Are gratuities required on Royal Caribbean?
When planning a vacation on Royal Caribbean, one common question that arises is whether gratuities are required. Royal Caribbean, like many other cruise lines, has a policy regarding gratuities that can be a bit confusing for first-time cruisers. In this article, we will delve into the details of Royal Caribbean’s gratuity policy and help you understand whether you should expect to tip crew members during your cruise.
Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Gratuity Policy
Royal Caribbean has a “Gratuities at Sea” program, which means that the cruise line automatically adds a daily gratuity to your onboard account. The amount varies depending on the length of your cruise, with longer cruises requiring higher daily gratuities. The standard amount for a 7-night cruise is approximately $14.50 per guest per day, which totals to about $102 for the entire cruise.
What Does the Gratuity Cover?
The daily gratuity covers a range of services provided by various crew members throughout the cruise, including but not limited to:
– Cabin steward (housekeeping)
– Restaurant servers
– Waitstaff
– Bar staff
– Room steward
– Security personnel
– Spa staff
– Photo staff
It’s important to note that while the gratuity covers these services, it is not mandatory. You are free to adjust the amount or even remove the gratuity from your onboard account if you choose to do so.
Adjusting or Removing Gratuity
If you feel that the services provided have not met your expectations, you can adjust the gratuity amount. To do so, you will need to visit the Guest Services desk and inform them of your decision. It’s worth noting that adjusting the gratuity is a one-time option, and you cannot do so daily.
Similarly, if you prefer not to have a gratuity added to your account, you can also request to have it removed. However, keep in mind that this may affect the level of service you receive from crew members, as they may feel undervalued.
Additional Tips
While the daily gratuity covers many services, there are still some instances where you may want to leave additional tips:
– For exceptional service from crew members who go above and beyond their duties.
– For special requests, such as early cabin cleaning or extra assistance.
– For shore excursions or other optional services.
In these cases, it’s always a good idea to carry small denominations of cash or use a credit card to tip crew members directly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Royal Caribbean requires that you pay a daily gratuity, but it is not mandatory. You have the freedom to adjust or remove the gratuity from your onboard account, and it is ultimately up to you to decide how much you tip crew members for exceptional service. By understanding the cruise line’s gratuity policy, you can ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free vacation on Royal Caribbean.
