Planning a cruise is exciting, but figuring out things like gratuities can make your head spin. Most cruise lines let you prepay your tips, which go to the awesome housekeeping and dining staff that keep your trip running smoothly.
But should you prepay or wait until the end of your cruise?
Prepaying has some solid benefits, like making it easier to budget and removing one more thing from your to-do list while relaxing at sea. Still, it’s not always the right fit, especially if you like more control over how and who you tip.
How Gratuities Work on a Cruise
Most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard account, typically ranging from $16 to $20 per person per day. However, the price varies by cruise line and cabin type.
In addition to daily gratuities, many cruise lines apply an automatic service charge of 15% to 20% on purchases such as alcoholic beverages and spa services, which go towards the bar and spa staff.
It’s important to note that while cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bill, you can adjust or remove cruise gratuities by visiting the guest services desk during your cruise. You can also provide additional cash tips directly to crew members who offer exceptional service, though this is at your discretion.​
Pros of Prepaying Gratuities
Prepaying cruise gratuities offers several advantages. These benefits focus on convenience and financial planning, which are especially helpful for families and larger groups.
Easier Budgeting
The biggest advantage of prepaying gratuities is how much it helps with planning your cruise budget. Taking care of tips before your trip even starts gives you a clear picture of your total cost. That means no surprise charges waiting at the end of the cruise and no need to factor in a daily service charge when tracking spending onboard.
I find this especially helpful when cruising with family or a group. It’s one less moving piece to worry about so I can better relax and enjoy my cruise vacation.
Knowing that gratuities are already covered, I can set aside money for drinks, excursions, or souvenirs.
Lock in Today’s Rates
Gratuity rates aren’t fixed forever. I’ve noticed that cruise lines raise gratuity charges with little warning. When you prepay, you secure the rate listed on your booking date, even if the rate increases before your cruise departs.
Locking your rate leads to noticeable savings throughout a weeklong or longer cruise, especially for couples or families.
I like the peace of mind that comes with knowing the rate won’t change after I book.
Cons of Prepaying Gratuities
Despite the benefits, there are situations where you may not want to prepay gratuities. Some cruisers prefer flexibility, personal control, or other payment options.
You Can Use Onboard Credit to Pay Tips
Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line, allow you to use your onboard credit to cover gratuities. This option is a smart way to save money if you receive free onboard credit as part of a booking promotion, loyalty status, or shareholder benefit.
Instead of prepaying tips out of pocket before the trip, you can apply that credit while onboard and reduce your final bill.
If you know you’ll be receiving onboard credit, holding off on gratuities lets you use that credit where it counts. It turns a nice perk into a practical savings opportunity.
Just make sure your cruise line allows you to use onboard credit for tips. This approach can make a real difference for travelers looking to stretch every dollar, but only if you don’t use all your onboard credit for other purchases.
You Prefer Cash Tips
Some cruisers enjoy tipping crew members in cash. It’s a more personal gesture, especially when you want to reward a specific crew member for delivering fantastic service.
Whether it’s a stateroom steward who goes above and beyond or a bartender who remembers your drink every night, handing over cash lets you say thank you more directly. When you prepay, that individual connection gets lost in the broader pool of shared tips.
You can visit the onboard help desk to cancel your automatic gratuity and personally tip crew members throughout your sailing.
While crew members still receive their share, the experience isn’t quite the same for passengers who value that one-on-one moment.
You’re Not Sure About Tipping Yet
Tipping is becoming a large part of our culture. But not everyone agrees with the concept.
If you don’t want to add a tip for the crew members, you can have it removed from your final bill. If that’s you, visit Guest Services and ask to adjust or remove the gratuities.
Should You Prepay? Here’s What I Think
I always prepay gratuities. For me, it just makes things easier.
I like settling my major expenses before stepping on the ship. It helps me avoid a surprise bill at the end of the cruise, and I can focus on spending money on fun things like drinks, excursions, or souvenirs instead.
I also like locking in the current gratuity rate. If the rate goes up after I book, I don’t worry.
Most of all, prepaying means I don’t have to consider gratuities during the trip. I’m not checking my onboard account or bringing extra cash on my cruise for tipping.
It’s just one less thing on my mind.
That said, I always bring a bit of cash anyway. There are times when a crew member goes above and beyond, and I want to say thanks directly. Prepaying doesn’t stop me from giving a few extra dollars to a great server or my cabin steward. It just covers the base, so I know everyone gets something, even the crew members I don’t see.
So yes, I’m team prepay. It keeps things simple and stress-free.
