Seasoned cruise passengers have been left furious at a viral photo demonstrating a unique form of tipping for a cabin steward.

The daily expense for gratuities on a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in September 2024 amounted to $16 (£12.40) per person or $18 (£13.95) for those staying in suites.

Instead of the usual practice of handing over a tip in an envelope, John Heald, the Carnival Cruise Lines’ Brand Ambassador, chose to express his gratitude to crew member Ketut by sharing a post on Facebook about the assistance he received aboard the ship.

To show his gratitude, John opted to lay out dollar bills on his bed to spell out ‘Thanx Ketut’.

Despite the originality of his gesture, numerous cruise enthusiasts criticized John’s unusual method of showing appreciation, describing it as ‘condescending’, ‘crass’, and lacking in sophistication.

One enraged commenter said: ‘In my opinion it’s a little tacky. Do people do it and take a picture so they can show off that they tipped?’

Other users were quick to raise concerns that such a display could create ‘too much trouble’ for the staff responsible for cleaning up the bills, with one saying it was ‘demeaning’ to the steward to ‘have to “work” again to get your tip’. 

Another remarked: ‘I don’t think it’s inappropriate. It’s almost condescending. They already work so hard and have so little time to clean. Why scatter and dangle bills all over the place like they are animals?’

John Heald (pictured), Carnival Cruise Lines’ Brand Ambassador, took to Facebook to share his creative way of thanking crew member Ketut for his help onboard. 

To sow his gratitude, John opted to lay out dollar bills on his bed to spell out ‘Thanx Ketut’ (pictured)

The daily cost of cruise line gratuity charges per person on a Carnival Cruise line ship in September 2024 came to $16, and $18 for suites

One particularly frustrated commenter said: ‘I hate that so many people don’t understand how hectic those turn around days are for the room stewards. If they did, they would never lay out money for a tip like that unless they were completely devoid of empathy. 

‘While they spend their time picking up all these $1 bills, the next guests complain about not being able to get into their rooms yet. It’s a no win situation for the room stewards.’

Another remarked: ‘It’s tacky AF. Just give them the money or leave it in the cabin. They’re not circus animals performing for you!’ 

Other cruisers suggested a ‘thank you note with a handshake’ would’ve been ‘much more dignified than the steward having to pick up money from a bed’. 

Despite many Facebook users expressing their great dislike for the display, others came to John’s defence, labelling it as ‘adorable’ and a ‘thoughtful gesture’.

One supportive commenter said: ‘A gift is always appreciated and no need to judge how others choose to give it’, while another added: ‘Love the creativity!! Some people in these comments are so negative. I’m sure the crew appreciates all of it!!!’

Meanwhile, another remarked: ‘Geez. Let people tip and take pictures if they want. You say self-serving, I say who cares as long as they are tipping PLUS it gives some of the more unimaginative of us ideas on how to be creative with our tipping.’

While many commenters said they would have typically opted for the traditional cash in envelope method, others felt strongly that it can ultimately only be a good thing that the steward was tipped, and remained ‘hopeful that the steward appreciated the unique gesture.’

While many were angry, others shared images of their own unique tipping methods (pictured), with one user saying: ‘I’ve done this before! It sure brightens up their day!’

Others even shared images of their own unique tipping methods, with one user saying: ‘I’ve done this before! It sure brightens up their day!’, while another added: ‘We do this very same thing as a farewell message!’

Tipping on cruise ships remains a controversial point of discussion, and this comes after Jackie Steele, travel expert at Magic Guides, told MailOnline Travel that being stingy with tips is the easiest way to upset the crew on your cruise ship. 

He explained: ‘The number one way to drive crew crazy is not tipping properly. It’s part of the cruise cost. Not optional, even if you didn’t read the fine print.’ 

Cruise ship gratuities are usually automatically added to the price of the overall holiday. On some lines, including P&O Cruises, Marbella Cruises and Virgin Voyages, guests can prepay their gratuity fee.