Royal Caribbean clarifies gratuity rate confusion

Royal Caribbean has clarified confusion over its gratuity rates after a website error and a fraudulent press release. The cruise line confirmed its automatic 18% gratuity rate for beverages and dining has not changed.

A temporary error on the company's website displayed a 20% gratuity rate for spa, salon, beverages, beverage packages, specialty dining, room service, and minibar items. Only the 20% rate for spa and salon services was accurate. Royal Caribbean has since corrected the U.S. FAQ to reflect the proper 18% rate. The UK page correctly showed 18% throughout. The cruise line acknowledged the temporary FAQ error to Cruise Hive after being contacted for confirmation.

Correct gratuity rate and FAQ clarification

Royal Caribbean's current FAQ states the actual automatic gratuity rate is 18%. It clarifies that these gratuities are optional and may be adjusted or removed at the guest's sole discretion. Guests may modify or remove any gratuity by visiting the Guest Relations desk onboard prior to the morning of disembarkation. The cruise line reiterated there has been no change to its gratuity rates.

Origin of the fake notice

Separately, a fake press release circulated claiming daily gratuities would no longer be adjustable or removable starting October 19, 2026. The fraudulent notice stated the change would apply to all sailings departing on or after that date. It used a Royal Caribbean International trademarked logo that was retired in September 2024. The fake notice mentioned guests could still prepay gratuities or make alternative arrangements through the app or website before embarkation. It also clarified that additional discretionary tips remain welcome.

Royal Caribbean's response and guest rights

Royal Caribbean has debunked the fake press release. The cruise line confirmed guests have always been able to adjust or remove the daily gratuities added to their SeaPass accounts. Guests can adjust or remove gratuities on beverage and dining purchases at Guest Relations before disembarkation. The daily gratuity rates remain $21 per guest for suites and $18.50 per guest for all other stateroom categories. For two people in a standard cabin on a seven-night cruise, the daily gratuity total is $259.

Social media played a role in highlighting the initial discrepancy. Charity Bradley brought attention to the website error in a TikTok video. Separately, TheTravel contacted Royal Caribbean about the UK website discrepancy. Guests can adjust or remove daily gratuities at Guest Relations before disembarkation.