Do you tip on a river cruise?
Checked October 2026
Plan for it. AmaWaterways leaves tips out of its fare. For a seven-night European cruise, it suggests 125 euros per guest for the crew. The tour operator Egypt Escapes suggests £27 per person for a seven-night Nile cruise, and calls it not compulsory. Ask whether tips are in your fare before you book.
The figures below are two sellers' guidance, read on 15 October 2026. They are not rules, and they will change.
How much should I tip my cruise staff?
It depends on the line. Here are two published examples.
The AmaWaterways first-time cruiser FAQ covers a seven-night European cruise. It suggests 125 euros per guest for the crew. On AmaMagna it's 145 euros. The Cruise Manager gets 30 euros per guest. Land stays add 5 euros a day. The crew amount is divided equally among all crew.
Another line may suggest something else.
What do tips look like on a Nile cruise?
The tour operator Egypt Escapes' travel guide suggests £27 per person for a standard seven-night cruise. It says this is not compulsory, and varies by boat. On longer cruises it gives $10 per person per day.
Tips go to the guide at the welcome meeting, who shares them during the week. The travel guide also suggests carrying small local notes for tips and bathroom fees.
One more point, from the seller's Nile cruises FAQ: change from the visa comes back in Egyptian money, which it calls useful for tipping.
When should you not tip on a cruise?
When the tip is already in the fare. So ask whether tips are in the fare or paid on board.
Do cruise workers know if you remove gratuities?
Ask the line how tips are collected and shared on your ship.
Why tips belong in your real total
A tip is a cost, even when it's not compulsory. Both suggested amounts are per person. So the total grows with your party.
Put the suggested tip on one line of your comparison. Add the drinks upgrade and the excursions below it. Our page on what is included in a Nile cruise lists the others. River cruise cost gives the wider picture.
Check the currency too. One seller quotes euros. The other quotes pounds, or dollars on longer cruises. Convert before you add it to your budget.
What to ask
- Are tips included in the fare, or paid on board?
- Does the line publish a suggested amount?
- Who receives the tip, and how is it shared?
- Which currency should I carry?
Then use the form below to send us your dates. Our travel team at The JLT Group plans and books the cruise.