Princess Cruises Gratuity Charges and Daily Amounts
Princess Cruises adds gratuities to your bill automatically unless you remove or adjust them before you sail. The daily charge depends on your cabin type and ranges from $15 to $16 per person per day for standard inside and outside cabins, $17 per person per day for balcony cabins, and $18 per person per day for suites. These amounts cover housekeeping, dining staff, and other crew members who serve you during the voyage.
The total gratuity charge appears on your final bill and is calculated by multiplying the daily rate by the number of nights you are aboard. A seven-night cruise in a balcony cabin for two people would add roughly $238 in gratuities before you even board. Princess does not include gratuities in the base fare you see advertised, so the final cost to you will be higher than the initial price quote.
You can adjust or remove gratuities through your Princess account online, at the guest services desk on the ship, or by calling Princess directly before departure. If you remove them entirely, crew members will not receive compensation for their service from the company, so most passengers choose to keep the automatic charges or add more.
Key Takeaways
- Princess adds $15 to $18 per person per day in gratuities automatically, depending on your cabin type.
- The total gratuity charge is added to your final bill and is not included in the advertised cruise price.
- You can adjust, reduce, or remove gratuities through your online account or at the guest services desk on the ship.
- Removing gratuities means crew members receive no compensation from Princess for their service.
- Specialty dining venues, bars, and spa services typically add an 18 percent gratuity automatically unless you decline.
How Gratuities Are Charged and When They Appear on Your Bill
Princess charges gratuities per person per day, not per cabin. If you are traveling with a companion, both of you are charged the daily rate. The charge begins on your first day aboard and continues through your last full day on the ship; the final day typically does not include a gratuity charge.
The gratuity amount is added to your onboard account, which you settle when you leave the ship. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash. If you booked a package that includes gratuities, the amount may already be factored into your total cost, so check your booking confirmation to see whether gratuities are listed separately or bundled.
Adjusting or Removing Gratuities Before You Sail
Log into your Princess account on the Princess Cruises website and navigate to your booking. Look for the gratuities section, which shows the daily rate and total amount. You can increase the amount, decrease it, or remove it entirely. Changes made online take effect when ready and are reflected in your final bill.
If you prefer to handle it in person, visit the guest services desk on your first day aboard. Staff can show you the current gratuity charges and adjust them on the spot. You can also call Princess customer service before your departure date and request changes over the phone; have your booking number ready.
Gratuities for Specialty Dining, Bars, and Spa Services
Dining in the main dining room and buffet is covered by your base gratuities. However, specialty restaurants on the ship—such as steakhouses or Italian venues—automatically add an 18 percent gratuity to your bill. Bars and the spa also add 18 percent gratuity by default unless you decline at the time of purchase.
You can ask the server or bartender to remove or adjust the gratuity before you sign the receipt. Some passengers choose to add more for exceptional service. These charges are separate from your daily gratuity and are added directly to your onboard account.
What Gratuities Cover and What They Do Not
Your daily gratuity covers housekeeping staff who clean your cabin, dining room servers and busboys, and other crew members who provide direct service during your cruise. It does not cover the captain, senior officers, or administrative staff. Gratuities do not cover optional services like spa treatments, specialty dining, or shore excursions, which have their own gratuity structure.
If you use room service, a gratuity is not automatically added, though it is customary to tip the person who delivers your meal. Gratuities also do not cover tips for casino staff, photographers, or other specialty service providers; those are left to your discretion.
Comparing Gratuity Costs Across Different Cabin Types
Princess charges different daily gratuity rates based on where you sleep. Inside cabins (no window) and outside cabins (with a window) are charged at $15 to $16 per person per day. Balcony cabins are $17 per person per day. Suites, including mini-suites and larger accommodations, are charged $18 per person per day.
The difference reflects the assumption that suite guests receive more personalized service. Over a week-long cruise, the gratuity difference between an inside cabin and a suite can total $21 per person. When budgeting for your cruise, factor in the gratuity rate for your specific cabin type to avoid surprises on your final bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove gratuities entirely?
Yes. You can remove gratuities online before you sail, at the guest services desk on the ship, or by calling Princess before departure. However, crew members who serve you will not receive compensation from Princess if you do, so most passengers choose to keep them or add more.
Do I need to tip crew members in addition to the automatic gratuity?
The automatic gratuity is meant to cover standard service. Many passengers leave additional cash tips for housekeeping or dining staff if they feel the service was exceptional. This is optional and left entirely to your judgment.
Are gratuities included in the advertised cruise price?
No. The price you see advertised does not include gratuities. They are added separately to your final bill. Always factor in the daily gratuity rate when calculating your total cruise cost.
What happens if I dispute a gratuity charge?
Contact Princess guest services on the ship or call their customer service line after your cruise. You can request a review of the charge, though Princess will ask why you are disputing it. Removing or reducing gratuities before you sail is simpler than disputing them after the fact.
Do children pay the same gratuity as adults?
Yes. Children in your cabin are charged the same daily gratuity rate as adults. Infants and very young children may have reduced rates; check your booking confirmation or contact Princess directly to confirm the rate for your specific party.