Royal Caribbean is raising the price of daily gratuities that are charged to each guest’s onboard account at the beginning of 2018.
Currently, the cruise line charges automatic daily gratuities of $13.50 per person for standard cabins, and $16.50 per person for passengers in suites.
Royal Caribbean has posted the following message on RoyalCaribbean.com that outlines the new gratuity rates that will go into effect on January 2, 2018:
“As of January 2, 2018, our daily gratuity amounts will increase by $1.00 per guest, per day. Guests who book before January 2, 2018 can pre-pay gratuities before their sailing at the current rate. Guests who choose to pay gratuities onboard, regardless of when they book, will be subject to the new rates for sailings departing on or after January 2, 2018.
In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services onboard and will be able to do so until the morning of their departure. Guests who have pre-paid their gratuity will not see a daily charge during their cruise.
The automatic daily gratuity is based on customary industry standards. Applying this charge automatically helps streamline the recognition process for the crew members that work to enhance your cruise. We hope you find the gratuity to be an accurate reflection of your satisfaction and thank you for your generous recognition of our staff.”
The daily gratuities charges are shared between the dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams.
This is the first price increase for daily gratuities by Royal Caribbean since March 2016.
