Prepaying Gratuities In Advance: 3 Reasons Why

Above, yes, one should tip their cruise dining room team Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One expense that first-time passengers on cruises are surprised about are gratuities (or tips).

The stewards and others rely on gratuities as do waiters on land for their incomes. (I wonder if President Trump's "no tax on tips" apply to cruise gratuities for American cruise staff). 

Some are shocked at the end of cruises when tips are usually left for one's cabin steward. Some feel that it's easier to pay gratuities in advance. 

Cruise Blog has posted an article on paying gratuities in advance. They also post the gratuity amounts for different cruise lines.

They begin with:

When booking a cruise, you must decide whether you want to prepay gratuities or wait until you are onboard. 

Gratuities, or tips, are service charges that go toward the crew members, including your cabin steward, dining room team, and more — and how you pay them can make a big difference in your cruise experience. 

Within the past two years, I've taken over 15 cruises and prepaid my gratuities for every single voyage. Not only does it help me budget for each sailing, but it helps me avoid uncomfortable surprises at the end of the cruise. 

Far too often do I hear about cruisers who didn't know that cruise lines will automatically bill their onboard account for the daily recommended gratuity rate, resulting in a high onboard statement. 

While budgeting is a major reason I think everyone should prepay their tips, there are other reasons why smart cruisers settle their gratuities before boarding their cruise. 

To read more, go here. 

Royal Caribbean Raises Auto Gratuities

Above, Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas at Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Cruise ship gratuities are something that is not very prominently stated on cruise line websites and brochures. But they are a factor to weigh in when choosing a cruise with a cruise line. One has to read the fine print.

Royal Caribbean has raised their gratuity rates as of November 1.

According to MSM:

Gratuities have always been a hot topic in the cruise industry.  Royal Caribbean is increasing its automatic gratuities. Here is everything you need to know. 

Starting November 1, 2024, the cruise line will increase its automatic gratuity rate by $0.50 per person per day. Previously, the gratuity amount was $20.50 per person per day for suite passengers and $18.00 per person per day for non-suite passengers, which includes inside staterooms, balcony staterooms, ocean view staterooms, and junior suites.

Following the increase, the gratuity for suite passengers will become $21.00 per person per day, while the gratuity for non-suite passengers will be raised to $18.50 per person per day. However, passengers who have already booked their cruises have the option to lock in the old gratuity rate by prepaying before November 1, 2024.

To read more, go here. 

Royal Caribbean Will Raise Gratuity Rates Next Month

Above, dinner on board Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the
 Seas (now in mothballs somewhere in Greece) in 2019.

  

Last week, I mentioned Norwegian Cruise Line's gratuities when ordering a cocktail from the Norwegian Sky smoking area bar. It was $20 a pop.

It looks like Royal Caribbean will be raising their gratuity rates starting next month.

USA Today reported:

Royal Caribbean International guests may face steeper bills on their next cruise. The cruise line will raise its recommended gratuity rates next month, according to the company.

Passengers staying in suites will pay $21 per guest each day, up from $20.50, while rates for all other cabin categories will increase from $18 to $18.50.

The changes take effect Nov. 1. Travelers who book and pay their gratuities ahead of that date can lock in the current rate, the cruise line told USA TODAY in an email. 

Gratuities are automatically added to passengers’ onboard accounts, but can be adjusted up or down before they disembark. Those funds are “distributed to crew members, including dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, hotel services teams as well as others onboard who work to enhance the overall cruise experience,” according to the line’s websi

I took a cruise to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba aboard Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas in 2919. I don't recall the gratuity amount.  

To read more, go here.

Cruise Gratuity Charges

Above, the smoking area bar on the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I ordered a drink from the bar while on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky recently, I wasn't charged for the drink per se, but I did get saddled with a service charge of $20. I kept my indulgence of adult beverages to one or two a day. Good thing I know how to "nurse" a drink and make it last longer.

I expected this since I have been on cruises before and budgeted for it prior to departure. Years ago, a friend was unaware of the gratuity or service charges (thinking drinks were part of the package and therefore no charge) and ran up a tab of a few thousand dollars for his group. I think it was the first cruise he went on.

One can tell if they are going to be charged is when a barman or waiter/waitress asks for their stateroom key card. They will run it like a credit card.

Cruise Radio posted an article on whether or not gratuity (or service) charges are fair or unfair to passengers. 

They begin it with:

From self-checkout machines to drive-thrus, you’re expected to leave a tip everywhere now. But do you have to bring that tipping culture on your next cruise? Some say yes, and some say no.

Others argue you don’t have much choice regarding cruise ship tipping. 

Automatic Gratuity Charges: Yes or No?

Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill—whether it’s the standard daily amount per person, a spa treatment, or even just a soft drink from the bar. But is this a good move? Maybe.

To read more, go here.