If you have been keeping up with the travel industry especially the cruising part of it then you will know that the gratuity rates have been increasing.

Higher gratuity fees

The gratuity fee (tip) will be going up to $14.50. Looking back at 2015 it was sitting at $12 and it has been increased by 21% since then. This is one of the highest gratuity rates among the other lines.

Other Gratuity

The following cruise lines have the following gratuity.

• Princess — $13.50
• Carnival  — $12.95
• Norwegian — $13.99

If you are a family of 4 the increase will cost you about $400 on a typical 7 night cruise.

This is the third in three years.

So if you plan on going cruising on Royal the next year you need to be prepared to pay more.  You can always adjust the amount you pay on the ship at guest services. However, if you have pre-paid you can’t do this on the ship.

Read the following from USA Today to find out more.

New gratuity fee rates announced this month will take effect in early January.

Source: Royal Caribbean hikes gratuity fees on cruise ships for 2018