The recommended gratuities can be found
here. The amount depends on the number of nights that you are sailing as well as the number of people in your party.
On our family's recent 3 night cruise, the recommended amount for our stateroom host was $12 per guest. As a party of 3, we tipped $36. Please include children when determining gratuities. I find that the DCL staff is very attentive to young cruisers.
On your last day, you'll receive envelopes marked Head Server, Server, Assistant Server and Stateroom Host. Gratuities may be paid up to 3 days prior to your sailing, any time during your cruise at Guest Services or cash may be put in the envelopes. If you pre-pay your tips or charge them to your account, you will receive receipts to put in the envelopes. On your last night, the envelopes are handed out with either cash and/or the receipt inside each one. Sometimes a guest will pre-pay a gratuity and then decide to leave extra cash for exceptional service.
Bring dollar bills for room service and shore excursion guides. Consider tipping both services at $1-2 per person.
The Palo surcharge covers the gratuity. Many guests find that the service is so extraordinary that they tip extra. Your bar bill at Palo will include an automatic 15% tip.
Parents sometimes tip the Youth Counselors. I spoke with the Youth Activity Manager and she said that any cash received is put into a team kiddie and then used for team building activities. Counselors appreciate candy, especially chocolate as well as phone cards.
Remember to get cash prior to your cruise. Onboard, you'll find a cashless system where purchases are charged to your stateroom account. Cash, credit and Disney gift cards may be credited to your stateroom account.