Royal Caribbean Cruises will have a new tipping policy come 2018, according to a news release.
The Miami-based cruise company will increase daily gratuity amounts by $1 starting on Jan. 2, 2018. The change is meant to reward crew members – including dining, bar and culinary services staff – for their “outstanding service.”
The Miami Herald reports the change will go into effect on two of the company’s cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. The increase will jump to $14.50 for standard cabins and $17.50 for guests in suites. On Celebrity, the price increase will also be to $14.50 for standard cabins, $15 for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms and $18 for suites, the newspaper said.
Tipping is not mandatory, but suggested amounts are automatically applied on passengers’ bills.
Royal Caribbean says the increase is based on customary industry standards. Guests who book a cruise before the implementation date of Jan. 2 can pre-pay gratuities, according to the release.
