How to Think About Them
Lines use these service charges to fund compensation and incentive programs across multiple onboard departments, how they're allocated differs by line. Treat them as part of the fare, not a surprise: two people on a seven-night cruise should expect a few hundred dollars here.
Extra cash on top is optional and appreciated, most commonly a modest amount to a steward or server who made the trip. Some lines also add an automatic gratuity to bar orders and spa services, check the receipt before adding more.
Prepaying gratuities with the booking moves the item off your onboard bill, and some lines honor the prepaid rate if charges later rise, confirm how your line treats prepaid charges before assuming the lock.
Accurate as of September 2026; cruise-line policies change, and your line's own documents govern. When in doubt, ask your line, or ask us, which is free and comes with opinions.
This Is the Kind of Thing We Untangle Daily
Lines differ, promos shift, and the fine print moves. Tell us the trip you want : we'll tell you which line fits it and handle the rest.
Ask Us: It's Free