Question About Tipping Drivers

[ladyvette826]

This may sound like a silly question, but I'm trying to figure out how much money I need to put towards the tips for drivers on our upcoming cruise on the Dream. I've already pre-paid the gratuities for the staff on the ship and now my concerns are about how much to tip the drivers who will be escorting us to our excursions at each port.

 

Do we tip per person in the vehicle or is $5 or so per couple a good tip? I don't want to be cheap, but I also don't want to pay as much in tips as I do in the actual ride either. Also, if we have the same driver escorting us to and from the excursion, do we tip them once or twice?

 

What do you guys generally tip when using a taxi and/or a private tour guide? Any advice is appreciated!

[CruiseLover824]

Generally speaking, you should have the same driver for the whole excursion. I tip once at the end of the trip.

 

For me, it depends on:

 

1. How long is your driver actually 'driving'?

2. Was the driver informative/friendly/safe?

 

I have tipped anywhere from $2 up to $10. If the driver simply drives you to a beach and doesn't give much island info---I feel $2 per person is plenty. If you are taking an all day trip with the same driver and they give a lot of info and make the day fun, we have given $10 per person.

 

It really is a personal thing and me depends on the service you receive.

[golfadj]

All depends upon circumstances.

 

When there is a driver/guide will give tips to the driver and let him share it.

 

If driver is going from hotel to pier for example it depends upon whether he did anything other than drive.

 

If he puts away our luggage and takes it off that is one thing. Sometimes they sit there while I do the work so I keep the tip.

[kris12]

I agree with the other posts but would add that on a group excursion they often have a "tip jar" near the driver and will usuall make an announcement towards the end of the trip back to the ship along the lines of "if you have enjoyed your time with us, tips are appreciated".