Carnival Cruise Line faces criticism over pre-paid gratuity stickers

Carnival Cruise Line is facing backlash from passengers following a pilot program that marks the boarding cards of guests who have pre-paid their gratuities. The stickers, which feature the phrase “Crew Love – I pre-paid my gratuities,” are placed on the “Sail & Sign” cards used as cabin keys and payment methods on board.

Critics have described the initiative as creating a “two-class society” and exerting social pressure on passengers. Some travelers argued that whether a guest pays tips in advance, during, or after a cruise is private information that should not be visible to others. Others questioned why the information is not simply displayed digitally for crew members during card scans.

In a statement, Carnival confirmed the practice, describing the stickers and accompanying thank-you notes as a way to provide “recognition for their generosity” and to let the crew know which guests have already settled their gratuities. The company noted that the initiative is part of a larger pilot project and that they are currently evaluating feedback.