Royal Caribbean Gratuities (2025): The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Tipping

You've booked the cruise, you've picked your excursions, and you're dreaming of that first day at sea. But then, a question pops into your head that sends a shiver of anxiety down your spine: "Wait, how do tips work on a cruise?"

If you're confused about Royal Caribbean's gratuities, you are not alone. It's easily one of the most misunderstood parts of the cruise experience. Are they mandatory? Who do they go to? Can I adjust them?

Let's clear the air once and for all. This is your ultimate guide to understanding exactly how Royal Caribbean gratuities work, what they cost, and how to handle them like a seasoned pro.

What Are Royal Caribbean's Automatic Gratuities?

Think of automatic gratuities as the standard, built-in way to thank the hundreds of crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make your vacation incredible. This isn't just about your stateroom attendant or your dinner waiter; it's about the laundry staff, the cooks, the cleaners, and so many others you never see.

Royal Caribbean automatically adds a set daily gratuity amount to your onboard account (your SeaPass card) for each guest in your stateroom. This is the simplest and most common way tips are handled.

How Much Are the Daily Gratuities? (2025 Rates)

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the standard daily gratuity rates are:

• $18.00 USD per person, per day for standard staterooms (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony).

• $20.50 USD per person, per day for guests staying in Suites.

So, for a family of four in a balcony cabin on a 7-night cruise, you can expect a total gratuity charge of $504 ($18 x 4 people x 7 nights).

Two Ways to Pay: Pre-Paid vs. Post-Cruise

You have a choice of when to handle this charge, and one option is clearly better than the other.

• Pre-Paying Your Gratuities (The Recommended Method): When you book your cruise, your travel agent or the Royal Caribbean website will give you the option to pre-pay your gratuities. I highly recommend you do this. It rolls the cost into your total cruise fare, so you board the ship with a zero balance. It helps you budget more effectively and completely removes the thought of tips from your vacation mindset.

• Paying Onboard (Automatic Billing): If you don't pre-pay, the daily amount will be automatically charged to your SeaPass account each day of the cruise. You'll see it on your running bill and will settle the total balance at the end of your voyage.

Can You Remove or Adjust the Automatic Gratuities?

This is the million-dollar question. Yes, technically, you can. You can go to Guest Services while on the ship and request to have the automatic gratuities adjusted or removed entirely.

However, I strongly advise against this.

Doing so means that the large team of service staff who are allocated a portion of that tip pool will not be compensated for their work. If you have a specific service issue with a particular crew member, the proper procedure is to speak to Guest Services so they can address the problem directly. Removing the gratuity punishes hundreds of people for the actions of one.

What About Extra Tipping? Should You Bring Cash?

While the automatic gratuities cover the majority of the service crew, many experienced cruisers (myself included) bring extra cash for a few specific situations to reward exceptional, personal service.

• Your Stateroom Attendant: These individuals are miracle workers. An extra $20-$50 cash tip at the end of the cruise for consistently excellent service is a wonderful gesture.

• Your Main Dining Room Waitstaff: If you have the same waiters each night and they learn your preferences and provide an amazing experience, a cash tip at the end is very much appreciated.

• Room Service: The person who brings your morning coffee or late-night snack receives no part of the automatic gratuity pool. A small cash tip of $2-$5 is customary and appropriate.

• Favorite Bartenders: If you frequent a specific bar and have a bartender who takes great care of you, a cash tip is a great way to say thanks.

• Luggage Porters at the Terminal: The porters who take your bags when you first arrive are not Royal Caribbean employees. Tipping them $2 per bag is standard practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are gratuities included in the Drink Package?

Yes! When you buy a beverage package, a separate 18% gratuity is added to the total cost of the package itself. You do not need to tip extra for each drink you order.

Do kids have to pay gratuities?

Yes. The daily gratuity rate applies to all guests, regardless of age, including infants.

Do I have to tip for specialty dining?

An 18% gratuity is automatically included when you pay the cover charge for a specialty restaurant. You are not required to tip more, but you can if the service was outstanding.

Final Thoughts

Cruise gratuities can seem complicated, but they are simply a streamlined system for rewarding the hundreds of dedicated crew members who make your vacation special. My best advice is to pre-pay your automatic gratuities to get it out of the way, and then bring a small amount of cash to personally thank the crew members who go above and beyond to make your cruise an unforgettable experience.

The Ultimate Royal Caribbean Cruise Packing List (2025): What to Pack & What to Leave at Home

That feeling of excitement when you book a Royal Caribbean cruise is amazing, isn't it? But for many, that excitement is quickly followed by a wave of panic when you think, "What on earth do I pack?"

Over-packing is easy to do, but forgetting a crucial item can be a real headache. Don't worry, I've got you covered. After countless cruises, I’ve refined my packing list down to a science. This is the ultimate, no-nonsense checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a fantastic vacation, without hauling three suitcases for a 7-night cruise.

The Cruise Pack List Must-Haves: Your Essential Carry-On Bag

Let's start with the most important rule: never pack critical items in your checked luggage. Your checked bags can sometimes take a few hours to arrive at your stateroom after you board. Everything you need for the first afternoon should be with you in a backpack or carry-on bag.

• Passports & Government ID: An absolute must. Keep them in a safe, easily accessible spot.

• Cruise Documents: Your printed SetSail Pass and luggage tags.

• Medications: Any prescription or essential over-the-counter medications.

• Wallet: Credit cards and some cash for tips or small purchases in port.

• Phone & Portable Charger: You’ll want to take pictures as soon as you board!

• Swimsuit: If you want to hit the pool right away without waiting for your bags, pack this in your carry-on.

• A Change of Clothes: A simple t-shirt and shorts, just in case.

Your Cruise Wardrobe: Clothing Essentials

Daywear & Casual Attire

This is what you'll live in for most of the cruise. Think comfortable and versatile.

• T-shirts & Tank Tops: Several of your favorites.

• Shorts or Skirts: At least 2-3 pairs.

• Sundresses or Casual Dresses: Perfect for looking put-together for lunch at the Windjammer buffet.

• Lightweight Sweater or Cardigan: This is a surprisingly crucial item! The air conditioning in the ship’s interior (theaters, dining rooms) can be quite chilly. Don't skip this.

• Activewear: For the gym, the rock-climbing wall, or just a comfortable sea day.

Evening & Dinner Attire

Royal Caribbean's evening dress code is generally relaxed. For most nights in the Main Dining Room, "smart casual" is the way to go.

• For Men: Nice jeans or khakis with a collared polo shirt or button-down shirt.

• For Women: A nice top with pants or a skirt, or a casual dress.

Formal Night Explained

Don't let the words "Formal Night" stress you out. It’s your chance to dress up and get some great photos, but it's not a black-tie gala unless you want it to be. On a typical 7-night cruise, there will be two formal or "Dress Your Best" nights.

• What most people wear: Men often wear a suit or a sports coat with slacks. Women wear cocktail dresses or elegant evening gowns.

• Can you skip it? Absolutely. If dressing up isn't your thing, you can always have a more casual dinner at the Windjammer buffet on formal nights.

For the Pool and Ports

• Multiple Swimsuits: At least two, so one can be drying while you wear the other.

• Swimsuit Cover-Up: Essential for walking from your cabin to the pool decks.

• Flip-Flops or Sandals: For the pool area.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Crucial for exploring the often-cobbled streets in ports of call.

• Sun Hat & Sunglasses: The Caribbean sun is no joke.

• Waterproof Phone Pouch: A cheap and brilliant way to protect your phone during beach excursions.

• Small Daypack: To carry your essentials when you get off the ship.

Helpful Cabin & Bathroom Extras

The staterooms are small but efficient. These few items make a huge difference.

• Magnetic Hooks: The walls and ceiling of your cabin are metal! Bringing a few heavy-duty magnetic hooks is a game-changing hack for hanging wet swimsuits, hats, and bags to keep your room organized.

• Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer: Great for storing toiletries, sunscreen, and other small items to free up counter space.

• Poo-Pourri or Air Freshener: A small cabin bathroom has very little ventilation. Trust me on this one.

• Your Preferred Toiletries: While the ship provides basic soap and a 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, you'll be more comfortable with your own.

What NOT to Pack (Prohibited Items)

Royal Caribbean has a strict list of items that are not allowed on board for safety reasons. Leave these at home.

• Clothing Irons or Steamers: These are a fire hazard. There are laundry services onboard if needed.

• Hard Liquor or Beer: You can bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom, but no other alcohol.

• Power Strips: Standard power strips are not allowed. You can, however, bring a multi-port USB hub (that is not a surge protector) to charge multiple devices.

• Drones, Candles, or anything with an open flame.

My Final Tip

Lay everything you think you need out on your bed. Now, put half of it back in the closet. Okay, maybe not half, but we almost always pack more than we need! Stick to this list, and you’ll have a perfectly packed suitcase with everything you need for a stress-free and amazing Royal Caribbean vacation.

The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Drink Packages (2025 Edition)

Thinking about a Royal Caribbean cruise but feeling overwhelmed by the drink packages? You're not alone. It's one of the most debated topics in online cruise forums, and for good reason. Choosing the right package can be the difference between a carefree vacation and a surprising bill at the end of your trip.

Let's cut through the confusion. This guide will break down exactly what each package offers, help you do the real-world math to see if it's worth it for you, and share some insider tips to get the most value.

What Are the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?

Royal Caribbean keeps it relatively simple with three main options, each catering to a different type of cruiser. Think of them as Good, Better, and Best.

The Classic Soda Package

This is the most basic package. It's straightforward and perfect for kids, teens, or adults who just want their soda fix. You get unlimited fountain soda refills from any bar, lounge, or Coca-Cola Freestyle machine on the ship. It also includes a souvenir Coca-Cola cup. Simple as that.

The Refreshment Package (The "Non-Alcoholic" Package)

This is a huge step up from the Soda Package and, in my opinion, one of the best deals on board if you don't drink alcohol. It includes everything from the Soda Package, plus a whole lot more. Think premium coffees and teas (like lattes and espressos from Cafe Promenade), freshly squeezed juices, bottled still and sparkling water, and delicious non-alcoholic cocktails, also known as mocktails. If you're someone who loves starting your day with a real latte and enjoying a virgin piña colada by the pool, this package is for you.

The Deluxe Beverage Package (The "Everything" Package)

This is the big one—the all-inclusive key to the kingdom. You get everything included in the other two packages, PLUS virtually all alcoholic beverages. This includes a huge selection of cocktails (like mojitos, martinis, and frozen drinks), spirits, liqueurs, beer, and a wide variety of wines by the glass. If a drink is under the price limit (usually around $14 per drink, which covers almost everything), it's yours.

The Big Question: Is the Deluxe Drink Package Worth It?

This is where you need to be honest with yourself about your vacation style. The value of the Deluxe package comes down to simple math.

The "Break-Even" Math

The price of the Deluxe package fluctuates, but it generally hovers between $70 and $100 per person, per day (plus an 18% gratuity that's added on automatically). Let's do a quick example. If the package price is $85/day, the real cost with gratuity is just over $100 per day.

At an average cost of $14 per cocktail, $8 per beer, and $12 per glass of wine, you need to drink about 6-7 alcoholic beverages per day, every day of your cruise, just to break even.

Don't forget to add in the non-alcoholic drinks! That morning latte ($5), mid-day bottled water ($3), and afternoon soda ($3.50) also count towards the package's value. When you factor those in, the break-even point might drop to around 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day.

Who it's PERFECT for:

 * The Poolside Lounger: If your ideal sea day involves relaxing by the pool with a steady flow of frozen cocktails, this package is practically made for you.

 * The Social Drinker: You enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, a few glasses of wine with your meal, and a nightcap in one of the lounges.

 * The Beverage Explorer: You love trying new things, from premium coffees to different spirits, without ever worrying about the cost of an individual drink.

Who should SKIP it:

 * The Port-Heavy Cruiser: If your itinerary has you off the ship exploring ports most days, you'll have very little time to use the package onboard, making it hard to get your money's worth.

 * The Light Drinker: If you only have one or two glasses of wine with dinner, you will save a significant amount of money by simply paying for those drinks individually.

 * The Budget-Conscious Traveler: It's a significant upfront cost. If you'd rather spend that money on an excursion or a specialty dining experience, that's a perfectly valid choice.

How to Buy and Use the Drink Package

This is a crucial tip that can save you a lot of money.

The Cruise Planner

The absolute best price is almost always found by pre-purchasing the package on the official Royal Caribbean "Cruise Planner" website after you've booked your cruise. The price onboard the ship is almost always higher. Keep an eye out for sales, especially around holidays like Black Friday, as you can often lock in a great discount. If the price drops after you buy it, you can cancel and repurchase it at the lower price with no penalty.

Onboard the Ship

You can still purchase the package on the first or second day of your cruise at any bar, but expect to pay the full, non-discounted price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are the questions I see pop up all the time.

Do both people in a cabin have to buy the package?

Yes. If one adult in a standard stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in that same room must also purchase it. This rule is in place to prevent sharing. If your cabin mate doesn't drink alcohol for any reason, you can call Royal Caribbean directly, and they will often make an exception by allowing one person to get the Deluxe and the other to get the non-alcoholic Refreshment Package.

Does the package work at CocoCay?

Yes! This is a huge perk. Your drink package works just like it does on the ship at all the bars on Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. It does not work at Labadee (their other private destination) or at any other port of call.

Are gratuities included in the package price?

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the total cost of the package when you purchase it. When you are on the ship and order a drink, the receipt will show a zero balance, and you do not need to add an additional tip unless you feel the service was truly exceptional.

Can you share drinks from the package?

Officially, no. Sharing is strictly against the rules, and if you are caught, you risk having your drink package privileges revoked with no refund.

Conclusion: My Final Recommendation

So, what's the verdict?

For me, the real value of the Deluxe Beverage Package isn't just about the break-even math; it's about the peace of mind. It transforms your cruise into a truly all-inclusive experience. It allows you to try that interesting-looking cocktail or grab a bottled water without ever pulling out your SeaPass card and worrying about the cost.

If you are a light drinker or on a tight budget, the Refreshment Package is a fantastic alternative that still gives you that premium, carefree feeling with specialty coffees and mocktails.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Analyze your own habits, check the Cruise Planner for sales, and no matter what you choose, have an incredible time on your Royal Caribbean adventure!