Paying tips and gratuities depends on which cruise line you choose. Some have a no-tipping policy while others offer a discretionary gratuity option. Cruise lines that have a discretionary policy will apply a charge to your onboard account which can be adjusted or removed once onboard.
Please be advised that some cruise lines will charge a service charge when you order a drink onboard that is not included with your pre-paid gratuities.
No tipping required
- P&O
- Marella
- Carnival (Barbados departures)
- Azamara
- Luxury Cruise Lines
- Virgin Voyages
Tips at your discretion
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity
- Cunard
- MSC Cruises
- Princess
- Holland America
- Oceania
Compulsory tipping
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Costa Cruises
- Virgin Voyages*
*October 2025 - new fare options available with Virgin Voyages. Guests may choose an option to pre-pay their gratuities, or they can opt to pay once on board.
Can gratuities be pre-paid?
Yes, with some cruise lines, you can pre-pay your gratuities before you travel. This can be done at the time of booking your cruise. Please ask our Sales Agent for further information. If you have already booked you can pre-pay for your gratuities via your cruise line booking portal (on their website) or by speaking to one of our Customer Service agents.
Further gratuity policy information
P&O
Marella
Carnival
Azamara
Celebrity
Royal Caribbean
MSC
Princess
Holland America Line
Oceania
Costa
Norwegian Cruise Line