Travellers split over cruise line’s ‘tacky’ sticker move - what are the rules?
Cruisers are split over a mysterious sticker which has started appearing on cruise cards.
Carnival Cruise Line has added small sticker on Sail & Sign cards, which are used for everything from ordering drinks to opening cabin doors. They say: “Crew Love. I prepaid my gratuities.”
Cruisers split over Carnival Cruise Line’s ‘tacky’ sticker move @destiny
A video shared on Tiktok by Destiny @it’sdestinylife showed the sticker, prompting a huge response from fellow cruisers.
After she asked how cruisers felt about the note on board Carnival Panorama.
One cruiser said they loved it: “We always prepay our gratuities and tip extra.”
Another was upset, commenting: “Stickers are for kids, not to shame guests.”
Plenty of others were not keen either.
“I will never do the prepaid gratuities on any cruise line. I’ll stand in line at customer service and opt out each time,” they said.
Another called it “tacky”, adding, “They may start treating some passengers differently.”
Another traveller who said they generally pay gratuities, didn’t think it was anyone else’s business what you choose to do.
“People shouldn’t be shamed if they can’t afford to prepay,” they wrote. “Sometimes people pay tips in cash what they can afford.”
The original post also showed a photo of a card left in a cabin with the same message.
Cruisers split over Carnival Cruise Line’s ‘tacky’ sticker move @destiny
”On behalf of our entire team, thank you for prepaying your gratuities. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps recognise the many team members who work together to make your cruise vacation fun, memorable, and enjoyable,” it read.
The company claimed it wants to recognise guests’ generosity, and confirmed tips are shared between workers.
“The ‘Crew Love’ stickers and thank-you notes are simply a way to let our crew know that a guest has prepaid their gratuities, while giving those guests a little recognition for their generosity,” Carnival told Cruise Critic.
A Carnival cruise ship in the USA. AP
How does tipping work on cruise ships?
Tipping cruise workers is a devise topic.
Sail anywhere overseas, and you’re expected to stump up what can be a big extra cost for gratuities.
Travel agent and cruise lines offer the chance to prepay the tips when you book your holiday.
Most cruisers are happy to pay the fee, which is calculated by the cruise line, per person, per day.
But you can opt to have it taken off by going to guest services once you board, or sometimes adjust the amount to suit your budget.
If you don’t, you’ll automatically have it added to your bill.
You can also choose to tip workers in cash, or not tip at all.
What about in Australia?
On cruises in Australia, tips are included in a cruise fare, except for the spa.
However, cruisers can tip staff in cash if they like.
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