If you’ve ever booked a cruise, you’ve probably noticed automatic gratuities sneaking onto your onboard bill. It’s almost become a standard part of cruising – a daily “service charge” added without you having to lift a finger. But what if you decided to remove those gratuities? Would it save you money? How would the crew react? And most importantly, why do some cruisers even consider doing it in the first place?
I decided to dig into this topic because tipping on cruises is more complicated than it seems. Here’s what I found out about what happens when you remove automatic gratuities and the reasons passengers choose to take control of their tips.
Why Cruise Lines Use Automatic Gratuities
Cruise lines implement automatic gratuities for a few solid reasons. First, it guarantees that the hardworking crew members receive steady, predictable income for their services. Many cruise staff rely heavily on these tips as a major part of their earnings, since their base pay can be quite low (which is a topic for an entirely different post).
Secondly, it simplifies tipping for passengers. Instead of calculating tips individually for your waiter, cabin steward, and other service staff, the cruise line handles it all behind the scenes. No awkwardness trying to figure out who to tip and how much.
Why Some Passengers Remove or Refuse Automatic Gratuities
But here’s the catch – not everyone is happy with this setup.
Some cruisers feel that automatic gratuities take away their control. They want the freedom to tip only the staff who deliver exceptional service, rather than paying a set amount regardless of their experience.
Others dislike the surprise element of added charges, especially if they’re on a budget or traveling with a family. And some passengers simply don’t agree with tipping culture in general or want to avoid paying for services they don’t use (like specialty dining or spa services).
Understanding Tipping Culture on Cruises
Tipping culture varies widely around the world, particularly the USA, and cruising is no exception. In many countries, tipping is expected and seen as a vital part of service workers’ income, while in others it’s less common or even discouraged.
Cruises often bring together staff from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of whom rely heavily on tips to supplement their wages. This makes gratuities not just a “thank you” but a significant part of how crew members earn a living. Understanding this cultural context can help passengers appreciate why automatic gratuities are standard practice, and why the topic can feel sensitive or complicated when deciding whether to remove or adjust them.
What Actually Happens When You Remove Automatic Gratuities
So what really happens if you try to remove or refuse these gratuities?
- Check the Cruise Line Policy First
Some cruise lines allow you to adjust or remove gratuities before or during your cruise, but many have strict policies requiring these charges as part of the fare. - Crew Members May Notice
Since gratuities are pooled and shared among staff, removing them can impact their income. Crew members might notice if you don’t tip individually and it could affect how they interact with you – not necessarily in a negative way, but it’s something to consider. - Service Might Be Different
While most staff maintain professional service regardless, tipping can influence motivation. Removing gratuities might mean less incentive for extra attentiveness or perks.
Tips for Managing Gratuities Your Way
If you want to take control of your tipping without risking service or offending crew:
- Research Your Cruise Line’s Policy before you sail – some allow you to prepay, adjust, or remove gratuities easily.
- Tip Individually and Personally. Instead of automatic charges, give cash tips directly to staff who have impressed you.
- Communicate Politely. If you’re skipping automatic gratuities, a kind word to staff explaining your choice can go a long way.
- Budget Accordingly. Set aside a gratuity fund so you can tip fairly without surprises.
Is Removing Automatic Gratuities Worth It?
The answer depends on your priorities.
If you want full control over who you tip and how much, and you’re comfortable managing it yourself, removing automatic gratuities might be a good choice. It can also save money if you genuinely feel the service doesn’t warrant a tip.
But if you prefer convenience, guaranteed fair pay for crew, and avoiding any awkwardness, automatic gratuities might be the better path.
Should We Scold People Who Remove Gratuities?
In my opinion, no. As someone who lives in the UK, tipping culture isn’t that wild here. You tip if you receive amazing service, or if you have a few spare coins in your pocket. But automatic tipping is something that us Brits tend to turn our nose at (in regular life, i mean. Cruising is kind of the exception). And we need to give grace for those where tipping isn’t a part of their culture.
Plus, there’s argument that the cruise lines should pay their staff a fare wage, where tipping isn’t a thing. But, in my opinion by fuelling that argument you’re actually allowing that person to have less pay.
Here’s what one reddit user had to say about it: “You don’t have to agree with how cruise workers are paid, but don’t make it worse for them, especially when they are working their asses off to give you a great vacation.”
Cruise Lines with Tips Included:
We’re starting to see many cruise lines now offering “tips included” as their brand perks. Here’s a small list of the cruise lines that now offer tips included.
Luxury & All-Inclusive Lines
- Azamara – Gratuities included in the cruise fare.
- Crystal Cruises – Tips for butler/steward/dining staff included; spa services may incur extra charges.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Gratuities fully included; an ultra-luxury line.
- Silversea Cruises – Tips included in the fare; no expected gratuities.
- Seabourn – All-inclusive luxury line with tips included.
- Scenic (Ocean & River) – Gratuities included in the fare and often cover shore activities and more.
- Explora Journeys (MSC luxury, sister cruise line)– Service fees and gratuities included in the fare.
Premium/Main-Cabin Lines with “Included” Fares
- Virgin Voyages – Truly gratuity-free: all tips included, no expectations to tip; even basic drinks, restaurants, and Wi-Fi included.
- Marella Cruises – All-inclusive: gratuities, drinks, transfers included.
- P&O Cruises – Since 2019, service charges included in fare; tipping optional.
- Celestyal Cruises – Gratuities and service charges included across all fares.
- Saga Ocean Cruises – Gratuities included, part of their all-inclusive model for 50+ travellers.
Select Lines with Geographic Exceptions
- MSC Cruises – Generally includes service charges in fare for UK/European bookings; U.S. bookings may still incur daily gratuities.
Thoughts?
Removing automatic gratuities on a cruise is a personal decision with pros and cons. Understanding how it works, the potential impact on staff, and your own tipping philosophy will help you decide what’s best for your next voyage.
If you’re looking for a cruise where tipping isn’t expected, maybe try a six-star line.
What’s your experience with cruise gratuities? Have you ever tried removing them or adjusting your tipping? I’d love to hear your stories!
