Introduction
The cruise travel experience is unique and exciting. If you are planning a Royal Caribbean cruise trip, you need to know about gratuities (tips). This article provides detailed information about Royal Caribbean Cruises Gratuities Guide in 2024 to make your trip smooth and happy.
What are Royal Caribbean Cruises gratuities?
On Royal Caribbean cruises, gratuities are tips for extra service provided during the cruise. They are primarily given to shipboard staff, such as cabin attendants, dining staff, and housekeeping staff, who make the trip comfortable and memorable.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Gratuities Rates in 2024
In 2024, Royal Caribbean Cruises has updated its gratuity rates. Let’s take a look at how much gratuities are on Royal Caribbean Cruises :
- Standard Cabin (Internal, Ocean View, and Balcony): $16.00 per person per day.
- Suites: $18.50 per person, per day.
These gratuities are added directly to your cruise booking. However, you can also adjust them yourself when booking online or during your trip.
When and why are gratuities given?
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Gratuities are mandatory on Royal Caribbean cruises, as they are an important part of your service. Once aboard the cruise, there are various staff members tasked with ensuring you have excellent service. Gratuities are primarily for staff who work behind the scenes, such as:
- Dining Staff: Who serves you at every meal.
- Cabin Attendants: Who keep your cabin clean and organized.
- Bar staff and spa staff: for whose services separate gratuities may be paid.
Can gratuities be adjusted on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Yes, Royal Caribbean allows you to adjust gratuities. If you are dissatisfied with a service, you can contact customer service and ask for a change in gratuities. Additionally, you can also leave additional tips if you receive exceptional service from a particular employee.
Prepaying Gratuities: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Stress-free during travel: Paying gratuities in advance saves you the worry of any extra expenses during your travel.
- Convenience in budget: This allows you to plan your cruise trip well in advance.
- Reward excellent service: By pre-paying, you ensure that employees get paid on time for their services.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of variation based on service: If you find any deficiency in service, you cannot adjust the gratuities already pre-paid.
- Lack of flexibility: If you wish to tip an employee extra while traveling, it may not be immediately adjusted in a pre-paid system.
Additional charges for gratuities
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On Royal Caribbean Cruises, certain services require separate gratuities. For example:
- Spa Services: A service charge of 18% applies to spa staff.
- Bar services: 18% gratuity applies to each drink as well.
- Specialty Restaurants: If you eat at these restaurants, you may need to pay gratuities for the meals as well.
How are gratuities given?
The process of giving gratuities is simple. They are added to your account at the time of booking your cruise ticket. Alternatively, you can give gratuities in cash if you wish, especially if you are extremely pleased with the service of an employee and want to reward him personally.
Conclusion
When traveling on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it is important to pay gratuities correctly, as it symbolizes your gratitude and appreciation to the staff. In 2024, Royal Caribbean Cruises has updated its gratuity rates, which is important for all passengers to know. Hopefully, this guide will make your trip even more wonderful and enjoyable.
FAQs
1. Can gratuities be booked in advance on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Yes, you can pre-pay gratuities when booking a cruise.
2. Can the amount of gratuities be deducted?
If you are not satisfied with the service, you may contact Customer Service and ask for a reduction of gratuities.
3. To which services do gratuities apply?
Gratuities are mandatory for dining, cabin, and housekeeping staff. Additional charges also apply for spa and bar services.