Gratuities aboard cruise ships have long been a staple of the industry, a way for guests to recognize the crew’s hard work and hospitality. However, in recent years, these charges have steadily crept higher, leaving some travelers to wonder about the balance between rewarding exceptional service and managing the escalating costs of cruising.
In November 2024, Royal Caribbean International raised its daily gratuity rate for the second time in a year. While the most recent increase was modest 50 cents per person, per day it follows a larger $2 hike late in 2023. Royal Caribbean is not alone in this trend. Earlier this year, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line implemented their own increases, raising daily rates by $1 and $1.50, respectively, for suite guests.
For Royal Caribbean, the current daily gratuity stands at $21 for suite guests and $18.50 for all other categories. Other cruise lines, such as Princess and Holland America, have comparable rates, reflecting an industry-wide shift. These fees, which are typically bundled into fare packages or added to guests’ bills, are also complemented by automatic gratuities of 18% to 20% on bar drinks, specialty dining, and spa services.
Despite the rising costs, the majority of cruise clients appear to accept automatic gratuities as part of the cruise experience. According to Teresa Tennant, senior vice president at Cruise Specialists, guests rarely dispute these charges. While some may adjust gratuities onboard, she notes that many guests rush to prepay their tips when fare increases are announced, ensuring they lock in lower rates before the hikes take effect.
Katina Athanasiou, senior vice president of sales at Celebrity Cruises, highlighted the enduring goodwill between guests and crew. “Guests often go beyond automatic gratuities, providing cash tips and thoughtful gifts from home,” she said. “The crew is truly the heartbeat of the ship, forming connections that bring guests back time and time again.”
A significant trend in recent years has been the inclusion of gratuities in bundled fare packages. This approach has resonated with many travelers, offering convenience and peace of mind. Julie Howard, vice president of cruise partnerships at Signature Travel Network, believes bundling helps guests feel confident that their gratitude is adequately expressed.
Oceania Cruises recently embraced this model, replacing alcoholic beverage packages with prepaid gratuities as a standard amenity. “Our guests value prepaid gratuities more than drink packages, making it a meaningful inclusion,” explained Scott Kluesner, vice president of strategic accounts at Oceania.
The rise in cruise gratuities mirrors a broader societal trend dubbed “tipflation,” where tipping expectations have expanded to include settings once considered tip-free. Across restaurants, coffee shops, and ride-sharing services, tipping screens often suggest amounts starting at 20% or more, reflecting a cultural shift in tipping norms.
A Pew Research Center survey in late 2023 revealed that 72% of Americans feel they are being asked to tip more frequently than five years ago, and many oppose automatic service charges. For cruise lines, this climate underscores the importance of transparent communication about gratuity policies and ensuring guests feel their contributions directly benefit hardworking crew members.
While gratuity increases are unlikely to deter the most dedicated cruisers, they highlight an ongoing balancing act for the industry: offering exceptional service while maintaining affordability. As tipping norms evolve both onboard and ashore, cruise lines will need to continue justifying these costs to ensure guests feel their contributions truly support the crew members who make their vacations memorable.
