Carnival-Owned Cruise Line Increases Gratuities for Guests

Table Of Content

• First, Why Should You Pay Gratuities?
• Do infants and children need to pay gratuities?
• Do Carnival charge gratuities per person or per cabin?
• Can I add gratuity for exceptional service above the standard charges?
• Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies
• Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises Increased Onboard Gratuities Late in 2022

Automatic gratuities can be a convenience for cruise guests, but it can also be confusing to understand just which crew members onboard receive those tips. When one cruise line institutes a gratuity increase, other lines often follow suit, especially within the same family of cruise lines. It must be noted that the date the rates will actually increase is from February 14, 2024; sailings booked prior to January 15, 2024 will remain at the current, lower gratuity rate. Everything you need to know about Carnival Cruise Line Gratuities which is also known as tipping. Covering important questions and rates for a Carnival cruise ship.

First, Why Should You Pay Gratuities?

The downside is that some of the crew members that work behind the scenes, won’t then receive any gratuity for you. But they have worked just as hard for you as they have other guests. Additionally, the staff is assessed depending on ratings and feedback from guests.

Do infants and children need to pay gratuities?

Furthermore, it is worth noting that some Carnival Cruise itineraries automatically add gratuities to your onboard account. This method, known as automatic gratuities, simplifies the tipping process for passengers. However, if you prefer to have more control over the distribution of your gratuities, you have the option to modify or remove automatic gratuities by contacting the Guest Services desk. While tips are not mandatory, they are highly encouraged, as they help to supplement the salaries of the crew members who rely on gratuities as a significant part of their income. To provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Carnival Cruise tipping policy, we have compiled a complete guide that covers all the essential information you need to know. From who to tip and how much to guidelines for specific services, this guide aims to assist passengers in making informed decisions when it comes to gratuities.

Do Carnival charge gratuities per person or per cabin?

Gratuities, also known as service charges, are an integral part of the cruising experience, as they recognize the hard work and dedication of the ship’s crew. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on Carnival Cruise’s gratuity policy and provide valuable tips for passengers to navigate this aspect seamlessly. Gratuity, also known as a service charge, is an important aspect to consider when planning a cruise vacation, especially on a Carnival cruise ship. It’s a way of showing appreciation to the hardworking crew members who strive to make your experience onboard as pleasant as possible. The amount of gratuity on a Carnival cruise ship is generally determined by the cruise line and is automatically added to your onboard account. Tipping is an important aspect of the Carnival Cruise experience, as it ensures exceptional service and shows appreciation to the hardworking staff.

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The gratuities are charged to one account, plus any other persons attached to that account. Guests who want to reward extra special service to individual servers, however, should do so through extra cash offered directly to the crew member. For ultimate comfort, the easiest way to deal with gratuities is to pre-pay everything before the start of the voyage, so there is no need to think about it afterward. For more detailed information and specific guidelines, continue reading the sections below. However, while onboard, guests are also free to adjust the values at their own discretion, the company explained. Guests are also charged up to $12 per person, per day for a fuel charge.

Can I add gratuity for exceptional service above the standard charges?

For beverage purchases, an automatic 18% gratuity will be added to the bill in addition to the cruise gratuity. There are a few different ways that you can prepay your gratuities in advance if you've decided that this is the best option for your upcoming sailing. Those who prepaid before March 31 were able to lock in the lower rate. Another option is to prepay your gratuities via "My Cruise Planner" once you've completed the booking.

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It’s important to note that the gratuity charge is not mandatory and can be adjusted at your discretion. If you feel that the service provided by the crew members exceeded your expectations, you can choose to increase the gratuity amount. Similarly, if you believe that the service was not satisfactory, you can request to adjust the gratuity accordingly.

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If you are cruising to another destination with MSC, you will want to visit the cruise line’s website. Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.

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This price does change occasionally in line with inflation with the last increase being on April 1, 2023. However, like regular tips, you can decide how much or how little you want to pay – more on that later.

Remember, tipping is a personal choice, and providing additional gratuities for exceptional service is always appreciated. Understanding and planning for gratuities are crucial aspects of preparing for a Carnival cruise. These charges, integral to the cruise experience, support the hardworking staff. While the suggested amounts may initially surprise, they contribute significantly to the service team's earnings. Whether opting for pre-payment or adjusting gratuities on board, it's vital to be aware of the processes involved. Recognizing who is included in gratuity distribution and the breakdown of charges further enhances your understanding of this customary practice at sea.

In this complete guide to cruise gratuities for 2023, we explain everything you need to know and break down the costs by cruise line. Perhaps holding off on paying gratuities will allow you to purchase drink packages or Wi-Fi to stay connected throughout the trip for additional savings. If you do so in advance through "My Cruise Planner," you can save 10% on the drink package and up to 15% off Wi-Fi packages. Potentially, you could board your cruise and not spend another penny. Guests who are booked to sail with the line can prepay their gratuities online before April 1 at the current price, Lupoli said.

Holland America Line implemented a modest .50 increase, effective February 1, 2023. Standard cabins go from $15.50 to $16.00 per person per day, while suites rise from $16.50 to $17.00. Princess announced increases in early December, increasing tips to $16 for interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms, $17 for mini-suites and Club Class, and $18 for suites. Because gratuities are always optional, every guest has the ability to remove or adjust the automatic gratuities on their Sail-and-Sign accounts (pre-paid gratuities cannot be adjusted).

Since December 1, 2018, the gratuity rate has remained the same; however, since then, inflation has devalued the salaries of those working onboard. Remember, your gratuities have the power to make a significant impact on the lives of the crew members who work tirelessly to ensure your cruise experience is exceptional. By tipping generously and thoughtfully, you become an integral part of their journey, as well. In summary, the Carnival Cruise tipping policy is a crucial aspect of any passenger’s experience on board. It is important to understand the guidelines and recommendations in order to ensure that both the crew members and passengers have a positive and rewarding journey. By following this complete guide, you can ensure that your tipping experience on a Carnival Cruise is both appropriate and satisfactory for all parties involved.