What happens if I don't prepay gratuities on Royal Caribbean?

Understanding Gratuities on Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to be aware of the gratuity policies to avoid any surprises during your vacation. Gratuities, also known as service charges, are automatically added to your onboard account if not prepaid before your cruise.

Prepaid vs. Automatic Gratuities

Royal Caribbean offers guests the option to prepay their gratuities prior to departure. This allows for a more convenient and budget-friendly approach, ensuring that service charges are already covered before you set sail.

If you choose not to prepay, Royal Caribbean will automatically add a daily service gratuity to your SeaPass account. The amount charged varies depending on your stateroom type:

• All stateroom types, except those with alternative arrangements: $18.50 per guest, per day

Alternative Arrangements

Certain stateroom categories may have alternative gratuity arrangements. These include:

• Suites: A higher daily service gratuity may be applied.
• Concierge Class: A premium daily service gratuity is included in the stateroom price.

Reasons to Prepay Gratuities

There are several benefits to prepaying your gratuities:

• Convenience: You don’t have to worry about daily service charges being added to your account while onboard.
• Budget-friendliness: Prepaying allows you to lock in a specific gratuity rate, ensuring you won’t be affected by any future changes.
• Time-saving: You won’t have to line up at guest services or carry cash around the ship for tipping.

Reasons to Not Prepay

In some cases, it may be more advantageous to wait until after your cruise to provide gratuities. This allows you to:

• Adjust based on service: You can reward crew members who provided exceptional service with higher tips.
• Avoid double-tipping: If you have already prepaid gratuities but encounter a crew member who deserves additional recognition, you may end up double-tipping.
• Use rewards: If you are a member of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, you may earn points or credits that can be redeemed for gratuities.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to prepay or not is a personal preference. Consider your budget, travel style, and the level of service you anticipate receiving before making your choice.