Prepaid Gratuities
Apr 28, 2014 | 1:39 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Programs: Delta, Marriott
Posts: 387
Prepaid Gratuities
Can someone explain the pros and cons of prepaying your cruise gratuities to a newbie like me? We are looking at cruising with Carnival. Thanks in advance 
Last edited by LadyPhoenix; Apr 29, 2014 at 11:33 am Reason: Specified with cruise line to be used
Apr 28, 2014 | 2:11 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,777
It would help to know which line you're cruising on as policies differ.
Only real upside I can see is that ideally you've paid off the card the gratuities have been charged to so that your budget is not overloaded for the actual cruise.
I had a problem on Royal Caribbean and had to fight to have my gratuities reduced after several problems with the staff and the plumbing
Only real upside I can see is that ideally you've paid off the card the gratuities have been charged to so that your budget is not overloaded for the actual cruise.
I had a problem on Royal Caribbean and had to fight to have my gratuities reduced after several problems with the staff and the plumbing
Apr 28, 2014 | 10:19 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE, HH D, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 4,042
Yes, the main benefit is having what can be a significant on-board cost paid for before you leave.
Drawbacks are the time value of money, and the difficulty you could have adjusting the gratuities on board.
Drawbacks are the time value of money, and the difficulty you could have adjusting the gratuities on board.
May 2, 2014 | 8:44 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA, Mucci!
Posts: 16,612
If you buy a drink at a bar, they will automatically include 15% gratuity in the bill, and have a line for additional tip. I believe the spa automatically does 10% gratuity now (not certain of the exact percent). Room service you should tip in cash on delivery.
May 2, 2014 | 10:59 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 158
Bring a supply of low-denomination bills with you for tipping room service, and especially for shore excursions, where the guide, restaurant staff, bar staff, and bus driver will appreciate (and expect) a tip. It's awkward when you're heading back to the ship and realize you've got nothing but 20's in your wallet, and the driver and tourguide are smiling at you with their hand out.
May 3, 2014 | 6:20 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 190
cruise line guidelines
Check with your cruise line for guidance on their daily gratuity charge per passenger per day. Its usually $11-12/day per passenger. The gratuities are parsed out to the dining crew and the cabin/house keeping crew that service you during the cruise.
Its good to know the gratuities charge because if you are in the shopping phase and have a choice between free pre paid gratuities or an OBC (On Board Credit $$), you can determine which is more beneficial based on $$ value. You can always ask your travel agent for these amenities (free gratuities or OBC). Here are some comparisons of deals with free gratuities or OBCs:
http://www.cruisedeals.com/deals/cru...s_7_nights.asp
Its good to know the gratuities charge because if you are in the shopping phase and have a choice between free pre paid gratuities or an OBC (On Board Credit $$), you can determine which is more beneficial based on $$ value. You can always ask your travel agent for these amenities (free gratuities or OBC). Here are some comparisons of deals with free gratuities or OBCs:
http://www.cruisedeals.com/deals/cru...s_7_nights.asp
May 4, 2014 | 1:48 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,540
PrePaid gratuities are the norm for many cruise lines these days. I'm not sure if Carnival is one of them, but if you do choose to tip individually in cash, you might want to state the reason when you decline or reduce prepaid gratuities. Some cruise lines count removal of prepaid gratuities as a mark against the crew members assigned to serve you.
May 4, 2014 | 3:13 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 5,212
If you pre-pay, then you pay them as part of your cruise fare. Then it's done and you don't have to think about it. Most lines, including Carnival, allow you to pre-pay. If you don't pre-pay, then most lines will automatically bill your shipboard account for the gratuities. (you will also see this referred to as auto-tips on many cruise forums). Some people like to tip in cash the old fashioned way because they feel it's more personal. Honestly, from crew members I have talked to, and in online articles I have read, they don't care, as long as they are getting paid. They are just as happy with you thanking them as you leave the ship, so long as you have tipped in one of the methods.
May 9, 2014 | 8:27 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA, UA, DL, AS, LH, BA, VS, HHonors, Hyatt, Club Carlson, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 833
If you're traveling alone in a double occupancy cabin, do you have to pay twice the required prepaid gratuities? The brochure says "prepaid gratuities per person based on double occupancy" and when I called them, they confirmed that I have to pay twice even if it's only 1 person traveling.
I'm a newbie when it comes to cruises but it doesn't seem fair I have to pay gratuities for 2 people if only 1 person is traveling. The cabin fare I understand but it's not like I'll be ordering for 2. The port fees, on the other hand, are indeed per person even if you're traveling solo.
I'm a newbie when it comes to cruises but it doesn't seem fair I have to pay gratuities for 2 people if only 1 person is traveling. The cabin fare I understand but it's not like I'll be ordering for 2. The port fees, on the other hand, are indeed per person even if you're traveling solo.
May 9, 2014 | 9:15 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: yyz
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 424
If you're traveling alone in a double occupancy cabin, do you have to pay twice the required prepaid gratuities? The brochure says "prepaid gratuities per person based on double occupancy" and when I called them, they confirmed that I have to pay twice even if it's only 1 person traveling.
I'm a newbie when it comes to cruises but it doesn't seem fair I have to pay gratuities for 2 people if only 1 person is traveling. The cabin fare I understand but it's not like I'll be ordering for 2. The port fees, on the other hand, are indeed per person even if you're traveling solo.
I'm a newbie when it comes to cruises but it doesn't seem fair I have to pay gratuities for 2 people if only 1 person is traveling. The cabin fare I understand but it's not like I'll be ordering for 2. The port fees, on the other hand, are indeed per person even if you're traveling solo.
May 9, 2014 | 10:16 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA, UA, DL, AS, LH, BA, VS, HHonors, Hyatt, Club Carlson, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 833
In my experience there has never been a "requirement" to pay gratuities. The cruiselines generally will suggest what is appropriate in their view and will even automatically charge the gratuities to your onboard account, but you always have the option to have the charge removed from your account and pay whatever you think is fair.
May 9, 2014 | 12:24 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA, Mucci!
Posts: 16,612
What cruiseline is requiring double gratuties for a solo? I've never had to pay double when traveling by myself.
As to prepaid gratuities, some lines require them in advance, some only in certain situations (RCCL, for example, requires you to prepay at time of final payment if you book My Time Dining, but otherwise you have the option to put it on your onboard account).
As to prepaid gratuities, some lines require them in advance, some only in certain situations (RCCL, for example, requires you to prepay at time of final payment if you book My Time Dining, but otherwise you have the option to put it on your onboard account).
May 11, 2014 | 2:07 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA, UA, DL, AS, LH, BA, VS, HHonors, Hyatt, Club Carlson, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 833
It looks like the person I spoke with over the phone gave me the wrong info. The charge was supposed to be per person.