Cruise lines add gratuities automatically, but you can adjust the amount before you sail
Most cruise lines charge a daily gratuity (tip) to your onboard account automatically — usually between $14 and $16 per person per day for standard cabins, though suites cost more. You do not have to accept this amount. You can lower it, remove it entirely, or increase it before you board or at any point during your cruise by visiting the guest services desk. The charge covers housekeeping, dining room staff, and other crew members who serve you directly.
The automatic gratuity is not mandatory, but it is the cruise line's standard expectation. If you remove it, you are expected to tip crew members in cash or by adding to your onboard account separately. Most passengers keep the automatic charge and adjust it based on their experience.
Key Takeaways
- Cruise lines automatically add $14 to $16 per person per day to your bill, but you can change this amount before boarding or during your cruise at guest services.
- The automatic gratuity covers housekeeping, dining room servers, and bartenders — the staff who serve you regularly.
- You can pay tips in cash to individual crew members, add them to your onboard account, or use a combination of both methods.
- Specialty dining, spa services, and room service often have separate tipping expectations beyond the automatic gratuity.
What the automatic gratuity covers
The daily charge that appears on your onboard account is divided among crew members in direct-service roles. Your cabin steward or stewardess receives a portion for cleaning your room and restocking supplies. Your dining room server and assistant server split a portion for meals in the main dining room. Bartenders in the main bars and lounges receive a share as well.
The automatic gratuity does not cover specialty restaurants (like steakhouses or sushi bars), spa treatments, casino services, or room service. Those services have their own tipping expectations, which are usually added to your bill separately or paid in cash on the spot.
How to adjust your gratuity before boarding
Most cruise lines let you change your gratuity amount online before your sailing date. Log into your cruise line account, find your reservation, and look for a section labeled "Onboard Charges," "Gratuities," or "Manage My Booking." You can lower the amount, set it to zero, or increase it. The change takes effect when you board.
If you do not adjust it online, you can change it at the guest services desk on your first day aboard. Bring your room key card and ask to modify your gratuity settings. This takes only a few minutes, and staff can show you exactly how much is currently charged and what your options are.
Paying tips in cash during your cruise
Cash tips are common and appreciated, especially for crew members you see regularly. If you remove the automatic gratuity or want to tip extra, you can hand cash directly to your cabin steward, server, or bartender. Small bills ($1 to $5) are standard for individual interactions. At the end of your cruise, many passengers leave $5 to $10 per day in cash for their cabin steward in an envelope on the bed.
Carrying cash aboard means using the ship's safe or keeping it in your cabin. Most crew members prefer cash tips because they receive the full amount when ready, unlike onboard account charges that may be processed differently. If you do not have cash, you can always add a tip to your onboard account at guest services or ask a crew member how they prefer to receive it.
Tipping for specialty services and restaurants
Specialty dining venues — such as a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, or sushi bar — typically charge an automatic gratuity of 18% to 20% to your bill, separate from your daily gratuity. Check your bill before signing to see if it is already included. If you want to adjust it, ask your server or the restaurant host before you leave.
Spa services, salon treatments, and room service usually do not include automatic gratuities. A tip of 15% to 20% is standard for these services. You can add it to your onboard account when you pay, or tip in cash. Casino staff, shore excursion guides, and other specialized services also expect tips, typically $1 to $5 per transaction or 15% to 20% for longer services.
Understanding gratuity amounts by cruise line
Daily gratuity charges vary by cruise line and change periodically. The amounts below reflect standard rates for most sailings, but your specific charge may differ based on your sailing date, cabin type, or destination. Always check your cruise line's website or your booking confirmation for the exact amount charged to your reservation.
| Cruise Line | Standard Daily Gratuity (per person) | Suite Gratuity (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | $14.50 | $16.50 |
| Royal Caribbean | $15.70 | $17.70 |
| Disney Cruise Line | $14.00 | $17.00 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Princess Cruises | $15.00 | $17.00 |
Some cruise lines increase gratuities during peak travel seasons or for longer voyages. If you booked an all-inclusive package or a premium cabin category, your gratuity rate may already be different from the standard amounts shown here. Contact your cruise line directly if you have questions about your specific reservation.
What happens if you remove the automatic gratuity
If you set your automatic gratuity to zero, crew members will not receive a standard tip unless you provide one in cash or add tips individually to your onboard account. This is your right, but it shifts the responsibility to you to tip each person you interact with. Many passengers find this more complicated than keeping the automatic charge and adjusting it if needed.
Crew members depend on gratuities as a significant part of their income. If you choose not to tip automatically, consider whether you plan to tip in cash regularly. If you are unsure about the service or your budget, keeping the automatic gratuity and adjusting it downward is simpler than trying to track individual tips throughout your cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the automatic gratuity entirely?
Yes. You can set it to zero online before boarding or at guest services during your cruise. However, crew members will not receive tips unless you provide cash or add tips to your account separately. Most passengers keep the automatic charge because it is simpler than tipping individuals throughout the voyage.
Do I tip the captain or officers?
No. The captain and senior officers do not receive tips from passengers. The automatic gratuity and any cash tips you give are for housekeeping, dining, bar, and other direct-service staff. Officers are salaried employees and do not depend on gratuities.
What if I had bad service from my cabin steward or server?
You can lower or remove the automatic gratuity for that person at guest services, or you can speak to a manager about your experience. Most cruise lines will adjust the charge if you explain the issue. You can also choose not to tip in cash if you prefer, though this is less common.
Are tips included if I book an all-inclusive package?
No. Even all-inclusive packages charge gratuities separately. The automatic daily charge still appears on your onboard account. Check your package details to confirm what is and is not included, as some premium packages may cover gratuities, but this is rare.
Should I tip the crew member who helps me at embarkation or disembarkation?
Tipping is not expected for one-time interactions like check-in or luggage handling at the terminal. The automatic gratuity covers regular crew members you see throughout your cruise. If someone goes out of their way to help you, a small cash tip ($1 to $5) is appreciated but not required.