Do you have questions about Celebrity Cruise automatic gratuities? Below, I’ll be going over gratuities and tipping on Celebrity Cruises.
Just to be very clear right from the start: this is not about being cheap or avoiding tips. Cruise staff work incredibly hard, and I fully believe they deserve fair pay and recognition for exceptional service.
Even if you’ve cruised before, I know a lot of you still have questions.
Do you actually have to tip?
Can gratuities be removed?
Where does the money go?
Should you prepay gratuities — or wait?
And are you tipping twice without realizing it?
I’ll go over exactly how Celebrity’s gratuity works, where the money goes, and what your tipping options are — so you can make informed decisions before you sail.
How Much are Celebrity Cruise Gratuities?
On your onboard statement, Celebrity Cruises refers to them as “Onboard Gratuities.” For most passengers, they function as automatic daily tips — and this is where one of the biggest cruise pricing pain points comes in: sticker shock.
You book your cruise, and it feels like a great deal. The fare looks reasonable, maybe even like a bargain. But then the cruise ends, you review your final onboard account, and suddenly a few hundred dollars in gratuities has been added to the total.
For guests in Inside, Ocean View, and Verandah staterooms, the current rate is $18 per person, per day. That doesn’t sound excessive at first, but remember — it’s charged per person, and it applies every single day of the cruise.
Let’s put that into perspective. A family of four on a seven-day sailing would pay $18 per person, per day. By the end of the cruise, that adds up to $504 in gratuities alone. And unless you visit Guest Services and request an adjustment, that charge is automatically applied to your account.
I’ve taken more than 25 cruises, and I can tell you — even when I know the charge is coming, seeing the final gratuity total still catches me off guard. It adds up faster than most people expect.
If you’re in a higher stateroom category, the daily amount increases. Concierge Class and AquaClass guests are charged $19 per person, per day, while guests staying in The Retreat pay $23 per person, per day. So the more premium your accommodation, the higher the automatic gratuity.
Personally, I wish cruise lines would simply include gratuities in the advertised fare and show the real total price upfront. Luxury lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line already do this by bundling gratuities into their pricing. It makes budgeting easier and the entire booking process far more transparent.
Prepaying Gratuities
“Should I prepay gratuities?” This is easily one of the most common questions I get.
The biggest advantage to prepaying is simple: you lock in the rate. Every few years, Celebrity Cruises, like most major cruise lines, increases its daily gratuity amount.
If you prepay at the time of booking, you’re protected from any price increases that happen between the day you book and the day you sail. So if rates go up, you’ve already secured the lower amount.
That can offer some peace of mind, especially if you’re booking far in advance.
But there are also some downsides.
One of the biggest disadvantages is onboard credit. If you prepay your gratuities, you can’t use onboard credit to cover them, because they’ve already been paid. That means your onboard credit has to be used on other purchases during the cruise — things like drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, or spa treatments. And since onboard credit is usually non-refundable, anything you don’t use by the end of the sailing is typically forfeited.
The other disadvantage is flexibility. When you prepay gratuities, you generally lose the ability to adjust or remove them onboard. If you were to experience a service issue and felt an adjustment was warranted as part of resolving it, that option becomes much more limited once the gratuities have already been paid in advance.
So prepaying gratuities can protect you from future price increases, but it also reduces flexibility and limits how you can use your onboard credit. Whether it makes sense really depends on how you prefer to budget and how far in advance you’re booking.
Removing Gratuities
On Celebrity Cruises, it is possible to have gratuities removed or modified — but you have to go to Guest Services and request it in person. It’s not something that’s advertised, and it doesn’t happen automatically. You have to actively ask for it.
Remember removing gratuities doesn’t apply to passengers who prepaid their gratuities.
If someone is trying to remove gratuities simply because they don’t want to tip, there may be some pushback. But if there’s a legitimate service issue, Celebrity cruise can — and sometimes will — adjust or remove gratuities as part of resolving the situation.
On one of my Baltic cruises, I met a couple who told me they go to Guest Services on every sailing and have their automatic gratuities removed. Instead, they tip in cash at their own discretion throughout the cruise.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of completely removing gratuities unless you’re truly replacing that full daily amount in cash. Otherwise, it can feel like you’re gaming the system.
The automatic gratuity pool supports more than just the people you see every day — it includes crew members behind the scenes as well — and not everyone works in a position where they receive direct cash tips.
And just to be transparent, I personally tip extra, above and beyond the $18 per person per day. I usually give additional cash tips to my cabin steward, my waiter, and my assistant waiter at the start and end of the cruise. If someone goes above and beyond, I think it’s important to recognize that directly.
You Can Use Onboard Credit to Pay Gratuities
Here’s something I actually appreciate about Celebrity Cruises — you can use onboard credit to pay for your gratuities.
Not all cruise lines allow this. Some place restrictions on onboard credit and won’t let you apply it toward daily gratuities at all. But Celebrity cruises doesn’t have that limitation, which can make a meaningful difference when it comes to your final bill.
For example, on one of my cruises, I had two separate onboard credits — one for $100 which I got from my travel agent and another onboard credit for $33.63 which I got as a port tax credit since we skipped a port due to the weather.
As you can see on my statement, those onboard credits were applied directly toward my daily $18 per person gratuity charges. They were also used to cover a room service charge of $11.94 and $81.60 in wine charges at the restaurant.
After those credits were applied, my remaining balance was $175.91.
That’s a big deal, because it shows that onboard credit isn’t just for “extras.” It can actually help offset essential charges like gratuities. And since onboard credit is typically use-it-or-lose-it, being able to apply it to gratuities makes the overall cost of the cruise feel much more manageable.
If you’re someone who receives onboard credit as part of a promotion or from a travel agent, being able to apply onboard credit to pay your gratuities is a big plus.
Gratuities on Pre-paid Packages
Now let’s talk about gratuities on beverage and specialty dining packages.
With Celebrity Cruises, all beverage packages automatically include a 20% gratuity. But it isn’t always obvious, and a lot of passengers don’t realize they’ve already paid the gratuities unless they read the fine print.
This 20% automatic gratuity doesn’t just apply to drink packages. It also applies to other prepaid packages, including specialty dining packages. So if you buy a specialty dining package, for example, you’ve already prepaid the 20% gratuity.
Because of this, some guests end up tipping the bartender, server, or dining staff every time they order — essentially tipping twice without meaning to.
Don’t get me wrong — tipping extra for outstanding service is always appreciated. If someone goes above and beyond, recognizing that with additional cash is a nice gesture.
But tipping repeatedly simply because you weren’t aware gratuity was already included? That’s where the confusion comes in.
If you have a drink or specialty dining package, the 20% gratuity is already covered. You don’t need to tip on top of it unless you personally want to reward exceptional service.
Understanding this can help you avoid accidentally tipping twice.
Paying Gratuities for Services You Don’t Even Use
One of the frustrations with cruise gratuities is that they function as a blanket service charge. Everyone pays the same daily amount, whether they use every onboard service or not.
Take dining, for example. Some passengers rarely eat in the main dining room. They prefer the buffet or specialty restaurants instead. Yet they still pay the same gratuities as someone who eats three meals a day in the main dining room.
The same applies to stateroom service. Some guests request that their cabin steward not clean the room daily — maybe for privacy or environmental reasons. But even if they ask for less frequent service, the full gratuity charge still applies with no adjustment.
That raises a fair question: why isn’t there a credit or reduction for opting out of certain services?
Major hotel chains already do this. For example, Marriott offers loyalty points as an incentive for declining daily housekeeping. The idea is that if you use fewer services, you receive some form of recognition or benefit.
Cruise lines take a different approach. Gratuities support a broad pool of staff — not just the crew you interact with every day — which is why the charge remains the same regardless of whether or not you use all the services.
Double Tipping on Spa Services
If you book a spa treatment or salon service on Celebrity Cruises, they automatically add a 20% service charge to the bill. That charge is meant to cover gratuity for the service.
Here’s where it gets confusing.
Even though the service charge is already included, the receipt often still has a blank gratuity line. If you’re not paying close attention, it’s easy to assume you still need to add an additional tip.
The first time I got a massage on a Celebrity cruise, I almost made that mistake. I was ready to add another 20% on top of the service charge — which would have meant tipping twice. Thankfully, I caught it before finalizing the payment.
The lesson is simple: always check your receipt before adding extra gratuity. I’m a big believer in rewarding excellent service, but tipping twice by accident isn’t necessary.
If the service charge is already included, you don’t need to add an additional tip unless you personally want to.
Lack of Transparency in Gratuity Distribution
One of the most frustrating parts of cruise tipping is the lack of transparency about where gratuities actually go.
The service charge on Celebrity Cruises is distributed among various crew members — including dining staff, bar staff, culinary teams, stateroom attendants, and the hotel services team. In theory, the idea is to support the entire team that contributes to your cruise experience.
But here’s the problem: passengers are rarely told how that money is divided or exactly how much each role receives. We don’t see a breakdown. We don’t know how individual crew members are compensated from the pool.
That can feel frustrating because service quality varies. Some crew members go above and beyond — remembering your name, anticipating your needs, and making your vacation better. Others may provide basic service but not the kind of exceptional experience you remember.
Yet everyone receives the same share from the gratuity pool.
Because of that, I often choose to tip certain crew members extra in cash. It’s my way of directly rewarding the people who made a real difference during the cruise — the cabin steward who kept everything spotless, the waiter who remembered my preferences, or the bartender who delivered exceptional service.
Cruise Essentials to Buy Before Your Cruise
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Travel Must-Haves
Passport neck wallet – Keeps your passport and travel documents secure and accessible. It also has RFID protection.
Cruise lanyards – A super convenient way to keep your cruise card within easy reach. No more digging through your bag every time you need it! I recommend getting one lanyard per person in your group and choosing different colors so it’s easy to tell them apart.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with anti-pickpocket clip – Genius anti-theft clip and versatile enough for both port days and evenings in the dining room.
Anti-theft crossbody bag with RFID – Padded shoulder straps with RFID lining to safeguard against identity theft.
Insulated water bottles –I don’t like spending money on bottled water, and I always want fresh water in my cabin. I’ll fill my bottle at the buffet or ask my server at dinner, then bring it back so I have water at night. This is my go-to water bottle—I prefer ones without straws since they’re much easier to wash in the cabin sink.
Pashmina – This multi-purpose wrap always earns its spot in my luggage. Use it as an evening wrap, a lightweight plane blanket, or a cover-up when visiting places of worship that require modest dress. I never cruise without one—you’ll be surprised how often it comes in handy.
Cruise Planning Essentials
Day Passes to Resorts– Booking private beach resort access in advance guarantees a comfortable beach experience at the cruise port.
Travel Insurance with CFAR Coverage– CFAR travel insurance gives you flexibility to cancel your cruise for any reason and recover part of your costs if plans change.
Last Minute Cruise Deals– Search for last minute cruise deals.
Cabin Comfort & Organization
Non-surge Cruise power strip– Cabins never have enough outlets (check cruise line rules first).
Magnetic hooks – Super-strong magnetic hooks that attach easily to your cabin walls. They’re perfect for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. I personally use the 85+ lb hooks—they’re incredibly sturdy and can even hold backpacks!
Small portable fan – Improves airflow and keeps Inside Cabins from feeling stuffy.
Motion sensor night light – Perfect for Inside Cabins, for when you get up at night to use the bathroom. It also has a magnetic base, so you can easily attach it to your cabin walls.
Toiletries & Laundry
Hanging toiletry bag – Keeps your essentials neat and accessible.
Fabric freshener spray – Fights wrinkles and refreshes clothes between wears.
Travel-size detergent – Handy for washing swimsuits, underwear, and quick-dry clothing in the sink.
TSA-approved travel containers – Easy to pack your lotions, creams, and other liquids without worrying about TSA rules.
Health & Wellness
Anti-seasickness medicine – My go-to meds for anti-seasickness. I take one in the morning on sea days (bring chewables for kids).
Acupressure bands – A natural alternative for seasickness relief. I use this with the anti-seasickness meds.
Packing & Storage
Cruise travel planners– Check out my travel planners, they help you stay organized before and during your trip.
Packing cubes – I never travel without packing cubes! They make packing and unpacking so easy—you can simply slip the entire cube into the cabin closet or drawer. I like to assign a different color to each person so there’s no mix-up.
Foldable duffel bag – I always pack a foldable duffel bag in case I bring home too many souvenirs or do some extra shopping. It doubles as an extra carry-on and barely takes up any luggage space.
Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for shopping at cruise ports, these bags fold up small enough to keep in your purse. I always carry one with me—you never know when you’ll need it! Plus, many countries charge a fee for shopping bags, and I’d much rather use my own than pay extra.
Foldable backpack – Perfect for cruise port days when you need an extra bag. I love that these backpacks are lightweight and fold down small, so you can toss one in your luggage without taking up much space.
Travel luggage scale – I always keep one in my suitcase so I can weigh my bags before heading to the airport. It’s a simple way to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Apple AirTags – I pop one into each of my bags so I can track my luggage for peace of mind. They’re especially helpful if you have a short layover and worry about your suitcase getting left behind.
Beach Essentials
Towel Clips – A simple must-have for pool and beach days! They keep your towels from slipping off lounge chairs, and I never cruise without brining a few in my luggage.
Waterproof phone pouch – Protect your phone from water and sand while still being able to snap photos. I always bring one when cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean—it’s a lifesaver for beach and pool days.
Striped beach bag with zipper – You’ll need a beach bag with zipper to keep your things secure. I like this one because it’s stylish, has a water bottle holder, keeps belongings secure and has a lot of pockets.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Essentials
Magnetic toys – Cabin walls are magnetic, making these toys perfect for fun, mess-free entertainment. They keep kids busy when you’re in the cabin, especially since cruise TV options for kids can be limited. It’s always best to bring your own toys.
Collapsible beach buckets and toys – You’ll definitely want to bring beach toys if you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! This collapsible set includes foldable buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds, all packed neatly in one bag. They’re easy to fit in your suitcase without taking up much space.
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