Celebrity Cruises has increased its automatic daily gratuities, effective 29 July, notifying passengers via email on the same day. This move has reportedly sparked criticism from customers.
For Inside, Oceanview, and Veranda staterooms, the daily tip has risen from $18 (£13) to $19.50 (£14.50) per person. Guests in Retreat suites will now pay $24.50 (£18) per person per day, up from $23 (£20).
This increase means a family of four in an Inside cabin on a seven-day cruise could pay an additional £42 in tips, totalling $546 (£410). A family of four in a Retreat suite would pay $686 (£510) over seven days, an increase from $644 (£480).
Passengers have voiced frustration on social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit regarding the lack of notice. Some have indicated they may remove the charges, which are automatically added to guest bills but can be adjusted or removed by visiting guest services on the ship. Guests who prepaid their tips at the previous rate will not be subject to the new higher fees.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Cruises' parent company, stated that gratuities are shared as part of crew compensation, reflecting their work and are in line with industry standards.