Carnival Cruise Line Gratuity Fees Will Soon Increase

Carnival Cruise Line Gratuity Fees Will Soon Increase

If you’re taking a cruise on Carnival Cruise Line after December 1, 2018, be ready for an increase in gratuity fees for your cruise.  Carnival Cruise Line gratuity fees will soon increase on sailings after that date, according to information sent out yesterday.

New Fees

The good news is that the increase is only about $1 a day for people in standard staterooms.  The cruise line announced standard rooms will now pay $13.99 per person per day.  This is an increase from the current rate of $12.95 per person per day.  For people in suites, the new rate will be $15.99 per person per day.  This is an increase from the current suite rate of $13.95 per person per day.

There is still a way to avoid the new charges even if your cruise is sailing after December 1st.  You can pay gratuities in advance at the current rate before December 1st.  So if you have a cruise booked, you might want to consider paying the gratuities now to avoid the extra charge.  If not, you’ll be hit with the extra charge when your sailing ends.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian both recently announced they are increasing drink package pricing.  Carnival has not yet made an announcement that they are increasing the cost of their package.  They increased the price of their Cheers! package last year.

What are Gratuities For?

Carnival breaks down where the gratuities go on its cruises, to help paint a better picture of what the fee goes to.  Their website gives the following breakdown for Carnival Cruise Line gratuity fees:

•   $4.05 for housekeeping ($5.05 for suites)
• $6.40 for dining team
• $2.50 for alternative services

What if you want to give more or less for gratuities?

You can always tip more by doing so at the bar or leaving a tip for your stateroom attendant.  You can also dispute the amount of gratuities paid if the service is really terrible.  You can do that by speaking to the customer service desk on board the ship before you leave the cruise.

H/T: (Cruise Radio)