Get ready to tip a little more on your next Royal Caribbean cruise. The cruise line announced an increase in its daily gratuity charges, effective November 1st, 2024. This means that those sailing aboard Royal Caribbean ships will be paying a bit more to show their appreciation for the excellent service provided by the crew.
For passengers staying in regular staterooms, including Junior Suites, the daily gratuity will increase from $18.00 to $18.50 per guest. Travelers booking suites will see a rise from $20.50 to $21.00 per guest. These daily gratuities are distributed among various departments, including dining, bar, and culinary staff, as well as stateroom attendants and other hotel service teams.
For those looking to take advantage of the current rates, pre-paying gratuities before the increase takes effect is a smart move. After November 1st, the new rates will be applied to all onboard accounts.
While the daily gratuity charges are increasing, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that all other gratuity policies will remain unchanged. This means that an automatic gratuity of 18 percent will continue to be applied to purchases such as bar service drinks, room service, mini-bar items, and specialty dining. Spa and beauty salon services will also retain the 20 percent gratuity charge. The company has also ensured that these gratuity charges will be clearly itemized on receipts following each transaction.
The last adjustment to Royal Caribbean’s daily gratuity rates occurred in November 2013, when charges for regular cabins rose from $16.00 to $18.00 per guest per day, and suite rates increased from $18.50 to $20.50 per guest.
This move by Royal Caribbean follows a similar increase by Carnival Cruise Line in April 2023. Carnival also raised its daily gratuity fees for cruises departing from the U.S. and Europe. For them, both standard cabins and suite charges increased by $1.50, bringing the daily rate for regular cabins to $16 per guest and $18 per guest for suites.
These changes highlight a growing trend in the cruise industry, with several lines adjusting their gratuity policies in recent years. While some travelers may find this increase frustrating, it is important to remember that these gratuities are crucial for the hardworking crew who contribute significantly to the overall cruise experience. By pre-paying gratuities or understanding the new rates, travelers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience.