Royal Caribbean is joining the list of cruise lines which automatically charge tips to passenger accounts. The recommended daily amount is also being increased.
With effect from March 1, $12 (£7.75) per passenger per day will be charged, to be shared out between restaurant waiters, cabin attendants, and those described as “other housekeeping services personnel.” That’s an increase of 35 cents on the current daily recommendation.
For passengers travelling in suites, the charge will be $14.25 (£9.20) – up from $13.90.
Currently, passengers who choose flexible My Time dining are required to pre-pay the gratuities before boarding. The option is also available to passengers on fixed-seating dinner arrangements, or they can choose to reward the crew in cash.
The FAQ on Royal Caribbean’s website adds: “Please note, as of June 2012, we no longer provide the pre-paid gratuity vouchers for the guest to give to the appropriate crew member on the last evening of the cruise, but staff will be aware on the last evening which guests have already paid.”
Passengers who believe they have received inadequate service, or who object to the payments for other reasons, can request Guest Services to reduce or remove the automatic gratuities.
Royal’s FAQ claims its charges are “in line with” their competitors. The $12 rate is indeed the same as Norwegian but marginally more than Cunard. P&O, who do not levy gratuities on passengers under 12, apply a charge of £3.50 a day.
Gratuities are included in the fares on Thomson, Saga, Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery cruises, and also on ultra-luxury lines such as Crystal, Seabourn or Silversea.
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
That’s ridiculous !