What you need to know about gratuities on a cruise

If you haven’t been on a cruise liner in the past few years, you might need a quick refresher on your cruise knowledge, especially when it comes to tipping.

On most mainstream cruises, guests are encouraged to pay gratuities, Travel at 60 team leader Kellie Banditt explains.

Many staff members rely heavily on the generosity of travellers for the vast majority of their salary. However, this extra fee can sometimes come as a surprise to holiday-makers when they see how much the charge adds to their bill.

“Some people are happy to pay it, but [others] get a bit of a shock when they get their bill and they’re not aware of it,” Banditt adds.

Most cruise lines now automatically add gratuity to your onboard account — but you have the right to adjust or remove this automatic charge. However, if you do opt out, some cruises will charge you an extra fee, Banditt adds.

Alternatively, you can pay gratuities in cash, directly to staff members or at the end of the cruise. Most cruise lines suggest tipping between $10 to $15 per person per day.

On the other hand, many other luxury cruise lines pay their staff higher salaries, removing the need for automatic or suggested gratuities, as well as including tips in the fare.

Here is what each major cruise line charges, or doesn’t charge, for gratuities:

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises includes gratuities in its fare.

Cunard Line

The British-American cruise line automatically adds gratuities to your account.

• Britannia Accommodations: US$11.50 (AU$16) per person per day.
• Grill Accommodations: US$13.50 per person per day.

Princess Cruises

No gratuities included for Australian cruises.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Gratuities included in fare.

P&O Cruises

No gratuities included for Australian cruises.

Regent Cruises

Gratuities included in fare.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Gratuities included in fare.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you paid gratuities on a cruise before?