Cruise lines add gratuities automatically, and the amount depends on your cabin type and length of stay
Most cruise lines add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account automatically. This is not optional—it appears on your final bill unless you request a reduction or removal before you leave the ship. The daily amount ranges from roughly $12 to $16 per person for standard cabins, and $18 to $20 per person for suites, though these figures vary by cruise line and change periodically.
The gratuity covers housekeeping, dining room staff, and other crew members who serve you directly. Some cruise lines break this down into separate line items on your bill so you can see exactly where the money goes. Others combine it into one charge. Either way, you are paying for service that has already been provided, not tipping at the end of a meal the way you would at a restaurant.
You can adjust the amount or remove it entirely by visiting the guest services desk on your first day or your last evening. The crew will not be offended if you lower it—they know the system is built into the price. However, if you remove it entirely, individual crew members lose income they were counting on, so most people reduce rather than eliminate.
Key Takeaways
- Gratuities are added automatically to your account at roughly $12 to $16 per person per day in standard cabins, or $18 to $20 in suites.
- You can adjust or remove the charge by visiting guest services on your first day or last evening—no penalty or awkwardness.
- The charge covers housekeeping, dining staff, and other crew who serve you directly, not optional tipping.
- If you pay by credit card onboard, the gratuity is charged to that card along with any other purchases you make.
- Some cruise lines allow you to adjust gratuities before you board if you log into your account online.
How gratuities are charged to your account
The charge appears as a daily line item on your onboard account, multiplied by the number of days you are on the ship. If you are on a seven-day cruise and the daily rate is $15 per person, you will see $105 added to your bill before you even board. This happens automatically when you check in.
The charge is separate from your cabin fare and any drink packages or shore excursions you purchase. It sits on your account like a hotel resort fee—you cannot avoid it by paying cash or using a different payment method. When you settle your account at the end of the cruise, the gratuity is included in the total you owe.
If you are traveling with children, gratuities are usually charged at a reduced rate or not at all for children under a certain age (typically 12 or younger, depending on the line). Ask about this when you book or call the cruise line before you sail.
Gratuity rates by cruise line and cabin type
Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian all charge gratuities, but the amounts and policies differ slightly. Carnival's standard rate is around $13.50 per person per day for inside and oceanview cabins, and $18 per person per day for suites. Royal Caribbean charges roughly $14.50 for standard cabins and $18.50 for suites. Disney's rates are higher, around $15 per person per day for standard cabins and $19 for suites.
Norwegian Cruise Line includes gratuities in the base fare for some cabin types and pricing tiers, so you may not see a separate charge at all. This is worth checking when you book, because it affects the true cost of your cruise. Other lines occasionally run promotions where gratuities are waived or reduced for early bookers.
These figures change, and cruise lines sometimes adjust them seasonally or by destination. The best way to know the exact amount for your sailing is to log into your online account after you book, or call the cruise line directly. Your final bill will show the exact charge before you sail.
What happens if you adjust or remove gratuities
You can lower the gratuity amount or remove it entirely without any penalty or awkwardness. Visit the guest services desk on your first day aboard, or go on your last evening before disembarkation. Tell them you would like to adjust the gratuity, and they will ask you what amount you prefer. You can reduce it by a dollar amount or a percentage, or remove it completely.
Some cruise lines allow you to make this change before you board by logging into your account on their website. Look for a section called "onboard account" or "manage my booking." If you see the gratuity charge listed there, you may be able to adjust it directly without waiting until you are on the ship.
If you remove gratuities entirely, the crew members who served you—your cabin attendant, dining room server, bartender—lose that income. Most people who want to lower the charge reduce it by 25 to 50 percent rather than removing it completely. This is a personal decision, and the crew understands that not everyone can afford the full amount.
Gratuities versus other onboard charges
Gratuities are separate from specialty dining fees, beverage packages, shore excursions, and spa services. If you book a steakhouse dinner or a massage, those charges appear as separate line items on your account. Gratuities cover only the crew members who provide standard service in your cabin and the main dining room.
If you order room service, drinks at the pool bar, or food from a specialty restaurant, those charges are added separately. Some cruise lines include a tip automatically on specialty dining and bar charges; others leave it to you. Check your bill each evening to see what has been charged and ask at guest services if you are unsure what a line item covers.
Beverage packages—which cover unlimited soda, coffee, alcohol, or juice depending on the package—are also separate from gratuities. You pay for the package upfront or onboard, and gratuities do not cover the bartender or server who pours your drinks. Some cruise lines add a small automatic gratuity to bar and specialty dining charges on top of the daily gratuity you already paid.
How to budget for gratuities before you book
Add the daily gratuity rate to your per-person cruise fare when you are calculating the true cost of your trip. If a cruise costs $1,200 per person for seven days, and gratuities are $15 per day, you are actually paying $1,305 per person. Multiply that by the number of people in your cabin to see the total gratuity cost for your group.
If you are traveling with a large family or group, gratuities can add up quickly. A family of four on a seven-day cruise paying $15 per person per day will add $420 to their total bill just in gratuities. Some families budget for this by setting aside money before the cruise, or by choosing a shorter sailing to reduce the total gratuity charge.
If you are booking a suite or a higher-category cabin, expect to pay the higher gratuity rate. This is built into the premium pricing of those cabins, so it is not a surprise—just make sure you factor it into your budget when comparing cabin types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove gratuities if I am unhappy with the service?
Yes, you can adjust or remove gratuities at any time during your cruise by visiting guest services. However, gratuities are charged for all crew members who serve you, not just one person. If you had a problem with a specific crew member, tell guest services about it—they may be able to address the issue without you removing the entire gratuity charge.
Do I need to tip crew members extra if I already paid gratuities?
No. The automatic gratuity is meant to cover standard service. If a crew member goes above and beyond—such as your cabin attendant remembering your preferences or a server making your dining experience special—you can leave a small cash tip if you wish, but it is not expected or required.
What if I want to pay gratuities in cash instead of having them charged to my account?
Most cruise lines require you to adjust the charge at guest services and then pay cash directly to crew members, which is not practical for a large group. It is easier to leave the automatic charge on your account and adjust it if needed. Some crew members may accept cash tips in addition to the automatic gratuity, but this is not a substitute for the onboard charge.
Are gratuities included in the cruise fare advertised online?
No. The advertised price is the cabin fare only. Gratuities, taxes, and port fees are added on top. When you see a cruise advertised for $599 per person, that is before gratuities. Always ask the cruise line or check the fine print to see what is included in the base price.
Do I pay gratuities if I book an all-inclusive cruise package?
Some all-inclusive packages include gratuities in the total price, and some do not. Read the package details carefully or call the cruise line to confirm. If gratuities are included, they will be listed separately in the breakdown so you know what you are paying for.