Many cruise lines offer the option of prepaying gratuities to simplify the tipping process. Should you prepay cruise gratuities? We will explore the pros and cons of prepaying gratuities.
How Much is Cruise Gratuity?
Most cruise lines charge an average of $16 to $20 per person per day, and suite passengers pay more. Cruise lines will allow you to prepay this gratuity before boarding the ship. Otherwise, if you don’t prepay your gratuity, you will pay it when onboard the ship. It is posted to your onboard account as a daily gratuity or service charge.
Lock in the Rate
One of the major advantages of prepaying cruise gratuities is that you lock in the rate. It’s common for cruise lines to raise gratuity rates, so it’s smart to prepay so you can lock in the old rate.
Simplify Your Budgeting
By prepaying your gratuities, you will simplify budgeting because you will know your overall vacation cost. It will also give you peace of mind to enjoy your cruise without having to think about gratuities!
No Sticker Shock
You won’t be caught off guard by how expensive gratuities are. Automatic gratuities, on average, cost between $16 and $20 per person per day. A family of four staying in one cabin will be charged $80 per day—an extra $560 for a seven-day cruise! Check out 14 Cruise Laundry Tips You Need to Know About
Can’t Use Onboard Credit
One of the main disadvantages of prepaying gratuities is that you can’t use onboard credit to pay for it. If you let the cruise charge you the gratuity while onboard the ship, some cruise lines will allow you to take it out of your onboard credit. So, if you have a lot of onboard credit, it’s best not to prepay gratuities. Check out 8 Easy Ways to Get Free Onboard Credit on a Cruise
Cruise Cancellations
If you were to cancel or reschedule your cruise, sometimes getting a refund on your prepaid gratuities can be a hassle. Check out 8 Warning Signs You Booked a Bad Cruise
Not Flexible
If you prepay gratuity, you are locked into that amount. If you are somehow unhappy with the service, you won’t be able to go to guest services to get the gratuity amount adjusted or refunded since you already prepaid. Check out 12 Things to Bring from Home to Save Money on Your Cruise
Upfront Cost
Don’t prepay your gratuity if you want to spread out your cruise payments. If you prepay gratuities, you will have to pay for the gratuities upfront with your final cruise payment, which is usually 90 days before the sail date. If you choose not to prepay, you can delay paying the gratuity since you will only be charged once you are on the cruise. Check out 9 Oh-So Common Behaviors That You Need to Stop Doing on Cruises