Hey there, sea lovers! It’s Shelly 🐢🛳️ and I like to know where my cruise budget is going. Pay gratuities or skip them? And do the crew actually get them? Let’s find out! Here’s Part 1 of The Gratuity Files.
Watch the video
How much are cruise gratuities?
On many popular cruise lines, cruise gratuities are about $16 to $20 a person, every day, and that adds up!
For a couple on a 7-night cruise, that’s often around $220 to $280, and about $450 to $560 for a family of 4. Suites usually cost more. Kids can count too. Carnival usually charges from age 2, Norwegian from 3, and Disney includes infants. Drinks and spa treatments often add 18% to 20% on top.
Can you skip cruise gratuities?
On most cruise lines, yes. You can usually adjust or remove them at Guest Services before you leave the ship. MSC is the big exception. It builds its charge into your cruise price and says it can’t be cancelled.
Prepaying gratuities can often lock in today’s rate before an increase. I booked a cruise once without prepaying, and 5 months later, the cost increased an extra $5 per day per person.
The Gratuity Files series
The Gratuity Files is a 3-part series. Start here, or jump to the part you need:
- Part 1: How Much Are Cruise Gratuities?
- Part 2: Do Cruise Crew Get Your Gratuities?
- Part 3 (finale): 4 Ways to Handle Cruise Gratuities
Cruise gratuities are one of the costs many cruisers forget. For five more, see 6 Hidden Cruise Costs Most Cruisers Forget.
FAQ
How much are cruise gratuities per day?
On many popular cruise lines, they’re about $16 to $20 a person, every day. Suites usually cost more.
How much do cruise gratuities add up to on a 7-night cruise?
For a couple, that’s often around $220 to $280, and about $450 to $560 for a family of 4.
Can you skip cruise gratuities?
On most cruise lines, yes. You can usually adjust or remove them at Guest Services before you leave the ship. MSC is the big exception. It builds its charge into your cruise price and says it can’t be cancelled.
Do kids get charged cruise gratuities?
Kids can count too. Carnival usually charges from age 2, Norwegian from 3, and Disney includes infants.
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Gratuity rates, rules and policies vary by cruise line and ship, and they can change. Check your line’s current terms before you book or sail.
