What are the gratuity guidelines for cruises?
Our suggested gratuity guidelines take in account our crew members that work hard to provide and maintain the highest level of service while sailing the high seas. Whether working behind the scenes or serving your evening meal, our staff and crew make sure you enjoy every moment spent onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
The daily amounts below have been calculated with this in mind. For new bookings that set sail on or after July 1, 2011, the suggested gratuities are:
Waiter:
$3.75 USD
a day per guest
Assistant Waiter:
$2.15 USD
a day per guest
Head Waiter:
$.75 USD
a day per guest
Stateroom Attendant/
Other Housekeeping Services:
$5.00 USD
a day per guest
Suite Attendant/
Other Housekeeping Services:
$7.25 USD
a day per guest
Gratuities are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest. These guidelines serve as suggestions to help guest express their gratitude for the outstanding service they experience on their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages. Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to any purchases in the bar, dining room, spa services and salon services.
Notice to guests: Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.
Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:
Pre-paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.
Are babysitters available onboard?
Babysitting is offered both in a group setting, and individually in your stateroom. In stateroom babysitting must be reserved through the Guest Relations Desk (Purser's Desk) at least 24 hours in advance.
It cannot be reserved prior to the cruise vacation and there is no guarantee that sitters will be available. The service is offered between 8:00 am and 2:00 am when personnel is available. Sitters will be assigned on a first come first served basis
Children MUST be at least 1 year old.
Approximate Rate: $19 per hour for up to three children within the same family.
Times and prices are subject to change without notice. Payment will be made using your onboard SeaPass card.
Play Yard's specifics:
For use by children unable to climb out, less than 24" tall, and less than 30 lbs. Mesh on four sides Sets up in less than one minute Strong and stable, yet lightweight Approx. dimensions 28"W x 38 7/8"L x 31-1/4"H Mattress/pad is 1" thick Sheets are provided Folds for storage and includes carrying bag with handle
Play Yard's should be reserved in advance so that we are sure we have enough onboard.
Please Note: Only one Play Yard per stateroom can be reserved in advance. Requests for additional units must be made onboard.
What items are not allowed onboard the cruise ship?
Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew are prohibited. The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned..
Prohibited items:
Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas.
Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors. (Note: Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.)
Illegal Drugs & Substances
Candles & Incense
Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, & Hot Plates
Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows
Illegal Drugs
Skateboards & Surfboards
Martial Arts Gear
Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks.
Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.
HAM Radios
Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint.
Alcoholic Beverages (Note: Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.)
