Tipping on Cruises: Why It’s So Touchy
How much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise is one of those questions that feels simple, but ends up being surprisingly personal. For me, tipping has always been less about the “right” amount and more about the right intention.
I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean many times over the years, and I’ve seen how hard these crew members work, day in and day out, to make our vacations unforgettable. These aren’t just workers on a ship — they’re often parents, providers, and people with families back home counting on them.
So while I usually follow Royal Caribbean’s tipping guidelines, I also trust my gut. Sometimes I tip a little more, sometimes a little less — depending on the experience and the connection I’ve had with the person.
In this guide, I’ll break down how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise, who gets tipped automatically, when extra cash makes sense, and how to handle those awkward tipping moments. I’ll also share my honest personal habits, because if you’re anything like me, you just want to do the right thing — without overthinking it.
Related reading:
- Thinking about which stateroom to book? Best Cabins for Seasickness on Royal Caribbean
- Wondering if the drink package is really worth it? Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Is It a Good Deal?
- Planning a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island? Perfect Day at CocoCay: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
Royal Caribbean’s Automatic Gratuities Explained
If you’re wondering how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise, the first thing to know is that some tipping is already built into your fare. Royal Caribbean charges an automatic daily gratuity, which goes directly to the crew members who take care of you the most — like your stateroom attendant, main dining room waiters, and head waiter.
As of 2025, the automatic gratuity rates are:
- $18.50 per person, per day for standard staterooms
- $21.00 per person, per day for suite guests
You can choose to pre-pay these tips before your cruise (which I usually do just to simplify my onboard bill), or you can have them automatically added to your account each day during the sailing.
These charges are divided among crew members behind the scenes. You won’t be handing them out in envelopes or keeping track yourself — it’s all handled for you.
Tip from experience: Even though gratuities are “automatic,” I still give extra when someone goes above and beyond. You’ll know when it’s deserved.
Can You Tip the Chief Dog Officer on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
If you’ve heard the buzz, it’s true… Royal Caribbean now has Chief Dog Officers sailing on select ships. These pups, like the beloved Rover, are part of a new program bringing tail wags and smiles to cruisers across the fleet. And yes, they’re just as adorable as they sound.
So it begs the question: Can you tip the dog? Maybe with a treat or two?
Why You Shouldn’t Give Rover a Treat
While it’s tempting to slip Rover a snack or carry-on a biscuit in your beach bag, Royal Caribbean asks that guests not feed the Chief Dog Officer — for good reason:
- Special diet: Rover follows a specific nutrition plan to keep him healthy while cruising.
- Training routine: As a working dog, his behavior and meals are managed by his handler.
- Health & safety: Even well-meaning treats from guests can cause unexpected issues.
Instead of tipping with snacks, you’re encouraged to enjoy his company respectfully. Ask the handler if you can pet him, grab a picture, and maybe even tag Royal Caribbean on social media with a smile.
I Haven’t Met Him Yet — But I Can’t Wait
I haven’t had the pleasure of sailing with Rover yet, but you better believe I’ll be first in line for a selfie when I do. Until then, I love seeing all the paws-itively wholesome photos guests have shared.
So while you can’t tip Rover in dog treats, a tail wag and a kind word go a long way.
Who’s Not Included in the Automatic Gratuity?
While Royal Caribbean’s automatic gratuity covers a lot, it doesn’t cover everyone you might interact with on board. That’s where things can get a little murky — and where you’ll want to keep a few small bills handy.
Here are the common crew members and services not included in the daily automatic gratuity:
- Bartenders and bar servers – Each drink already includes an 18% service charge, but many guests (myself included) still hand over an extra $1 per drink in cash. It builds goodwill and, yes, you might just get quicker service later.
- Specialty restaurant servers – Gratuity is usually added here too, but again, a little extra tip goes a long way if the service was stellar.
- Spa and salon staff – These services automatically include a gratuity, usually around 18%. Still, if someone goes above and beyond, it’s okay to tip more.
- Room service delivery – Even though there’s a delivery fee or included service, I’ll usually toss in $2–$5 depending on the meal.
- Porters at embarkation and debarkation – They’re not Royal employees, so $1–$2 per bag is the norm.
- Shore excursion guides – These are often third-party vendors. I usually tip $10–$20 per person if they’re great — less if the tour felt “meh.”
If you’re asking yourself how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise beyond the basics, this is where personal judgment comes in. No pressure to go overboard (pun intended), but when someone makes your cruise noticeably better, it’s worth recognizing.
When to Tip Extra on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Now let’s get into the heart of it — when does it actually make sense to tip more than what’s automatically charged?
Knowing how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise can feel tricky at times, but in my experience, these are the moments where a little extra cash speaks volumes:
- Exceptional Service from Your Cabin Attendant If your stateroom is always spotless, your towel animals are on point, or they went out of their way to help you with something personal, I usually leave an extra $20 to $50 at the end of the cruise.
- Dining Room Staff Who Remember Your Preferences When the waitstaff starts bringing you your iced tea before you even ask, or they remember your kid’s favorite dessert — that’s tip-worthy. I’ve given an extra $10–$20 to dining staff who made us feel like family.
- Fast, Friendly Bartenders Who Keep the Good Vibes Flowing Even though an 18% gratuity is included with every drink, I still like tipping $1 extra in cash. Not every time, but often enough to show appreciation — and yes, it can lead to quicker refills or the occasional freebie.
- Royal Genie or Suite Concierge Services If you’re lucky enough to cruise in Star Class, the Genie’s service is next level. I’ve seen people tip $100 per day, but even $50 per day is a generous thank-you.
When it comes down to it, how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise isn’t just about the dollar amount — it’s about recognizing the people who go the extra mile. I try to ask myself: Would I remember this interaction a month from now? If yes, I usually tip more.
Tipping by Situation: Who Deserves Extra on Your Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Knowing how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise gets easier when you break it down by moment. Not every situation is obvious, so here’s a cheat sheet based on what I’ve learned from sailing over the years:
Entertainers and Casino Dealers It’s optional, but I’ve tipped $5–$10 when a musician or performer made our night. In the casino, tipping a few chips to a helpful dealer goes a long way.
Porters at the Terminal These are the folks who take your luggage curbside before you board. I usually give $2–$5 per bag, especially if they’re hustling or helpful with heavy items.
Bar Staff at Lounges or Pool Bars Even with the auto-gratuity, I tip $1 per drink in cash when service is extra friendly or fast. It builds goodwill — and sometimes results in quicker service later.
Specialty Restaurant Servers A cover charge doesn’t always mean the tip is covered. I typically tip $5–$10 extra per person, especially if the meal felt like a true fine dining experience.
Room Service Delivery Most deliveries are free, but I leave $2–$4 cash per visit, depending on the order size and time of day.
Royal Genie or Concierge Hosts For Star Class, I’ve seen tips of $50–$100 per day. For other suites with concierge service, $20–$50 for the week is a kind gesture.
Cabana Attendants on CocoCay or Labadee If you book a cabana, tip $20–$50 total, especially if your attendant checks in regularly, brings drinks, or arranges extras for you.
Excursion Guides and Tour Drivers After a memorable shore excursion, I usually give $5–$10 per person for guides, and a few extra bucks to the driver if it was a longer tour.
Common Questions About Tipping on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Even seasoned cruisers still have questions about tipping. Here are some of the most common ones I’ve heard — and what I’ve learned from experience:
Is tipping really required if it’s “automatic”?
Technically, no. You can visit Guest Services and ask to adjust or remove gratuities, but I don’t recommend it. These tips go to hardworking crew behind the scenes, and for most guests, the daily charge is the simplest and fairest way to handle it.
Can I pre-pay my tips before the cruise?
Yes, and I usually do. Pre-paying lets you lock in the current rate and keeps your onboard bill cleaner. You can do it when booking your cruise or add it later through your online Royal Caribbean account.
What if I want to tip in cash instead of letting Royal handle it?
You can request to remove automatic gratuities and tip crew directly, but just know that some behind-the-scenes workers (like dishwashers or laundry staff) won’t get tipped that way. The automatic system ensures more fairness.
Do kids get charged the same daily gratuity?
Yes, children are charged the same rate as adults. That may feel surprising, but kids often create just as much (if not more) work for crew — think of all those extra towels and chicken nugget requests!
Are tips included in drink or specialty dining packages?
Yep. An 18% gratuity is added automatically to drink packages, specialty dining reservations, and individual beverage purchases. It’s already baked into the price you see online or in the Cruise Planner.
Should I tip extra even with the packages?
That’s totally up to you. I personally do — especially when the bartender remembers my name or a waiter goes above and beyond. A couple bucks in cash here and there can make a big difference.
Does Royal Caribbean have tipping envelopes like other lines?
Not usually. Since gratuities are now electronic and automatic, envelopes aren’t left in your cabin. But you can always bring your own if you want to tip in cash and add a personal thank-you note.
Can I tip in other currencies — or does it need to be U.S. dollars?
Most crew members prefer USD, since that’s the most universally accepted and easily exchangeable. If you’re from abroad, I recommend bringing a small stash of $1s, $5s, and $10s just for tipping.
Jim’s Take: Why I Still Tip Extra
After all my sailings, I’ve come to believe that how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise isn’t just about math — it’s about meaning.
The crew members work crazy long hours, often 6 to 8 months straight without a day off. They smile through it all, remember your name (and your weird drink orders), and genuinely try to make your trip feel special. That’s not something I take for granted.
Sure, the automatic gratuity system handles the basics — and I’m glad it’s there. But when someone truly goes above and beyond, I like to acknowledge it personally. A quick thank-you. A handshake. A $10 bill folded discreetly in a note.
These aren’t huge gestures, but they add up for the people who make our vacations possible.
So my advice? Don’t stress about the perfect amount. Start with Royal Caribbean’s guidelines, and let your heart (and budget) guide the rest. If a moment feels worthy of extra thanks, go for it.
You’ll never regret being generous.
Final Thoughts on Cruise Tipping Culture
Tipping on a Royal Caribbean cruise can feel a little awkward at first — especially if you’re new to cruising or come from a culture where tipping isn’t the norm. But at its core, tipping is about appreciation.
Yes, there are automatic charges. Yes, some things are already “included.” But kindness and gratitude aren’t bound by policy. Whether it’s a few extra dollars, a handwritten thank-you note, or a sincere compliment to a manager, small gestures make a big impact at sea.
Cruising brings people together — from all over the world — and one of the best ways we can show respect is by valuing the people who serve us with heart. So if you’re ever in doubt about how much to tip on a Royal Caribbean cruise, just ask yourself: “Did this person make my trip better?” If the answer’s yes, you already know what to do.
Your Turn: What’s Your Tipping Style?
Have you ever tipped extra for amazing service on a cruise? Or had a crew member who totally blew you away? Share your tipping stories or questions in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s worked (or surprised) you at sea.
