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Not long after Royal Caribbean International raised its cruise gratuities, Carnival Cruise Line is increasing its as well. The change affects sailings departing on or after Sept. 1, 2016, but for those guests who prepay the current amounts by May 9, 2016, the increase will not apply.
READ MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line Increasing Service Charges
Come September, the daily recommended amount will be upped from $12.00 to $12.95 per person per day for guests booked in standard staterooms and to $13.95 for those in suites. Carnival indicates that even though the tip amounts are automatically charged to passengers' shipboard amounts that they remain discretionary and can be adjusted before disembarkation.
READ MORE: Princess Cruises to Increase Daily Service Charges in 2016
The line breaks down the specific gratuity distribution as follows: "The majority of the tipping amount goes to employees such as the stateroom steward, assistant steward, dining room waiter and assistant waiter. A small portion goes to a mix of other personnel who are in guest-facing customer service positions within areas such as culinary and hotel services, along with certain key positions in entertainment and guest services."
Gratuity increases are common as various cruise lines attempt to maintain consistency with competitors' service charge policies. Carnival's also comes at a time when it is launching its newest ship - the Carnival Vista.
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