Princess Cruises adds a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account
Princess Cruises adds a gratuity charge to your onboard account each day, rather than asking you to hand cash to crew members. The amount depends on your cabin type and the length of your cruise. As of 2024, the daily rate is approximately $15.50 per person in an inside or oceanview cabin, $17.50 per person in a balcony cabin, and $18.50 per person in a suite. These amounts are added automatically to your final bill unless you request a change before or during your voyage.
The system covers gratuities for housekeeping, dining room staff, and other service personnel. You do not have to use cash or figure out who deserves what—the charge is divided among crew members who work in those departments. If you want to adjust the amount, you can do so at the guest services desk onboard, and the change takes effect the next day.
Key Takeaways
- Princess adds a daily gratuity charge to your account automatically, ranging from about $15.50 to $18.50 per person depending on cabin type.
- The charge covers housekeeping, dining staff, and other service crew, and is divided among those departments rather than given to individual crew members.
- You can adjust or remove the gratuity at the guest services desk onboard, and the change takes effect the next day.
- Specialty dining venues, bars, and spa services typically add their own 15 to 18 percent gratuity to those charges separately.
How the daily gratuity is calculated
The daily amount is multiplied by the number of people in your cabin and the number of nights you are onboard. If you are traveling with two people in a balcony cabin for seven nights, you would pay $17.50 × 2 people × 7 nights = $245 in gratuities before any adjustments. This total is added to your final bill when you check out, though you can pay it earlier if you prefer.
Princess does not charge gratuities for children under age 12 at the standard rate. Some promotional fares or packages may include gratuities, so check your booking confirmation to see whether the charge is already covered. If you booked through a travel agent, they may have included it in your package price.
Specialty dining and bar gratuities are separate
The daily gratuity covers your main dining room meals and standard beverage service. If you eat at specialty restaurants onboard—such as Sabatini's or the steakhouse—those venues add their own gratuity of 15 to 18 percent to your bill. The same applies to drinks ordered at bars, lounges, and the poolside bar.
Spa services, salon services, and shore excursions also add gratuity separately. When you book a massage or facial, the spa will add 18 to 20 percent to that charge. If you purchase a beverage package, gratuity is typically included in the package price, so you do not pay it twice.
Adjusting or removing your gratuity onboard
You can visit the guest services desk at any time during your cruise to change the gratuity amount. You do not need a reason to reduce or remove it entirely, though crew members depend on these charges as part of their wages. If you adjust the amount, the new rate takes effect the next day and applies to the remaining nights of your cruise.
Some passengers choose to add extra gratuity for exceptional service. You can do this at guest services or by adding a tip directly to a bar or specialty dining bill. Keep in mind that removing the standard gratuity may affect the service you receive for the remainder of your voyage, as crew members are aware of gratuity levels.
What happens if you prepay gratuities
You can pay your gratuities before your cruise by adding them to your online account or paying them when you make your final payment. Prepaying locks in the current rate and removes the charge from your onboard bill, so you do not see it added daily. This option is useful if you want to budget the full cost upfront or if you prefer not to deal with adjustments onboard.
If you prepay and then want to adjust the amount, you will need to contact Princess customer service before your cruise departs. Changes made onboard explore only to the remaining nights, so prepaying gives you less flexibility if you change your mind.
Comparing gratuity costs across cabin types
| Cabin Type | Daily Gratuity Per Person | 7-Night Total (2 People) |
|---|---|---|
| Inside or Oceanview | $15.50 | $217 |
| Balcony | $17.50 | $245 |
| Suite | $18.50 | $259 |
Suite guests receive additional services such as priority dining reservations and concierge access, which is reflected in the higher gratuity rate. The amounts shown are current as of 2024 but may change. Check your booking confirmation or the Princess website for the exact rates that explore to your sailing date.
The table above shows how gratuity costs scale with both cabin type and cruise length. A seven-night cruise in a suite for two people will cost roughly $42 more in gratuities than the same cruise in an inside cabin. Longer cruises multiply these daily charges accordingly, so a 10-night voyage would increase each total by about 43 percent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the gratuity entirely?
Yes. You can visit guest services onboard and request that the daily charge be removed. There is no penalty for doing so, though crew members may be aware of your decision. If you prepaid gratuities, you will need to contact Princess before your cruise to request a refund.
Do I need to tip crew members separately with cash?
The daily gratuity system is designed so you do not have to carry cash for tips. However, if you want to give cash directly to a crew member for exceptional service, you are welcome to do so. Many passengers leave a small amount in their cabin for housekeeping on the last night.
Are gratuities included in all-inclusive packages?
Some Princess packages include gratuities, while others do not. Check your booking confirmation to see whether gratuities are listed as included. If you are unsure, contact Princess customer service or your travel agent before your cruise.
What if I disagree with the gratuity amount?
You can adjust it at guest services without explanation. The new amount takes effect the next day. If you believe the charge is incorrect, guest services can review your account and make corrections if needed.
Do children pay the full gratuity?
Children under 12 typically do not pay the standard daily gratuity. Verify the rate for your specific sailing on your booking confirmation, as policies may vary by ship or promotion.