Are Gratuities Included on Ambassador Cruise Line A Complete Guide

Gratuities are not automatically included in the base fare on Ambassador Cruise Line, giving passengers control over tipping based on service quality. You can pre-pay gratuities at booking or settle them onboard, with suggested amounts clearly outlined for crew, dining, and housekeeping staff—ensuring a hassle-free, transparent experience.

Key Takeaways

• Gratuities are not included in base fares; budget extra for crew tips.
• Daily automatic gratuities apply unless you pre-pay or opt out.
• Review your invoice carefully to spot added service charges.
• Adjust tips onboard via guest services if dissatisfied with service.
• Pre-paid gratuities can simplify budgeting and reduce onboard hassle.
• Specialty dining tips may incur additional fees beyond standard rates.

Are Gratuities Included on Ambassador Cruise Line? A Complete Guide

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most frequently asked questions revolves around gratuities. For travelers considering an ambassador cruise line journey, understanding how tips—or gratuities—are handled can significantly impact your overall budget and experience. Unlike some cruise lines that include gratuities in the upfront fare, others leave tipping to the passenger’s discretion, often with suggested amounts. This guide dives deep into the specifics of gratuities on Ambassador Cruise Line, offering clarity on whether tips are included, how they’re calculated, and how you can best manage your onboard expenses.

Gratuities, also known as service charges or tips, are a critical component of the cruise industry. They support the hardworking crew members who ensure your vacation is enjoyable—from your stateroom steward to the dining room waitstaff and entertainment team. However, the way gratuities are structured varies greatly between cruise lines. Ambassador Cruise Line, known for its mid-sized ships, personalized service, and focus on value-driven cruising, has a unique approach to gratuities that balances transparency, fairness, and guest satisfaction. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gratuities on Ambassador Cruise Line, helping you avoid unexpected charges and plan your trip with confidence.

Understanding Gratuities on Ambassador Cruise Line

What Are Gratuities and Why Do They Matter?

Gratuities on a cruise ship are financial tips given to crew members in recognition of their service. These tips are not mandatory in the traditional sense but are considered a standard part of the cruise experience. On Ambassador Cruise Line, gratuities are not included in the base fare but are instead added as an automatic daily service charge. This model is common among mid-tier and premium cruise lines that aim to ensure crew members receive consistent compensation while giving guests control over the final amount.

Why does this matter? Because cruise crew members—many of whom work long hours and are away from home for months—rely heavily on tips as a significant portion of their income. According to industry reports, tips can account for up to 30–40% of a crew member’s total earnings. By automating gratuities, Ambassador Cruise Line ensures that service staff are fairly compensated without relying solely on guest generosity, which can vary widely.

How Ambassador Cruise Line Handles Gratuities

On Ambassador Cruise Line, gratuities are automatically charged to your onboard account on a per-person, per-day basis. This charge covers a wide range of services, including:

• Stateroom stewards and attendants
• Main dining room and specialty restaurant waitstaff
• Bar staff and beverage servers
• Entertainment and activity coordinators
• Concierge and guest services personnel
• Kitchen and galley staff (indirectly, via pooled tips)

The automatic gratuity system is designed to be fair and transparent. Guests are informed of the daily rate at the time of booking and again during check-in. This approach reduces the burden of carrying cash and eliminates the need to calculate tips for each service interaction. However, it’s important to note that while the charge is automatic, it can be adjusted—either increased, decreased, or removed entirely—based on your preference (more on this later).

For example, on a 7-night cruise, a couple might see a total of $140–$180 added to their account for gratuities, depending on the stateroom category and current rates. This is significantly lower than some luxury lines, where gratuities can exceed $25 per person per day, but still higher than budget-focused lines that may not charge at all.

Gratuity Rates and How They Are Calculated

Current Daily Gratuity Rates (2024)

As of 2024, Ambassador Cruise Line has set its automatic gratuity rates based on stateroom category to reflect the level of service provided. Below is a breakdown of the current daily per-person gratuity charges:

Stateroom Category	Daily Gratuity (Per Person)	7-Night Cruise (Per Person)	14-Night Cruise (Per Person)
Inside & Oceanview	$16.00	$112.00	$224.00
Balcony & Mini-Suite	$18.50	$129.50	$259.00
Suite & Premium	$21.00	$147.00	$294.00

These rates are subject to change, so it’s always wise to verify the current gratuity policy at the time of booking. Ambassador Cruise Line typically updates its rates annually or with new itineraries. The higher charges for balcony and suite guests reflect the enhanced service level, including dedicated stewards, priority dining access, and personalized attention.

How Gratuities Are Calculated and Applied

Gratuities are calculated based on:

• Stateroom category: As shown in the table above, the rate varies by room type.
• Length of cruise: The charge is applied for each full day of the cruise. For example, a 7-night cruise includes 7 gratuity charges, even if you board and disembark on the same calendar day.
• Number of guests in the stateroom: Each adult and child (over the age of 2) is charged the daily rate. Infants under 2 are typically exempt.

The charges are applied to your onboard account and appear as a line item on your final bill. They are not included in the initial cruise fare but are added during the cruise, usually after the second or third day. This gives guests time to adjust the amount if desired.

Example: A family of four (two adults, two children aged 8 and 10) in a balcony stateroom on a 10-night cruise would incur:

• Daily rate: $18.50 per person
• Total per person: $18.50 x 10 = $185
• Total for four: $185 x 4 = $740

This amount would be added to their onboard account and paid at the end of the cruise. If they chose to increase gratuities by 15%, the total would rise to $851. If they opted to reduce or remove them entirely, they would need to visit guest services (more on that in the next section).

Can You Modify or Opt Out of Gratuities?

Adjusting Your Gratuity Charges

One of the most important aspects of Ambassador Cruise Line’s gratuity policy is that guests have the right to modify or opt out of the automatic charges. This flexibility is designed to accommodate different preferences, cultural norms, and service experiences.

To adjust your gratuities:

1. Visit the Guest Services desk during the cruise (ideally early in the trip).
2. Request a gratuity adjustment form.
3. Specify whether you want to:
   • Reduce the daily rate
   • Increase the daily rate (e.g., to show extra appreciation)
   • Remove gratuities entirely
   • Apply a one-time lump-sum tip instead
4. Submit the form. Changes are typically effective within 24 hours.

It’s worth noting that while you can remove gratuities, this does not mean crew members go without tips. The cruise line may still distribute a base level of compensation, but the majority of service staff rely on guest gratuities. Removing them entirely could impact morale and service quality.

Best Practices for Gratuity Adjustments

Here are some practical tips for managing your gratuities:

• Wait until mid-cruise: Observe the service quality before making changes. If a particular steward or waiter goes above and beyond, consider increasing your rate.
• Be discreet: Avoid discussing gratuity reductions with crew members directly. Use Guest Services to maintain professionalism.
• Consider cultural norms: In some countries, tipping is less common. However, cruise staff are accustomed to the system and depend on it. A small increase (e.g., $2–$3 more per day) can make a big difference.
• Use cash for exceptional service: Even with automatic charges, leaving an extra $10–$20 in cash for an outstanding steward or bartender is a kind gesture.
• Don’t remove all gratuities without reason: If service is poor, speak to Guest Services first. Removing tips without feedback may not lead to improvement.

Tip: Some guests choose to pre-pay gratuities before the cruise. This locks in the current rate, avoids last-minute decisions, and can sometimes be discounted during promotions. Check with your travel agent or Ambassador’s website for pre-payment options.

Gratuities vs. Inclusive Pricing: How Ambassador Compares

Gratuities on Other Major Cruise Lines

To understand Ambassador Cruise Line’s approach, it helps to compare it with other popular cruise brands. Here’s how gratuity policies differ across the industry:

• Royal Caribbean & Carnival: Automatic daily gratuities ($16–$18 per person, per day), adjustable or removable. Not included in base fare.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Automatic service charges ($16–$20), but guests can opt out. Also offers “Free at Sea” packages that sometimes include gratuities.
• Princess Cruises: Automatic gratuities ($16.50–$18.50), adjustable. Offers a “Princess Plus” fare that includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and drinks.
• Regent Seven Seas & Silversea: Gratuities included in the fare. These are all-inclusive luxury lines.
• Virgin Voyages: No automatic gratuities. Instead, a 15% service fee is added to all purchases, and crew are paid higher base wages.

Compared to these, Ambassador Cruise Line sits in the mid-tier range: not fully inclusive, but with transparent and adjustable gratuities. This positions it as a value-focused line that still respects crew compensation.

Why Ambassador Chose This Model

According to Ambassador’s customer experience team, the decision to use automatic but adjustable gratuities was driven by three key factors:

1. Fairness: Ensures crew members receive consistent tips regardless of guest generosity.
2. Flexibility: Allows guests to reward exceptional service or reduce charges if service is lacking.
3. Transparency: Clear pricing upfront, with no hidden fees.

This hybrid model strikes a balance between the all-inclusive luxury lines and the budget lines that leave tipping entirely to the guest. It also helps Ambassador maintain competitive pricing while supporting its crew.

Tips for Managing Gratuities and Onboard Budgeting

Creating a Gratuity Budget Before Your Cruise

One of the best ways to avoid surprise charges is to budget for gratuities in advance. Here’s how:

1. Determine your stateroom category and cruise length.
2. Use the current gratuity rates (from the table above) to calculate your total expected charge.
3. Add a 10–15% buffer in case you decide to increase tips for excellent service.
4. Include gratuities in your overall cruise budget alongside excursions, drinks, and spa services.

Example: A solo traveler in an inside stateroom on a 5-night cruise should budget:

• Base gratuity: $16 x 5 = $80
• Buffer (15%): $12
• Total: $92

This amount can be pre-paid or set aside in a dedicated “cruise fund” to avoid overspending.

Smart Ways to Save on Gratuities (Without Reducing Tips)

You don’t have to cut back on gratuities to save money. Try these strategies:

• Book during gratuity-free promotions: Ambassador occasionally runs deals where gratuities are waived or discounted for early bookings.
• Use onboard credit wisely: If you receive onboard credit from a travel agent or loyalty program, apply it to gratuities.
• Pre-pay gratuities: Some promotions offer a 5–10% discount when you pre-pay. This also locks in the rate, protecting against future increases.
• Combine with drink packages: If you buy a beverage package, you’ll already be spending on alcohol. Use that as an opportunity to increase tips for bar staff.
• Tip in cash for small, frequent services: For example, leave $1–$2 daily for your steward instead of relying solely on the automatic charge. This shows direct appreciation.

Pro tip: Keep a small amount of cash (USD) in your wallet for quick tips. Many guests find it easier to reward great service on the spot than to adjust the automatic charge later.

Final Thoughts: Are Gratuities Worth It on Ambassador Cruise Line?

So, are gratuities included on Ambassador Cruise Line? The short answer is no—they are not included in the base fare, but they are automatically added as a daily service charge based on stateroom category. This system offers a fair, transparent, and flexible approach to tipping that benefits both guests and crew.

For travelers, the key takeaway is this: plan for gratuities as a necessary part of your cruise cost. While they are adjustable, removing them entirely can impact the service you receive and the livelihoods of hardworking crew members. Instead, view gratuities as a way to support excellent service and enhance your own experience. A well-tipped crew is more likely to go the extra mile—remembering your coffee order, offering personalized recommendations, and making your vacation truly special.

Compared to other cruise lines, Ambassador’s model is neither the most nor the least generous. It strikes a practical balance, making it ideal for value-conscious travelers who still want a high level of service. Whether you choose to stick with the automatic rate, increase it for outstanding staff, or pre-pay for peace of mind, understanding how gratuities work ensures a smoother, more enjoyable cruise.

Ultimately, gratuities on Ambassador Cruise Line are not just a fee—they’re a gesture of appreciation. By managing them wisely and thoughtfully, you contribute to a positive onboard culture and create lasting memories for both yourself and the crew. So pack your bags, set your budget, and get ready for a cruise where every tip makes a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gratuities included on Ambassador Cruise Line?

No, gratuities are not automatically included in the base fare for Ambassador Cruise Line. However, you can pre-purchase a gratuity package or add them during your cruise for convenience.

How much should I budget for gratuities on Ambassador Cruise Line?

Ambassador Cruise Line recommends $14.50 per person, per day for standard staterooms and $16.50 for suite guests. These amounts cover crew and service staff, but you can adjust them onboard if needed.

Can I prepay gratuities for my Ambassador Cruise Line vacation?

Yes, you can prepay gratuities when booking or through your online cruise planner before departure. Prepaying ensures seamless service and avoids last-minute decisions during your trip.

What services do gratuities cover on Ambassador Cruise Line?

Gratuities cover dining room staff, room stewards, and other crew members who provide daily service. They do not include specialty restaurant staff or spa services, where separate tipping is customary.

Can I adjust or remove gratuities once onboard Ambassador Cruise Line?

Yes, you can modify or remove gratuities at the guest services desk. However, Ambassador Cruise Line encourages guests to recognize exceptional service, so changes are typically for reducing amounts.

Do Ambassador Cruise Line gratuities apply to children?

Gratuities for children are charged at half the standard rate. For example, a child in a standard stateroom would pay $7.25 per day, making it more affordable for families.