By The Voyager 
For those planning an upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise, it is essential to be aware of a recent update regarding onboard gratuities. Royal Caribbean announces a recent update regarding onboard gratuities. Effective November 1, 2024, Royal Caribbean will be increasing its automatic daily gratuity charge. This change will impact all guests onboard, and understanding the specifics can help you plan your trip more effectively.
New Gratuity Rates
Starting from November 1, 2024, the daily gratuities will change as follows:
- Guests in Suites: From $20.50 USD to $21.00 USD per guest, per day
- Guests in Regular Staterooms (including Junior Suites): From $18.00 USD to $18.50 USD per guest, per day
These gratuities are shared among dining staff, bar and culinary services personnel, stateroom attendants, and other members of the hotel services team to ensure fair compensation for their efforts in making your cruise experience memorable.
Pre-Paying Gratuities
To save on cruise expenses, Royal Caribbean offers the option to pre-pay gratuities at the current rates before November 1, 2024. Pre-paying locks in the current lower rate and reduces the likelihood of unexpected charges at disembarkation.
I contacted Royal Caribbean’s customer service to adjust my gratuities before the rate change. After providing the necessary details, the representative updated my order, and I was able to pay the remaining balance through their website or app. The process was straightforward and allowed me to manage the gratuity costs efficiently.
You can pre-pay gratuities by contacting your Travel Advisor(if you booking via agent) or reaching out to Royal Caribbean directly:
- United States: 1 866 562 7625
- Australia: 1800 754 500
- New Zealand: 0800 102 123
- United Kingdom: Use the webchat service or call 0344 493 4005
For other countries, visit the Royal Caribbean website to find your local office’s phone number.
Other Onboard Gratuity Charges
In addition to the daily gratuity, an 18% gratuity will still be automatically added to purchases involving beverages, room service, and mini bar items. For spa and salon services, a 20% gratuity will be automatically included. These charges will be itemized on your receipts, providing transparency for your onboard expenses.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, it’s a good idea to consider the upcoming gratuity changes. By pre-paying now, you can lock in the current rate and keep your budget on track. Understanding gratuities and how they contribute to the overall service quality onboard is an important part of planning your cruise.