How Much Are Carnival’s Daily Gratuities?
When this article was researched, the published rates were $17.00 per person, per day for standard interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms, and $19.00 per person, per day for suites. Cruise news outlets have reported that Carnival has raised these amounts in the past, and they may change again, so check Carnival’s current figures when you book.
Gratuities are generally charged for each guest in the cabin for each day of the cruise. Confirm how the charge applies to children and infants for your booking. As an illustration only, at $17 a day a couple on a seven-night cruise would see roughly $238 in total gratuities (2 guests x 7 days x $17), subject to the rates in force.
What the Daily Gratuity Covers
The daily charge is a service fee shared among the crew who look after you. According to Carnival’s description and commonly shared guidance, this typically includes:
- Your cabin steward
- Main dining room staff, such as waiters and assistants
- Behind-the-scenes crew in areas such as the galley and housekeeping
It is not a payment to one person. It is pooled and distributed according to the line’s policy.
Separate Service Charges on Drinks and Dining
Daily gratuities are not the only service fee you’ll see. Carnival also adds an automatic service charge to bar purchases, and to some specialty dining and other items. Reported figures are a percentage of the price, commonly about 18% to 20%, but the exact amount can vary and change, so check the menu and your receipt. This is in addition to the daily gratuity, which is why some cruisers say they are “paying two tips.” It also applies to drink packages. See whether the Carnival Cheers drink package is worth it.
Prepay or Pay Onboard?
You usually have two choices:
- Prepay. Pay the gratuities when you book, online or via a travel agent. This lets you settle the cost ahead of time and avoid a larger bill at the end.
- Pay onboard. If you don’t prepay, the daily amount is charged to your onboard account, which is linked to your card. See the $200 charge explained for how the card hold on that account works.
Some people prepay for budgeting simplicity. Others prefer to wait in case they want to review the charge during the cruise. Whichever you pick, rates quoted before sailing can differ from those charged later, so check the date and terms.
Can You Change or Remove Them?
This is the question most people have, and the honest answer is that it depends on Carnival’s current policy and your situation. Cruisers frequently report that you can ask Guest Services to review or adjust the charge, for example if you have a service problem or prefer to tip crew members directly, but this is not guaranteed and the rules may differ. Carnival presents the gratuity as a standard part of the cruise cost.
If you want to discuss it:
- Ask politely at Guest Services before the end of the cruise.
- Be clear about why you are asking, such as a specific service issue.
- Ask what the policy is and get confirmation of any change on your folio.
- Remember that crew members rely on these gratuities as part of their income.
If you prepaid, ask what the refund or adjustment process is before assuming you can change it.
Do You Need to Tip Extra?
Not necessarily. The automatic gratuity is intended to cover the usual service. Some guests give a little extra cash to a steward or bartender who went above and beyond, which is optional. Our guide to tipping your room steward has typical amounts. See how much money to bring on a Carnival cruise for the role of cash.
Exceptions
Carnival has said gratuities don’t apply on cruises departing from or returning to certain Australian ports, such as Sydney or Brisbane. Different rules can apply on other itineraries, so check your booking.
Quick Budget Tips
- Add gratuities to your per-person cost when comparing prices, along with the other costs a fare leaves out, and compare line by line.
- Include bar and specialty service charges in drink and dining estimates.
- Keep a record of what you prepaid.
- Review your final folio before leaving the ship.
For the rest of the cost picture, see our first-timer’s guide to Carnival.