Should You Prepay Cruise Ship Gratuities? Pros, Cons, and Tipping Etiquette

When planning a cruise, one of the many decisions you’ll need to make is whether to prepay your gratuities. Cruise ship gratuities are also referred to as service charges or daily service charges on some cruise lines, are the tips given to the crew members who make your trip enjoyable, including your cabin steward, dining staff, and other service personnel. These fees are additional to your cruise fare. 

Most cruise lines offer the option to prepay these gratuities before you embark or to have them automatically added to your onboard account. But is prepaying the best option for you? Let’s explore the pros and cons of prepaying cruise ship gratuities.

Pros of Prepaying Cruise Ship Gratuities

Budgeting Convenience

• Predictable Costs: Prepaying gratuities allows you to manage your vacation budget more effectively. With the gratuities paid upfront, you won’t have to worry about unexpected charges at the end of your cruise. This can be particularly helpful if you’re trying to stick to a specific budget.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your tips are already taken care of can give you peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy your cruise without the stress of calculating or remembering to tip at the end of your trip.

Lock in Rates

• Avoid Price Increases: Some cruise lines increase their gratuity rates periodically. By prepaying, you lock in the current rate, which can save you money if the rates go up before your cruise.
• Exchange Rate Advantage: If you’re cruising with a line that charges gratuities in a different currency, prepaying might protect you from unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations.

Smoother Disembarkation

• Hassle-Free Checkout: Prepaying your gratuities means one less thing to worry about when it’s time to disembark. The final night of a cruise can be hectic, and knowing that your tips are already settled can make your departure smoother and less stressful.

Cons of Prepaying Cruise Ship Gratuities

Reduced Flexibility

• Prepaying for tips means you have to come up with the money early. If you need to wait until a later date to have the money to cover the gratuities, paying early may not work for you.
• If you prepay, you will only be able to charge the fees with a debit or credit card over the internet. If you are someone who prefers to limit their online transactions, waiting until you are on the ship may be your best option.

Other Times You May Want to Tip on a Cruise Ship

In addition to the standard gratuities that cover your cabin steward, dining staff, and other key service members, there are other occasions where tipping might be appropriate:

Specialty Dining

Additional Gratuities: While gratuities are often included in the surcharge for specialty restaurants, some guests choose to leave an additional tip if you receive exceptional service.

Room Service

Extra Appreciation: Although some cruise lines include a small gratuity in the room service charge, a few extra dollars for the delivery person is always appreciated, especially for late-night orders.

Bartenders and Beverage Servers

Per Drink or End-of-Cruise: While a service charge is often added to drink purchases, many cruisers tip bartenders or beverage servers a little extra, either per drink or as a lump sum at the end of the cruise.

Excursion Guides

Tour Tipping: If you take part in shore excursions organized by the cruise line, it’s customary to tip your tour guide and bus driver. The amount can vary depending on the length and quality of the excursion. These additional tips go a long way for the individuals that are serving you and your party.

Spa Services

Therapist Gratitude: If you indulge in a spa treatment, a 15-20% tip is generally expected for good service. This is often added to your bill, but you can always leave a little extra if the service exceeds your expectations.

Look For Deals

Some savvy vacationers will look at cruise deals that include their cruise gratuities. This can save a few hundred dollars off the cost of your trip. Check with your preferred cruise line to see if they have any offers that include free automatic gratuities at the time of booking. 

Some travel advisors or travel agents will offer specials to cover the cost of standard gratuity charges for a guests’ booking as a perk for their customers. 

A growing trend among some cruise lines, particularly luxury cruise lines, add pre-paid gratuities to the cruise fare price. This allows some travelers to feel like they are getting a better deal, but also it helps with a passenger’s overall cruise budget. This allows the cruise to have a more all-inclusive feeling when you aren’t adding charges to the cruise fare cost.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to prepay your cruise ship gratuities or settle them at the end of your voyage, understanding the pros and cons can help you make the best decision for your travel style and budget. 

Remember, the crew works hard to ensure you have an enjoyable experience, so regardless of your choice, tipping generously where appropriate helps support the people who make your vacation special.