By Nancy Coleman, Fair Harbor Travel, New Haven, Connecticut. We track 2026 gratuity schedules line by line, plus port customs from driver sheets. You get who-to-tip plus how-much tables you can carry.

Daily Gratuity Charges by Cabin Tier

Mainstream lines charge 16 to 20 dollars per person per day in 2026, added to onboard accounts. Suites add 2 to 5 dollars more per day for lounge plus concierge staff. Guests may adjust at guest services, with service notes recorded.

Option	Cost	Best for	Watch out
Standard cabin, 7 nights	112 to 140 dollars per person	Most sailors, simple accounting	Split across room plus dining
Suite cabin, 7 nights	140 to 175 dollars per person	Lounge plus priority service	Higher base, set pools
Prepaid gratuities	Same rates, paid ahead	Locked totals, gift splits	Nonrefundable after sailing
Line package with tips	Rate plus 200 to 400 dollars	Drinks plus tips bundle	All adults in cabin must join

Verdict: prepay gratuities so onboard totals stay clean. You keep small cash for standout service above the daily rate.

Port and Tour Tipping Customs

Caribbean tour guides receive 10 to 20 dollars per couple for half days in 2026. Europe guides receive 10 to 15 euros per couple, with drivers 5 to 10 euros. Alaska crew on day boats receive 10 to 20 dollars per person.

Option	Cost	Best for	Watch out
Caribbean half-day tour	10 to 20 dollars per couple	Reefs, ruins, sails	Cash only on small boats
Europe walking tour	10 to 15 euros per couple	Old towns, museums	Coins read as low value
Alaska day boat crew	10 to 20 dollars per person	Whales, glaciers, crab	Tip jar plus envelopes
Private driver, full day	40 to 80 dollars per group	Coasts, wine, cities	Confirm included service fees

Verdict: small bills in local currency cover most tour days. You carry tens plus fives so change never decides the tip.

Bars, Spa, Room Service, Porters

Bar bills add 18 to 20 percent auto-gratuity on most ships in 2026. Spa bills add 18 to 22 percent, with cash envelopes for standout therapists. Porters receive 2 to 5 dollars per bag at piers plus airports.

Option	Cost	Best for	Watch out
Bar auto-gratuity	18 to 20 percent per bill	Cocktails, wine, coffee	Packages already include it
Spa service charge	18 to 22 percent per bill	Massage, salon, thermal	Port-day upsells run high
Room service plus porter	3 to 5 dollars per delivery	Late nights, heavy bags	Keep singles handy

Verdict: auto-charges cover base service so cash stays for highlights. You review the folio on day six so fixes land before disembarkation.

We print a tip sheet per sailing with daily rates, tour norms, plus currency notes. You sail with envelopes plus small bills sorted by day.