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Tipping on River Cruises in Europe: Celebrate Generosity with 4 Expert Suggestions

Introduction

There are lots of questions regarding tipping on river cruises in Europe. In this article we will discuss different rules of different cruise lines, out of which some are including gratuities in the cruise fare, others are keeping this on the guest’s discretion.

Despite the fact that prepaid onboard gratuities are included, some guests may want to tip local tour guides and drivers cash.

When gratuities are not included, a recommended daily amount is distributed to the Cruise Manager and other crew members onboard.

This can be at the guest’s discretion but usually river cruise lines give a recommended guideline if you are wondering what to pay.

Pros and Cons of Gratuities included in Total Fair

Pros

Simplicity and Convenience: No need to calculate or worry about tipping amounts during the trip.
Transparency: All costs are known upfront, avoiding unexpected expenses.
Relaxed Experience: Travelers can enjoy their vacation without the stress of managing additional payments.
Fairness: Ensures that all service workers receive a fair share of tips, regardless of passenger preferences.
Enhanced Satisfaction: Many travelers appreciate the hassle-free nature of all-inclusive packages, leading to higher overall satisfaction.

Cons

Perceived Higher Cost: Upfront costs may seem higher, potentially deterring some travelers.
Lack of Personalization: Passengers cannot adjust tips based on the level of service received.
Reduced Incentive for Exceptional Service: Service workers might feel less motivated to provide outstanding service since tips are guaranteed.

Pros and Cons of Gratuities Not included in Total Fair

Pros

Control and Flexibility: Passengers can reward exceptional service directly and adjust tips according to their satisfaction.
Perceived Lower Cost: Initial fare may appear lower, making the trip more appealing to budget-conscious travelers.
Incentive for Better Service: Service workers might be more motivated to provide excellent service to earn higher tips.

Cons

Complexity and Hassle: Managing tips throughout the trip can be stressful and inconvenient.
Pressure and Discomfort: Some passengers may feel pressured to tip the suggested amount, even if they are not satisfied with the service.
Potential for Inequality: Not all service workers may receive fair compensation if tips are based solely on individual passenger preferences.
Unexpected Expenses: Additional tipping costs can lead to higher-than-expected overall expenses, reducing budget predictability.

Cruise Companies including Gratuities in Total Fair

Now check out some of the cruise companies which are including Gratuities in their total fair.

APT River Cruises

On all APT Cruises, gratuities are pre-paid for all services specified in the itinerary and cannot be redeemed for cash reimbursement. Gratuities are not covered with holiday extensions.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald covers all gratuities, both on board and on land. If you stay in a hotel as part of your trip, gratuities are not included. Also, tipping local tour guides is entirely at your choice and should be done in cash at the end of the tour.

Viking River Cruises

On Viking River cruises in Europe, there are two tipping options, you can either:

Pre-pay tips on My Viking Journey.
Have tips automatically added to your account, appearing on your final invoice.

Viking river cruise recommends tipping of $20 USD or €20 per guest per day. If your trip includes land portions, the tip also covers the Program Director on land.

Local Guides and Drivers

For local guides and drivers, tipping in cash is suggested:

For Guide, €3 per person per day.
For Drivers, pay €2 per day.

Tour Director

On your Viking River cruise trip, if you have a Tour Director for pre- or post-cruise tours, they are not included in the onboard gratuity. Consider tipping them €3 per person per day. Most restaurants include service in their prices, but rounding up is appreciated for good service.

Scenic

On Scenic River cruises, gratuities for drivers, local guides, porters, and waitstaff are included in the overall cost of your vacation.
Tipping is not included for meals, beverages, taxis, or transfers outside of your schedule; it only applies to on-board services.
Scenic river cruises advocate tipping 10-15% in restaurants (unless a service charge has already been imposed) and 10-15% at taxi meters.

Tauck

Gratuities for directors and drivers are included in the overall fair price of Tauck River Cruises; in fact, staff members who accept gratuities risk termination.

Uniworld

Gratuities for onboard staff, crew, and the cruise/tour manager are included in the tour price for Uniworld river cruises in Europe.

Gratuities for both onboard and onshore personnel (Cruise Manager , ship staff, crew, local experts, drivers) are covered for Uniworld river cruises that visit Egypt, India, Peru, Vietnam, and Cambodia. This includes gratuities for both pre- and post-cruise land extensions.

Amadeus River Cruises

All gratuities on board are covered in the cruise cost.

TUI River Cruises

All tips and service charges are covered in the total fair of TUI River cruises. You’re not expected to tip any of the crew – unless you want to, of course.

Cruise Companies Not covering Gratuities in Total Fair

Avalon Waterways

On Avalon Waterways, Gratuities for the Cruise Director, Local Hosts, Local Tour guides, driver, and ship’s staff are not included in the trip cost (unless stated otherwise in the pricing specifications) and are left to the guest’s discretion.

A-Rosa Cruises

On A-Rosa Cruises, tipping is not included in the cruise price. After the voyage, a tip box for the entire staff will be provided at reception.

This agreement does not include tipping your local guides, who will accompany you on the bus throughout the excursion. Obviously, you can give employees individual tips at any moment or you can settle tips using your onboard account. The tips can be offered in cash or euros.

AmaWaterways River Cruises

AmaWaterways’ cruise fares do not include gratuities. They do offer suggestions for gratuaties based on region and cruise itinerary. On Amawaterways, gratuities can be paid through credit card or offered in cash.

For a seven-night cruise in Europe, the following is suggested:

Ship’s Crew: The total sum will be distributed equally among all crew members. Recommendation: €100 per voyage, per passenger.

Cruise Manager: The AmaWaterways Cruise Manager is not a member of the ship’s crew, but rather an AmaWaterways official who will accompany you on any pre- or post-cruise land packages you have arranged.

Recommendation: 25 Euros each cruise, per passenger; 4 Euros per extra day, per guest for pre- and post-cruise land packages.

Riviera Travel

With Riviera River Cruises, Gratuities are optional and not included in the trip’s cost. There is no set percentage for them.
Tip the cruise staff members at €8-12 per person every day, if deemed appropriate.
If you wish to give a gratuity, an envelope will be left in your cabin on the last evening. It enables you to put in any tips, which you can then drop off at reception the following morning. The tips are divided equally amongst the employees.
You can offer a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge.

Useful Suggestions for offering Tipping on River Cruises in Europe

Following suggestions should help you navigate the tipping process on your next river cruise in Europe.

Suggestion #1: Talk to supervisor

If you have a problem with service, talk to the person’s supervisor first. If that doesn’t help, go to guest services. Avoid canceling or reducing auto-gratuities, as it affects many staff members.

Suggestion #2: Don’t tip river cruise officers

Don’t tip river cruise officers; it might make them uncomfortable.

Suggestion #3: Avoid offering gifts

Avoid giving non-cash gifts to crew members, as they have limited space and long contracts. Cash is the best tip. It’s easier for staff to use and helps their families too.

Suggestion #4: Bring more cash for tipping

Bring extra cash in various denominations for extra tips.