How much do you tip on Celebrity Cruises?

Decoding Gratuities on Celebrity Cruises: What to Expect and When to Tip Extra

Celebrity Cruises offers a luxurious sailing experience, and a significant part of that luxury relies on the dedication of its crew. To ensure their hard work is fairly compensated, the cruise line automatically adds gratuities to your onboard account. However, understanding exactly what’s included and when additional tipping might be appropriate can enhance your vacation and ensure you’re showing your appreciation effectively.

Automatic Gratuities: What’s Included?

Celebrity Cruises automatically includes gratuities for most services. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for daily decisions about tipping and ensures crew members receive consistent compensation. While the exact amounts may vary slightly depending on the length of your cruise and cabin category, the core inclusions are consistent:

• Dining Room Service: Gratuities are automatically added for your dining experiences in the main dining rooms. This covers the waitstaff, assistant waiters, and bussers.
• General Crew Service: Gratuities are also factored into your account for general services provided by the housekeeping staff, your stateroom attendant, and other onboard crew members.

Services with Separate Gratuities:

While the majority of gratuities are automatically included, certain services attract separate charges:

• Spa and Salon: An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all spa and salon services. This is a standard industry practice and ensures fair compensation for these specialized professionals.
• Specialty Dining: Indulging in a meal at one of Celebrity’s specialty restaurants? Expect a 20% gratuity added to your bill. This reflects the higher level of service and often more elaborate menu offered in these venues.
• Room Service: Ordering room service also incurs a 20% gratuity. This recognizes the extra effort involved in delivering meals and attending to your requests outside the main dining areas.

Beyond the Automatic Charges: When to Consider Extra Tipping

While Celebrity’s automated gratuity system covers a wide range of services, you might consider additional tipping in specific situations. For example, exceptionally outstanding service from a particular crew member – perhaps a stateroom attendant who goes above and beyond to make your stay memorable – warrants a small token of appreciation beyond the automated gratuity. A small, cash tip is generally preferred in these instances.

Similarly, if you have a particularly large or complex request handled by room service or another department, a small additional gratuity is a thoughtful gesture.

Reviewing Your Account:

It’s crucial to review your onboard account statement carefully before disembarking. This allows you to verify that all charges, including gratuities, are accurate and to address any discrepancies immediately.

In summary, while Celebrity Cruises handles the majority of gratuities automatically, understanding the system’s nuances empowers you to both appreciate the crew’s dedication and ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. By knowing what’s included and when additional tipping might be appropriate, you can navigate the gratuity process with confidence.