Cruise Gratuities Explained: When Do You Pay?
Updated: Jul 20
Cruise gratuities are one of the most confusing parts of planning a cruise. It is not necessarily the amount itself that causes confusion, but the fact that every cruise line and type of cruise can handle gratuities differently. This can become especially unclear when comparing different cruise experiences, from mainstream to luxury cruises.
In this article, I explain how cruise gratuities work, when they are included, when additional charges may apply, and what you should consider before setting sail.
In this guide, we will cover the following topics:
Why Do Cruise Lines Charge Gratuities?
Are Gratuities Included in Your Cruise Fare?
When Are Cruise Gratuities Not Included?
How Do Daily Gratuities and Service Charges Work Onboard?
Can You Give Additional Gratuities and Is It Necessary?
How Do Gratuities Work on River Cruises?
What Should You Know Before Your Cruise?
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Gratuities
1. Why Do Cruise Lines Charge Gratuities?
A cruise vacation is made possible by a large team of crew members who work around the clock to provide excellent service. This includes your stateroom attendants, restaurant staff, waiters, housekeeping teams, kitchen staff, and many other crew members working behind the scenes to make your cruise experience enjoyable.
Daily gratuities, also known as service charges are designed as a way to recognize and support the work of these crew members. On many cruise lines, the amount collected is shared among different departments, ensuring that not only the crew members you interact with every day, but also those working behind the scenes, are included.
By using a daily gratuity system, guests do not have to carry cash or decide individually who should receive a tip throughout the cruise. It creates a more consistent and convenient way to reward the entire team.
On luxury cruise lines, gratuities are often already included in the cruise fare. On many mainstream cruise lines, gratuities are either charged separately as a daily service charge or included through selected fares and packages.
2. Are Gratuities Included in Your Cruise Fare?
On many luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines, gratuities are already included in the cruise fare. This means you do not need to budget for additional daily gratuity charges during your cruise.
When gratuities are included:
Your stateroom service, housekeeping, and dining service are covered as part of the overall cruise fare.
The crew appreciation costs are already included in the price you pay.
You can enjoy the onboard service without worrying about unexpected additional charges.
For many guests, especially those booking a luxury cruise for the first time, this creates a more relaxed experience. You can simply enjoy the high level of service onboard without having to think about who should receive a tip or how much to give.
3. When Are Cruise Gratuities Not Included?
Different rules apply to many major cruise lines:
For certain services, such as spa treatments or specialty restaurants, an additional gratuity may be expected.
To make it easier to compare, I have created an overview showing which major cruise lines include gratuities in selected fares or packages and which cruise lines normally charge them separately.
Overview: How Do Gratuities Work on the Largest Cruise Lines?
Cruise Line | Daily Gratuities (per person, per day) | When Are They Included? |
Royal Caribbean | From approx. USD 18.50 | Daily gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account. Prepaying gratuities is usually available before departure. |
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | From approx. USD 20 | With selected Free At Sea fares, gratuities may be included. Otherwise, daily gratuities are charged automatically. |
MSC Cruises | From approx. USD 16–18 (or approx. €12 on some European sailings) | Service charges may be included with selected fares or promotions. Always check your booking details. |
Celebrity Cruises | From approx. USD 18 | Included with All Included fares. Basic fares usually have daily gratuities charged separately. |
Princess Cruises | From approx. USD 17 | Included with Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. |
Holland America Line | From approx. USD 17–19 | Crew Appreciation may be included with Have It All or selected promotional fares. |
How Do Daily Gratuities and Service Charges Work Onboard?
On many mainstream cruise lines, daily gratuities are not included in the basic cruise fare. Instead, a daily gratuity or service charge is automatically added to your onboard account for each guest.
Depending on the cruise line and stateroom category, this amount is typically around USD 18 to USD 20 per person, per day.
During your cruise, you can usually view these charges:
In the cruise line's mobile app
On your stateroom TV
By requesting an account statement from Guest Services
At the end of your cruise, you will receive a final onboard statement showing all charges, including your daily gratuities.
Some cruise lines also allow you to prepay gratuities before your cruise, making it easier to budget your vacation expenses.
Can You Remove Daily Gratuities?
Policies vary by cruise line. Some cruise lines may allow you to adjust or discuss your gratuities with Guest Services, while others automatically include them as part of their onboard service policy.
5. Can You Give Additional Gratuities and Is It Necessary?
Even if gratuities are already included in your cruise fare, you can always choose to give an additional gratuity. While this is never required, many guests like to show their appreciation for exceptional service.
Common reasons for giving an extra gratuity include:
To thank a crew member for outstanding service.
To celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon.
To show your personal appreciation for someone who made your cruise extra special.
Additional gratuities are entirely optional. On luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines, they are generally less common because gratuities are already included in the cruise fare. However, if a crew member has exceeded your expectations, a personal gratuity is always appreciated.
6. How Do Gratuities Work on River Cruises?
Gratuity policies on river cruises are often different from those on ocean cruises.
Unlike many ocean cruises, river cruises usually do not automatically add a daily service charge to your onboard account. Instead, most river cruise lines provide a recommended gratuity amount, allowing guests to decide how much they would like to give based on the service they received.
Gratuities on European and American River Cruises
Type of River Cruise Line | How Do Gratuities Work? |
American River Cruise Lines (such as AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Viking and Uniworld) | Cruise lines usually recommend €10–15 (or the equivalent in local currency) per person, per day on European itineraries. On U.S. river cruises, recommended gratuities are typically quoted in U.S. dollars. |
European River Cruise Lines (such as CroisiEurope, VIVA Cruises, A-ROSA and Nicko Cruises) | Gratuities are often voluntary, with a recommended amount of approximately €5–10 per person, per day. Some cruise lines already include gratuities in the cruise fare. |
Gratuity policies on river cruises vary from one cruise line to another. In general, American river cruise lines tend to recommend higher daily gratuities, while European operators often leave more flexibility and suggest lower amounts. Many luxury river cruise lines now include gratuities in the cruise fare, making it easier for guests to budget their holiday in advance.
What Should You Know Before Your Cruise?
The most important thing to remember is to check your cruise line's gratuity policy before you travel. Every cruise line has its own approach, so it's helpful to know in advance whether gratuities are already included or will be charged separately. If gratuities are included, there is no obligation to tip extra unless you wish to recognize exceptional service.
Being well prepared means you can:
Enjoy your cruise with complete peace of mind.
Avoid unexpected charges at the end of your vacation.
Relax and appreciate the excellent service onboard without worrying about gratuities.
Cruise gratuities don't have to be confusing or stressful. Once you understand how they work and what is included in your cruise fare, you can focus on what really matters relaxing, exploring new destinations, and making unforgettable memories at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Gratuities
Do children have to pay cruise gratuities?
In most cases, yes. Daily gratuities usually apply to all guests, including children. However, some cruise lines offer reduced gratuities for younger children or have different policies depending on the itinerary or fare. Always check your cruise line's gratuity policy before you travel.
Do I have to tip in cash on a cruise?
No. On most mainstream cruise lines, daily gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account or included in your cruise fare or package. However, if you would like to reward a crew member for exceptional service, you are always welcome to give an additional cash gratuity.
Can I prepay cruise gratuities before sailing?
Many cruise lines allow you to prepay gratuities when booking your cruise or before departure. Prepaying can help you budget your vacation and avoid unexpected charges onboard.
Are gratuities refundable if I receive poor service?
This depends on the cruise line. Some cruise lines may allow you to discuss or adjust gratuities with Guest Services, while others have a fixed gratuity policy. If you experience poor service, it is always best to speak with Guest Services as soon as possible.
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