What Happens If You Don’t Prepay Gratuities on Royal Caribbean?
Direct Answer
If you choose not to prepay gratuities on Royal Caribbean, there are a few things to consider. Royal Caribbean has a recommended gratuity amount which covers the various service staff onboard, including your cabin steward, dining room staff, and other crew members who work behind the scenes to ensure your cruise experience is enjoyable. If you choose not to prepay gratuities, you are still expected to tip the crew members individually in cash at the end of your cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I prepay gratuities?
Prepaying gratuities can make your cruise experience more convenient, as it eliminates the need to carry cash on the ship to tip individual crew members. It also ensures that the crew members receive their fair share of gratuities, as sometimes people forget or choose not to tip at the end of the cruise.
2. Can I remove the prepay gratuities?
Yes, you can remove the prepay gratuities if you wish. However, keep in mind that this may affect the level of service you receive onboard, as the crew members rely on gratuities as part of their income.
3. How much are the recommended gratuities?
The recommended gratuity amount on Royal Caribbean varies depending on the length of your voyage and the type of stateroom you have booked. It is typically around $14.50 to $16.50 per person, per day.
4. What if I want to adjust the gratuity amount?
If you feel that the recommended gratuity amount is not suitable for the level of service you have received, you can visit the Guest Services desk onboard to make adjustments. They can assist you in either increasing or decreasing the gratuity amount.
5. Can I pay gratuities with a credit card onboard?
Yes, you can pay gratuities with a credit card onboard. If you haven’t prepaied gratuities, they will be charged to your onboard account towards the end of your cruise.
6. What happens if I forget to tip the crew members?
Forgetting to tip the crew members is considered poor etiquette. While it may not have immediate consequences, it can affect the level of service you receive from the crew members during your cruise.
7. Do all cruise lines have a gratuity policy?
Most cruise lines have a gratuity policy in place. It is a common practice in the cruise industry to tip the service staff onboard.
8. Can I tip individual crew members on top of the recommended gratuities?
Yes, you can tip individual crew members on top of the recommended gratuities if you wish. It is a way to show appreciation for exceptional service.
9. Are gratuities optional?
While gratuities are often presented as optional, they are customary in the cruise industry. Not tipping can be seen as disrespectful to the hardworking crew members who rely on gratuities as part of their income.
10. What happens if I cannot afford to prepay gratuities?
If you cannot afford to prepay gratuities, it is still expected that you tip the crew members individually in cash at the end of your cruise. Communicate your situation with the guest services staff, and they may be able to provide guidance or assistance.
11. Can I request a refund if I prepaid gratuities?
Typically, prepaying gratuities on Royal Caribbean is non-refundable. It is important to carefully consider your decision before making the payment.
12. How can I ensure that the gratuities are distributed fairly among the crew members?
The cruise line has a designated process for distributing the gratuities among the crew members. While you cannot control how it is distributed, rest assured that the cruise line has procedures in place to ensure fairness.
Remember, tipping is a personal decision, but it is customary to show appreciation to the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience memorable. Whether you choose to prepay gratuities or tip individually, it is important to remember the hard work and dedication of the crew members who strive to make your vacation unforgettable.
