive activities for the kids and more, this is a vacation everyone will enjoy! The Cast Members onboard work effortlessly to make sure your vacation is magical from start to finish. It is customary to tip the Cast Members in recognition of exceptional service, which you’ll receive in abundance aboard the cruise.
Tips for Tipping on a Disney Cruise
As you look forward to your upcoming cruise it is important that you include a budget for your cruise experiences. One of the most important things (in my opinion) is knowing the etiquette for tipping on a Disney Cruise.
Dining Room Staff
Disney Cruise Line uses rotational dining which means all guests will have the opportunity to dine at each of the three main dining rooms onboard each ship. Each evening, you and the others at your table will rotate to a different restaurant. As you rotate, so will the wait staff who will serve you each night while you get to experience the unique atmosphere of each restaurant. There is a dining room server, dining room assistant server, and dining room head server that will rotate with you. They will get to know your preferences and become part of the amazing experience.
Stateroom Host/Hostess
Your stateroom host or hostess is responsible for preparing your stateroom for you and your family. They will clean it each day, restock shampoo, conditioner and soaps, provide turndown service each evening complete with chocolates and the next day’s Navigator (the schedule of events on the ship). In addition, they also make those amazing towel animals that appear in your stateroom each night.
There are 2 easy ways to pay these gratuities:
- Pay the gratuity in advance by contacting Disney Cruise Line no later than 3 days before your cruise begins, or
- Automatically have the suggested gratuity amounts added to your onboard account prior to the end of your cruise
Room Service/Palo/Remy
Tipping for Room Service, or for your adult dining experiences at Palo or Remy are at your discretion. We bring $1 bills with us for room service and tend to tip $1-$2 per person depending on the order. For Palo and Remy, I have seen a wide range in the tip amount. My best advice – use your best judgment based on the experience you have. We tend to base our tip on the amount we would have paid for the meal if we had gone out to a restaurant for a similar meal. An automatic 15% gratuity is added for wine, cocktails, etc.
Senses Spa & Salon
Looking for a little extra pampering onboard? Senses Spa & Salon will provide it. The costs of services are not included in the price of your cruise. In addition to the cost of the service, an 18% gratuity will be automatically added.
Youth Clubs/Nursery
There is something for children of all ages – from the “it’s a small world” nursery (for children up to 3 years of age and at an additional cost) and all the way up to the Vibe (included in the price of the cruise, for 14-17 year olds). There are no gratuities expected; in fact, individuals cannot accept any cash tips. If you would like to acknowledge any counselor, come up with something other than cash – candy, something from your hometown, etc.
Port Adventures
Disney Cruise Line offers many ports of call depending on the itinerary you have chosen to sail. Port Adventures can enhance your enjoyment and are offered through Disney Cruise Line at an additional cost. Independent contractors operate these excursions. Gratuities are optional. However, it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service at restaurants and in taxis, as well as for outstanding excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount.
Below is a table that gives an overview of this information. It is meant to be used as a guide.
[table id=34 /]
Greg says
The premium rates that Disney, which is often two to three times the cost of any other cruiseline, should be efficient enough to cover the tips.