A Guide to Gratuities and Tipping on Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning your Royal Caribbean cruise, understanding how gratuities and tipping work can help you budget effectively and show appreciation for the hardworking crew members who make your vacation unforgettable. Here’s everything you need to know about gratuities and tipping onboard.

What Are Gratuities on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Gratuities are service charges added to your cruise account to compensate the crew members who provide you with exceptional service throughout your trip. These include:

Dining Staff: Your waiter, assistant waiter, and head waiter in the main dining room.
Stateroom Attendant: The person responsible for cleaning and maintaining your cabin.
Behind-the-Scenes Staff: Gratuities also cover crew members you don’t see, such as laundry and galley staff, who work tirelessly to ensure your comfort.

How Much Are Gratuities?

As of now, Royal Caribbean’s daily gratuity rates are:

Standard Staterooms: $18.50 per person, per day.
Suites: $21.00 per person, per day.

These amounts are automatically added to your SeaPass account unless you prepay them before your cruise.

Can You Prepay Gratuities?

Yes, Royal Caribbean offers the option to prepay gratuities before your cruise. This allows you to:

Lock in the current gratuity rate (helpful if rates increase before your sailing).
Spread out the cost of your vacation by including gratuities in your initial payment.
Avoid extra charges on your onboard account.

To prepay, simply select the option when booking or add it later by calling Royal Carribean at (866-562-7625) or your travel agent.

What About Additional Tipping?

While the automatic gratuities cover most services, additional tipping is always appreciated for exceptional service. Here are some scenarios where you might consider tipping extra:

1. Stateroom Attendant:

If your attendant goes above and beyond, such as fulfilling special requests or creating memorable towel animals, consider giving an additional $10-$20 at the end of your cruise.

2. Dining Staff:

If you have a favorite server who consistently provides outstanding service, a tip of $10-$20 per person at the end of the cruise is a nice gesture.

3. Room Service Delivery:

Tipping $2-$5 per delivery is customary for room service orders, as these tips are not included in the automatic gratuities.

4. Bar Staff and Specialty Restaurants:

A 18% service charge is automatically added to bar bills and specialty dining checks, but you can add more for exceptional service.

Who Doesn’t Receive Automatic Gratuities?

Some crew members, like spa staff, Shore Excursion team members, and kids’ club counselors, are not covered by the automatic gratuity system. If you feel they’ve provided excellent service, consider tipping them directly.

What About Gratuities for Children?

Gratuities apply to all guests, including children. Since the crew provides service to every guest, whether it’s cleaning staterooms or serving meals, it’s standard to include gratuities for kids in the same amount as adults.

Can You Adjust Gratuities?

Yes, you can adjust your gratuities if necessary. If you wish to increase or decrease the automatic gratuity amount, visit Guest Services onboard. However, keep in mind that gratuities are a vital part of the crew’s income, so adjustments should reflect your overall service experience.

Tipping During Special Events

If you’re celebrating a special occasion like a wedding, anniversary, or large group gathering, consider tipping any dedicated staff who assist in making the event memorable.

Final Thoughts: Gratuities Are About Appreciation

Tipping and gratuities are an integral part of cruising culture, ensuring that Royal Caribbean’s hardworking crew members are compensated for their dedication to providing top-notch service. By understanding how gratuities work and planning ahead, you can show your gratitude while enjoying a seamless vacation.

Remember, while automatic gratuities take care of the basics, personal tipping for exceptional service goes a long way in showing appreciation to the incredible staff who make your cruise experience unforgettable.