Quick answer
What are cruise gratuities?
Cruise gratuities are service charges or tips connected to onboard service, and they should be included in the trip budget before comparing one cruise fare against another.
Use this as a starting point, then ask us to match the advice to your ship, route, travelers, and timing.What should travelers compare?
- Many cruise lines add daily gratuities per person, and the amount can vary by line, cabin category, age rules, and current policy.
- Some travelers prepay gratuities before sailing so the onboard account feels simpler; others pay them onboard according to cruise-line rules.
- Drink packages, specialty dining, spa services, room service, porters, tour guides, and private transfers may have separate tip expectations.
How to plan it
- 1Check the current gratuity policy for the exact cruise line, cabin category, and travelers.
- 2Add gratuities to the total trip budget with drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, hotels, transfers, and parking.
- 3Decide whether prepaid gratuities make planning easier for the group or family.
Questions people ask
Are cruise gratuities mandatory?
Cruise gratuity rules vary by cruise line and fare. Travelers should review the current policy before sailing instead of assuming every line handles tips the same way.
Should I prepay cruise gratuities?
Prepaying gratuities can make budgeting simpler, but the better choice depends on cruise-line rules, fare type, group needs, and personal preference.
Are gratuities included in drink packages?
Drink package gratuity treatment varies by cruise line and package rules, so travelers should check the current terms before buying.
Related cruise planning pages
- Ask us to include hotel timing, transfers, and arrival-day risk in the plan.
- Keep the cruise-line decision tied to ship, route, cabin, and traveler fit.
