Can you opt out of gratuity on a cruise?

Opting Out of Cruise Gratuities: Understanding the Fine Print

Cruise ships often add a daily gratuity charge to onboard accounts, intended as a tip for the crew. While this is generally accepted practice, passengers do have the option to decline the automatic daily gratuity. Crucially, this opt-out applies only to the lump sum daily gratuity, not the individual tips added to purchases.

This distinction is vital. While you can formally opt out of the daily gratuity charge, this does not mean you can avoid tipping altogether. Any gratuities added to individual purchases, such as drinks, are non-refundable and will still be charged.

To avoid the daily gratuity, simply visit Guest Services during your cruise. This allows you to formally decline the pre-determined tip. While the daily gratuity can be removed from your account, be aware that individual purchase charges for gratuities remain.

In essence, opting out of the daily gratuity only affects the automated portion of the tip system. You are still expected to tip on individual services and purchases. Knowing this distinction beforehand is key to avoiding any surprises or misunderstandings during your cruise.