Celebrity Cruises raises daily gratuities by $1.50 per passenger

Celebrity Cruises, a brand of the Royal Caribbean Group, announced a hike in its automatic gratuities effective July 29. The daily tip will increase by $1.50 across all cabin categories, moving standard cabin rates to $19.50 per person (up from $18), Concierge and AquaClass cabins to $20.50 (up from $19), and The Retreat suites to $24.50 (up from $23). The charge is applied per passenger per day and also includes a 20% gratuity on onboard purchases such as drinks, specialty dining, room service, minibar items and spa services.

Passengers expressed anger over the timing, noting that the rate change was communicated on the same day it took effect. Some guests said they would withhold the automatic charge and tip crew members in cash instead. Royal Caribbean International has not altered its gratuity rates since October 2024.