When we first began writing about river cruises over six years ago, river cruise lines had a myriad of tipping policies. Few lines included gratuities in the cost of the cruise, and fewer still allowed you to charge those gratuities to your onboard account in order to pay with your credit card.
But just as gratuities have evolved and changed for deep-ocean cruising, the river cruise industry is no exception. Today, a number of lines offer gratuities included in the cost of the cruise as they attempt to attract an international passenger base that has different cultural customs for tipping. Americans, for example, tend to tip more than Canadians, and both tip more than Australian guests, who are used to having gratuities rolled into wages for service staff. Including the gratuities in the cost of the cruise smooths out the experience, regardless of your customs or background.
Here’s a look at the current river cruise line suggested gratuities this fall:
| LINE | TIPPING GUIDELINES | CASH OR ONBOARD ACCOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| A-ROSA | Gratuities included in cost of cruise; optional gratuities in cash. | |
| AmaWaterways | Crew: €12 per person, per day Cruise Director: €3 per person, per day. | Credit card or cash in envelopes. |
| Avalon Waterways | Crew: €12 per person, per day Cruise Director: €3 per person, per day. | Credit card or cash in envelopes. |
| CroisiEurope | €5-10 per person, per day. * | Cash in envelopes. |
| Emerald Cruises | Gratuities included in cost of cruise; optional gratuities in cash. | |
| Scenic | Gratuities included in cost of cruise; optional gratuities in cash. | |
| Tauck | Gratuities included in cost of cruise; optional gratuities in cash. | |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection | Gratuities included in cost of cruise; optional gratuities in cash. | |
| Viking River Cruises | Europe Onboard Staff: €12 per person, per day. €2 per person, per day, Program Director. Egypt, Russia, Southeast Asia: $15 per person, per day, crew. $10 per person, per day, Viking tour escort. | Credit card or cash in envelopes. Tips in Egypt, Southeast Asia Portugal must be cash-only. |
It’s worth noting that gratuity levels and payment types can vary on more exotic itineraries. A good example of this can be seen by viewing Viking River Cruises in the chart above. The line has very flexible payment types on their European-based river cruises, but both rate and payment type vary on their exotic itineraries. Not only does the daily rate go up, but the type of currency changes too (from Euros to American Dollars). Gratuities for the line’s Egyptian, Southeast Asian, and Portugal itineraries must be paid in cash – and that could mean a trip to the bank prior to leaving home.
For river cruisers, all of this information should be provided by the cruise line with your pre-cruise documentation. It’s important to thoroughly read each and every piece of documentation that the cruise line sends you before your vacation begins; doing so can save you some real headaches when you’re abroad.
14 Responses
good afternoon, I am a former employee of Vikings and I can only confirm that even though they tell you that the tip is included in the price, it is not true, we Vikings employees never receive tip except directly from guests cash in hand Best regards
It is my understanding that Regent prices include the tips.
Is the per person per day related to the actually crew or to your party?
You can also purchase from your bank at home in advance
The best exchange rates and the most convenient are using your ATM or debit card to withdraw euros, which you can do at airports upon your arrival – usually while waiting for your luggage. That’s how I do it. This post does a good job at explaining how it works: https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/i/no-fee-debit-cards-for-international-travel
I’m going on a 15 day UK Viking cruise in 2022. There are many land tours included in the cruise. I’ve never done a cruise before. How do I get Euro dollars for tipping and how much and whom do I tip? I like to tip in cash. So how much should I bring?
But viking is the best
No, the dollar is NOT the stronger currency
I certainly wish the tips would be already included and I think vikings are way more expensive than regent
Going on a Viking cruise, River of Gold cruising Portugal. Is it acceptable to give a gratuity in american dollars or is the euro the way to go. Isn’t the $$ a stronger currency?
But you sort of have to compare apples to apples. Most of the River Cruise lines have excursions and beverage included, so the only real ocean going cruise line to compare the river cruises to would be Regent Seven Seas. I believe a couple of the river cruise lines have done side by side comparisons.
This chart is really helpful. Another thing to remember; gratuities may be expected on daily excursions for the local tour guides and motorcoach drivers.. Some river cruise lines include gratuities on land as well as on the ship.
Good suggestion Dave. I think ocean cruises would come out to be much less on a per diem basis. For example, I was surprised to see that a Seabourn repositioning voyage that begins October 31, 2015 from Athens to Dubai had a per diem in the lowest category for $222 per person. That’s incredible for what you get on Seabourn. That’s with gratuities included also. How soon can you get to Athens, right?
If you translate the Euros to CDN$ for two people, it ends up to be about 45CDN$ a day, A ten day cruise, you would add another $500 to your bill. Sure adds up fast. The amenities better be good. River cruises are already way more expensive than regular cruises. We need a comparison of all costs between river cruises and ocean cruises. What is the best for the buck.