Carnival's daily gratuity charges and what they cover

Carnival adds gratuities to your onboard account automatically unless you change the amount before your cruise begins. The daily charge depends on your cabin type: $15.00 per person per day for inside and oceanview cabins, $16.00 per person per day for balcony cabins, and $17.50 per person per day for suite cabins. These amounts are current as of 2024 but Carnival adjusts them periodically, so confirm the exact figure on your booking confirmation or by calling Carnival directly.

The gratuity covers service staff including your stateroom attendant, dining room servers, and bartenders. It does not cover specialty restaurants, spa services, or entertainment venues that charge separately. If you book a beverage package or specialty dining package, those charges appear as separate line items on your final bill.

Carnival calculates the total gratuity by multiplying the daily rate by the number of days in your cruise and the number of people in your cabin. A family of four on a seven-day cruise in an oceanview cabin would see $448 added to their account ($16 × 7 days × 4 people).

Key Takeaways

  • Daily gratuities range from $15 to $17.50 per person depending on cabin type, charged automatically to your onboard account.
  • You can reduce, increase, or remove the automatic gratuity before your cruise by contacting Carnival or adjusting it at guest services on embarkation day.
  • The gratuity covers stateroom attendants, dining servers, and bartenders but does not include specialty dining, spa, or entertainment venues.
  • The total gratuity amount depends on your cabin type, number of cruise days, and number of people in your cabin.
  • Gratuities are separate from your cruise fare and any beverage or specialty dining packages you purchase.

How to adjust or remove gratuities before your cruise

You can change your gratuity amount before you board. Log into your Carnival account online, find your booking, and look for the gratuity section. You can lower the daily amount, remove it entirely, or increase it if you wish. Changes made online typically take effect when ready, though Carnival recommends making adjustments at least 24 hours before your sail date to avoid processing delays.

If you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit guest services on your first day aboard. Staff there can adjust your gratuity for the remaining days of your cruise. Keep in mind that if you remove gratuities entirely, you are responsible for tipping service staff directly in cash or by adding tips to individual charges at bars and specialty venues.

Some travelers remove the automatic gratuity and instead hand cash directly to stateroom attendants and dining staff. Others increase the automatic amount if they receive exceptional service. Both approaches are common and accepted.

What happens if you remove gratuities

Removing the automatic gratuity does not affect your service or access to any onboard venues. Stateroom attendants, servers, and bartenders will still perform their duties. However, service staff on cruise ships depend on gratuities as a significant part of their income, so removing them entirely may result in noticeably different service levels.

If you choose not to use the automatic system, plan to carry cash for tipping. Most service staff prefer cash tips handed directly, though some venues allow you to add a tip to your room account or credit card charge. The standard tipping amounts if you pay separately are roughly equivalent to the daily gratuity: $1 to $2 per person per day for your stateroom attendant, and 15 to 18 percent for dining and bar service.

Gratuities for specialty dining and other services

Specialty restaurants on Carnival ships charge a separate cover fee (typically $15 to $30 per person) in addition to the cost of your meal. This cover fee is not the same as gratuity. You are still expected to tip your server in the specialty restaurant, either by adding to your room account or paying cash. The automatic daily gratuity does not extend to these venues.

Spa services, salon services, and entertainment venues that charge separately also expect additional tips. A massage or facial typically warrants a 15 to 18 percent tip on top of the service charge. Casino staff, room service, and other specialty services follow similar conventions.

Gratuities for children and infants

Carnival charges the full daily gratuity rate for every person in your cabin, including children and infants. A family with two adults and two children under 12 in a balcony cabin pays $16 per person per day for all four occupants. There is no reduced rate for children, and infants in pack-and-plays are charged the same as any other passenger.

If cost is a concern, you can reduce the gratuity amount for children when you adjust your account online, or you can remove it for younger children and tip service staff directly. Some families tip the full amount for adults and a reduced amount for children, which guest services can help you set up.

How gratuities compare across cruise lines

Carnival's gratuity rates are in the middle range for the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean charges $15 to $16 per person per day for standard cabins and $17.50 for suites. Disney Cruise Line charges $14 to $15 per person per day. Norwegian Cruise Line includes gratuities in some fare types but charges $16 to $18 per person per day for others. Celebrity Cruises charges $16 to $18 per person per day depending on cabin type.

The differences are small enough that gratuity cost should not be the deciding factor when choosing a cruise line. What matters more is whether gratuities are included in your fare (as with some Norwegian packages) or added separately (as with Carnival). Check your specific booking to see what is and is not included in your cruise price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay gratuities with a credit card instead of cash?

Yes. Carnival adds gratuities to your onboard account automatically, and you pay your entire account balance with a credit card, cash, or both when you check out. You do not need to carry cash for the automatic gratuity. However, if you remove the automatic gratuity and want to tip service staff directly, many prefer cash, though some venues allow you to add tips to individual charges.

Do I have to pay gratuities if I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Gratuities are charged per person per day regardless of whether you use the dining venues. The charge covers the availability of service staff, not just meals you consume. You cannot opt out of gratuities based on your personal dining choices.

What if I am unhappy with the service I received?

You can request an adjustment to your gratuity at guest services before you disembark. Explain which service fell short and by how much you would like to reduce the charge. Guest services staff will review your request and may reduce or remove the gratuity for that service category. Document any issues during your cruise so you have specific examples when you make your request.

Are gratuities included in my cruise fare?

No. Carnival lists gratuities separately from your cruise fare. Your booking confirmation shows the fare price and the gratuity amount as two separate charges. Some cruise lines bundle gratuities into the advertised price, but Carnival does not.

Do I tip the captain or entertainment staff?

The automatic gratuity does not cover the captain, officers, or entertainment performers. Some passengers leave a small cash tip for their favorite entertainer or the captain at the end of the cruise, but this is entirely optional. Most passengers do not tip these staff members.