What Are Cruise Gratuities?

What are cruise gratuities?

Cruise gratuities are the tips paid to the ship's service crew for looking after passengers during the voyage. Rather than tipping each staff member individually with cash, most cruise lines handle gratuities through an automatic daily charge added to your onboard account, which is then distributed among the crew who serve you, such as your cabin steward, dining room servers, and other behind-the-scenes staff. This system, sometimes called auto-gratuities or a service charge, ensures the many crew members who contribute to your experience are tipped fairly. Gratuities are a standard and expected part of cruising, reflecting that crew wages are structured with tips in mind. Understanding that these charges are automatic, and roughly what they total, helps you budget for the full cost of your cruise beyond the fare.

How much are cruise gratuities?

The automatic daily gratuity is charged per person, per day, and applies to everyone in the stateroom including children on most lines. The amount varies by cruise line and cabin type but commonly falls in the range of around 16 to 25 dollars per person per day, with guests in suites often charged a somewhat higher rate. Over a week-long cruise for two people, this adds up to a few hundred dollars, so it is a significant cost to factor into your budget. On top of this, purchases like drinks at the bar and spa services usually have a gratuity of around 18 to 20 percent added automatically. Because rates change and differ between lines, check your specific cruise line's current daily gratuity amount when planning your budget.

Can you adjust or prepay cruise gratuities?

Yes, you generally have some flexibility with cruise gratuities. Many lines let you prepay your gratuities in advance when booking or before sailing, which locks in the amount, spreads the cost out, and keeps your onboard bill lower, and some fare types include gratuities as a perk. During or at the end of the cruise, the automatic gratuities are typically adjustable at the guest services desk, so you can increase them to reward great service or, if you had a genuine service problem, request a change, though lines discourage removing them since they support crew pay. Some countries or itineraries handle gratuities differently. If you prefer to tip staff directly in cash instead, policies vary, so check with your line. Prepaying is a popular way to manage the cost smoothly.

Do you tip extra on a cruise?

Beyond the automatic gratuities, extra tipping is optional and reserved for standout service. The daily auto-gratuity is meant to cover standard tipping for the crew, so you are not obligated to give more, but many cruisers choose to hand a little extra cash to individuals who went above and beyond, such as a wonderful cabin steward, a favorite bartender, or an attentive server, usually toward the end of the cruise. Remember that bar tabs and spa bills already include an automatic service charge, so additional tipping there is discretionary. For special requests or exceptional help from the concierge or others, a cash tip is a kind gesture. The key point is that the automatic gratuity handles the baseline, and anything extra is a personal choice to reward service you especially appreciated.