This is not like tipping at a restaurant; it’s not done at each time of service when dining.
The auto-gratuities can be paid when you pay for your cruise or done through your onboard account. Toward the end of the cruise, you will get a printout (with tear-off slips) that shows the names of your dining room team (server, assistant server, dining room manager) and room steward and the recommended tip. You can let those amounts be processed or you can modify them with guest services.
As stated, you can use little envelopes provided to give these workers cash, the slips provided or a combination of the two. Or you can just let them receive the money with no face-to-face exchange (my personality’s preference).
All drinks that have a fee will have an auto-gratuity of 18% on the bill. And a line to add additional tip.
Many cruise lines (especially those frequented by Americans) use gratuities as a substantial portion of pay for their workers (not officers). Operating under the flag and laws of other countries, they are not subject to US Labor laws. Disney ships are flagged under the Bahamas. I believe tipping is treated differently for guests from the UK and Europe, based on comments read on forums. They also have different passenger rights.
The daily rate of $14.50 to cover the 4 positions was a $1 increase effective in July 2022.
On some cruise lines, tips are pooled and divided among workers to include behind-the-scenes employees.
You will see your dining room servers working on
Castaway Cay, too. Not just at dinner at night. Probably Cabanas buffet for breakfast and lunch.