Cruise Gratuities | Dee Charles and Associates

Cruise Gratuities Explained: What First-Time Cruisers Should Know

Cruise gratuities can be confusing if you've never cruised before. Depending on the cruise line and fare you choose, service charges may be included, prepaid, or automatically added to your onboard account.

What Are Cruise Gratuities
How Much Are Cruise Gratuities?
How Are Gratuities Paid?
Are There Other Gratuities Onboard?

Can Cruise Gratuities Be Changed?
What About Cash Tips?
Before Your Cruise

IN THIS GUIDE

Here's what you need to know before you sail.

What Are Cruise Gratuities?

Gratuities are service charges intended to compensate crew members who provide service throughout your cruise.

Rather than tipping every crew member individually, many cruise lines use an automatic daily gratuity system.

How Much Are Cruise Gratuities?

There isn't one standard amount. Rates vary by cruise line and can also vary based on your cabin category.

They're commonly calculated per person, per day.

For example, if a cruise line charges $18 per person per day, two people on a seven-night cruise would pay:

$18 × 2 guests × 7 nights = $252

Always check your cruise line for its current rates.

How Are Gratuities Paid?

Depending on the cruise line and your fare, gratuities may be:

Included in your cruise fare
Prepaid before sailing
Added to your onboard account during the cruise

This is worth checking before you leave so the charge doesn't come as a surprise at the end of your vacation.

Are There Other Gratuities Onboard?

Yes. Automatic daily gratuities aren't necessarily the only service charges you'll encounter.

Additional gratuities may be automatically added to purchases such as:

Alcoholic beverages
Drink packages
Specialty dining
Spa services
Room service

Check the receipt before adding an additional tip—you may find that a gratuity has already been included.

Can Cruise Gratuities Be Changed?

Policies vary by cruise line. Some allow adjustments to daily gratuities under certain circumstances, while others may have different rules depending on how the gratuities were paid or the fare purchased.

Check directly with your cruise line for its current policy.

What About Cash Tips?

You can generally give additional cash tips when you'd like to recognize exceptional service. This is separate from the cruise line's automatic gratuity system.

Before Your Cruise

Find out:

Your cruise line's daily gratuity rate
Whether your fare includes gratuities
Whether you've prepaid them
Which purchases have additional service charges

FIRST-TIMER TIP: Don't wait until the final night to look at your onboard account. Check it throughout your cruise so you know what you're being charged and can address questions before disembarkation.