AmaWaterways Gratuity Guide
Planning an AmaWaterways river cruise? One question many travelers have before sailing is how gratuities are handled onboard.
The document below, provided onboard the AmaDara, outlines the cruise line’s suggested tipping guidelines for both the ship’s crew and the Cruise Manager, along with payment options available during the voyage. If you’re preparing for an AmaWaterways Mekong River cruise, this guide can help you understand what to expect before embarkation.
AmaWaterways Suggested Gratuities
According to the onboard letter, gratuities are entirely at each guest’s discretion. However, AmaWaterways provides suggested amounts that many guests choose to follow.
For the 7-night Vietnam and Cambodia cruise aboard the AmaDara, the recommended gratuity for the ship’s crew is:
- US$105 per guest for the 7-night cruise
The letter explains that this amount is distributed evenly among all crew members working onboard the ship.
Cruise Manager Gratuity Recommendations
The onboard guide also notes that the Cruise Manager’s gratuity is separate from the ship’s crew gratuity.
Unlike the crew, the Cruise Manager oversees both the cruise portion of the trip and, when applicable, land travel arrangements. Because of this, suggested gratuities vary depending on the itinerary booked.
The letter lists the following recommendations:
- Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi: US$75 per person
- US$40 for the land portion
- US$35 for the cruise portion
- Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap: US$60 per person
- US$25 for the land portion
- US$35 for the cruise portion
- 7-night cruise only:
- US$35 per person
The letter also reminds guests that prepaid gratuities apply only to the cruise portion of the vacation and do not extend to any land package extensions.
How to Pay Gratuities Onboard
The onboard information explains that guests may settle gratuities using either:
- Credit card
- Cash
For guests paying cash, gratuity envelopes are provided and may be placed in designated gratuity boxes located at the reception desk.
Guests wishing to charge the ship’s crew gratuities to a credit card are instructed to visit the reception staff, while gratuities for the Cruise Manager may be settled directly with the Cruise Manager.
Understanding AmaWaterways Tipping
AmaWaterways operates premium river cruises throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. While gratuity policies can vary slightly depending on destination and itinerary, the Vietnam and Cambodia Mekong itineraries provide these suggested amounts as guidance rather than mandatory service charges.
Many travelers appreciate having these recommendations before sailing, especially when budgeting for the overall cost of their cruise vacation.
As with many river cruise lines, gratuities recognize the service provided by numerous crew members working behind the scenes, as well as the Cruise Manager who coordinates much of the onboard experience and, on certain itineraries, the land touring program.
Helpful Tips Before Your Cruise
If you’re sailing on an AmaWaterways Mekong River cruise, it can be helpful to:
- Budget gratuities before departure.
- Bring some cash if you prefer tipping in person.
- Confirm whether any gratuities were prepaid as part of your booking.
- Review your itinerary, since Cruise Manager gratuities differ between cruise-only and cruise-and-land packages.
FAQ
Are gratuities mandatory on AmaWaterways?
According to the onboard letter shown here, gratuities are entirely at the guest’s discretion. AmaWaterways provides suggested amounts that many guests find helpful.
How much is the suggested crew gratuity on the 7-night AmaDara cruise?
The onboard guide recommends US$105 per guest for the ship’s crew on the 7-night cruise.
Is the Cruise Manager included in the crew gratuity?
No. The document states that the Cruise Manager gratuity is separate from the ship’s crew gratuity.
Can I pay gratuities with a credit card?
Yes. The onboard letter states that guests may settle gratuities by either credit card or cash.
Do prepaid gratuities include land packages?
No. The letter explains that prepaid gratuities cover the cruise portion only and do not extend to land package extensions.
Conclusion
This onboard AmaWaterways gratuity guide provides a clear overview of the recommended tipping amounts for guests sailing the Vietnam and Cambodia itineraries aboard the AmaDara. While all gratuities remain voluntary, the suggested amounts make it easier to plan your travel budget before your cruise begins.
If you’re researching AmaWaterways river cruises, onboard information like this offers a useful look at what you can expect during your journey and helps eliminate surprises once you’re onboard.
