What happens if you don t pay gratuities on Royal Caribbean?

To Tip or Not to Tip: Decoding Royal Caribbean’s Gratuity Policy

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? While visions of turquoise waters and poolside cocktails dance in your head, don’t forget about gratuities. Tipping on a cruise can feel like navigating a minefield of etiquette, but understanding Royal Caribbean’s policy can save you confusion and potential overspending.

Here’s the deal: Royal Caribbean automatically adds a daily service charge to your SeaPass account. This isn’t optional, it’s standard practice. Think of it as pre-paying for the excellent service you’ll receive from the hardworking staff on board.

The daily gratuity is currently $18.50 per person, per day, regardless of your stateroom type. This means a family of four can expect to pay $74 per day, totaling $518 for a 7-night cruise.

But what if you prepay your gratuities? Many cruisers opt to prepay gratuities before setting sail. This can be done online through your Royal Caribbean account or by calling their customer service. Prepaying won’t change the total amount but allows you to budget for your trip more accurately and avoid any surprise charges on your final bill.

Can you adjust the automatic gratuities? Absolutely! If you feel the service you’re receiving isn’t up to par, you can visit Guest Services onboard to adjust the amount. Similarly, if you’d like to tip extra for exceptional service, you’re more than welcome to do so.

Remember, these gratuities are shared among the staff, including your stateroom attendants, dining staff, and behind-the-scenes crew who work tirelessly to ensure your cruise is unforgettable.

Pro Tip: While the automatic gratuity covers most services, it’s customary to tip extra for specific services like spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, and baggage handling.

By understanding Royal Caribbean’s gratuity policy, you can relax and enjoy your cruise knowing you’re appropriately acknowledging the hard work of the crew. Bon voyage!