Less than one year after their last gratuity increase, Royal Caribbean is set to increase gratuities for passengers once again.
Starting November 1, 2024, the cruise line will raise the daily gratuity rate by 50 cents per day, bringing the new rate for standard cabins to $18.50 per person, up from $18.00, and suites to $21.00 per person, up from $20.50. It is the same amount for all passengers, regardless of age.
However, if you've already booked your sailing, you can prepay your gratuities in advance to lock in the current rate and save money. If you wait until you're onboard and are cruising after Nov. 1, you will be subject to the higher fare.
Standard staterooms include interior, ocean-view, and balcony cabins, as well as Junior Suites. Sky Junior Suites, Grand Suites, and above are considered full-scale suites and will be subject to the higher gratuity rate.
Travel agents were informed of the change in a weekly newsletter sent via email.
"Starting November 1st, Royal Caribbean will increase gratuities by $0.50 per person per day. The daily gratuity is shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams," the notice reads.
"Guests booked prior to November 1st, 2024, can opt to add prepaid gratuities before sailing to take advantage of the current rates. If they'd prefer to pay onboard, their gratuity charge will be applied to their onboard account at the new rate."
Royal Caribbean last raised their gratuities in Nov. 2023. Before that, the daily charge was $16.00 per person for standard cabins and $18.50 for suites.
All Royal Caribbean sailings booked on or after November 1, 2024, will automatically reflect the increased rate.
Moreover, Royal Caribbean quietly increased the service charge for salon and spa services. According to their website, an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to beverage and beverage packages, room service and mini-bar purchases, and specialty dining and specialty dining packages.
However, pre-cruise and onboard spa and salon purchases are subject to a 20% service charge. This matches Celebrity Cruises' salon/spa policy.
What are gratuities?
Daily gratuities are to ensure hardworking crew members are tipped throughout the voyage. Rather than carrying around spare dollar bills and being responsible for managing tips, major cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to passengers' onboard accounts to simplify the process.
Guests also have the option to prepay them in advance to help split up the cost of their vacation. Since the gratuities are added to your overall cruise cost to be paid by the final payment date, you can better budget for your vacation and avoid any surprises once onboard.
As exemplified by the second increase within the past year, prepaying gratuities can also help save money. If Royal Caribbean does increase the cost, those who have already prepaid their tips are grandfathered in, meaning they won't have to pay anything extra.
If you are booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise and wish to lock in the current pricing, call 866-562-7625 before Nov. 1. Guests who made their reservation through a travel agent should contact them as soon as possible.
Are passengers required to pay gratuities?
Royal Caribbean stipulates that gratuities are at the discretion of each guest. To make the process easier, they automatically add the suggested daily gratuity amount to each passengers' folio account; however, guests may visit Guest Services once onboard to adjust the amount.
"We hope guests find these suggested amounts to be an accurate reflection of their satisfaction and are grateful for their generous recognition of the Royal Caribbean staff," reads their FAQ.
What's the gratuity rate on other cruise lines?
Guests in standard staterooms on Celebrity pay $18.00 per person, per day; $18.50 for Concierge and Aqua Class cabins; and $23.00 for The Retreat.
Carnival Cruise Line charges $16.00 per person, per day, for standard cabins, while suite guests pay $18.00 per person, per day.
Norwegian has some of the pricey gratuities for a mainstream cruise line, with passengers in standard and Club Balcony cabins charged $20.00 per person, per day. Suite guests (including those in The Haven) pay $25.00 per person, per day.
The recommended daily rate for Disney Cruise Line passengers in standard cabins is $14.50 per person, per day. The rate for guests booked in a Concierge stateroom or suite is $15.50 per person, per day.
The adult-only Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in their cruise fares.
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