Cruisers are wrapping their heads around some back and forth regarding Royal Caribbean’s gratuity policies.
The issue began, according to a Cruise Hive report, when one of the cruise line’s online FAQ lists was altered to indicated that indicated a 20% automatic gratuity for beverages and beverage packages, as well as its specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service, and minibar purchases. It also indicated there was the same 20% gratuity automatically added on for spa services and the salon.
When asked for comment, Royal Caribbean changed the FAQ page from 20% to 18% and acknowledged the error.
“We recently identified an error in an FAQ that incorrectly stated gratuity information. To clarify, there has been no change to our gratuity rates. Gratuities for beverages and dining remain at 18% as previously communicated. The FAQ has been corrected, and we apologize for any confusion this error may have caused,” said the statement.
It was also noted that the FAQ page does include some new information—that the automatic gratuities can be adjusted by guests who wish to do so. The new wording explains, “These gratuities are optional and may be adjusted or removed at the guest’s sole discretion.”
The situation was compounded with a fake press release from Royal Caribbean making the rounds on social media, as well as Reddit. The fabricated release, dated on October 19, indicated that, contrary to the new language surrounding guests’ ability to make changes, guests would no longer be able to adjust the automatic gratuities.
“Effective immediately, daily gratitude (gratuity) charges added to guest accounts can no longer be removed or adjusted at Guest Services desks while onboard. This change applies to all Royal Caribbean International sailings departing on or after October 19, 2026. Under the updated policy, these charges are now non-removable once applied to the guest account,” said the fake release, which has been discredited by multiple news sites.
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