royal caribbean wonder of the seas price increase

Royal Caribbean Increases Daily Gratuities Effective November 1

October 8, 2024 Randy Young

In a letter sent to travel agents, Royal Caribbean indicated it will be increasing their daily gratuities. These gratuities are NOT included in the published cruise fare paid by guests. The fees will be increasing by a modest 2.5% starting in November, but the overall trend on daily gratuities is still disturbing.

What Are Daily Gratuities?

Daily gratuities are the tips paid to service staff members during the cruise. Royal Caribbean describes it as, “As a way to reward our crew members for their outstanding service, gratuities are shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience.” That means it goes to your room steward, the person bussing the tables in the Windjammer buffet, the person cleaning all the railings and surfaces throughout the ship, etc.

promenade view interior cabin 8609 on liberty of the seas — Daily gratuities go to room stewards, waiters, and other back of house staff.

Modest Increase Compared to the Past

This year’s increase is $0.50 per day for all classes of stateroom, roughly 2.5%. That equates to a $14 increase for a family of four going on a 7-day cruise, which is relatively minor. Last October, Royal Caribbean had a much more dramatic increase of 12.5% on average.

	Jan 2022	Sept 2022	Oct 2023	Oct 2024	Two Year Increase
Non-suite Staterooms	$14.50	$16.00	$18.00	$18.50	16%
Suite staterooms	$17.50	$18.50	$20.50	$21.00	14%

Additional gratuities (per person per day)

That being said, in two years, the daily gratuities have increased by 24%. It should also be noted that increase does not come with an increase in service. Royal Caribbean is still offering the reduced once-a-day stateroom service that they enacted in February 2023.

New Rate Goes Into Effect November 1

The new daily gratuities will go into effect on November 1. Guests who wish to lock in the old rate can pre-pay their daily gratuities before that date. To pre-pay gratuities, contact your travel agent or Royal Caribbean.