I also tip the cruise ship staff who provide personal services to my family and me. For example, I follow the guidelines of the cruise ship with regard to cabin stewards and waiters. However, I draw the line at maitre d's, restaurant managers and people like that who come around and say hello occasionally and then expect a large tip (on the order of $50 for a week).

First of all, these people have done little or nothing for me (or that is apparent to me). Second, they are essentially management staff who should be paid directly by the cruise line.

In general, tipping on cruise ships is out of control, but I do not penalize the underpaid staff because of my feelings on the matter.

Bruce