Gratuities

Whether we like it or not gratuities are a custom on cruise ships. Some cruise lines charge more than others and some say it’s included but tipping is still welcome by the staff on board. It’s always worth getting information about gratuities at the time of booking and ask what options you have. A vast majority of cruise lines have increased the charges in recent years, amongst we have the very popular Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Cunard and some others have abolished them, but we’ll talk about this last one in a minute.

Celebrity cruise between $14.50 per person per day for all cabins up to Balconies, $15.00 per person per day for Concierge class and Aqua class guests and $18 for Suite guests

Royal Caribbean between $14.50 per person per day and $17.50 per person per day for Suite guests

Cunard start from $11.50 per person per day and goes up to $13.50 for Grill guests

Carnival gratuities are $12.50 per person per day for most cabins and $13.95 per person per day for passengers staying in Suites

Princess Cruises are $12.95 per person per day for most cabins too

Holland America start at $13.50 for inside, ocean views and balconies and $15.00 for Suite guests

P&O gratuities are £0.00 for all cabins on board all ships. Yes, that’s correct

When on board, some cruise lines will allow removing Automatic Gratuities in exchange for envelopes to distribute to members of staff. But not all cruise lines are happy with this arrangement so you should always check first. By leaving the auto gratuities on the bill a portion goes to each person who helps to make the sailing special, even those behind-the-scenes hard working people that guests never get to meet in person, like laundry staff, cooks, cleaners, and the list goes on and on. On the other hand, by removing the gratuities guests can reward the few members of staff that exceeded their expectations by presenting an envelope with cash at the end of the cruise.

It was music to the British ears when the British cruise line P&O Cruises recently announced that they will abolish the gratuities on all ships sailing from May 2019.

It’s a bit to do with competitions and also because most guests resent being forced to pay a daily charge for services that might be considered the standard duties

What are your thoughts about gratuities? and do you think P&O is steering towards the right direction?