In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services onboard and will be able to do so until the morning of their departure.

Avoiding gratuities on Royal Caribbean is technically possible, but it is a complex and often discouraged process. As of 2026, the cruise line automatically adds a daily "Service Charge" (typically around $18.00 to $20.50 per person, per day depending on the cabin category) to your onboard account. These funds are distributed among the dining staff, stateroom attendants, and other behind-the-scenes crew members. If you wish to adjust or remove these charges, you must visit the Guest Services desk on the ship before you disembark. You can request to have the automatic charges removed so that you can tip individual crew members in cash based on your satisfaction. However, if you choose to "pre-pay" your gratuities at the time of booking, they are generally non-refundable. It is important to remember that for many crew members, these gratuities constitute a significant portion of their income. While you have the right to modify the amount, it is standard maritime etiquette to ensure the staff who served you are compensated fairly for their 12-to-14-hour workdays.