How do you remove gratuities from a cruise?

Removing Gratuities from a Cruise

Cruise lines typically charge automatic daily gratuities as a way to compensate their hard-working crew members for their services. These gratuities are usually added to passenger accounts and distributed among the ship's staff. While many passengers opt to leave these gratuities as a token of appreciation, it's important to know that they can be removed upon request.

Procedure for Removing Gratuities

If you wish to remove gratuities from your cruise bill, you can do so by following these steps:

• Visit Guest Services: Proceed to the designated Guest Services desk on the ship.
• Request Removal: Inform the guest service agent that you would like to remove the gratuities from your account.
• Verification: The agent will verify your request and may ask for your cruise ticket or cabin number.
• Confirmation: Once your request has been processed, you will receive confirmation that the gratuities have been removed.

Note the Exception

It's important to note that gratuities added to individual drink purchases are non-refundable. This is because these gratuities are directly collected by the bar or beverage serving staff.

Considerations

Before requesting the removal of gratuities, consider the following factors:

• Industry Standard: Gratuities are a common practice in the cruise industry and a way to show appreciation for the crew's efforts.
• Impact on Crew: Removing gratuities may impact the crew's income, which is primarily based on tips.
• Alternatives: If you're not comfortable with the amount of gratuities, you can consider adjusting them to a more appropriate level.

Conclusion

Passengers have the option to remove gratuities from their cruise bills by visiting Guest Services. However, it's essential to consider the industry norms and the potential impact on the crew before making this decision. By understanding the process and weighing the factors involved, passengers can make an informed choice about how to handle gratuities during their cruise experience.