Royal Caribbean adds gratuities automatically, but you can adjust or remove them
Royal Caribbean automatically charges gratuities to your onboard account at a set daily rate. The line does not require you to pay gratuities — you can reduce the amount, remove it entirely, or add more if you choose. Most passengers keep the automatic charge because it simplifies payment and ensures crew members receive compensation for their work.
The automatic gratuity appears on your final bill and is charged per person, per day of the cruise. You can change this amount before you sail, onboard at the guest services desk, or after the cruise ends. The key is understanding when and how to make changes, because the process differs depending on when you decide to adjust.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean automatically adds gratuities to your account at roughly $15 per person per day for standard cabins, though the exact amount varies by cabin type and ship.
- You can reduce, remove, or increase gratuities before boarding through your online account, at the guest services desk during the cruise, or after you return home.
- Gratuities are charged per person per day, so a family of four on a seven-day cruise will see a substantial charge if you keep the automatic amount.
- If you remove gratuities entirely, crew members who served you will not receive compensation from the line for that service.
- Changing gratuities after the cruise requires contacting Royal Caribbean directly, and refunds can take several weeks to process.
How much Royal Caribbean charges for gratuities
The daily gratuity rate depends on your cabin type. Inside and oceanview cabins are charged approximately $15 per person per day. Balcony cabins run about $16 per person per day. Suite guests pay higher amounts, ranging from roughly $18 to $20 per person per day depending on the suite category. These amounts are current but can change, and Royal Caribbean may adjust rates seasonally or by ship.
On a seven-day cruise, a family of four in an inside cabin would see gratuities of around $420 ($15 × 4 people × 7 days). A couple in a balcony cabin would pay approximately $224 ($16 × 2 people × 7 days). These charges appear on your final bill and are typically paid along with any other onboard expenses when you settle your account.
The gratuity covers service staff including your cabin steward, dining room server, and busser. It does not cover specialty dining venues, spa services, or other paid amenities — those have separate charges or optional gratuities.
Adjusting gratuities before your cruise
The easiest time to change gratuities is before you board. Log into your Royal Caribbean account online and navigate to your booking. You will see the gratuity charge listed on your account summary. Click on it to adjust the amount up or down, or remove it entirely. This change takes effect when ready and appears on your final bill.
If you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone, call Royal Caribbean's customer service line. A representative can adjust your gratuity over the phone and confirm the change in writing. Make this call at least a few days before your sail date to may support the change processes in time.
Changing gratuities before you sail is the fastest and simplest method. There are no fees, no paperwork, and no waiting period — the adjustment shows up on your final bill automatically.
Changing gratuities onboard during your cruise
You can modify gratuities at any point during your cruise by visiting the guest services desk. Staff there can increase your gratuity, reduce it, or remove it entirely. Bring your room key card so they can pull up your account quickly. The change takes effect when ready and will show on your final bill when you check out.
Guest services is typically located on the atrium level and is open throughout the day and evening. Lines can be longer during embarkation day and the final evening of the cruise, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid a wait. Most adjustments take only a few minutes once you reach the desk.
If you decide onboard that you want to add gratuities or increase them, you can do that at guest services as well. Some passengers choose to add extra gratuities for exceptional service from specific crew members, and the desk can direct that additional amount to the person you name.
Removing gratuities entirely
You have the right to remove gratuities completely. Royal Caribbean will not charge you if you request removal. However, understand that crew members who provided service to you — your cabin steward, dining room server, and busser — will not receive compensation from the line for that work. In the cruise industry, gratuities are the primary source of income for these positions, and most crew members depend on them to earn a living wage.
If you had poor service and want to remove gratuities as a result, consider instead reducing the amount and speaking with guest services about your experience. They may be able to address service issues and can may support your feedback reaches management. Removing gratuities entirely is your choice, but it affects the individuals who served you rather than the company.
Adjusting gratuities after your cruise ends
You can request a gratuity adjustment after you return home, but the process is slower and more involved. Contact Royal Caribbean's customer service department by phone or through your online account and request a gratuity modification. Explain what you want changed and why. A representative will process your request, but refunds can take two to four weeks to appear on your credit card or account.
Keep your final bill and any documentation of your cruise experience if you are requesting a significant reduction or removal. While Royal Caribbean does not require proof of poor service to process a change, having details ready can speed up the conversation with customer service.
Adjusting after the cruise is the slowest option and should be your last resort. If you know before sailing that you want to change gratuities, or if you decide during the cruise, those methods are much faster and more straightforward.
Gratuities for specialty dining and other services
The automatic gratuity covers only your main dining room and standard onboard service. If you eat at specialty restaurants — steakhouses, Italian venues, or other paid dining options — those venues add their own gratuity, usually 18 percent automatically. You can adjust that gratuity at the restaurant, just as you would at a land-based establishment.
Spa services, shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean, and other paid activities may include gratuities or allow you to add them. Check your receipt or confirmation for each service to see whether gratuity is included or optional. Cabin service requests, room service, and other incidental services do not have automatic gratuities, though you can tip crew members directly in cash if you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not pay gratuities?
Royal Caribbean will not prevent you from boarding or sailing if you remove gratuities. However, crew members who served you will not receive compensation from the line. Gratuities are the standard way service staff earn income on cruise ships, so removing them affects individuals rather than the company.
Can I tip crew members directly in cash instead of paying gratuities?
Yes, you can give cash tips directly to crew members. Many passengers do this for exceptional service or to may support a specific person receives the tip. You can also add gratuities to your account and request that they go to a particular crew member by name at guest services.
Do gratuities cover all onboard staff?
Automatic gratuities cover dining room servers, bussers, and cabin stewards — the staff who provide direct service in those areas. They do not cover entertainment staff, activities coordinators, or other crew members. You can tip any crew member directly if you wish.
Can I change gratuities multiple times during my cruise?
Yes, you can visit guest services as many times as you need to adjust your gratuity amount. There is no limit to how many changes you can make, and each adjustment takes effect when ready on your account.
Are gratuities the same on all Royal Caribbean ships?
Gratuity rates are generally consistent across the Royal Caribbean fleet, but they may vary slightly by ship class or cabin type. Check your account before sailing to see the exact rate for your specific booking, as rates can differ from the standard amounts listed here.