Carnival Cruise Line is the latest cruise line to raise gratuities and the new rates will go into effect on all sailings that depart on or after September 1, 2016.
This is the first time that Carnival has raised gratuities since October 9, 2014 when they were raised by 50 cents a day. The new rates will be as follows:
- Inside, oceanview, balcony staterooms – $12.95 per day per passenger ($.95 a day increase)
- Suites – $13.95 per day per passenger
- Passengers under two years old are not required to extend gratuities
Passengers who prepay gratuities by May 9, 2016 will not be affected by the increase.
View Cruises on Carnival Cruise Line (5 night cruises from $219 per person)
Suite guests will also now receive enhanced turndown service, priority tender service, complimentary in-suite bottled water, and one complimentary bag of laundry per sailing. This is an addition to priority embarkation and debarkation and confirmed main dining room preference.
Gratuities will automatically be added to each guest’s onboard Sail & Sign account as a convenience. Since tipping is at their discretion, they are free to adjust, up or down, as they deem appropriate after they are posted to their onboard account.
The gratuities are divided up between the dining room staff, stateroom steward, and other kitchen, entertainment, guest services, and hotel staff members.
The gratuities at Carnival are not mandatory. The first day of my cruise I make them take the gratuities off if my sign and sail card. I leave the staff what I choose, if I choose. The last cruise I went on in August 2015, almost everyday I had to complain about my balcony room not being cleaned properly, I complained about waiting long periods of time in the dining room for my meals which, when served it was cold…so needless to say I left no gratuities. Oh well, maybe this year they will step up their practice!!
Seems like Carnival is constantly raising the prices but the room amenties and dining room service is getting les or nothing.. you now have eo get up at 545am to get in line form 6-7am the day of debarktation to pick up your own liquid thatbtakes an hour or more.. no chocolate at turn down they place a basket of bread on table at dinner now vs serving you a roll.. no goodies left in bathroom like razor, shower cap,toothpaste.. butbyet they want more hmmmm
No one is required to leave any tip. My 9 year old won’t be leaving one. Shame on the new Carnival CEO for this nonsense!!!
Since when??? Only Dining room and stateroom staff had allowance to receive gratuities because their salary is USD 45.oo per month. Policy supported and promoted by the company, but not guaranteed.
For other departments, it’s just optional. They have higher salaries, not the miserable 45 bucks, but minimum 800 us dollars, I guess… 1,200… 1,600… and after that they receive tips???
I talk about how were the things 3 years ago. I just can guess that F&B personnel are every tome more UNhappy.
what is ENHANCED turndown service ?