Royal Caribbean to raise gratuity rates next month

Guests of Royal Caribbean International may soon see a slightly steeper bill as the cruise company raises its recommended gratuity rates next month.

Passengers staying in suites will pay $21 per guest each day, up from $20.50, while rates for all other categories will increase from $18 to $18.50.

The changes take effect Nov. 1, the company says, and travellers who book and pay their gratuities ahead of that date can lock in the current rate.

Gratuities are automatically added to passengers’ onboard accounts, but can also be adjusted before they disembark

The tips are “distributed to crew members, including dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, hotel services teams as well as others onboard who work to enhance the overall cruise experience,” according to the line’s website.

Additionally, an 18 per cent gratuity is automatically added to all pre-cruise and onboard purchases of beverages and beverage packages, specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service and mini bar purchases. 

A 20 per cent gratuity is automatically added to all pre-cruise and onboard spa and salon purchases.

Princess Cruises also recently raised its crew appreciation charge, and started implementing new rates on its ships in August.

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