
Gratuities and tipping on a Royal Caribbean cruise is a commonly asked about topic. Royal Caribbean charges a gratuity to guests that is automatically applied to their onboard spending account based on the stateroom type and number of cruise days. There are also some gratuities for amenities or services that are not included in your base Royal Caribbean cruise fare. In my latest post I take a look at Royal Caribbean's gratuity and service charge policies as of February 2024.
Royal Caribbean Daily Gratuity
The daily gratuity rate onboard Royal Caribbean ships is charged to onboard SeaPass accounts and varies depending on the length of the cruise and type of stateroom a guest is staying in. Gratuities are shared amongst crew members who are in departments such as dining, bar, stateroom attendants, hotel services, or culinary teams. Crew members receiving a portion of the gratuity may be guest facing or may be behind the scenes performing work that makes the cruise experience what it is.
How much is the Royal Caribbean daily gratuity?
This varies by the type of stateroom you are staying in for the cruise. As of 2/3/2024 the gratuity rates for Royal Caribbean cruises are as follows:
a) Non-Suite Stateroom & Jr. Suites is $18 per person per day
b) Suites is $20.50 per person per day
The daily gratuity rate onboard Royal Caribbean ships is charged to onboard SeaPass accounts and varies depending on the length of the cruise and type of stateroom a guest is staying in. Gratuities are shared amongst crew members who are in departments such as dining, bar, stateroom attendants, hotel services, or culinary teams. Crew members receiving a portion of the gratuity may be guest facing or may be behind the scenes performing work that makes the cruise experience what it is.
How much is the Royal Caribbean daily gratuity?
This varies by the type of stateroom you are staying in for the cruise. As of 2/3/2024 the gratuity rates for Royal Caribbean cruises are as follows:
a) Non-Suite Stateroom & Jr. Suites is $18 per person per day
b) Suites is $20.50 per person per day
Can I adjust the amount that is automatically applied to my onboard spending account?
Royal Caribbean allows guests to adjust the amount of the gratuity charged to their SeaPass account. Guests can visit guest services to change or remove the automatic gratuity. It is important to note this can be done up until the morning of departure from the cruise.
Does Royal Caribbean allow pre-payment of the gratuity?
Yes, Royal Caribbean allows guests to pre-pay the gratuity. This can be done by calling Royal Caribbean or if you booked through a travel agent, you can work with your travel agent to pre-pay the onboard gratuities. If you do choose to pre-pay your gratuity, Royal Caribbean should not put them on your SeaPass account so if this is you make sure you watch your SeaPass account to make sure you don't get accidentally charged for something you prepaid. You can pre-pay for gratuity before the cruise up to 48 hours prior to the sailing date.
Royal Caribbean allows guests to adjust the amount of the gratuity charged to their SeaPass account. Guests can visit guest services to change or remove the automatic gratuity. It is important to note this can be done up until the morning of departure from the cruise.
Does Royal Caribbean allow pre-payment of the gratuity?
Yes, Royal Caribbean allows guests to pre-pay the gratuity. This can be done by calling Royal Caribbean or if you booked through a travel agent, you can work with your travel agent to pre-pay the onboard gratuities. If you do choose to pre-pay your gratuity, Royal Caribbean should not put them on your SeaPass account so if this is you make sure you watch your SeaPass account to make sure you don't get accidentally charged for something you prepaid. You can pre-pay for gratuity before the cruise up to 48 hours prior to the sailing date.
Are gratuities charged for my young kids?
Yes, the gratuities will be charged for your kids regardless of age. Royal Caribbean's website states the per person per day gratuity charge is for "all guests".
Yes, the gratuities will be charged for your kids regardless of age. Royal Caribbean's website states the per person per day gratuity charge is for "all guests".
Royal Caribbean Service Gratuities
Royal Caribbean also has service gratuities that are assessed as part of making purchases for various services or amenities not found in a typical cruise fare.
Beverages & Mini Bar Items
Royal Caribbean's beverages and mini bar items have an 18% gratuity that is automatically added.
SPA & Salon Purchases
Royal Caribbean has a 20% service gratuity that is added automatically.
Royal Caribbean also has service gratuities that are assessed as part of making purchases for various services or amenities not found in a typical cruise fare.
Beverages & Mini Bar Items
Royal Caribbean's beverages and mini bar items have an 18% gratuity that is automatically added.
SPA & Salon Purchases
Royal Caribbean has a 20% service gratuity that is added automatically.
For more information about Royal Caribbean's gratuities please click here for the official information from Royal Caribbean's website (link will take you away to Royal Caribbean's website). Please keep in mind policies around gratuities, services charges, and tipping are subject to change at any time so make sure you check out Royal Caribbean's website or with your travel agent for the latest available information.