If you’ve ever looked at your cruise statement and wondered, “What exactly are these gratuities?”, you’re not alone.
Cruise gratuities — sometimes called service charges or crew appreciation fees — are the way cruise lines ensure that the hardworking crew members who make your vacation special are fairly compensated for their service.
They cover the people behind the scenes who keep everything running smoothly: your cabin steward, dining staff, and the hundreds of crew members who make the magic happen — from fresh towels to perfect cocktails.
How Cruise Gratuities Work
Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill each day. This means you don’t have to calculate or hand out tips individually (unless you want to).
Here’s the basic breakdown of how it typically works:
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Gratuities are charged per person, per day.
On most lines, this ranges from $14 to $20 USD per person per day depending on your cabin category and cruise line. -
They’re distributed among key crew members:
- Your stateroom attendant (who keeps your cabin spotless)
- Your dining room team (servers, assistant servers, head waiters)
- Behind-the-scenes staff (laundry, kitchen, and maintenance teams)
If you’re in a suite or luxury cabin, gratuities may be slightly higher — sometimes $18 to $25 per day, since those guests often receive extra services such as butlers or concierge assistance.
💡 Tip from Port To Paradise: Some luxury cruise lines (like Viking, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea) include gratuities in the fare — one less thing to think about!
Prepaid Gratuities vs. Paying Onboard
When you book your cruise, you usually have two options:
✅ Prepaid Gratuities
You can choose to pay your gratuities before your sailing. This locks in today’s rate and ensures it’s one less bill waiting for you onboard.
Advantages:
- Easier budgeting — no surprise charges at the end of your trip.
- Sometimes required for group bookings or certain dining packages.
- Great for gifting a cruise — the recipient won’t have to worry about tipping logistics.
💳 Onboard Gratuities
If you prefer flexibility, you can let the cruise line add gratuities to your account daily. You’ll see them itemized on your onboard statement.
Advantages:
- You can review and adjust them if you feel service exceeded (or didn’t meet) expectations.
- Gives you room to add extra tips personally if someone goes above and beyond.
🌴 Travel Pro Tip: Prepaying gratuities is usually the easiest route for first-time cruisers — especially if you’re budgeting carefully for a family or group.
How Much Should You Budget?
Here’s an approximate guide for a 7-night cruise (based on major lines as of 2025):
| Cruise Line | Daily Rate (per guest) | 7-Night Total |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | $18 – $20 | $126 – $140 |
| Carnival Cruise Line | $16 – $18 | $112 – $126 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $20 – $25 | $140 – $175 |
| Celebrity Cruises | $18 | $126 |
| Princess Cruises | $16 – $18 | $112 – $126 |
| MSC Cruises | $14 – $17 | $98 – $119 |
| Disney Cruise Line | $14.50 – $15.50 | $101 – $108 |
(Rates vary slightly by cabin type and may change periodically.)
Who Not to Tip Separately
Because gratuities are pooled and distributed to hundreds of crew members, you don’t need to tip everyone you interact with individually.
You don’t need to tip:
- Guest services or front desk staff
- Kids’ club workers
- Most baristas or counter-service staff (unless you wish to leave small cash tips)
However, it’s still customary to tip extra in cash for standout service — especially bartenders, room service staff, or private butlers. Even a $10 or $20 thank-you note can make someone’s day.
What About Specialty Restaurants and Bars?
Many specialty dining venues automatically add a 15–20% service charge to the bill — so you don’t need to tip extra unless the service is exceptional.
Bars and lounges also include a service charge on each drink, which goes directly to the bar staff.
If you’re ever unsure, check your receipt. If it says “gratuity included,” you’re covered.
Luxury & All-Inclusive Cruise Lines: Tipping Already Included
Some higher-end cruise lines simplify everything by including gratuities in your fare. Examples include:
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Seabourn
- Silversea
- Azamara
These ships build crew appreciation into the overall pricing, so there’s no awkward math or surprises at the end of the trip.
🥂 Bonus: On these luxury lines, it’s still common (and appreciated) to give small personal tips to exceptional staff like butlers or suite attendants.
Can You Adjust or Remove Gratuities?
Yes — most cruise lines allow you to visit Guest Services and adjust gratuities if needed.
However, keep in mind that crew members rely on these pooled tips as a significant part of their income. Removing or reducing them without a genuine reason can directly affect hardworking staff members.
If there’s ever a problem with service, talk to Guest Services early — they’ll usually fix the issue and ensure everyone’s happy.
Cultural Differences in Tipping at Sea
Tipping practices can vary by cruise line and region.
- North American-based lines (like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian) expect standard gratuities.
- European lines (like MSC and Costa) may include smaller “service fees,” reflecting regional tipping norms.
- Luxury expedition lines often have gratuities built-in.
🌍 In short: Always check the fine print when you book — your travel agent (that’s us!) can help decode each line’s policy.
Why Gratuities Matter More Than You Think
Behind every flawless stateroom and seamless dinner service is a crew member working long hours, often far from home. These gratuities are more than a custom — they’re a way to recognize the incredible effort that makes your cruise unforgettable.
When you prepay or budget for gratuities, you’re not just ticking off a fee — you’re supporting the people who make the ship feel like home.
Smooth Sailing Starts with Smart Planning
Understanding gratuities takes the stress out of your vacation — and ensures you can simply relax, knowing the details are handled.
At Port To Paradise Vacations, we’ll walk you through each cruise line’s gratuity policy, help you decide whether to prepay, and make sure there are no surprises once you’re onboard.
👉 Contact us for a free consultation or fill out a no-obligation form today to plan your next cruise with confidence — gratuities included.
