Each cruise line has its own policies for how and when gratuities are collected for crew members. Here are the general guidelines for six of the big ship cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Tipping
What are the gratuity fees? All passengers aboard RCL cruises have an automatic daily tip added to their onboard bill. The standard fee is $12.95/day per person, and $15.95/day per person for those staying in suites. They allow prepayment. Cruisers registered for the flexible meal option called “My Time Dining” are required to prepay tips.
Who receives the tips? The funds are divided amongst cabin stewards, dining crew, and housekeeping staff.
Is there an option, if I receive poor service? You may request a gratuities removal or reduction at guest services.
Are there any other tips automatically added to my bill? RCL adds 15% to all charges in all bars, spas, and salons.
Princess Cruises Ship Tipping
What are the gratuity fees? All passengers aboard Princess Cruises have an automatic daily tip added to their onboard bill. The standard fee is $12.95/day per person, and $13.95/day per person for those staying in suites. They allow prepayment any time prior to six days before departure.
Who receives the tips? The funds are divided amongst cabin stewards, dining crew, and housekeeping staff. Spa and casino crew members do not receive a portion of the automatic gratuities.
Is there an option, if I receive poor service? You may request a gratuities removal or reduction at the purser’s office.
Are there any other tips automatically added to my bill? Princess adds 15% to charges in the bars.
Norwegian Cruise Line Ship Tipping
What are the gratuity fees? All passengers over the age of three aboard NCL ships have an automatic daily tip added to their onboard bill. The standard fee is $13.99/day per person, and $16.99/day per person for passengers in suites. This cruise line states that extra tips beyond the automatic gratuity are neither ‘expected’ nor ‘necessary.’ (There are differences for some ships, such as the Norwegian Sky, so check the details of your ship.)
Who receives the tips? The funds are divided amongst cabin stewards, dining crew, and housekeeping staff.
Is there an option, if I receive poor service? You may request a gratuities removal or reduction at the onboard reception desk.
Are there any other tips automatically added to my bill? Norwegian Cruise Line adds 18% to charges in the bars, spas, and entertainment or specialty dining venues.
Holland America Line Cruise Ship Tipping
What are the gratuity fees? All passengers aboard Holland America ships have an automatic daily tip added to their onboard bill. The standard fee is $13.50/day per person, and $15.00/day per person for those staying in suites.
Who receives the tips? The funds are divided amongst cabin stewards, dining crew, and housekeeping staff.
Is there an option, if I receive poor service? You may request a gratuities removal or reduction at the front desk.
Are there any other tips automatically added to my bill? Holland America adds 15% to charges in the bars, as well as to wine orders in the dining rooms.
Celebrity Cruises Ship Tipping
What are the gratuity fees? All passengers aboard Celebrity ships have an automatic daily tip added to their onboard Seapass account. The standard fee is $13.50/day per person, and $17.00/day per person for those staying in suites. Celebrity calls these ‘suggested’ amounts.
Who receives the tips? The funds are divided amongst cabin stewards, dining crew, and housekeeping staff.
Is there an option, if I receive poor service? You may request a gratuities removal or reduction at guest relations.
Are there any other tips automatically added to my bill? Celebrity adds 18% to your bar bills.
Carnival Cruise Line Ship Tipping
What are the gratuity fees? All passengers aboard Carnival ships have an automatic daily tip added to their onboard bill. The standard fee is $12.95/day per person, and $13.95/day per person for those staying in suites. Passengers younger than two years old do not pay an automatic gratuity.
Who receives the tips? The funds are divided amongst cabin stewards, dining crew, and housekeeping staff.
Is there an option, if I receive poor service? You may request a gratuities removal or reduction at the guest services desk.
Are there any other tips automatically added to my bill? Carnival adds 15% to charges in the bars. Also, if you are on a short cruise (those that do not dock in any additional ports), then you must prepay your automatic gratuities.
This information is current as of publication. Read the details for your cruise line and ship prior to sailing. For more answers about whether to tip on a ‘gratuities-included’ cruise, read our article HERE.
