Tipping

This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:

Suggested Tipping

• Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): $6 or $7 per person per day
• Tour escort helper (in some countries): $1 per day
• Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : $3 per person per day, $2 per half day
• Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): $2 per person per half day of sightseeing, $3 per full day

Suggested Tipping: Hotels

• Porter: $2.00 per bag per person
• Wait staff: 5-10% of the bill (lunch or dinner)
• Chamber maid: $1.00 per person per day

Suggested Tipping: Sea Cruises

• Royal Caribbean: Standard gratuities (subject to change) are $9.75 per person per day including Stateroom attendant, Dining Room Waiter, Assistant Waiter, & Headwaiter ($12 per person per day for Suite guests)
• Louis Hellenic: approx $11 per person per day added automatically to the shipboard account
• Galapagos Islands: $8-9 per person per day

Suggested Tipping: River Cruises

• Europe: Crew: $15-17 per person per day, Gate 1 Tour Manager: $6 to $7 per person per day
• Russia & Ukraine: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
• Egypt: Crew: $5 per person per day
• China: Crew: $8 to $10 per person per day
• Ecuador: Crew: $12 per person per day; Ship's naturalist: $6 per person per day
• Peru: Crew: $15 per person per day

Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.