Does Royal Caribbean charge tips for kids?

Royal Caribbean's Tipping Policy: A Note for Families

Royal Caribbean International's automatic gratuity policy is a common source of discussion among families planning cruises. While the policy itself is straightforward, it's important to understand its implications, especially regarding children. The cruise line's practice of automatically adding a service charge, or tip, to all guest accounts, applies without distinction based on age. This means that even the youngest passengers are factored into the standard tipping amount.

Crucially, this automatic gratuity covers all services offered on board, from dining and entertainment to activities and excursions. This includes, critically, the onboard experiences designed specifically for children. From the supervised kids' clubs to the themed shows, the staff providing these experiences are included in the overall tip calculation.

While the policy might seem somewhat unusual to some families, it's a common practice in the cruise industry, designed to provide staff with a predictable and consistent income. This transparency regarding the service charge helps families budget for their cruise, understanding that the fee is built into the overall cost.

Understanding this automatic gratuity system helps families plan their cruise budgets effectively. It's a significant factor in determining the overall cost of the trip, as the amount added will vary depending on the length of the cruise and the overall cost of the booking. Families should carefully consider this aspect when comparing cruise options and making their travel decisions. Importantly, while the policy applies to all guests, the details of how this specific gratuity is applied, and the details of the compensation paid to staff, remain largely opaque.