Pay gratuities after your cruise ends, not before
Most cruise lines add gratuities automatically to your onboard account on the final day of your voyage, so you do not need to pay them in advance. The standard amounts are roughly $15 per person per day for standard cabins and $17 to $18 for suites, though these figures vary by cruise line and change periodically. You can adjust or remove these charges before you leave the ship if you choose.
Paying before you board locks in money you have not yet earned the service for, and it removes your ability to reduce the amount if the service falls short. The crew members who earn the gratuity — your cabin steward, dining staff, and bartenders — have not yet worked for you. Waiting until the end gives you the full picture of what you received.
Some cruise lines do allow you to prepay gratuities when you book your ticket, usually through their website or by phone. This is optional and typically offered as a convenience for budgeting, not a requirement. If you prepay and later want to adjust the amount, you can still do so onboard before the final day.
Key Takeaways
- Gratuities are added automatically to your onboard account on your last day, so prepayment is not necessary.
- Standard gratuity amounts are around $15 per person per day for regular cabins, though cruise lines set their own rates.
- You can reduce or remove automatic gratuities at the guest services desk before you disembark if you are unhappy with the service.
- Prepaying gratuities is optional and offered only for convenience; waiting until the end gives you more control over the final amount.
How automatic gratuities work on your final day
On the last full day of your cruise, the cruise line posts gratuities to your shipboard account. This charge appears on the bill you receive in your cabin or can view through the ship's app or TV system. The amount is calculated based on your cabin type and the number of nights you stayed, multiplied by the daily rate the cruise line has set.
You have until you leave the ship to dispute or adjust this charge. Walk to the guest services desk — usually located in the atrium or near the main dining room — and speak to a staff member. You can reduce the amount, remove it entirely, or add more if you felt the service was exceptional. This conversation takes a few minutes and requires no paperwork.
The crew members who receive gratuities are your cabin steward, dining room server, assistant server, and bartenders. The ship pools and distributes the money according to their own system, which varies by cruise line. You do not hand money directly to individuals unless you choose to give a personal tip on top of the automatic gratuity.
Prepaying gratuities when you book
Cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian allow you to prepay gratuities when you purchase your ticket. You can do this through the cruise line's website by logging into your booking, or by calling their reservations line. The prepaid amount is charged to your credit card at the time you make the payment, not when you board.
Prepayment is marketed as a way to lock in the current rate and spread the cost across multiple payments before your trip. However, gratuity rates rarely change between the time you book and the time you sail, so this benefit is minimal. The main advantage is psychological — some people prefer to have all costs settled before boarding.
If you prepay and later want to change the amount, you can still adjust it onboard. Contact guest services with your booking number, and they can modify the prepaid gratuity. You will receive a refund or be charged the difference depending on whether you reduced or increased the amount.
Why waiting until the end gives you more control
Service quality varies across your cruise. Your cabin steward might be attentive and thorough, or you might rarely see them. Your dining room server might remember your preferences and check on you frequently, or they might be rushed and inattentive. Waiting until the final day lets you assess what you actually received before deciding what to pay.
If you prepay, you have already committed to the full amount before the crew has done any work for you. If service is poor, you then have to go to guest services and argue for a reduction — a conversation many people find uncomfortable. Paying at the end means you are already satisfied with the service before you hand over the money.
You also have the option to add a personal tip on top of the automatic gratuity if a crew member went above and beyond. Many guests leave cash or a note in their cabin for their steward, or hand a tip directly to a server they particularly liked. This personal touch is separate from the automatic gratuity and is entirely up to you.
What happens if you remove or reduce gratuities
Removing or reducing the automatic gratuity is your right, though it is uncommon. Crew members do not see which guests reduced their gratuities, so there is no retaliation or awkwardness. The money straightforward does not get distributed to that portion of the crew pool for your cabin and dining assignments.
Cruise lines do not penalize you for adjusting gratuities, and guest services staff are accustomed to these conversations. If you had a legitimate problem — a cabin that was not cleaned properly, a server who was rude, a bartender who overcharged you — explain it clearly. Some cruise lines will reduce the gratuity without question; others may ask for details.
If you remove gratuities entirely, understand that you are choosing not to tip crew members who typically earn low wages and depend on gratuities as a significant part of their income. Most cruise industry workers earn between $0 and $50 per month in base salary and rely almost entirely on tips. Removing gratuities should be reserved for genuinely poor service, not minor inconveniences.
Gratuity rates and what they cover
Standard cabin gratuities run about $15 per person per day on most major cruise lines, though some charge $14.50 and others charge $16 or more. Suite guests typically pay $17 to $18 per person per day. These rates explore to your entire stay, so a seven-night cruise for two people in a standard cabin costs roughly $210 in gratuities before any adjustments.
The automatic gratuity covers service from the crew members you interact with regularly: your cabin steward, dining room server, assistant server, and bar staff. It does not cover specialty restaurants, spa services, or room service — those typically add their own gratuity automatically or prompt you to add one at the time of purchase. It also does not cover the captain, officers, or other crew members you do not directly interact with.
Some cruise lines break down the gratuity on your final bill so you can see exactly how much is allocated to each category. Others show it as a single line item. If you want to know the breakdown, ask guest services, and they can explain where your money is going.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay gratuities in cash instead of having them added to my account?
Most cruise lines do not accept cash gratuities in place of the automatic charge. You can pay the automatic gratuity through your onboard account and then give cash tips directly to individual crew members if you wish, but the automatic charge will still appear. Some smaller or specialty cruise lines may have different policies, so ask guest services when you board.
What if I prepaid gratuities but want to remove them?
You can remove or reduce prepaid gratuities at guest services onboard, just as you can with automatic gratuities. Bring your booking number, and staff will adjust the amount. You will receive a refund for the difference, which may take a few days to process after you return home.
Do I have to pay gratuities if I am unhappy with the service?
You have the right to reduce or remove gratuities at guest services. Explain what went wrong — a dirty cabin, rude service, or a legitimate complaint — and staff will consider your request. Complete removal is rare and usually reserved for serious problems, but partial reductions are common and straightforward.
Are gratuities included in the cruise fare advertised online?
No. The advertised cruise price does not include gratuities. Gratuities are added separately to your final bill. When you see a cruise advertised at $500 per person, gratuities are extra and will be charged at the end of your voyage or prepaid if you chose that option.
What if I want to tip crew members extra on top of the automatic gratuity?
You can leave cash in your cabin for your steward, hand tips directly to servers or bartenders, or ask guest services to add an extra amount to specific crew members' gratuities. Most crew members appreciate personal tips, especially if they provided exceptional service. There is no limit to how much extra you can give.