Cruise passengers split over ‘self-serving’ way you’re supposed to tip staff

Cruise ship passengers have been left split when it comes to the so-called 'self serving' way in which some people tip staff working around the clock on the floating megastructures.

Heading on to a cruise ship is a once in a lifetime experience for many. For others, it becomes their annual holiday after becoming hooked on the concept of sailing around the world and seeing some of the most stunning destinations the planet has to offer.

Sure, they're not for everyone, but millions take to the open waters every single year, with huge new cruise ships costing billions made on an annual basis as others head to the 'graveyard'.

Central to the cruising industry is the presence of gratuity payments, also known as tipping staff.

Distributed among the hundreds, if not thousands of employees working to keep a cruise ship ticking along seamlessly throughout the year, they are given out in the same way you'd tip a waiter on dry land for good service.

Giving tips in the first place is quite controversial to some, with calls to 'pay staff properly' issued time and again.

But even among those who do tip, there is no common-ground etiquette on which all can agree.

John Heald started the debate on his Facebook page (Desiree Navarro/Getty Images)

The issue was brought to light by Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador and senior cruise director, John Heald, in a recent post to his popular Facebook page.

Posting an image of the cash on the bed, Heald showed off one tip left to a Carnival staff member who had been personally looking after one party's cabin on the ship.

The image showed the word 'thanks' spelt out in money, alongside the name of the crew member.

Heald wrote: "This is a lovely thing to do as many of you agreed yesterday. Some think not.

"Regardless, thank you for all you do for the crew. However, you give it to them. They are truly grateful."

Cabins are decorated by crew to make the experience more personal (Getty Stock Images)

The post from Heald created an intense debate about tipping and the right way to give gratuity to staff if you so wish to hand over a specific amount of cash to them.

Despite some cruise lines including tips as part of your package when paying up front, some choose to also personally hand over an amount to the people they have dealt with during their holiday.

"We put money in a thank you card with a message. But whatever works for people is okay," one cruise passenger wrote.

Tipping etiquette is not universal among guests (Getty Stock Images)

But another took issue with the laying out of the cash, posting: "This feels to me the person taking and posting wants the accolades for leaving a tip. Pretty self-serving in my opinion.

"Just hand them the money with a handshake and a thank you rather than this display."

Responding, a third cruise passenger wrote: "Maybe… or maybe they just wanted to do something 'flashy' for the steward who probably doesn’t have many things like that done for them.

"And some people like to take pictures of everything! I know on my first cruise I look pictures of everything from the tables in the dining rooms to everything in our room."