Gratuities Are Not Legally Required, but Carnival Expects Them
You are not legally required to pay gratuities on a Carnival cruise. Gratuities—also called tips—are voluntary payments you make to the crew members who serve you during your voyage. However, Carnival automatically adds a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account unless you specifically ask to remove it before or during your cruise.
The automatic charge appears on your final bill, and you can dispute it or reduce it if you choose. The crew members who receive these gratuities depend on them as a significant part of their income, since their base wages are low. Understanding how Carnival's gratuity system works helps you make an informed decision about what you pay.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival automatically adds daily gratuities to your onboard account at a set rate per person, but you can request removal or reduction before you sail or at the guest services desk during your cruise.
- The standard daily gratuity rate varies by cabin type—inside and oceanview cabins have one rate, balcony cabins have a higher rate, and suite guests pay the most.
- You can remove gratuities entirely, reduce them, or keep them as charged; the choice is yours, but crew members rely on these tips as their primary income.
- If you remove automatic gratuities, you can still tip individual crew members in cash or add tips to your onboard account at any time during your voyage.
How Carnival's Automatic Gratuity System Works
When you book a Carnival cruise, the line automatically adds a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account. This charge is calculated per person per day and varies based on your cabin category. As of recent years, the daily rates are approximately $15 per person for inside and oceanview cabins, $16 per person for balcony cabins, and higher amounts for suite accommodations, though these rates change periodically and may differ based on your specific sailing date.
The gratuities accumulate each day of your cruise and appear on your final bill when you check out. Carnival pools these gratuities and distributes them among crew members who work in dining, housekeeping, and guest services. The system is designed so that you do not have to carry cash or make individual tipping decisions for each crew member you encounter.
Removing or Reducing Gratuities Before Your Cruise
You can remove the automatic gratuity charge before you sail by contacting Carnival directly. Log into your online account through Carnival's website, call their reservations line, or speak with a travel agent if you booked through one. Request that the automatic gratuities be removed from your reservation. You will need your booking reference number and the names of passengers on your reservation.
Carnival processes these requests, but you should confirm the change was made by checking your account a few days before your departure. If you want to reduce gratuities rather than remove them entirely, you can request a lower daily amount instead of the standard rate. Keep in mind that once you remove gratuities, you will need to decide how you want to handle tipping during your cruise.
Adjusting Gratuities During Your Cruise
If you did not remove gratuities before sailing, you can still adjust them once you are onboard. Visit the guest services desk on your first day or any day during your cruise. Speak with a staff member and explain that you want to remove, reduce, or modify the gratuity charge on your account. They can process the change when ready and adjust your final bill.
This option gives you the flexibility to see the service you receive and then decide whether to keep the automatic charge, reduce it, or remove it entirely. Some guests prefer this approach because they can evaluate their experience before committing to the gratuity amount. The guest services desk is located in a central area of the ship and is staffed throughout your voyage.
Tipping Crew Members If You Remove Automatic Gratuities
If you remove the automatic gratuity charge, you are still able to tip crew members directly. You can carry cash onboard and hand tips to your cabin steward, dining room server, bartender, or any crew member who provides you with service. Many guests who remove automatic gratuities prefer this method because they can reward individual crew members based on the service they receive.
Alternatively, you can add gratuities to your onboard account at any point during your cruise through guest services or your cabin's in-room television system. This method lets you decide the total amount and how it is distributed. Some guests choose to tip certain crew members more generously than others based on their interactions.
What Happens to Gratuity Money
Carnival distributes the pooled gratuities among crew members in dining, housekeeping, and guest services roles. These workers receive a portion of the total gratuities collected from all passengers. The distribution system means that your gratuity does not go to a single person but is shared among the team members who contributed to your experience during the cruise.
Crew members in these roles typically earn low base wages and depend on gratuities to reach a livable income. This is standard practice across the cruise industry. Understanding this context can help you decide whether to keep, reduce, or remove the automatic charge based on your own financial situation and values.
Comparing Gratuity Rates Across Cabin Types
Carnival charges different daily gratuity rates depending on your cabin category. The rates reflect the assumption that guests in higher-category cabins receive more personalized service and use more crew-dependent amenities. Inside and oceanview cabins have the lowest daily rate, balcony cabins have a mid-range rate, and suites have the highest rate.
If you are comparing the total cost of different cabin types, factor in the gratuity difference. A balcony cabin costs more per night than an oceanview cabin, and the gratuity charge is also higher. Over a week-long cruise, the difference in gratuities between cabin types can add several dollars per day to your total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove gratuities and not tip anyone?
Yes, you can remove automatic gratuities and choose not to tip. This is your right as a paying customer. However, crew members depend on gratuities as their primary income, so removing them entirely may affect the service you receive during your cruise. Many guests find a middle ground by removing automatic gratuities and then tipping crew members in cash based on the service they receive.
What if I remove gratuities and then change my mind?
You can add gratuities back to your account at any time during your cruise through guest services or your cabin television system. You can also tip crew members in cash or add tips to your final bill before you disembark. There is no penalty for changing your mind about gratuities during your voyage.
Do I have to tip the same amount for all crew members?
No. If you remove automatic gratuities and tip in cash, you can tip different amounts to different crew members based on the service you receive. Some guests tip their cabin steward more generously than their server, or vice versa. This flexibility is one reason some passengers prefer to remove automatic gratuities and handle tipping themselves.
Are gratuities included in the cruise fare advertised online?
No. The advertised cruise fare does not include gratuities. Gratuities are added separately to your onboard account. When comparing cruise prices between lines or between different sailings, remember to factor in the gratuity cost, which adds to your total expense.
What if I had a bad experience with a crew member?
If you had a poor experience with a specific crew member or service, you can reduce or remove gratuities for that portion of your cruise. Speak with guest services and explain the situation. They may adjust your gratuity charge or direct you to a manager who can address your concern. You can also choose to tip only the crew members who provided good service.