Bar tabs don't include tips, but bartenders are included in the tip pool. If passengers feel they received outstanding service by a particular bartender, they may extend an extra tip to them. A suggested gratuity is added to the shipboard account daily and may be amended at the guest's discretion. Crystal finds that passengers tend to tip a bit more than the industry standard, especially since most voyages are two weeks and guests want to recognize their waiters and stewards. Standard gratuities can be charged to a credit card or shipboard account.
Most passengers do tip, and the amount of the gratuity is up to the guest.
Because of this policy, tips can't be charged to shipboard accounts and are not included in the bar tab. Tips are included in the fare, but passengers who want to tip for outstanding service may do so with cash. On Renaissance VII and VIII, tips may be charged to shipboard accounts or paid in cash at the end of the cruise. Tips are included in the cruise fare and are not expected. Passengers who want to reward staff for exceptional service may tip with cash.