One of the questions that often comes up when planning a cruise vacation is: Should I prepay my gratuities?
Gratuities (or service charges) are the tips that go to the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience seamless—from your stateroom attendant who keeps your cabin fresh, to the dining room team that remembers how you like your coffee. Most cruise lines automatically add a daily service charge per guest, but many also give you the option to prepay gratuities in advance.
So, why consider prepaying? Let’s break it down.
Vacations are meant to be stress-free, but nothing dampens the fun like surprise expenses. Prepaying gratuities lets you lock in that cost before you sail, making your onboard account much easier to manage. When you step off the ship at the end of your cruise, you won’t have a big bill waiting for you.
Cruise lines occasionally adjust gratuity rates. By prepaying, you secure today’s rate, even if the cruise line raises it before your sailing. It’s a small step that can save you money in the long run.
With gratuities already taken care of, you’ll have one less thing to worry about while you’re sipping piña coladas by the pool or exploring a new port. You can relax knowing the service team is taken care of and your account won’t be padded with extra charges at the end.
Many guests assume gratuities only go to their room steward and dining staff, but in reality, your tips are shared among a wide range of crew members who all contribute to your vacation experience. Depending on the cruise line, gratuities often cover:
Stateroom attendants – the people who keep your room clean, fresh, and welcoming every day.
Dining room staff – waiters, assistant waiters, and head waiters who serve meals with a smile and remember your preferences.
Buffet attendants & casual dining staff – the crew who clear tables, refresh drinks, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Behind-the-scenes staff – such as laundry services, galley (kitchen) staff, and support crew you may never meet but who play a crucial role in your comfort.
Bar staff, specialty dining, and spa staff – while some cruise lines apply separate service charges in these areas, your main gratuities often support team members across the ship who help keep service consistent.
So when you prepay, you’re not just thanking the people you see every day—you’re also supporting the broader team working tirelessly behind the curtain.
When you prepay gratuities, your onboard spending can be dedicated to fun extras like shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, or cocktails—without worrying about daily service charges eating into your budget.
✅ Bottom Line: Prepaying gratuities is optional, but for many cruisers, it’s a smart financial and practical decision. It simplifies your vacation, helps you stick to a budget, ensures the crew is properly rewarded, and allows you to step off the ship with nothing but wonderful memories.
Q: Do I still need to tip extra if I prepay gratuities?
A: Prepaid gratuities cover standard service, but many cruisers choose to give additional cash tips for exceptional service—such as a stateroom attendant who went above and beyond, or a dining team that made your evenings extra special.
Q: Can I remove or adjust gratuities?
A: Most cruise lines allow guests to visit Guest Services and adjust gratuities, but it’s generally discouraged since these funds support a wide team of crew members. If you have an issue with service, it’s better to speak directly with staff or management instead of removing tips.
Q: Are gratuities included in luxury cruises?
A: Yes—many luxury and premium cruise lines (like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and some Viking sailings) include gratuities in the fare. Mass-market lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian usually charge them separately.
Q: What about drinks, spa services, and specialty dining?
A: Most cruise lines add an automatic service charge (often 18–20%) to bar drinks, spa treatments, and specialty restaurants. These charges are separate from your daily gratuities.
Q: How much are cruise gratuities?
A: As of now, most major cruise lines charge between $14–$18 per person, per day, with slightly higher amounts for guests staying in suites. Always check with your cruise line for current rates.