Royal Caribbean Gratuities Explained

Under Royal Caribbean's current U.S. policy, daily gratuities are $18.50 per guest, per day for standard staterooms (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony) and $21.00 per guest, per day for suites (Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Owner's Suites, Royal Suite Class).

Royal Caribbean automatically adds the daily service gratuity to your onboard SeaPass account unless prepaid. While described as discretionary with adjustments allowed through Guest Relations for service issues, travelers should budget for them as an expected vacation cost.

Yes. Royal Caribbean applies the daily service gratuity to all guests in the stateroom regardless of age, including infants and children, because housekeeping, dining, and youth staff support every traveler.

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all individual beverage purchases (cocktails, beer, wine, soda) and all beverage package purchases (Deluxe, Refreshment, Soda) at the time of transaction.

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all specialty restaurant cover charges, a la carte orders, and specialty dining packages at checkout. You do not need to add an additional tip unless service was exceptional.

Continental breakfast room service is complimentary. All other 24-hour room service orders carry a $7.95 service fee plus an automatic 18% gratuity ($1.43), making the total room service fee $9.38.

A 20% automatic gratuity is applied to all spa and salon treatments (massages, facials, pedicures, salon styling) at checkout.

Prepaying before sailing locks in your budget, prevents checkout billing surprises, and protects against potential future rate increases. Paying onboard allows you to use promotional onboard credits (OBC) to cover the fee.

Review your booking confirmation invoice or online Cruise Planner account. Look for line items stating 'Prepaid Gratuities' or 'Gratuities Included'. If booked through Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, ask your advisor to confirm.

Yes. Extra tipping is completely optional and personal. If your stateroom attendant, head waiter, or bartender provides extraordinary service, giving a personal cash tip in US Dollars is a wonderful way to express appreciation.

While the $21/day suite gratuity covers baseline services, Star Class Royal Genies provide round-the-clock VIP assistance. Customary cash appreciation ranges from $50 to $100+ per suite per day depending on the level of customized planning.

If you cancel a cruise prior to sailing, prepaid gratuities are 100% refundable according to Royal Caribbean's standard cancellation policy terms.

Ultra-luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn include 100% of all staff gratuities, fine wines, premium spirits, and specialty dining upfront in their baseline fare with zero additional tipping required onboard.

Complimentary food and standard island amenities at CocoCay are covered under your standard cruise fare. Paid dining venues (Captain Jack's), cabana service, and bar drinks on the island carry the same standard 18% automatic gratuity as on the ship.

Yes. Non-refundable and refundable promotional onboard credits (OBC) applied to your SeaPass account will automatically offset daily service gratuities charged to your folio during the voyage, provided you did not prepay gratuities before embarkation.