What is the tipping policy on a cruise ship?

By Cruise Booking Team

Updated on: May 23, 2023

When you plan a cruise vacation, one of the first things that come to mind is how much to tip on a cruise. At present, cruise lines charge a fixed amount as a tip or gratuity, which is automatically added to the passenger’s onboard account. Passengers have the option to prepay the whole amount of gratuity, or they can pay it once on the ship. This is a great choice for cruise travelers because it allows them to easily manage their budget. If you wish to pay your account and daily gratuities in cash, you can do this by visiting guest services. Several cruise lines will automatically add a gratuity charge to the bill for additional drinks, restaurant meals, and spa treatments.

What is the tipping policy on a cruise ship?

Tipping policies of several cruise lines are listed below, as they may vary from one cruise line to another.

1 - Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival cruise line charges a daily gratuity of $14.50 per person per day for standard cabins, and the rate increases to $16.50 per person per day for suites. It does not charge any gratuity amount for children under 2 years of age. A tip of 18% is also included in bar bills and covers costs for the Chef's Table and Bonsai Teppanyaki restaurants. At their discretion, cruisers can tip crew members separately by handing over cash to those who provide exceptional services.

2 - Celebrity Cruises

The rate for guests staying in an interior, ocean view, or veranda stateroom is $17.50 per person, per day, while the rate for guests staying in a Concierge room is $18.00 per person, per day. Furthermore, a 20% gratuity is applied whenever a passenger orders a drink that is not included in the line's All-Inclusive rate plan, as well as when purchasing a minibar product. A gratuity of 18% is applied to the bill for spa and salon treatments.

3 - Royal Caribbean International

Travelers who pre-paid their gratuity will not be charged on a daily basis during their trip. Guests staying in standard cabins are charged $16 per person per day as gratuity, and $18.50 is for those staying in suites. A gratuity of 18% is also applied to bills at bars, minibars, salons, and spas. Travelers who do not receive satisfactory service may request a change to their daily amount by contacting Guest Services onboard.

Also Read: What is the cancellation policy for a cruise?

4 - Princess Cruises

Travelers staying in interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins must pay $16.00 per person per day, while passengers staying in mini-suites and suites must pay $17 and $18 per person per day, respectively. The amount applies to both children and adults, and it can be paid up to six days before the cruise begins. A gratuity of 18% is also added to bar bills, dining room wine purchases, and Lotus Spa services. A gratuity of 17% to 18% is charged if guests go for specialty dining and private group functions.

5 - Norwegian Cruise Line

Among the cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line has some of the highest gratuity rates. Passengers staying in standard and club balcony cabins are charged $20.00 per person, per day, while the rate for suites is $25.00 per person, per day. The charge does not apply to children under the age of three. Travelers to Hawaii will additionally be charged a 4.275% prepaid service charge known as a general excise tax.

6 - Disney Cruise Line

The daily gratuity amount is $14.50 per person, per day for all guests in standard cabins and $15.50 per person, per day for passengers staying in a premium cabin or suite. Travelers have the option to prepay the gratuity amount, or they can pay while onboard. A 15% gratuity is added to bar, drink, wine, and deck service bills, while an 18% gratuity is added to spa service costs. If a traveler fails to prepay their gratuity, the amount will be automatically added to their onboard account.

Conclusion

Every passenger has to pay a gratuity amount when traveling on a cruise ship, which is later distributed among the crew members working on the ship. Most cruise lines charge for children as well, while there are few exceptions for extremely young children on specific cruise lines. Always read the tipping policies thoroughly because it will assist you in keeping track of how much money you have spent.