Hey there! If you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, it’s important to understand the gratuity system. As someone who values freedom and the ability to make my own choices, I was initially hesitant about the idea of mandatory gratuities. But after learning more about how they work and the benefits they provide to hardworking crew members, I feel much more comfortable with the idea.
In this article, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean gratuities. We’ll cover how they’re calculated, who receives them, and how to pay them.
We’ll also explore related topics like recognizing outstanding service, pre-paying gratuities, and giving gifts to crew members. So if you want to make sure you’re fully prepared for your next Royal Caribbean cruise and feel confident about navigating the gratuity system, keep reading!
- Royal Caribbean charges a set fee per day as gratuity to reward crew members for their service.
- The standard gratuity rate is $16.00 per day ($18.50 for suites) and an 18% gratuity is automatically added to all drinks, spa and salon services.
- Guests can choose to pay the gratuities before or after the cruise and can also tip any extra on top.
- Guests can opt-out of paying gratuities or ask for them to be reduced if they don’t receive good service during their cruise.
Gratuity Fees
I always make sure to budget for gratuity fees when booking a Royal Caribbean cruise. The standard rate is $16.00 per day, and an 18% gratuity is automatically added to drinks, spa and salon services. It’s important to note that the gratuities are shared between various crew members. This includes stateroom attendants, waiters, bar staff, culinary staff, and other hotel services team members. This is a fair system that ensures that everyone who contributes to your enjoyable cruise experience is recognized and rewarded.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Royal Caribbean gratuities for children and infants are the same as for adults. Their gratuity fees will be added to your onboard account just like yours. However, the good news is that you can choose to pay the gratuities before or after the cruise, and you can also tip any extra on top. So, if you feel that a particular crew member went above and beyond to make your vacation special, you can show your appreciation by giving them an additional tip. The crew members will definitely appreciate it!
Who Receives Gratuities
The distribution of tips on a cruise ship is like a spiderweb, with various crew members from stateroom attendants to culinary staff all receiving a share. Royal Caribbean splits the gratuities equally among all the crew members who provide service during a guest’s stay.
This means that every day, a portion of the gratuity goes to the stateroom attendant who cleans and tidies the room, the waiter who serves meals, the bar staff who mix drinks, the culinary staff who prepare meals, and other hotel services team members who ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
It’s important to note that children’s gratuities are the same as adults’ gratuities. Even though children may not consume alcoholic beverages or use the spa and salon services, they still receive the same level of service from the crew members and should be appropriately recognized.
However, guests are free to tip extra if they feel a particular crew member went above and beyond to make their child’s stay extra special.
Paying Gratuities
To pay the gratuities, guests can settle their onboard account with a credit card, debit card, or cash at the end of the cruise. It’s important to note that the daily gratuity charge is automatically added to the onboard account, but guests can choose to adjust the amount if they wish.
Here are some tips on paying gratuities on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
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Consider splitting the gratuities: As mentioned before, the gratuities are shared between various crew members. If you feel that someone provided exceptional service, you can give them an additional tip on top of the standard gratuity. By splitting your gratuities, you can ensure that everyone who helped make your cruise experience great is recognized.
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Follow tipping etiquette: tipping is a personal choice, but it’s important to follow etiquette when doing so. The standard gratuity rate is designed to reward crew members for their service, so it’s not recommended to remove it entirely. Instead, consider adjusting the amount based on the level of service you received. If you do choose to give an additional tip, cash is usually preferred over gifts or other forms of payment.
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Show appreciation in other ways: If you don’t want to give additional cash tips, there are other ways to show your appreciation. For example, filling out a WOW card at the Guest Services desk can recognize outstanding service and is free of charge. You can also give some cash to porters who help with your luggage outside of the ship, as they don’t receive gratuities from Royal Caribbean.
tips for Exceptional Service
When recognizing exceptional service on a cruise, it’s important to consider the individual crew member and their role in making your experience memorable.
One way to show appreciation is by filling out a WOW card at the Guest Services desk. These cards are used to recognize exceptional service and are given to the crew member’s supervisor for review. This can lead to the crew member receiving recognition or even a promotion.
Another alternative to cash tips is to bring small gifts for the crew members. This can include items such as chocolates, snacks, or souvenirs from your home country. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all crew members are allowed to receive gifts and some may prefer cash tips.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask the crew member or their supervisor beforehand. Regardless of the method used, showing appreciation for exceptional service is a great way to make a crew member’s day and ensure that your cruise experience is unforgettable.
Prepaid Gratuities
Having prepaid gratuities can provide a sense of ease and allow for a more enjoyable cruise experience. It means you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or remembering to tip each crew member individually.
However, what happens if you end up not using all the gratuities that you prepaid for? Can you get a refund? Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean does not offer refunds for unused prepaid gratuities.
However, guests can choose to change their My Time Dining reservations and adjust the gratuity amount accordingly. It’s important to keep in mind that the gratuities are split between various staff members, so even if you don’t eat in the dining room, your prepaid gratuities are still going towards the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience possible.
Flexible Dining Options
I prefer flexible dining options on cruises, which is why I love Royal Caribbean’s My Time Dining. This option allows me to choose when and where I want to eat without having to make dining reservations. The best part is that I can still enjoy the same delicious meals and exceptional service as those who have reserved a set dining time.
To make things even more convenient, Royal Caribbean also offers alternative dining options such as specialty restaurants and room service. The table below shows some of the dining options available on Royal Caribbean and their features. With so many choices, I never feel restricted or confined to a set dining schedule, which enhances my overall cruise experience.
| Dining Option | Features |
|---|---|
| My Time Dining | Flexible dining without reservations |
| Specialty Restaurants | Unique dining experiences for an additional fee |
| Room Service | 24-hour dining in the comfort of your stateroom |
| Windjammer Cafe | Casual buffet-style dining with a variety of options |
| Cafe Promenade | Quick bites and coffee for on-the-go snacking |
Comparison with Cunard
In comparing dining options on cruises, it’s interesting to note the differences between Royal Caribbean and Cunard. While both offer a variety of dining choices, Cunard is known for its elegant and traditional dining experience. This includes formal dress codes and assigned seating times.
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean offers more flexible dining options, such as My Time Dining, which allows guests to dine at their convenience without a set time or table.
When it comes to amenities, Cunard offers a more luxurious experience with larger staterooms and more spacious public areas. They also offer a wider range of activities, including ballroom dancing and high tea, that cater to a more mature crowd.
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is known for its innovative activities and attractions, such as rock climbing walls and water slides. Both cruise lines have their own unique benefits, making it important for guests to choose based on their personal preferences.
Author’s Information and Conclusion
As a seasoned cruise industry professional with over 20 cruises under my belt, I’ve gained valuable insights into the world of cruising.
While Royal Caribbean is a popular choice for families and first-time cruisers, Cunard offers a more luxurious and traditional experience. As a guest, it’s important to consider your preferences and budget when choosing between these two cruise lines.
Understanding the differences between various cruise lines is essential in making an informed decision when planning your next vacation. As an author and expert in the cruise industry, I hope to provide valuable insights and tips to help guests have the best possible experience on their cruise.
Whether you choose Royal Caribbean, Cunard, or another cruise line, remember to do your research and plan ahead for a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.
Is it possible to request specific crew members to receive a larger portion of the gratuity?
Yes, it is possible to request preferences for crew members selection when it comes to gratuities on a Royal Caribbean cruise. However, it is important to note that gratuities are shared between various crew members and cannot be allocated solely to one individual.
Are there any additional fees or taxes added on top of the gratuity charge?
Yes, there may be additional charges or hidden fees added on top of the gratuity charge, such as taxes or port fees. It’s important to read the fine print and ask your travel agent for clarification to avoid unexpected expenses.
How does Royal Caribbean handle disputes over gratuity charges?
Dealing with disputes over gratuity charges is a rarity on Royal Caribbean, but if it happens, the guest should inform the guest services desk. The gratuity allocation preferences can be adjusted to suit the guest’s satisfaction.
Are there any cultural differences in tipping etiquette that guests should be aware of when cruising with Royal Caribbean?
When cruising with Royal Caribbean, it’s important to be aware of cultural tipping norms and international tipping customs. Researching the customs of the countries you’ll be visiting can help ensure you’re tipping appropriately and respectfully.
Does Royal Caribbean offer any alternative options for guests who do not wish to participate in the gratuity system?
If you prefer not to participate in the gratuity system, Royal Caribbean offers the option to opt-out. However, it’s not recommended as gratuities are a significant part of staff wages. No alternative options are available.