Which Cruise Lines Include Gratuities in Their Fares

Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, now include gratuities in their base fares, simplifying the vacation experience and helping travelers avoid surprise charges. Smaller luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn also bundle gratuities, reflecting a growing trend toward all-inclusive pricing across the industry.

Key Takeaways

• All-inclusive pricing: Luxury lines like Regent and Seabourn include gratuities in base fares.
• Mainstream exceptions: Carnival and Royal Caribbean exclude tips but offer prepaid options.
• Simplify your budget: Book Silversea or Oceania to avoid onboard tipping hassles.
• Check fine print: Some lines adjust gratuities for suite guests or specialty dining.
• Prepay to save: Pre-paid tips often cost less than daily auto-charges.
• Service matters: Higher-end lines justify included tips with superior staff ratios.

Why Gratuities Matter on a Cruise: The Hidden Cost You Might Not Expect

Picture this: you’ve saved for months, meticulously planned your dream cruise vacation, and finally set sail on the open sea. The sun is shining, the ocean breeze is refreshing, and you’re ready to unwind. But a week later, as you check your final bill, you’re met with an unexpected line item: gratuities. For many first-time cruisers, this can come as a shock—especially if the cruise line doesn’t include gratuities in the base fare. While tips are a standard part of the hospitality industry, on a cruise, they can add up quickly, sometimes totaling hundreds of dollars per person for a week-long voyage.

Gratuities—also known as service charges or automatic tips—are payments made to crew members who provide essential services throughout your cruise, including dining room staff, housekeeping, and behind-the-scenes personnel. These hardworking individuals often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. While some cruise lines include gratuities in the fare upfront, others add them automatically to your onboard account, and a few leave it entirely up to the guest. Understanding which cruise lines include gratuities can save you money, reduce stress, and help you make a more informed decision when booking your next vacation. In this guide, we’ll explore which cruise lines include gratuities in their fares, compare pricing models, and offer practical tips to help you navigate the tipping landscape.

Cruise Lines That Include Gratuities in Their Base Fare

If you’re looking for a truly “all-inclusive” experience where you can relax without worrying about extra charges, choosing a cruise line that includes gratuities in the fare is a smart move. These companies build service charges into their pricing structure, meaning you pay once upfront—no surprise fees at the end of your trip. Here are the major cruise lines that include gratuities in their base fares:

1. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most transparent when it comes to gratuities. While NCL does not technically include gratuities in the advertised fare, they do offer a “Free at Sea” promotion that often bundles gratuities into the package. However, their standard policy is to automatically add gratuities to your account—but they also offer the option to “opt out” or adjust them at your discretion. More importantly, NCL provides a complimentary gratuity package when you book certain suite or concierge-level accommodations, such as The Haven or Concierge staterooms. This is a major perk for luxury cruisers who want to avoid extra charges.

Tip: If you’re booking a suite on NCL, always check your booking details—many suite packages include prepaid gratuities, spa credits, and drink packages as part of the deal.

2. Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has revolutionized the cruise industry by making all gratuities included—a bold move that aligns with their “no nickel-and-diming” philosophy. From the moment you book, you won’t see a single automatic service charge added to your account. This includes tips for dining staff, cabin stewards, and even baristas at the onboard coffee shops. Virgin’s model is designed to reduce guest anxiety and promote a more relaxed, adult-oriented experience.

What’s more, Virgin Voyages doesn’t employ traditional “tipping culture.” Instead, crew members are paid higher base wages, and the company absorbs the cost of service charges. This not only simplifies the guest experience but also supports fair labor practices. For cruisers who hate the idea of calculating tips or feeling pressured to tip extra, Virgin is a game-changer.

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas is a luxury all-inclusive cruise line where gratuities are 100% included in the fare—along with premium drinks, shore excursions, specialty dining, and even business-class airfare on select sailings. This “all-inclusive” model extends to service charges, so you never have to worry about tipping. The crew is well-compensated through the cruise line, and the result is exceptional, personalized service throughout your voyage.

Regent’s pricing may be higher than mass-market lines, but when you factor in the value of included gratuities, excursions, and drinks, the total cost often becomes more competitive. For example, a 10-night Mediterranean cruise on Regent might cost $7,000 per person, but that includes $1,200 in gratuities, $1,500 in excursions, and unlimited premium beverages—making the actual out-of-pocket cost much lower.

4. Seabourn

Seabourn, part of the Carnival Corporation but operating as a luxury brand, includes gratuities in all fares. Like Regent, Seabourn offers an ultra-premium experience with no hidden fees. Their “all-inclusive” model covers gratuities, premium cocktails, fine wines, Wi-Fi, and even a complimentary mini-bar in your suite. The service is consistently rated among the best in the industry, and the lack of tipping pressure allows guests to focus on relaxation and enrichment.

Seabourn also offers a “Connoisseur Club” program for loyal cruisers, which includes additional perks like priority boarding, exclusive events, and complimentary upgrades—all without extra gratuity charges.

5. Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises includes gratuities in the base fare for most bookings, especially when you book through their “O Life Choice” promotions. These promotions often bundle gratuities, shore excursions, and beverage packages into the total price. Oceania is known for its gourmet dining, elegant ships, and destination-rich itineraries, making it a favorite among foodies and culture seekers.

Even without a promotion, Oceania’s standard fare typically includes gratuities—though it’s always wise to confirm at the time of booking. Their “Free Unlimited Internet” and “Free Shore Excursion” offers (available on select sailings) further enhance the value proposition, making Oceania a strong contender for those seeking a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience.

Cruise Lines That Add Gratuities Automatically (But Don’t Include Them in the Fare)

Not all cruise lines include gratuities in the advertised price. Instead, many automatically add daily service charges to your onboard account. These charges are mandatory unless you formally request to adjust or remove them—which requires visiting guest services and often involves a time-consuming process. While this model isn’t “included,” it does ensure that crew members receive consistent tips. Here are the major lines that use this system:

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival adds a daily gratuity charge of $14.50 per person per day for standard staterooms ($16.50 for suites). This is automatically applied to your onboard account and covers dining room staff, room stewards, and other service personnel. While not included in the base fare, Carnival allows guests to adjust these amounts at guest services. However, most cruisers simply leave them as-is, as the process to modify can be inconvenient.

Tip: If you’re traveling with a large group or on a budget, consider booking a “Fun Select” fare, which sometimes includes prepaid gratuities as part of a package deal. Always check the fine print.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean charges $14.50 per person per day for standard cabins and $15.50 for suites. These gratuities are automatically added to your account and cover dining, housekeeping, and room service staff. Like Carnival, Royal Caribbean allows you to adjust the amount at guest services, but most guests don’t bother.

One unique feature: Royal Caribbean offers a prepaid gratuity option during the booking process. If you choose this, the gratuities are charged upfront (usually at a slight discount), so you don’t have to worry about them during the cruise. This is a great way to “lock in” the cost and avoid last-minute surprises.

Princess Cruises

Princess charges $15.50 per person per day for standard cabins and $16.50 for suites. Their gratuities are also automatically added, but they offer a “Cruise with Confidence” program that sometimes includes prepaid gratuities in promotional packages. Princess also has a “Captain’s Circle” loyalty program, where members at higher tiers (e.g., Elite) receive complimentary gratuities as a perk.

Pro tip: If you’re a repeat cruiser with Princess, always log into your account before booking—loyalty members often have access to exclusive deals that include gratuities, Wi-Fi, and drink packages.

Holland America Line

Holland America charges $15.50 per person per day for standard staterooms and $16.50 for suites. Like other Carnival Corporation brands, these are auto-added but adjustable. Holland America is known for its traditional cruising experience, longer itineraries, and enrichment programs (e.g., BBC Earth, O, The Oprah Magazine).

For retirees and older cruisers, the automatic gratuity model is often preferred, as it removes the burden of calculating tips. However, budget-conscious travelers may want to look for promotions that bundle gratuities.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity charges $15.50 per person per day for standard cabins and $16.50 for suites. They also offer a prepaid gratuity option during booking, which is popular among guests who want to avoid onboard charges. Celebrity’s “All Included” packages often include gratuities, drinks, and Wi-Fi, making them a strong value for families and couples.

Note: Celebrity’s Edge-class ships (e.g., Celebrity Edge, Apex) feature more modern design and enhanced service, but the gratuity policy remains the same across the fleet.

How to Save on Gratuities: Practical Tips and Strategies

Even if your cruise line doesn’t include gratuities, there are several ways to reduce or eliminate these costs. With a little planning and smart booking, you can enjoy a more affordable vacation without sacrificing service quality.

1. Book During Promotional Periods

Cruise lines frequently run “all-inclusive” or “perks included” promotions, especially during wave season (January–March). These deals often bundle gratuities, drink packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions into a single price. For example, Royal Caribbean’s “Buy One, Get One 50% Off + Free Gratuities” deal can save a couple over $500 on a 7-night cruise.

Tip: Sign up for cruise line newsletters and follow travel deal websites like Cruise Critic, The Points Guy, or Scott’s Cheap Flights to catch limited-time offers.

2. Use a Travel Agent with Perks

Experienced travel agents often have access to exclusive promotions not available to the public. Many agencies partner with cruise lines to offer “onboard credit,” which can be used to offset gratuities. For example, a $200 onboard credit on a $1,000 cruise effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost for tips.

Some agents also specialize in luxury or group bookings and can negotiate complimentary gratuities as part of your package.

3. Prepay Gratuities at a Discount

As mentioned earlier, many cruise lines offer a prepaid gratuity option during booking—often at a slight discount. For example, paying $100 upfront for a 7-night cruise (instead of $108.50 added later) saves you $8.50 per person. While it may seem small, it adds up for families or group travelers.

Caution: Prepaid gratuities are non-refundable, so only choose this option if you’re certain about your travel dates.

4. Leverage Loyalty Programs

Most major cruise lines have loyalty programs that reward repeat guests with perks like complimentary gratuities. For example:

• Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society: Diamond members receive free gratuities on select sailings.
• Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle: Elite members get free gratuities on all cruises.
• Carnival’s VIFP Club: Platinum and Diamond members receive onboard credit that can cover gratuities.

If you plan to cruise more than once, join the loyalty program and aim to reach higher tiers for maximum savings.

5. Choose All-Inclusive or Luxury Lines

As we’ve seen, luxury lines like Regent, Seabourn, and Oceania include gratuities in the fare. While the upfront cost is higher, the total value—including drinks, excursions, and tips—often makes these options more economical in the long run. For a 10-night Alaska cruise, a Regent fare of $8,000 per person might include $1,500 in gratuities, $2,000 in excursions, and $1,000 in drinks—effectively making the base cruise cost only $3,500.

Understanding the Value: Are Included Gratuities Worth the Higher Fare?

One of the biggest questions cruisers face is whether the higher price of an “all-inclusive” cruise (with gratuities included) is worth it. The answer depends on your travel style, budget, and preferences.

Cost Comparison: Included vs. Auto-Added Gratuities

Let’s compare a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two:

• Mass-market line (e.g., Carnival): $2,000 base fare + $203 in gratuities (2 people × $14.50 × 7 days) = $2,203 total
• Luxury line (e.g., Seabourn): $6,000 base fare (includes gratuities) = $6,000 total

At first glance, Seabourn appears more expensive—but when you factor in included drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining, the value gap narrows. On Seabourn, you’ll spend $0 on alcohol, $0 on excursions, and $0 on tips. On Carnival, you might spend $300 on drinks, $500 on excursions, and $200 on Wi-Fi—adding $1,000 to your bill.

Service Quality and Guest Experience

Cruise lines that include gratuities often invest more in crew training and compensation. This leads to higher guest satisfaction and better service. For example, Seabourn consistently ranks in the top 5 for service quality on Cruise Critic, while mass-market lines receive more mixed reviews.

Moreover, the psychological benefit of a “no-tipping” cruise cannot be overstated. Guests report feeling less stressed and more relaxed when they don’t have to worry about calculating tips or feeling guilty for not tipping extra.

Who Should Choose Included Gratuities?

• Luxury travelers who value convenience and premium service
• First-time cruisers who want a hassle-free experience
• Budget-conscious travelers who plan to spend heavily on drinks, excursions, and Wi-Fi
• Group travelers who want to avoid splitting tips and managing onboard charges

Data Table: Gratuity Policies by Major Cruise Line (2024)

Cruise Line	Gratuity Included in Fare?	Auto-Added Daily Rate (Standard)	Auto-Added Daily Rate (Suite)	Prepaid Option?	Notes
Norwegian Cruise Line	No (except suites)	$15.50	$16.50	Yes	Suites often include prepaid gratuities
Virgin Voyages	Yes	$0	$0	N/A	All gratuities included; no tipping
Regent Seven Seas	Yes	$0	$0	N/A	All-inclusive: drinks, excursions, tips
Seabourn	Yes	$0	$0	N/A	Premium all-inclusive experience
Oceania Cruises	Yes (usually)	$0	$0	Yes	O Life Choice promotions include tips
Carnival	No	$14.50	$16.50	Yes	Adjustable at guest services
Royal Caribbean	No	$14.50	$15.50	Yes	Prepaid option available at booking
Princess	No	$15.50	$16.50	Yes	Elite members get free gratuities
Holland America	No	$15.50	$16.50	Yes	Traditional cruising; longer itineraries
Celebrity	No	$15.50	$16.50	Yes	“All Included” packages often bundle tips

Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice Based on Your Travel Style

When deciding which cruise lines include gratuities in their fares, it’s essential to look beyond the headline price and consider the total value of your vacation. For some travelers, the simplicity and peace of mind of an all-inclusive model—like Virgin Voyages, Regent, or Seabourn—are worth the higher upfront cost. For others, the flexibility of mass-market lines with auto-added gratuities may be more appealing, especially when combined with promotional perks and prepaid options.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: convenience, luxury, budget, or service quality. By understanding the different gratuity models, leveraging loyalty programs, and booking during promotional periods, you can enjoy a stress-free cruise without the surprise of extra charges at the end. Whether you prefer the freedom of no tipping or the structure of automatic charges, the key is to plan ahead, read the fine print, and choose a cruise line that aligns with your travel philosophy.

Remember: a cruise is more than just a vacation—it’s an experience. And with the right information, you can ensure that every dollar you spend contributes to relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories—not unexpected fees. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines include gratuities in their base fares?

Most luxury and premium cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea include gratuities in their fares. Mainstream lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival often bundle them in “premium” packages but charge separately in base pricing.

Do I still need to tip on cruise lines that include gratuities?

Generally, no—gratuities are prepaid and cover standard service staff. However, you may still tip for exceptional service or specialty dining, though it’s not required.

How do I know if my cruise fare includes gratuities?

Check your cruise line’s “inclusions” list or booking terms. For “which cruise lines include gratuities,” look for keywords like “all-inclusive” or “prepaid tips” in their promotional materials.

Are gratuities included on Royal Caribbean or Princess Cruises?

No, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises do not include gratuities in base fares. Instead, they automatically add daily gratuity charges (around $14–$18 per person, per day) to your onboard account.

Can I prepay gratuities to avoid daily charges on cruise lines?

Yes! Many cruise lines like Holland America and Celebrity allow you to prepay gratuities at a discounted rate before sailing. This avoids surprise daily fees and locks in the cost.

Do all-inclusive cruise lines include gratuities?

Virtually all all-inclusive lines—such as Oceania, Windstar, and Viking—include gratuities in their fares. This is a key feature of their “all-in” pricing, making budgeting easier for travelers.