What cruise lines expect for gratuities
Most cruise lines add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account automatically — you do not have to decide the amount yourself unless you want to change it. The standard daily rate ranges from about $12 to $16 per person, depending on the cruise line and cabin type. Suites and higher-category cabins often carry higher daily charges, sometimes $18 to $20 or more.
These charges cover the crew members who serve you directly: your cabin steward, dining room server, and busser. The money does not go into a single pool — it is distributed among those specific staff members based on their role and the number of guests they served. You can see the exact daily amount on your onboard account statement, usually accessible through your cabin television or the cruise line's app.
The gratuity is optional in the sense that you can reduce it, increase it, or remove it entirely before you leave the ship. However, cruise lines present it as the expected standard, and most passengers pay it. If you do nothing, the charge will be added to your final bill.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise lines automatically add $12 to $16 per person per day to your account for gratuities, though the exact amount varies by line and cabin type.
- This daily charge covers your cabin steward, dining room server, and busser — the crew members who serve you directly each day.
- You can adjust, increase, or remove the gratuity charge from your onboard account before you disembark.
- Specialty restaurants, room service, and bar staff are not included in the automatic gratuity and typically expect separate tips of 15 to 20 percent.
How the automatic daily gratuity breaks down
The daily charge is divided among three main roles. Your cabin steward (also called a room attendant) receives the largest share — typically $3.50 to $5 per person per day — because they clean your cabin and handle your requests throughout the voyage. Your dining room server receives roughly $3.50 to $5 per person per day for serving your meals in the main dining room. Your busser receives about $1.50 to $2 per person per day for clearing plates and refilling water.
If you eat in the main dining room every night, these crew members see you regularly and the gratuity reflects that. If you skip formal dining and eat in the buffet or casual venues instead, the server and busser still receive their share of the automatic gratuity, even though they may not have served you directly. This is why some passengers feel the system is unfair — you pay for service you did not use.
The exact breakdown and per-person amounts are not always published by cruise lines, so the figures above are typical ranges based on common industry practice. Your specific cruise line's website or onboard materials may show slightly different amounts.
Specialty dining and bar gratuities
The automatic daily gratuity covers only the main dining room and your cabin. If you eat at specialty restaurants — steakhouses, Italian venues, sushi bars, or other paid dining options — those servers expect an additional tip of 15 to 20 percent of the bill. Some cruise lines add this automatically to specialty dining charges; others leave it to you.
Bar staff, whether at the main bar, pool bar, or lounge, typically expect 15 to 20 percent of your drink bill. Many passengers add $1 to $2 per drink as a simpler alternative. Room service also falls outside the automatic gratuity — a $2 to $5 tip per delivery is standard, depending on the size of the order.
Spa staff, shore excursion guides, and other specialized services are not covered by the daily gratuity either. If you book a massage or facial, a 15 to 20 percent tip is customary. If you take a guided shore tour, $5 to $10 per person for the guide is typical, though this varies by destination and tour length.
When and how to adjust your gratuity
You can change your gratuity charge at any point during your cruise. Most ships have a dedicated desk — often called Guest Services or the Purser's Office — where you can request an adjustment. You can also use your cabin television or the cruise line's mobile app to modify the amount directly, depending on which line you are sailing with.
If you want to reduce or remove the automatic gratuity, you will need to do so before your final day. Once you disembark, the charge is locked in and refunds are difficult to obtain. If you want to increase the gratuity — for example, because a crew member went above and beyond — you can add cash directly to their hand, add it to your onboard account, or leave it at Guest Services with instructions to credit a specific crew member.
Some passengers reduce the automatic gratuity and instead hand cash directly to crew members they interacted with. This is permitted, though cruise lines prefer the automatic system because it ensures all staff receive something and prevents tipping from being uneven.
Gratuity amounts by major cruise line
| Cruise Line | Daily Gratuity (per person) | Suite Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $13.99 (inside/outside cabin) | +$2 to $5 depending on suite type |
| Royal Caribbean | $14.50 (inside/outside cabin) | +$2 to $5 depending on suite type |
| Disney Cruise Line | $14 (inside/outside cabin) | +$2 to $5 depending on suite type |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $15 (inside/outside cabin) | +$2 to $5 depending on suite type |
| Princess Cruises | $14.50 (inside/outside cabin) | +$2 to $5 depending on suite type |
These amounts change periodically and may vary by sailing date, ship, and destination. Check your cruise documents or the cruise line's website for the exact charge on your specific sailing. Suites typically carry an additional daily charge because suite guests receive more personalized service from a dedicated concierge or suite attendant.
What happens if you do not pay gratuities
If you remove the automatic gratuity entirely and do not tip in cash, crew members will not prevent you from leaving the ship. However, your cabin steward, server, and busser will have received nothing for their work during your voyage. These crew members depend on gratuities as a significant part of their income — many earn low base wages and rely on tips to make a living.
Cruise line staff are aware that some passengers cannot afford to tip or choose not to. They will not confront you or make your final day uncomfortable. That said, if you sail with the same cruise line again and are assigned the same cabin steward, they may remember that you did not tip previously, which could affect the quality of service you receive.
If you are on a tight budget, you can reduce the automatic gratuity to a lower amount rather than removing it entirely. Even $5 to $8 per person per day is better than nothing and shows appreciation for the work done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay gratuities in cash instead of having them added to my account?
Yes. You can reduce or remove the automatic charge and hand cash directly to crew members, or you can pay both ways — some passengers add a small automatic gratuity and then give cash to staff members who provided exceptional service. If you hand cash to a crew member, they will keep it directly rather than it being pooled.
Do I have to tip the cabin steward if I am only on the ship for one night?
The automatic gratuity still applies for a one-night cruise, though the daily amount is the same as any other night. If you find the charge too high for a short sailing, you can reduce it at Guest Services. Many passengers do tip less for very short cruises.
What if I had bad service — can I refuse to pay gratuities?
You can reduce or remove the automatic gratuity if you feel service was genuinely poor. Speak with Guest Services and explain the issue. They may reduce your charge, though cruise lines are cautious about removing gratuities entirely because they know it affects crew income. Document specific incidents if you plan to request a reduction.
Are gratuities included in the cruise fare advertised online?
No. The advertised cruise price does not include gratuities. The daily charge is added to your onboard account separately and will appear on your final bill. This is why the actual cost of a cruise is higher than the headline price you see in ads.
Do I need to tip the bartender if I have a drink package?
Most cruise lines that offer drink packages still expect a tip for the bartender — typically $1 to $2 per drink or 15 to 20 percent of the drink value. Some lines include gratuity in premium drink packages, so check your package details. If gratuity is included, you are not obligated to tip further, though you may choose to for exceptional service.