At One Little Spark Travel, we often receive questions about gratuities for cruises. Gratuities are a customary way to thank the crew members who go above and beyond to make your vacation memorable. Here’s what you need to know about gratuities on Disney Cruise Line and other major cruise lines:
Disney Cruise Line Gratuities
For Disney Cruise Line, the recommended gratuity is $14.50 per guest per night for standard staterooms, including all guests, regardless of age. If you’re staying in a Concierge Stateroom or Suite, the recommended gratuity is $15.50 per guest per night. This rate includes an additional $1 per person, per day for the Assistant Stateroom Host.
Additionally, guests staying in Concierge-level accommodations are encouraged to tip $8 per guest per day for the Concierge Lounge team, who provide personalized services and exclusive access throughout your cruise. These gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account at the end of your cruise unless you choose to pre-pay them before sailing.
To assist with budgeting, you can use our handy Disney Cruise Line Gratuity Calculator determine the total amount of gratuities for your specific cruise itinerary.
Additional Gratuities on Disney Cruises
- Bar and Beverage Services: An automatic 18% gratuity is added to all bar, beverage, wine, and deck service tabs.
- Spa Services: An automatic 18% gratuity is added to all spa and salon services.
- Room Service: Most items on the Room Service menu are complimentary, but it is customary to tip the server who delivers your food. A suggested amount is $1 to $2 per plate.
- Specialty Dining (Palo and Remy): While a cover charge applies, it does not include gratuity. An additional 18% gratuity is suggested, especially for exceptional service.
Pre-Paying Gratuities
To simplify the tipping process, you have the option to pre-pay your gratuities before your cruise. This can be done up to three days before departure and ensures that you have all your expenses covered in advance. Pre-paying also allows you to focus on enjoying your cruise without worrying about any additional costs.
Gratuities on Other Cruise Lines
Gratuities vary by cruise line. Here are the most recent amounts for some popular cruise lines:
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): $20 per guest per day for standard staterooms, with an additional 20% gratuity for all spa, salon, and beverage services.
- Royal Caribbean: $16 per person, per day for regular staterooms, with an additional 18% gratuity added to bar and spa services.
- Celebrity Cruises: $18 per guest per day for standard staterooms, with higher rates for premium suites. An automatic 20% gratuity is added for all beverage and spa purchases.
- Holland America: $16 per guest per day for standard staterooms and $17.50 for suites, plus an 18% gratuity for bar and wine purchases.
Tips for Tipping
- Porters: When you arrive at the port, it’s customary to tip porters $1 to $5 per bag.
- Room Service: Keep small bills handy for tipping room service staff.
By understanding the gratuity practices of your cruise line, you can better plan and budget for your trip while ensuring that the hardworking crew members who contribute to your vacation receive the appreciation they deserve. If you have any questions or need help calculating your gratuities, use our Disney Cruise Line Gratuity Calculator, or contact One Little Spark Travel!