Every major cruise line charges gratuities, also called service charges or crew appreciation. You can pay them as you go, added to your onboard account each day, or prepay them before you sail. So, should you prepay cruise gratuities? Here’s how prepaying works, the pros and cons, and when it makes the most sense.
Ask About Prepaid Gratuity Perks
Some promotions and agency perks include prepaid gratuities. We’ll check what’s available on your sailing.
What Are Cruise Gratuities?
Gratuities are daily charges that support the crew members who serve you, including cabin stewards, dining staff, and behind-the-scenes teams. On mainstream lines, they typically run around $16–$20+ per person, per day, with higher rates for suites. They’re usually automatically added to your account if not prepaid. See cruise gratuities explained.
How Prepaying Gratuities Works
You can add prepaid gratuities to your booking at any time before sailing, often through your travel advisor, the cruise line’s website, or by phone. The amount is calculated for every guest in the cabin for the full cruise length. Once paid, no daily charges appear on your onboard account.
Pros of Prepaying Gratuities
1. Budget Certainty
Paying in advance means one less surprise on your final bill. Many travelers like knowing a major expense is already covered.
2. Locking In the Rate
Cruise lines periodically increase gratuity rates. Prepaying often locks in the current rate, even if it rises before you sail.
3. Spreading Payments Out
You can add gratuities to your balance and pay them with your final payment, spreading the cost over time.
4. Freeing Up Onboard Spending
Without daily charges, your onboard account (and onboard credit) goes further for drinks, dining, and fun.
5. Perks Sometimes Include Them
Promotions or travel agent perks sometimes include prepaid gratuities. Bundled fares, like Celebrity All Included and Princess Plus, may include them too.
Cons of Prepaying Gratuities
1. Less Flexibility
If you want to adjust gratuities onboard for service reasons, it can be more complicated once prepaid. Most travelers don’t adjust them, but some like the option.
2. Paying Earlier
You’re paying money before the trip that you could have paid later.
3. Onboard Credit Strategy
If you’ll have significant non-refundable onboard credit, letting gratuities post to your account can be a smart way to use that credit. Prepaying might leave credit unused.
Cost Example
| Travelers | 7-Night Cruise at ~$18/person/day |
|---|---|
| 2 adults | About $252 |
| Family of 4 | About $504 |
| Family of 6 | About $756 |
Rates vary by line and cabin category.
When Prepaying Makes the Most Sense
- You want a predictable budget.
- A gratuity increase has been announced.
- You’re traveling with a large family.
- You don’t expect much onboard credit.
- You’d like to pay gradually before final payment.
When Paying Onboard Makes More Sense
- You’ll have significant non-refundable onboard credit to use up.
- You want maximum flexibility.
- Your fare or promotion already includes gratuities.
Gratuities by Cruise Line (General Overview)
- Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Princess: Automatic daily charges; prepay available.
- Disney: Gratuities can be prepaid or charged; Disney provides suggested amounts.
- Bundled fares: Some include gratuities, such as Celebrity All Included and Princess Plus/Premier.
Extra Tipping
Most drinks and spa services already include an automatic service charge (often 18%–20%). Additional cash tips are optional, though many travelers tip room stewards or favorite crew a little extra, plus porters at the terminal.
Can You Get a Refund on Prepaid Gratuities?
If you cancel your cruise, prepaid gratuities are generally refunded. If you change guests, they may be adjusted. Check with your advisor for specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cruise gratuities mandatory?
They’re automatically added on most lines. Some allow adjustments at Guest Services, but they’re an expected part of crew compensation.
Do kids pay gratuities on cruises?
On most lines, yes, at the same rate as adults. Some lines exempt infants.
Can I use onboard credit for gratuities?
On many lines, yes, if gratuities are charged to your onboard account.
Is it cheaper to prepay gratuities?
The rate is usually the same, but prepaying can lock in the current rate before an increase.
Let Us Help You Budget
At The Cruise Headquarters, we help you decide whether to prepay gratuities based on your fare, onboard credit, and budget. Request a free cruise quote today.
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