Cruise Gratuities Explained: What Every Cruise Line Charges
Quick answer: Most cruise lines automatically add $17 to $20 per person, per day for a standard cabin. That is charged for every guest, usually including kids. Prepaying your gratuities before you sail locks in the current rate if the line raises prices later.
Gratuities are the cruise cost that surprises people most. They are not in the advertised fare, and they add up fast for families. Six cruise lines raised their rates in 2026 alone, so it pays to know the numbers before you book.
What are cruise gratuities?
The daily gratuity (some lines call it a service charge or crew appreciation) is pooled and shared among the crew who take care of you. That includes your cabin steward, dining room and buffet staff, and behind-the-scenes teams in the galley and housekeeping. For many crew members, it is a big part of their pay.
Current daily gratuity rates (as of fall 2026)
Cruise line | Standard cabin | Suites | Changed in 2026? |
|---|---|---|---|
Disney Cruise Line | $16.00 | $27.25 (concierge) | No |
Carnival | $17.00 | $19.00 | Yes, April 2 |
MSC (Caribbean) | $17.00 | $23.00 (Yacht Club) | Yes, May 11 |
Princess | $18.00 | $20.00 | Yes, March 8 |
Holland America | $18.00 | $20.00 | Yes, June 1 |
Royal Caribbean | $18.50 | $20.50 to $21.00 | No |
Celebrity | $19.50 | $24.50 (The Retreat) | Yes, July 29 |
Norwegian | $20.00 | $25.00 (The Haven) | No |
Virgin Voyages | $20 prepaid, $22 onboard | Same | No |
What does that cost on a real cruise?
For a family of four on a 7-night cruise, gratuities alone run:
Carnival or MSC: $476
Royal Caribbean: $518
Norwegian: $560
That is before a single drink.
The other gratuity: service charges on purchases
The daily charge is separate from the percentage added to purchases. Most lines add 18% to 20% to drinks, drink packages, specialty dining and spa services. That charge generally cannot be removed.
Can you remove or change gratuities?
On most mainstream lines, you can adjust the daily charge at Guest Services before the last morning. I don't recommend it. The crew works long hours and relies on this pay. Norwegian does not allow onboard adjustments, and Margaritaville at Sea's charges are mandatory.
Should you tip extra?
It is never required, but many guests hand a little cash to a cabin steward or bartender who went above and beyond. Small bills in an envelope on the last night are a nice touch.
How to save on gratuities
Prepay before you sail. The rate locks when you pay, not when you book. Every line that raised rates in 2026 honored the old rate for guests who had already prepaid.
Look for promotions that include gratuities. Some wave season deals include prepaid gratuities, which can be worth $250 or more for a couple.
Consider bundled fares. Some lines offer packages that include gratuities, drinks and Wi-Fi, which can be a better value.
Frequently asked questions
Do children pay cruise gratuities? On most lines, yes, at the full rate. Norwegian charges from age 3 up.
Are gratuities charged per cabin or per person? Per person, per night.
When are gratuities charged? Either prepaid with your cruise or added daily to your onboard account.
Will gratuities go up again? Likely. Rates have risen almost every year since 2022, which is why prepaying makes sense.
Want a cruise quote with gratuities already figured in? I'll show you the real total and look for promotions that include them. Get your free quote or call or text (618) 772-9206.
Glenn Sunnquist
Owner, SIX18 Travel LLC
Certified Travel Advisor
CLIA Member
Cruise & Resort Vacation Specialist
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