Cruiseport Tipping

[Lakers Fan]

When you arrive at the cruiseport and leave your baggage do you tip the baggage handlers ? If so ,what is the customary amount ?

[fun2cruiz]

PERSONALLY.... I provide the porters $1 - $2 per bag they handle.....many will say you do not need to...some are of the belief that tipping the porters is "insurance" to be assured you luggage gets loaded onto the ship...(personally I think this is a load of crap !) then others are opposed to tipping due to the salaries the "long shoreman" (doubling as porters for extra $$) make annually. I cant recall which port has a sign stating "Gratuities not required to be paid to porters".... so there you have the basic responses you will probably get from your querry !

[lulu48]

I give $1-2 per bag also

I think Miami has the sign
I tried to tip in SFO but the guy took off before I could give him the money

[Donna]

This is a must, at least a dollar or two per bag usually does it....

[Manuel]

I would not feel right without tipping.

I usully give them close to two dollars per bag.

TM

[Mike M]

It is customary to give $1 - $2 per bag and it's probably a good idea to do so.

The interesting thing is that these porters are not cruise line or ship employees. They are dock workers (longshoremen) and most are doing this to pick up extra money. The person you are tipping is probably making a high five or low six figures in income.

Take care,
Mike

[Lakers Fan]

The reason I posed the question is because I normally give $2 per bag but somebody told me it should be $5 per bag .

[Trip]

It's the right thing to do in my book too, but, I would not pay the $5.00 per bag...$1.00~$2.00 a bag is what we do.

[johnthed0g]

When we cruise from Southampton Uk they don't seem to expect a tip & are gone with the bags right away, on a fly cruise we never see the bags or the porters.

[Manuel]

Originally Posted by Henry43

The reason I posed the question is because I normally give $2 per bag but somebody told me it should be $5 per bag .

Stick with $2 per bag. I think that is quite generous.

TM

[lulu48]

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

When we cruise from Southampton Uk they don't seem to expect a tip & are gone with the bags right away, on a fly cruise we never see the bags or the porters.

Seems to be a USA thing
As stated there are signs saying no tipping & the longshoreman make good wages but they still have their hand out

People are afraid that they will take their bags & will not load them on the ship

[green_rd]

Are they taking it from my hand and putting it directly in a container or are they actually "porting" my bags. I've seen both and tried to tip accordingly.

[nlb1050]

We generaly have just 2 bags that are checked but since it is easier I will give $5 to whomever takes our bags. Now when we disembark we don't use anyone so no tipping then, but when we have used one we have tipped $1 per bag.

[Denise RN]

As a Port Nurse I can say some of the most important people in the industry are the Longshoreman who load & unload everything we eat, drink, drive & wear from ships known as cargo/container boats. These workers often serve as Porters during low cargo seasons when their income is reduced by 1/2. This works to the safety & benefit of the passengers, as each worker is "screened, fingerprinted, approved by homelavd security & are family men & women who are unionized with AFL/CIO (under ILA/ILWU)

I've treated many sprains/strains, and foot injuries from overpacked luggage . That I was embarrassed to find out many were given $1 per overpacked bag. The signage is reminding passengers you DONT have to tip, but have a <3 for goodness sakes. The workers are up at 4am, and often tie your cruise ship into port once it anchors, and leave only after all passengers & luggage are safely aboard. Thank you to all who tip them & treat them with the dignity & respect every hard worker deserves. DeniseRN

[Lakers Fan]

I now tip $5 per suitcase.

[auntdana]

tipping is personal issue
some people tip well some not so well some nothing at all

it is a private matter i feel
these porters do get paid and that is why they have signs to let passengers know

alot of people think they only get tips

i am sure they make alot of $$$ on tips which i am sure they do not report

they do very well as it is usually a part time gig $1-$2 BAG process 500 bags that is a good payday