Cruise Ship Gratuities: Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail

Cruising is one of the best ways to travel in style, with top-notch service and endless amenities at your fingertips. But before you set sail, it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of cruise ship gratuities—how they work, when they’re charged, and how much you should expect to pay. Many first-time cruisers (and even experienced ones) don’t fully grasp the tipping policies onboard, which can lead to confusion and unexpected expenses.

In this guide, we’ll break down cruise ship gratuities in detail, covering everything from daily tipping charges to gratuity-free luxury options. Plus, we’ll share insider tips to help you manage tipping efficiently and ensure that you’re rewarding exceptional service appropriately. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Ship Gratuities

What Are Cruise Ship Gratuities?

Gratuities are service charges that go toward compensating the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience seamless and enjoyable. These include your cabin stewards, dining staff, and behind-the-scenes crew members who keep the ship running smoothly.

Most mainstream cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity fee to your onboard account, which helps distribute tips among these employees. While some passengers choose to tip additionally, these charges ensure that staff members receive a fair wage for their service.

How Are Cruise Ship Gratuities Applied?

Most cruise lines apply gratuities in one of two ways:

Automatic Daily Charges – The most common method, where a set amount is added per person, per day, to your onboard account.
Prepaid Gratuities – Some travelers choose to pay these fees in advance when booking their cruise, helping them budget more effectively.

Understanding how these charges work can prevent surprises when you receive your final bill at the end of the trip.

Are Cruise Ship Gratuities Included in Your Fare?

All-Inclusive Cruises and Gratuities

If you’re sailing on a luxury cruise line or an all-inclusive package, gratuities might already be included in your fare. Many premium cruise brands, such as Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn, roll tipping into the overall cost, allowing for a hassle-free experience.

However, not all packages include cruise ship gratuities, so it’s essential to read the fine print. Some promotions from mainstream cruise lines may offer “free gratuities” as part of a booking incentive. Always confirm what’s covered to avoid unexpected charges.

How to Check If Gratuities Are Included

Before assuming your trip is fully paid for, verify the tipping policy with your cruise line. Some key questions to ask:

Are gratuities included in my fare?
If so, does that cover all crew members or just specific departments?
Are additional tips expected for certain services?

Knowing these details will help you budget effectively and ensure that you’re not double-tipping.

How Much Are Cruise Ship Gratuities?

Standard Daily Gratuity Rates

Cruise gratuity rates vary by cruise line, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

Mainstream Cruise Lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian): $14–$18 per person, per day
Luxury Cruise Lines (Regent, Silversea, Seabourn): Often included in the fare
Suite Guests: Higher rates may apply (up to $20–$25 per person, per day)
Children: Some cruise lines charge reduced gratuities for kids or waive them altogether

Since these rates can add up quickly, knowing them in advance helps you plan your budget accordingly.

Extra Tipping for Exceptional Service

While automatic gratuities cover general service, many passengers choose to tip extra for exceptional experiences. Here’s when you might consider additional tipping:

Cabin Stewards: If your steward goes above and beyond, an extra $10–$20 at the end of your cruise is a nice gesture.
Dining Staff: If you had an outstanding server, an extra tip can show appreciation.
Bartenders: Frequenting the same bar? A few extra dollars in cash can lead to better service and stronger pours!

A simple “thank you” note along with your tip can make a crew member’s day even better.

Where Else Do Gratuities Apply?

Specialty Dining and Spa Services

Beyond your daily gratuity charge, some onboard services automatically include a service fee:

Specialty Restaurants: Most specialty dining venues add a 15–20% gratuity to the bill.
Spa Services: Massages, facials, and salon services typically include an automatic gratuity of 18–20%.

Onboard Purchases and Beverage Packages

When buying drinks individually or purchasing a drink package, expect gratuities to be included:

Drink Packages: Most cruise lines automatically add an 18–20% service charge when you buy a beverage package.
Single Drink Purchases: Bars often include gratuity in the receipt, so check before tipping extra.

How to Save Money on Cruise Ship Gratuities

Can You Adjust or Remove Gratuities?

Many cruise lines allow passengers to adjust or remove automatic gratuities at guest services. However, removing them means you should tip in cash directly to the crew members you feel deserve it.

Take Advantage of Promotions

Keep an eye out for cruise deals that include free gratuities as a booking perk. Websites like Cruise Critic and Vacations To Go often highlight such promotions.

Budgeting for Tipping in Advance

If your cruise doesn’t include gratuities, prepaying them at booking can help spread out costs. This way, you won’t have to worry about additional charges at the end of your trip.

Should You Tip on Shore Excursions?

Tipping isn’t just for onboard services. Here’s a guide for tipping during shore excursions:

Tour Guides: $10–$20 per person for a full-day tour
Bus Drivers: $2–$5 per person
Local Service Staff: If you dine or receive service off the ship, follow local tipping customs

Final Thoughts on Cruise Ship Gratuities

Understanding cruise ship gratuities is essential for a smooth and stress-free cruise experience. By knowing when and where gratuities apply, you can avoid surprises and ensure that hardworking crew members receive fair compensation.

To make the most of your next cruise, check out our other helpful guides:

Now that you’re prepared for tipping onboard, don’t forget to plan an unforgettable shore excursion!

Understanding cruise ship gratuities is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. By knowing the ins and outs of tipping policies, you can avoid surprises and ensure that you’re showing appreciation to the hardworking crew members who make your voyage unforgettable. Ready to set sail? Book your next cruise today, and don’t forget to plan ahead for gratuities to make the most of your experience! If you have any questions about tipping or need help planning your cruise, feel free to reach out to us at Cruising Duo Travel. We’re here to help you make every cruise your best one yet!