Gratuity & Tipping

As varied as language, customs, traditions and values are with each country. Note that on this cruise we will be visiting some 6 different countries. Gratuity and Tipping customs vary, including on our ship world aboard the Diamond Princess. Potential tipping circumstances that  you may come across besides the ship staff who serve you are: taxi drivers, shuttle drivers and assistance, airport and hotel porters for baggage, waiters/waitress at restaurants, food service servers, hotel concierge, shore excursion guides & drivers, room service attendants and restrooms attendants to name a few. Below are information and links for you to explore and note on how to properly tip for receiving services rendered but to also learn not to insult other ethnic customs while in port. Hope this helps to prepare you in our upcoming journey.

Princess Cruises “Gratuity & Tipping”
During your cruise on the Diamond Princess, you will meet a number of crew staff who provide you with service. To simplify the tipping process for our passengers, a discretionary gratuity of $12 per person for mini-suites and suites, and $11.50 per passenger in all other staterooms per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This gratuity will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including all waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, and housekeeping staff across the fleet. For your convenience, this gratuity can be pre-paid before you sail by calling 1-800 PRINCESS and referencing Special Services item number 0597.

A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges and dining room wine accounts. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff. We know you will find these services onboard exemplary.
Casino dealers and Lotus Spa® personnel do not share in these gratuities, as not all passengers utilize these services.

Budget Travel
http://www.budgettravel.com/feature/budget-travel-advice-tipping-guide,9030/

Tipping In Asia

http://goasia.about.com/od/Customs-and-Traditions/a/Tipping-in-Asia.htm

Tips for Tipping Abroad
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/passports-and-international-travel/tips-for-tipping-abroad

Tipping Etiquette: Guide for Travelers
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/money-and-insurance/tipping-etiquette-a-guide-for-travelers

Photo provided by Flickr.ErikSiang