Is it cheaper to prepay gratuities on Royal?

Prepaid Gratuities on Royal Caribbean: Is It Worth It?

Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise offers a world of amenities and services, including attentive service from the crew. Gratuities, or tips, are customary to acknowledge this service and ensure the crew’s livelihood.

Royal Caribbean provides two options for handling gratuities: prepaying or paying daily.

Prepaid Gratuities

Prepaid gratuities allow you to settle the service charges upfront before your cruise departs. This option eliminates the need to calculate and pay individual tips each day. The prepaid gratuities cover:

• Housekeeping
• Dining room service
• Waitstaff in bars and lounges
• Room service

Daily Charges

If you prefer not to prepay, you can choose to pay gratuities daily. In this case, a fixed amount will be added to your onboard account each day. The daily charges vary depending on your cabin type:

• Inside and ocean view cabins: $14.50 per person, per day
• Balcony cabins: $15.50 per person, per day
• Junior suites: $17.50 per person, per day
• Grand suites and above: $19.50 per person, per day

Suite Guests

Guests staying in suites receive a fixed daily gratuity amount regardless of their choice of prepaid or daily charges. The daily gratuity for suite guests is as follows:

• Junior suites: $20.00 per person, per day
• Grand suites and above: $22.00 per person, per day

Considerations

When deciding whether to prepay gratuities, consider the following:

• Cabin type: If you’re staying in a suite, prepaid gratuities may not offer a significant cost savings.
• Expected onboard spending: If you plan to spend heavily on drinks and other services, prepaid gratuities may provide a more cost-effective option.
• Personal preference: Some passengers prefer the convenience of prepaying gratuities, while others enjoy having the flexibility to adjust their tips based on service received.

Conclusion

Whether to prepay gratuities on Royal Caribbean is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances. Consider your cabin type, expected onboard spending, and personal preferences to make the best choice for you.