Did you know that the automatic gratuities on cruises are optional? You can ask for it to be removed. But should you do it? Here, we will discuss how to remove automatic gratuities and the pros and cons of doing so.
Automatic Cruise Gratuities
Gratuities are an important part of the cruise staff’s compensation. Gone are the old days of tip envelopes where you personally hand out cash tips to cruise staff. Instead, cruise lines now collect automatic gratuities by imposing a daily charge on your account.
The amount typically ranges from $14 to $20 per person per day. Suite guests are usually charged a higher gratuity than those staying in regular staterooms. It’s important to note that the charge is per person, not per cabin. For example, a family of four on a 7 day cruise paying a $20 per person per day gratuity would need to budget an extra $560 for gratuities.
The cruise lines combine these gratuities and distribute them to the staff as part of their overall compensation package. The gratuities collected are shared among the stateroom attendant, wait staff, and other behind-the-scenes crew members. This system allows guests to recognize and appreciate the staff’s hard work and exceptional service.
Why Remove Gratuities?
There are many reasons why cruise passengers choose to remove automatic gratuity, either partially or completely.
Give Cash Tips
Some guests request that gratuities be removed completely because they prefer to personally give cash tips instead. Others will ask that gratuities be adjusted down since they are supplementing with cash tips.
Families with Young Children
Some families feel that kids shouldn’t be charged as much as adults, so they lower the gratuity for their kids (most cruise lines charge gratuities for children aged 3 years and up). For example, some passengers with 3 year old kids argue that toddlers should not be charged gratuities at all and request that the gratuities be waived for their toddlers.
Taking Advantage of the System
Unfortunately, some savvy passengers exploit the system by removing gratuities completely without giving cash tips. They just want to save money and don’t want to pay gratuities.
Unhappy with Service
The most common reason automatic gratuities are removed is that guests have a valid complaint. They are unhappy with the service or cruise experience, and one remedy offered is the adjustment or removal of gratuities.
Reasons Not to Remove Gratuities
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t remove automatic gratuities. First, it means crew members will earn less. Plus, if you don’t tip, it might create problems for the cruise staff looking after you, like your cabin steward and waiters. Not leaving a gratuity might make it seem like you’re not happy with the service, even if that’s not the case. You don’t want to affect your cabin steward and waiters’ compensation negatively.
Another reason why you shouldn’t remove gratuities is that it feels unethical to do so. These amazing cruise staff members work really hard and put in long hours to make sure you have a great vacation. It’s only fair to compensate them for their hard work, and it feels wrong not to do so.
How to Remove Automatic Gratuities
The process of removing gratuities is simple. You just need to go to the Guest Services desk. It’s best to do this early on in your cruise. Ask the guest service staff to remove or modify your gratuity amount.
You might be asked a reason for the adjustment. While most will accommodate your request, a few might require a valid explanation for removing gratuities.
What Happens If Gratuities Are Removed?
Cruise staff rely on gratuities as a significant part of their compensation. If many guests ask to remove their gratuities, the gratuity pool will decrease significantly, which in turn will affect the amount each staff member receives.
Should You Remove Cruise Gratuity?
Deciding whether to remove cruise gratuity is a personal choice only you can make. Personally, I’ve never removed it because it just feels wrong. I want to make sure that my cabin steward and waiters are fairly compensated for their hard work, so I’m happy to pay the automatic gratuity to show my appreciation. In fact, I always give extra cash tips on top of the automatic gratuity. Find out how much I give in cash tips: I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here is How Much Extra Gratuity I Give to the Cruise Staff
Cruise Essentials
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Cruise Lanyard
Bring cruise lanyards; to make your life easier so you are not constantly looking for your cruise card!
Towel Bands
Towel bands are great in keeping your beach towels in place! So, they are slipping off the pool lounge chairs!
Power Strip
Definitely bring a cruise-approved power strip so you have more outlets for charging your devices. Cruise cabins never have enough outlets! Please double-check with your cruise line, as some do not allow power strips and will only allow USB charger cubes.
Packing Cubes
Use packing cubes to make cruise packing easier. These cubes will help keep your clothes organized. Unpacking is easy because you just need to take the cubes out of your luggage and put them in the drawers and shelves—so easy! Assign a color for each person in your cabin so you don’t get your cubes mixed up.
Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag
This anti-theft crossbody bag is perfect for travel. It features a slash-resistant design and RFID-blocking technology for added security. It even comes with a side pocket to hold your water bottle.
Luggage Tags
For safety, make sure every luggage and bags are labeled with a luggage tag. I like these custom luggage tags that you can order and personalize with your information.
Passport Neck Wallet
Keep your passport and other travel documents safe in this passport neck wallet.
Magnetic Hooks
Bring magnetic hooks to organize your cabin and keep it clutter-free. These hooks are for hanging baseball caps, cruise lanyards, goggles, bathing suits and towels.
Detergent Travel Packets
These detergent travel packets are great for handwashing bathing suits in the sink.
Anti-Seasickness
This anti-seasickness medicine is a go-to to combat seasickness on a cruise. If you have kids, make sure you bring the chewable version. If you are looking for a natural solution, try these acupressure bands.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Cruise cabin sinks are notoriously small. Get a hanging toiletry bag to make it easier!
Cruise Travel Planner Printable
Get our comprehensive cruise travel planners to stay organized before and during your cruise. It includes pre-cruise and post-cruise itineraries, a cruise port planner, sea days planner, packing lists, cruise budget tracker and more!
- Caribbean Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
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- Bahamas Cruise Travel Planner (30 pages)
Cruise Travel Insurance
It’s smart to always buy cruise travel insurance. Get a quote for CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) if you are going on a cruise during hurricane season.
Wrinkle Releaser
Keep your clothes wrinkle-free and odor-free with these travel size Downy wrinkle releaser.
Shore Excursions
Cruise shore excursions are expensive, I suggest doing a quick price comparison with Viator to see if you can get the same tour for less.
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Check out these free cruise printables