Do I Have to Pay Gratuities on a Cruise? Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Tipping Policies
Do you have to pay gratuities on a cruise? Can you remove cruise gratuities? The short answer is Yes and Yes.
Gratuities are almost always automatically charged to your onboard account and the card you place on file for your room.
While some cruise lines allow you to adjust or remove these charges, it’s important to understand how the system works before you sail.
*Be sure to scroll down to download your FREE gratuities chart that will show you what all the cruise lines charge for gratuities!*
Are Cruise Gratuities Mandatory?
Most cruise lines make gratuity payments mandatory by automatically adding them to your onboard account during your trip.
This means that, on lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and other mainstream options, you’ll see daily gratuity charges applied to the card you put on file for your room.
These charges cover tips for the hardworking crew members who help make your cruise experience memorable. It’s important to plan for these additional costs, as they can add up over the course of your voyage.
However, not all cruise lines handle gratuities the same way. Some, like Virgin Voyages, include gratuities in your cruise fare from the start.
This approach makes things much simpler—there’s no need to worry about an extra bill at the end of your trip, and you can enjoy your vacation knowing that crew tips are already taken care of.
Always check your specific cruise line’s policy before you sail so you know exactly what to expect when it comes to gratuities.
How to Remove Gratuities on a Cruise
While most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuity charges to your onboard account, some travelers may wish to adjust or remove these charges.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit Guest Services:
If you decide you do not want to pay the automatic gratuities, you’ll need to go to the Guest Services desk on your cruise ship. This is typically located in the main lobby or atrium area. - Request an Adjustment or Removal:
Politely inform the staff that you would like to adjust or remove the gratuity charges from your account. Some cruise lines allow you to reduce the amount or remove it entirely, while others may only permit adjustments under specific circumstances. - Consider the Crew:
Before making your final decision, remember that gratuities are distributed among many hardworking crew members—including those you may never see, such as kitchen staff, cleaners, and maintenance teams. Removing gratuities means these employees may not receive their share of tips. - Alternative Tipping:
If you remove automatic gratuities, you can still tip crew members directly in cash. This allows you to recognize exceptional service personally, but be aware that your tips may not reach the behind-the-scenes staff. - Check Your Cruise Line’s Policy:
Not all cruise lines allow gratuities to be removed. Some, especially luxury lines or those with gratuities included in the fare, do not offer this option. Always verify your cruise line’s tipping policy before your trip.
Pro Tip:
If you have concerns about service or specific requests regarding gratuities, handle them early in your cruise to avoid confusion or delays at the end of your voyage.
Cruise Tipping Etiquette
Cruise tipping etiquette matters because these tips support many of the hardworking crew members you might not interact with directly—such as the chefs preparing your meals, the entertainment staff organizing events, the security team, night attendants, engine crew, co-captains, and many others who work behind the scenes to make your cruise experience enjoyable and safe.
Removing gratuities means these essential team members may not receive the recognition and support they deserve.
How Do Gratuities Work?
Gratuities are typically charged on a “per person, per day” basis, usually ranging from $15 to $20 each day.
For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the highest rates for standard cabins at $20 per person, per day. On a 7-night cruise, that adds up to $140 per person for the entire trip.
Keep in mind, these charges are applied directly to your onboard account during your cruise.
Do Cruise Gratuities Actually go to Staff?
This question has been circulating among cruisers for years: Do the automatic gratuities really make it to the crew members?
I’ll never forget overhearing a conversation on one of my first cruises a decade ago—a passenger insisted, “The crew doesn’t see any of that money.”
While I can’t definitively confirm whether cruise lines retain a portion of these tips, there have been countless reports from crew members claiming they receive only a small share of the collected gratuities.
It’s important to note that while these accounts are widespread, there’s no official confirmation from most cruise lines about exactly how gratuities are distributed.
As a result, this topic remains surrounded by speculation and ongoing debate within the cruise community.
For now, it’s likely to remain one of those cruise ship mysteries that sparks plenty of discussion—but not many clear answers.
How Much Are Gratuities? A Chart of All Cruise Lines Charges
Curious about how much each cruise line charges for gratuities? We’ve made it easy for you!
Download our free, up-to-date chart that breaks down the daily gratuity rates for all the major cruise lines.
Whether you’re budgeting for your next trip or just want to compare options, this resource will help you plan with confidence.
Our chart includes:
- Gratuity rates by cruise line
- What’s included in each charge
- Quick comparisons to help you choose
Conclusion
Understanding cruise gratuities is an important part of planning your trip and managing your budget.
While most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuity charges to your onboard account, some—including select luxury lines—may include them in your fare or offer flexibility in how they’re paid.
Remember, these gratuities help support the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience enjoyable, from the staff you see every day to those working behind the scenes.
Remember – if you want a quick reference, be sure to download our free gratuities chart here to compare rates across all the major cruise lines.
No matter which cruise you choose, understanding how gratuities work will help you travel with confidence and make the most of your vacation at sea.
Safe travels and happy cruising!
About the Author:
Kam is a passionate traveler with a decade of cruising experience, having explored the world by sea for over ten years.
He has immersed himself in the unique offerings of all the major cruise lines, from popular favorites to luxury experiences.
Kam’s journeys span Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, MSC, and many more you’re sure to recognize.
His firsthand knowledge and love for adventure bring a seasoned, insightful perspective to every travel story he shares.