Celebrity Cruises Has Increased Its Daily Gratuity Fees
Celebrity Cruises just raised its gratuity rates — and passengers are not happy about it. Here’s what you need to know about the change and how it affects your wallet.
Celebrity Cruises Raises Gratuities With Little Warning
On July 29, Celebrity Cruises sent an email to passengers. The email announced a gratuity increase effective that same day. Many travelers felt blindsided by the last-minute notice.
This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated.
The new daily gratuity rates for Inside, Oceanview, and Veranda staterooms went from $18 to $19.50 per person. Guests staying in the luxury Retreat suites now pay $24.50 per person per day, up from $23. These charges are automatically added to your onboard bill in U.S. dollars.
How Much Will This Cost Your Family?
The increase may seem small at first glance. But it adds up quickly for families on a weeklong cruise.
Standard Cabin Costs
A family of four in an Inside cabin on a 7-night cruise will now pay $546 total in gratuities. That’s an increase of about $42 compared to the old rate. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s money that wasn’t in your original budget.
Retreat Suite Costs
Families of four booked in a Retreat suite will pay $686 over seven nights. The previous total was $644. That’s $42 more for the same cruise experience.
Passengers Push Back on Social Media
The announcement sparked frustration on Facebook and Reddit. Many passengers said the short notice was the biggest problem. Some said they plan to remove the automatic gratuities entirely.
One cruiser shared their feelings online:
“I used to be all good with paying these fees and additionally tipping my servers and room attendant separately for exceptional service. But this has become so egregious across all the lines that I’ve started removing them and spending the exact same amount or more in direct tips. At least then I know what I’m paying is going directly to the workers that have earned them taking care of me while on board.”
Another passenger offered a simple warning: “With every increase you can expect more people to remove them.”
What Celebrity Cruises Says About the Change
Royal Caribbean Group owns Celebrity Cruises. A spokesperson for the company responded to the backlash with this statement:
“We hear directly from guests that our crew are the ones who help make vacation memories unforgettable. In keeping with industry standards, gratuities are shared and are a part of crew compensation, reflecting their exceptional work.”
The cruise line says the tips go to crew members across many departments. This includes room stewards, housekeeping staff, and restaurant and bar workers.
Can You Remove or Adjust the Gratuities?
Yes, you can change the gratuity amount while on the ship. Simply visit the Guest Services desk to adjust or remove the charges. Keep in mind that crew members rely on these tips as part of their pay.
If you prepaid your gratuities before the July 29 rate change, good news — you won’t be charged the higher amount. Prepaying tips when you book can be a smart way to lock in lower rates.
Celebrity Cruises Isn’t Alone in Raising Rates
Other cruise lines have also raised their gratuity fees recently. Holland America Line increased its daily rates in June. Standard cabins now cost $18 per person per day, while suites are $20 per person per day.
Different cruise lines handle gratuities in different ways. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Princess Cruises all add daily tips to your onboard bill. Lines like MSC Cruises bundle gratuities into the cruise fare upfront.
What This Means for Cruise Travelers
Gratuity increases are becoming more common across the cruise industry. It’s a good idea to factor these costs into your cruise budget from the start. Knowing your options — like prepaying or adjusting tips on board — can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.
