Cruise ship tipping policies determine how gratuities and service charges are handled during your cruise. Most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to your onboard account, while some allow you to prepay gratuities before sailing. Additional service charges may also apply to drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, and other purchases.
The exact policy varies by cruise line, fare, stateroom category, and the type of onboard service. Before sailing, check your cruise line's current terms so you know which charges are automatic, which can be prepaid, and which are added separately.
Quick Answer: Most cruise lines automatically charge a daily gratuity per guest to the onboard account — typically in the $16 to $25 per person, per day range, depending on the cruise line and stateroom category. Some lines let you prepay this before departure instead of having it added during the cruise.
Beyond the daily gratuity, separate service charges can apply to drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, and other onboard purchases. These are distinct from the standard daily gratuity and may already be built into the price you see on a receipt.
Tipping policies differ by cruise line, so always check the terms for your specific sailing before departure.
Key Takeaways
- Daily gratuities are automatic on most major cruise lines, not a traditional end-of-meal tip
- Typical rates run $16–$25 per person per day, often higher for suite guests
- Prepaying gratuities is available on many lines and can simplify budgeting
- Service charges are separate from gratuities — drinks, specialty dining, and spa treatments often carry their own added charge, commonly around 18–20%
- Adjustments are possible on most lines through Guest Services, but policies and procedures vary
- Extra cash tips for individual crew members are a personal choice, separate from the standard daily charge
Typical Daily Gratuity Rates by Cruise Line
For reference, here's roughly what a few major lines currently charge per guest, per day. Rates change, so confirm the current amount for your specific sailing before budgeting.
| Cruise Line | Standard Cabins | Suites |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | ~$18.50/day | ~$21/day |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | ~$20/day (Club Balcony and below) | ~$25/day (Haven and Suites) |
| Most other major lines | Generally $16–$23/day | Often $2–$5/day higher |
Multiply the daily rate by the number of guests and nights to estimate the total gratuity charge for your cruise.
Are Cruise Ship Tips Mandatory?
In practice, daily gratuities are generally an automatic charge on major cruise lines, rather than a traditional tip you decide whether to leave after each meal or service.
The cruise line adds the applicable daily gratuity to your onboard account for each covered guest, and the amount can vary by cruise line and, in some cases, stateroom category.
Some cruise lines allow guests to request an adjustment to automatically applied gratuities under their stated procedures. That doesn't mean daily gratuities should be treated as a simple optional charge without checking the policy first — the important distinction is between the standard daily gratuity and additional discretionary tipping. They aren't the same thing.
Can You Prepay Cruise Gratuities?
Many cruise lines let guests prepay their daily gratuities before the cruise. This can make budgeting easier, since the charge is settled before embarkation rather than accumulating on your onboard account throughout the trip.
Whether prepaid gratuities are available, when they must be paid, and whether the amount can change all depend on the cruise line and booking conditions. If you'd rather settle gratuities upfront, check your reservation or the cruise line's payment options to see whether prepayment is offered.
How Are Cruise Tipping Charges Added?
The standard daily gratuity is generally added automatically to your onboard account rather than requiring you to hand cash to crew members each day. Your final onboard statement will show the charges accumulated during the cruise.
This means gratuities should factor into your total cruise budget — a cruise advertised at a particular fare can carry meaningful additional charges beyond the base price once gratuities are added.
Can Cruise Gratuities Be Adjusted?
Policies vary by cruise line. If you believe an automatic gratuity has been charged incorrectly, or you have a question about the charge, contact Guest Services onboard and ask how the cruise line handles adjustments.
Don't assume a gratuity can simply be removed whenever you choose — some cruise lines have specific procedures or restrictions governing changes. For the most accurate information, review the terms for your sailing and speak with Guest Services if you need clarification.
Gratuities vs. Service Charges: What's the Difference?
A daily gratuity is an automatic per-guest charge tied to general onboard service — dining, stateroom housekeeping, and similar. A service charge is typically added to a specific purchase instead, and can apply to:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Specialty coffees and other premium drinks
- Specialty dining
- Spa treatments
- Certain other onboard services
These charges appear in addition to the daily gratuity — paying it doesn't mean every other onboard service is free of additional charges. Beverage purchases, for example, commonly carry their own service charge (often around 18%) whether you're buying individual drinks or using a beverage package, so the displayed price and final charged amount can differ. The same applies to specialty dining: check whether the advertised restaurant price already includes the service charge before comparing options, since a menu price may not reflect the final amount on your account.
Also Read: What is the cancellation policy for a cruise?
Do Cruise Lines Have Different Tipping Policies?
Yes — each cruise line sets its own gratuity and service-charge terms. Differences can include:
- Daily gratuity amounts
- Suite or premium accommodation rates
- Prepaid gratuity options
- Procedures for adjusting automatic gratuities
- Beverage, dining, and spa service charges
- Policies for children or other guest categories
- Whether certain fares or promotions already include gratuities
Because these policies change, check the current terms for your specific cruise rather than relying on an old tipping chart found online.
What About Additional Tips for Cruise Crew?
The daily gratuity is separate from any extra tip you choose to give for exceptional service. Some travelers hand additional cash to individual crew members — cabin stewards, bartenders, or other staff who went above and beyond.
Additional tipping is a personal choice and shouldn't be confused with the cruise line's standard automatic gratuity. If you decide to tip extra, it's entirely according to your own preference and budget.
How Should You Budget for Cruise Tipping?
Split your expected costs into three categories:
1. Standard daily gratuities — estimate the applicable daily rate per guest and multiply by the number of cruise nights.
2. Additional service charges — allow for charges tied to drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, and other purchases you expect to make.
3. Optional extra tips — set aside an amount only if you plan to give individual crew members something extra.
This keeps every service charge from getting lumped in with the daily gratuity, giving you a clearer picture of your actual onboard spending.
Also Read: What is the Cancellation Policy for Carnival Cruise Line?
What Should You Check Before Your Cruise?
Before departure, review your booking and the cruise line's current terms for:
- The applicable daily gratuity rate
- Whether gratuities can be prepaid, and by when
- Whether the rate differs by stateroom category
- The adjustment procedure for automatic gratuities
- Beverage, specialty dining, and spa service charges
- Any fare or promotion that already includes gratuities
Checking these details before boarding helps avoid surprises on your onboard account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tips mandatory on a cruise ship?
Most major cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to your onboard account, typically $16 to $25 per person per day. Policies for adjusting or removing the charge vary by cruise line, so check the terms for your specific sailing.
Can you prepay gratuities on a cruise?
Many cruise lines allow guests to prepay daily gratuities before sailing. Availability and payment deadlines vary by cruise line and booking, so check your reservation details.
Can cruise gratuities be removed or adjusted?
Policies vary. If you have a question about an automatic gratuity or believe a charge is incorrect, contact Guest Services and ask about the cruise line's adjustment procedure.
Are service charges the same as cruise gratuities?
No. A daily gratuity is generally an automatic per-guest charge, while a service charge may be added separately to purchases such as drinks, specialty dining, or spa services.
Do you have to tip extra on a cruise?
Additional tipping is generally a personal choice. The standard daily gratuity is separate from any extra tip you may choose to give a crew member for exceptional service.
Do cruise drinks have an additional gratuity or service charge?
They can. Depending on the cruise line and purchase, drinks and beverage packages may carry an additional service charge, often around 18%. Check the terms of your beverage purchase or package for the final amount.
How can I avoid surprises from cruise tipping charges?
Check the current gratuity rate for your sailing, see whether prepaid gratuities are available, and review service charges for drinks, specialty dining, spa services, and other purchases before boarding.
