Cruise lines add gratuity automatically, but the amount varies by line and cabin type
Most cruise lines charge a daily gratuity directly to your onboard account, not as an optional add-on. The amount ranges from about $13 to $16 per person per day for standard cabins, and higher for suites. You see this charge itemized on your final bill, and you can adjust or remove it before you leave the ship — though the lines expect you to keep it or add to it.
The automatic gratuity covers housekeeping, dining room staff, and bar service. It does not cover specialty restaurants, spa services, or activities run by third-party vendors. Those staff members depend on tips you hand them directly, in cash or by signing your room number to a receipt.
The exact daily rate depends on your cruise line and cabin category. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian charge different amounts. Suites and higher-tier cabins often have higher automatic gratuities because those guests receive more personalized service. Some lines let you set your preferred gratuity amount when you book; others let you change it only onboard.
Key Takeaways
- Automatic daily gratuities of $13 to $16 per person are charged to your account by most major cruise lines and cover dining and cabin service.
- You can adjust or remove the automatic gratuity before checkout, though cruise lines discourage this and staff depend on the money.
- Specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions run by outside companies are not covered by the automatic charge and expect separate tips.
- Tipping in cash directly to individual staff members — housekeeping, bartenders, or activity leaders — is common and appreciated, even when gratuity is already charged.
- Suite guests and those booking premium cabin categories typically pay higher automatic gratuities than standard cabin passengers.
What the automatic daily gratuity covers
The automatic charge covers the staff who serve you throughout your cruise: your cabin steward or stewardess, dining room servers, busboys, bartenders in the main bars, and buffet attendants. This money is pooled and distributed among these crew members at the end of the contract period, not paid to individuals on the spot.
The gratuity does not cover specialty restaurants (steakhouses, Italian venues, sushi bars), spa services, casino staff, or entertainment crew. It also does not cover shore excursions booked through the cruise line but operated by local tour companies, or activities like photo packages, fitness classes, or salon services run by concessionaires.
If you use any of these services, you are expected to tip separately. Specialty restaurant servers typically expect $5 to $10 per person per meal. Spa therapists and salon staff usually receive 15 to 20 percent of the service cost. Shore excursion guides and drivers depend on tips from passengers, though the amount varies by destination and tour type.
Daily gratuity amounts by cruise line
| Cruise Line | Standard Cabin (per person, per day) | Suite (per person, per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $13.99 | $16.99 |
| Royal Caribbean | $14.50 | $17.50 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Disney Cruise Line | $14.00 | $17.00 |
| Princess Cruises | $14.50 | $17.50 |
These amounts are current but subject to change. Cruise lines raise gratuity rates periodically, so check your booking confirmation or the cruise line's website for the exact charge on your sailing date.
Some lines offer a gratuity-inclusive fare option when you book, which bundles the daily charge into the ticket price. This can simplify budgeting, though the total cost is the same. A few luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn include gratuity in all fares, so you do not see a separate charge.
How to adjust or remove the automatic gratuity
You can change the automatic gratuity amount at the guest services desk on the ship, usually on your first or last day. Bring your room key card, and staff will show you the current charge and let you raise, lower, or remove it. Some lines also let you adjust it through the onboard app or your account on their website before you sail.
Removing the gratuity entirely is possible but unusual. Crew members rely on this money as a significant part of their income, and removing it signals dissatisfaction with service. If you had a genuine problem — a cabin that was not cleaned, rude service, or a billing error — speak to guest services about a partial adjustment rather than removing the charge outright.
If you want to add extra money for exceptional service, you can increase the automatic amount at guest services, or hand cash or a signed receipt directly to the staff member. Many passengers do both: keep the automatic gratuity and add cash tips for housekeeping or a favorite bartender.
Cash tips for specific staff and services
Beyond the automatic gratuity, many passengers carry cash to tip individual crew members. Your cabin steward or stewardess often receives $5 to $10 in cash on the last night of the cruise, left on the bed or nightstand. Bartenders in the main bars are usually included in the automatic gratuity pool, but if you develop a relationship with one or order from them frequently, a dollar or two per drink is customary.
Dining room servers are covered by the automatic charge, but some passengers leave an extra $5 to $10 on the table on the last dinner if they had the same server all week and felt well served. Specialty restaurant servers, who are not covered by the automatic gratuity, expect $5 to $10 per person per meal, handed directly or added to the bill.
Shore excursion guides and drivers typically receive $5 to $10 per person, depending on the tour length and quality. Spa therapists and salon staff expect 15 to 20 percent of the service cost. Activity leaders, fitness instructors, and entertainment staff do not usually receive tips unless you book a private lesson or special service.
What happens if you do not tip
If you keep the automatic gratuity as charged, you have met the standard expectation. Crew members understand that not all passengers add extra cash tips, and the automatic charge is meant to cover base service. However, removing the automatic gratuity or tipping significantly below the standard amount may result in noticeably reduced service on future days — a reality many passengers report.
For specialty services and shore excursions, not tipping is more noticeable because the staff member knows they are not covered by the automatic charge. A tour guide or spa therapist who receives no tip may feel undervalued, though they will still perform their job.
The cruise industry operates on the assumption that gratuity is part of the cost. If the automatic charge feels too high, you can adjust it downward, but removing it entirely often signals a complaint rather than a preference. If you are unhappy with the service, address it with guest services rather than using the gratuity as a punishment.
Budgeting gratuity into your cruise cost
When you calculate the total cost of a cruise, include the daily gratuity in your budget. A seven-day cruise for two people in a standard cabin costs roughly $180 to $220 in automatic gratuities alone, depending on the line. Add another $50 to $100 if you plan to use specialty dining, the spa, or shore excursions.
Some passengers find it helpful to set aside cash before boarding — $20 to $50 for cabin steward tips, $20 to $40 for specialty dining, and $50 to $100 for shore excursions and other services. This prevents overspending and makes it easier to tip on the spot without calculating percentages.
If you book a gratuity-inclusive fare, the cost is built into your ticket price upfront, so you do not face surprise charges at the end. This can make budgeting simpler, though the total cruise cost is usually the same or slightly higher than booking a standard fare and paying gratuity separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the automatic gratuity if I am not happy with the service?
Yes, you can adjust or remove it at guest services, but this is unusual and may be interpreted as a complaint. If you had a specific problem — a cabin that was not cleaned or a rude interaction — speak to guest services about a partial adjustment. Removing the charge entirely often results in noticeably reduced service for the rest of your cruise.
Do I need to tip in cash, or can I charge everything to my room?
You can do either. The automatic gratuity is charged to your account. For specialty services and direct tips to individual staff, you can sign your room number to a receipt or hand cash. Many passengers prefer cash for cabin stewards and bartenders because it feels more personal and goes directly to the person.
What if I book a specialty restaurant — is the tip included?
No. Specialty restaurants are not covered by the automatic daily gratuity. You are expected to tip the server $5 to $10 per person per meal, either in cash or by signing your room number to the bill. Ask your server or check the menu if you are unsure.
Do I tip the tour guide on a shore excursion?
Yes, if the excursion is run by a local company or third-party vendor. Tip the guide or driver $5 to $10 per person, depending on the tour length and quality. If the excursion is operated directly by the cruise line, check your paperwork to see whether gratuity is included.
Is tipping expected in ports outside the United States?
Tipping culture varies by country. In some Caribbean and European ports, tipping is less common than in the United States. Ask your tour guide or check the cruise line's information about the specific port. When in doubt, a modest tip is usually appreciated, though it may not be mandatory.