Cruise Passengers Urged to Keep Gratuities for Crew Welfare and Better Service Quality

A cruise expert, Lucy Southerton, who worked on cruise ships for almost a decade, has warned passengers about a money-saving move that can negatively impact hard-working crew members. According to Lucy, removing gratuities from the bill may make passengers feel like savvy savers, but it actually reduces the wages of the crew members who rely on these gratuities as part of their basic income. She explained that gratuities are not extra earnings for crew members, but rather a crucial part of their overall wage structure.

Lucy emphasized the importance of showing appreciation for the crew by adding a little extra on top of the standard gratuities. She advised passengers to consider budgeting for this additional amount before embarking on their holiday. Cruise passengers typically pay around £15 a day per passenger for gratuities, which can quickly add up. Lucy believes that paying these charges is not only a financial obligation but also a moral responsibility to support the hardworking crew members.

Another cruise expert, Gary Bembridge, who has traveled the world on ships, discussed the evolution of gratuities in the cruise industry. He noted that gratuities used to be cash tips given directly to crew members for exceptional service, but they have now become mandatory charges expected to be paid by passengers. Gary explained that cruise lines use gratuities as a way to entice customers with lower fares, while also ensuring fair compensation for all crew members across different departments. He personally budgets for basic gratuities and carries cash to tip crew members who exceed his expectations during the cruise, making the experience more special for him.

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