Theres not a time limit between drinks with Royal Caribbean, but you can only order one drink per person at a time. That adds up. Can I please get the link to the calculator? Answer (1 of 7): Yes, you can. This is because the drinks packages are not actually free, its just that the ticket price is adjusted to include drinks. This calculator is not endorsed by Royal Caribbean Group. These days, everything is automatic. For guests staying in Grand Suites and above, the fee is $18.50 per person, per day. When it comes time to settle your final bill at the end of the cruise, youll have the gratuity charges to pay as well. For guests booked through travel advisors, their advisor may add pre-paid gratuities to the guests' booking prior to sailing*. We are no spring chickens the three of us are just under 70. I have a general question I am booked on the Adventure of the Sea in February wondering if the muster station is done outside standing or inside able to sit down.. Hi Jill. Is Every Passenger Charged Gratuities? Just pop your email in the form and Ill send you a link to the calculator. While the name sounds fancy, gratuities are nothing more than a tip paid to the staff members for service during the cruise. As far as your trip, likely very little. You can read more about this here: The Best Time to Buy A Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Does the menu price already include the per drink gratuity? Jenni. Royal Caribbean states the current pricing for 2022 sailings is between $12.99 and $15.00 per day of the cruise. Jenni. If the price does drop, you can always call Royal Carribbean to cancel it and book it again at the lower price. We have two kids. That means people like the room steward who cleans your cabin and the dining staff. If you wish to reward one or two crew members in particular, you could pay the standard gratuity fee and also hand cash to any crew members who you feel are particularly deserving. Hi Jeff. If youd like to calculate exactly what your gratuity amount will be before you book your trip, then you can use our calculator here, many people choose to instead pay the gratuity charges automatically through their onboard account once on the ship, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Carnival Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Explained: Duty-Free Shopping on a Cruise (Is It Worth It? That said, in theory you could request that tips be removed from your account and not tip at all. To do this, you would need to go to the Guest Services desk on the morning of your departure and explain your reason. So a $10 menu price on a cocktail is actually around $12. I have stepped out of the shuttle seeing the conveyer a short distance away. At least Ive got time to think about which package to buy. You may be better off opting to pay for drinks as you go as its hard to break even without drinking a lot of alcohol each day. Passengers would then put cash in the envelope for the crew members. However, theres a chip inside it which means that it will only work with the machine for a certain period of time. As a thanks for their service, its customary to provide a tip. When you log into Royal Caribbeans cruise planner, look out for special offers like this one. However, you can get a drink every 15 minutes so it is possible to get the occasional drink for your child on the sly. To work out the total gratuity for your cruise, you should multiply the daily gratuity charge by the number of nights and the number of passengers in your party. Norwegian Cruise Line also raised their gratuities in April, when they changed their rates: In July, Disney Cruise Line increased their gratuities to$14.50 per night, per person for standard rooms and $15.50 per night, per person for suite guests. On top of what I already paid for the two unlimited packages? When you check in, youll be asked if you wish to set up the account with a credit card or debit card. Percentage of cruisers that remove auto gratuities who tell everyone they tip in cash "to those who serve them": 100%. Can I put them into the fridge and save vor excursions? You can use the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner to cancel your drink package online up to two days before your cruise and receive a full refund. Jenni. Royal Caribbean charges a gratuity of $16.00 per person, per day. The cost for two people on a week-long cruise can be well above $200. Check your Cruise Planner and see if it comes up to purchase. Cruise lines rarely use the word free, instead they use included. The calculator will add the mandatory gratuity to the package cost in its calculations. Paying a tip twice C. Paying a standardized tip for poor service. Click the button above to compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents. The gratuity is applied automatically to all average beverage costs and beverage packages, as well as applicable upcharges for beverages whose cost is not fully covered by a package. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. Gratuities, which on Royal Caribbean for the standard rooms is $14.50 a day, per person (suites are $17.50 a day, per person). I detest the idea of: A. not knowing who my tip is going to B. To decide whether a Royal Caribbean drink package offers good value for money or not, you need to consider three key questions: Once you know the answers to these, you can do the maths and work out Is the Royal Caribbean drinks package is worth it? It may be cheaper to pay for drinks individually on your cruise. The vast majority of passengers are charged these tips, no matter if they are young, old, have special requests, eat in the main dining room, or only hit the buffet. If you are caught sharing your drinks with someone who doesnt have a package, you risk having your drink package cancelled without a refund. The breakdown of gratuities is carefully worked out to be fair for all crew members. How much is charged? Whilst they dont call it a sale, the prices do go up and down. These drinks are included in your drink package, which is great, as on MSC Cruises ships, drinks made by the MSC robotic bartender are not. The package covers nearly every beverage on the ship up to $13 per drink. If you have a question that isnt listed here, you can add it in the comments section at the end. The calculator estimates the total cost for beverages, including the cost of beverage packages, gratuities, and upcharges. Im not saying do it, but people do it. If you like to pay for your cruise monthly, then you can add the gratuities to your monthly payment. Are the drink prices in US dollars or Australian while on an Australian run. If youd like to calculate exactly what your gratuity amount will be before you book your trip, then you can use our calculator here. The exception is in certain markets where tipping is not as ingrained as part of their culture, so Royal Caribbean includes daily gratuities as part of the price of the cruise. On the cruise line side, that money gets cut up to be distributed. How To Prepay Gratuities On Royal Caribbean Website. So Im booked and considering the drinks package. If you tip individuals instead, you may be doing a disservice to staff members who you havent met personally, such as the kitchen staff or cleaners. Im going on a cruise in October and would like the full drinks package for myself. If you get free gratuities thrown in as an incentive for booking a cruise, then these will be automatically prepaid. But RCCL wants to charge $448. Even Babies? Suggested read: How to pay for a cruise in instalments. If you want to recognise outstanding service by a particular crew member, then head to the Guest Services desk and fill out a WOW card. Why Arent Gratuities Just Included in the Price of the Cruise? Most cruise lines require that EVERYONE who is in the cabin and 21 or older to purchase the package. Unless you are feeling generous, theres no need to tip more. On the Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships, the drinks package limit is $13 rather than $12 to account for these ships having slightly higher drinks prices. Size of travel cots? This handy tool lets you see if it's better to pay out of pockets for drinks or to sign up for the drink package. Just like sneaking your own alcohol on board the ship, this isnt technically allowed, but people do it. Are tips required? The automatic daily gratuity is based on customary industry standards. If you buy your drinks package in advance and then see that the price drops due to a promotion, you can cancel your drinks package, get a refund and then buy it again at the lower price. To begin with, the cruise line gave out paper straws which are sadly not fit for purpose when it comes to frozen cocktails. Example pool vs Bamboo. If you are experiencing blank or invalid results, try refreshing your browser. Hi Katie. If it drops, cancel the package and re-buy it at the lower price. For guests staying in Grand Suites and above, the fee is $18.50 per person, per day. Cheers. Since 2019, Royal Caribbean has been cutting down on single-use plastics onboard its ships. You can modify the amount until the morning you get off the ship. Thank you so much for this insight definitely helps with planning. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. It varies depending on the sailing, and prices also go up and down as the sailing date nears. So when youre on the ship, its one less charge to worry about. If you booked directly with Royal Caribbean, you can either call Royal Caribbean or log onto their website and access your account to prepay gratuities. If you plan to be off the ship exploring ports most days, then not only will you not have as much time on board to drink your drinks, but youre also less likely to want a hangover! Why wouldnt they have the limit at $13 or do I have incorrect info? A daily automatic gratuity rate of$16.00 USD per person, per day for guests in Junior Suites and below, or $18.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above, is applied to each guests SeaPass account on a daily basis. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package for one guest and the Refreshment Package for another guest. In addition to this, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to all drinks, spa and salon services. Any frozen drinks too without the alcohol. Norwegian just raised its gratuity rate to $16 from $15.50 in April. Weve never bought a drink package, always paid per drinkbut are considering this trip. Hi Carmen. Good luck! When this opted into by the guest, then you'll pay the full gratuity amount before the cruise begins at final payment date. 53 euros per day, 856 for my wife and for 8 nights. Guests who have pre-paid their tips will not see a daily charge during their cruise. I was drinking a Rusty Nail on my last cruise and thats a drink small enough where the bartender poured me doubles to keep me from coming back so much. A gratuity calculator is a tool to estimate the amount of gratuity that one will earn once he/she leaves a job after completing at least five years in the service of a company. Enjoy! Having to add in gratuity costs to these advertised rates could make them less attractive to potential cruisers. What is Gratuity Calculator? Click the button above to compare the prices of cruises from all travel agents. Depending on your cruise line, you might find different language used than the word gratuities. Weve seen these charges called tips, gratuities, crew incentives, or service charges. If you wish to recognise outstanding service by adding extra gratuities onboard the ship, you are welcome to do so. Im guessing it does not? Keep in mind that Royal Caribbean generally requires that if one adult purchases the Deluxe package, that all other adults over the age of 21 traveling in the same cabin purchase the Deluxe package; this requirement may be waived if you contact Royal Caribbean, explain the other adult(s) does not consume alcohol, and request to downgrade the additional package to Refreshment. Superb article, i am new to cruising and only used NCL which seems to have cheap drink package and this helps me no end, thanks a million, Im so pleased that you found this helpful Jenni. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. Typical increases are around $1 per person, per day and seem to happen about once a year. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you take a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as your cruise fare, youll be expected to pay a little extra to the crew members. I didnt know I could have the tips removed from my room charges. Yet with a drinks package, youre free to work your way down the menu, trying new things. Celebrity Cruises Perks Calculator: Are Perks Worth It. In the past, the process used to be that the cruise line would put envelopes in your room on the last day of the cruise. On Anthem of the Seas and other Quantum-class ships you can order drinks from the robotic bartender. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Calculator: Most Cost-Effective, Calculate Your New December 2020 COVID-19 Stimulus Payment, Celebrity Cruises Beverage Package Calculator: Most Cost-Effective. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. When we researched tipping policy on a recent Princess cruise, we found that the cruise line pools that money and uses it for bonuses, etc. MIAMI - February 13, 2023 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) (the "Company") today announced that it has closed its private offering of $700 million aggregate principal amount of 7.250% . If not, just leave blank, Royal Caribbean increases gratuities for crew members on its cruise ships, Carnival Cruise Line raised their gratuities. Royal Caribbean drinks packages include all tips (also known as gratuities). In my former job managing cruise websites for a travel agent, I saw cruise line campaigns change regularly and prices fluctuate almost daily. When booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, one very important question to consider is Should I get a drinks package or not?. On cruises departing from the UK, the gratuity is included in the price of each drink as shown on the menu, so the menu prices may appear higher. On or after September 7, 2022, regardless of when the booking was created, gratuities paid while onboard are subject to the new, increased rates. We offer you this handy calculator tool for determining the appropriate gratuities for the crew members that help make your Disney cruise magical. Great blog exactly the sort of information I was looking for to make in informed decision. Gone are the days of simply slipping a waiter some cash or leaving a couple of bills for the room steward at the end of your trip (although you can still do that if you want). Prepaying gratuities before your cruise means you pay off that balance early, instead of accruing a higher balance that is owed at the end of the cruise. My Cruise Line Calls it a Crew Incentive or Service Charge. Is there a limit in time how many drinks/baverages I can order. Wines are available to purchase by the bottle. For example, a family of four who is taking a seven-night cruise would owe $406 for gratuities. You have to wait 15 minutes between each drink, so it is technically possible to get drinks for the kids then 15 minutes later, go and get drinks for yourselves. Some people like to remove the gratuities and tip staff members individually. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Hi, I would Like to know something. Do you know the difference in the tea? 15 Ways To Use Your Royal Caribbean Onboard Credit. Every so often, Royal Caribbean adjusts the gratuity rate, but if you have opted to prepay, you will be grandfathered into the old rate. There are two ways to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package: Royal Caribbean drink package sharing is not allowed. We just came back from a Cruise to Nowhere aboard the Quantum of the Seas as well. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. What do you do about the porters at the ports. To help explain everything about cruise line gratuities, weve answered a number of common questions that will make everything clearer before you set sail. Hi Aoife. No votes so far! I hope that helps, enjoy your cruise! Your last drawn basic salary along with dearness allowance was Rs 30,000. It is applicable to all guests, regardless of age. Then, contact one with a best-price guarantee and have them beat it! If youre a first-time cruiser, then theres little doubt that you have questions about gratuities and tipping on your cruise. Jenni. On certain cruises, Royal Caribbean requires that gratuities are prepaid to be able to request MyTime dining. Royal Caribbean charges a gratuity of $16.00 per person, per day. Some people like to give gifts such as chocolates or wine to the crew members. You have to call Royal and they will book it for you. But thats not always the case. The bar service personnel still gets their 15% tips from each bar sale. Does the deluxe drink package include adding items to your mini bar? Australians typically do not tip because the minimum wage in Australia is $20.33 AUD/hr ($14.56 USD/hr). My gf is a big tea drinker and is considering the package purely for that. On most cruises, including cruises departing from the US, an automatic gratuity of 18% is added to the cost of each drink when you receive the bill. Below, weve listed the current tip amounts charged by major cruise lines as of the time of this writing: How do you actually pay tips on the cruise ship? The porter stands there counts the luggage and has told the price for a handling fee. Royal Caribbean Junior Suite perks: Is it worth the upgrade? So you wont have to pay any more for your drinks unless you order something really specialist. Whipped cream etc. Royal Caribbean does not require guests under the legal drinking age to buy any kind of drinks package. Specialty dining experiences, which are outside the included meal packages and can include steakhouses, sushi/seafood restaurants and many more. The lowest prices can often be found during the Black Friday sale period. Years ago, you could buy five bottles of wine for $165, 7 bottles for $220 and 10 bottles for $300. Keep in mind that Royal Caribbean generally requires that if one adult purchases the Deluxe package, that all other adults over the age of 21 traveling in the same cabin purchase . So well have to pay the difference of $1 on almost every drink. Its a small 2.25 oz. Jenni. Hello we r doing a three night cruise out of Brisbane in November. If you are uncomfortable standing, just let a staff member know and they will be sure to accommodate you. After that, you can cancel it when you first embark on the ship, but no later. (Of course Ill be waiting for a discount before booking it as you have advised! Hi Gilbert, youll find that Royal Caribbean crew members are all very friendly and helpful, so if your cousin requires any further assistance from what you can provide, just ask him to let them know and theyll be glad to help. For those who drink mostly coffee, Royal Caribbean offers a Cafe Select Coffee Card. For some cruise lines (usually luxury lines), gratuities actually are included in the fare you dont pay anything extra apart from your cruise fare. Royal Caribbean last increased gratuities in 2018 and, before that, was in 2016. Guests that booked directly with Royal Caribbean can pre-pay gratuities by calling 866-562-7625 or logging into www.royalcaribbean.com before their sailing. Beverage packages may not be available for purchase for cruises of less than four nights departing from Southampton, England. The number of nights affects the total cost of beverage packages. If I am having a soda can i order another right after 10 minutes or to I have to wait a certain time. This also applies to sailings departing from Australia and New Zealand.