On a cruise, your tips are almost always worked out for you in advance. Most ships apply an automatic service charge — a fixed amount per person per day that goes onto your onboard account and is shared among the crew. It's worth understanding how it works ahead of time, so you don't pay twice and can budget your cruise with confidence.
In short: the service charge (gratuities) goes onto your onboard account automatically — usually per night and per guest. On many lines you can prepay it with the cruise. It already covers crew tips, so adding more is optional. Exact amounts depend on the cruise line — confirm them at booking or in your bookings.
01 / What it isWhat the cruise service charge is
The service charge (referred to as gratuities or service charge in English-language materials) is a pre-set fee for service on board. It replaces the manual tipping of the waiters, cabin stewards and service staff you interact with every day on a ship. The line distributes the pooled amount among its crew, so you don't need to carry cash or work out who to tip and how much.
02 / How it is billedHow the charge is added to your onboard account
As a rule, the charge applies per night of the cruise and per guest in the cabin, often including children — though the rules for children vary by line. The amount is added to your onboard account automatically, and you settle that account at the end of the voyage with a linked card. There's nothing separate to do — it's all worked out for you.
- Daily rate — a fixed amount per night; often higher for suites and premium cabins.
- Per guest — the charge is multiplied by the number of people in the cabin.
- Bars and spa are separate — bar and spa bills often add their own service percentage on top of the daily charge.
03 / PrepayingCan you prepay the charge
On many lines the service charge can be prepaid together with the cruise — in which case it won't appear on your onboard account at the end of the voyage. This helps with budgeting and can lock in the rate in effect at the time of purchase. Whether prepayment is available depends on the line and the fare; if it's possible for your cruise, we'll show the option at checkout.
04 / Tipping extraDo you need to tip on top
Extra tips are entirely up to you. The automatic charge already covers standard service, so there's no obligation to add anything. Many guests still thank individuals who went above and beyond — a cabin steward, a favourite waiter, a concierge — but it's a personal gesture, not a requirement.
05 / Adjusting itCan the charge be changed or removed
Check the line's policy
Each cruise company has its own rules: some allow the charge to be adjusted at the guest services desk, others keep it fixed. Check the terms of your specific cruise.
Visit guest services on board
If the line allows a change at all, it's handled on board at the Guest Services desk, usually before the end of the voyage.
Remember the crew
The charge is the crew's income. Lowering it reduces the tips for the people who served you, so it's worth doing only for a genuine reason.
06 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Are cruise tips mandatory?
The automatic service charge is a standard part of the cost of service and is applied by default. Extra tips on top of it, though, are entirely optional.
How much exactly is the daily charge?
The exact rate depends on the cruise line and cabin category, and it can change over time. We don't quote a single figure — check the terms of your cruise at checkout or ask support.
Can I prepay so it isn't charged on board?
On many lines, yes — the charge can be prepaid with the cruise. If it's available for your voyage, the option will appear during booking.
Where can I see what my cruise includes?
The details and terms for a specific voyage are available under my bookings. If something is missing, message us at @sales_travel_bot or call 8 800 1000-646.