Tipping in Cruiseship Activity Leader

Do you tip cruise ship activity leaders?

In this section, we have gathered data from customers and cruise ship activity leaders in the U.S. about their tipping behavior and expectations for cruise ship activity leaders. 

What does the graph show? Customer and Worker Averages.

The graph below displays the tips customers provide for average service from cruise ship activity leaders compared to what cruise ship activity leaders expect to be tipped for average service. The data is based on feedback from TippingGuide.com users living in the United States.

Cruiseship Activity Leader Tips

Cruise ships pack their schedules with things to do, from morning trivia to afternoon dance classes. The activity leaders running these events are the ones keeping you busy. You will see them all over the ship during your trip.

Figuring out who to tip on a cruise can be confusing. Different cruise lines have different rules. You probably know your room steward and waiters get part of the automatic daily gratuity, but it helps to know who is not included in that system.

Most of the time, cruise activity leaders do not expect tips. They aren't in the same category as your dining server. Still, there are a few times when you might want to give them something extra. 

Quick Facts: Cruise Activity Leaders

Activity leaders are salaried workers. Their main job is to host events and manage the crowds. They don't work in food service or housekeeping, so their pay structure is different.

When you pay automatic daily gratuities, that money goes into a pool for traditional service staff. The entertainment team is completely left out of that pool. They draw a base salary instead. Since tips aren't part of how they pay their bills, you don't need to pull out cash after a pool game or a deck party. They're glad when guests notice their work, but tipping them isn't something the industry expects.

Tipping Cruise Activity Leaders: Should You Tip?

Tipping an activity host is your call. A few things worth knowing:

• You don't have to tip for regular scheduled activities.
• Activity leaders get a set salary and don't rely on guest tips.
• Some higher-end cruise lines flat out tell guests not to tip entertainment staff.
• If a crew member stood out and made your trip better, you can always hand them something extra.

When You Might Tip Cruise Entertainment Staff

Tipping is never required, but there are a few cases where it fits. Consider it if:

• You booked a private class or event for your group.
• A staff member put in extra effort to handle a specific request for you.
• Youth workers looked after your kids all week, and you want to show it on the last day.
• You connected with a specific host who made your vacation a lot better.

When Tipping Is Not Expected

For most things, you can just leave your cash in the cabin. Skip the tip for these:

• You played trivia, joined a scavenger hunt, or took part in pool activities.
• You sat in on a theater show, caught a comedy act, or listened to a live band.
• You said hi in the hallway or asked a crew member a quick question.
• You attended a regular public event like a dance class or a crafts session.

How Cruise Guests Usually Handle Tipping Activity Leaders

Frequent cruisers usually keep it simple: they just enjoy the events without stressing over tips. Most people wrap up a game with a quick "thank you" and head out.

People who do want to tip usually hold off until the final night of the cruise. They might put cash and a quick note in an envelope for the host who stood out.

Another popular option is going to guest services. You can grab a comment card and put the staff member's name on it. This gets noticed by management. It can lead to extra time off or even a promotion for the crew member, so it is a great way to say thanks.