Royal Caribbean Increases Daily Gratuities Effective November 1
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.
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% |
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.
Daily Gratuities Continue to Irk Customers
Want to Stay Up-To-Date on the Latest Royal Caribbean and Other Cruise News?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
CruiseSpotlight is an Amazon Associate. We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods.
