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Do you have to pay gratuities on Queen Mary 2?

Gratuities are welcome, but are not expected.



On the Queen Mary 2, as with all Cunard ships, a daily "Hotel and Dining Service Charge" is automatically added to your onboard account to be distributed among the crew. As of 2026, the standard rate is typically $16.00 USD per person, per day for guests staying in Britannia staterooms, and $18.00 USD per person, per day for those in the Queens and Princess Grill suites. These charges cover the efforts of the dining and housekeeping staff who provide the signature "White Star Service." While these are the primary gratuities, you should also be aware that an automatic 15% service charge is added to all bar and wine purchases, and a 12.5% service charge is applied to spa and salon services. While these charges are technically "automatic for convenience," you have the right to visit the Purser’s Office during your voyage to adjust or remove the daily hotel service charge if you feel the service did not meet your expectations. However, most guests choose to leave them in place as a fair way to reward the hardworking crew members behind the scenes.

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(1). You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms. However, you will need to notify the front desk of this desire. Otherwise it will appear on your bill when your cruise ends and it will be charged to your credit card on file.

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Yes! Unlike the early ocean liners where passengers were required to bring their own food aboard, your meals are included aboard Queen Mary 2. This includes unlimited access to the Kings Court Buffet as well as three daily meals in your assigned restaurant.

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While purchasing a beverage package prior to your cruise is the most cost effective, you can opt to purchase one on board for a slightly higher price.

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If you do not prepay cruise gratuities before sailing, the cruise line will add them to your onboard bill. The cruise line will then charge your credit card for the gratuity amount at the end of the sailing – along with other purchases you made with your cruise card (drinks, souvenirs, spa treatments, tours, etc.).

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If you want to manage your budget more effectively, it's a good idea to prepay your gratuities for your Princess cruise. The only time you would be better off waiting is if you want to use any onboard credit towards the gratuity amount.

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As mentioned above, not all members of the ship staff receive a share of the gratuities paid by passengers. Bartenders, main show entertainers and third-party shop employees are some of the more obvious ones, but they're not the only ones.

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For most, prepaying gratuities is a great way to keep track of your overall cruise budget. If they're paid for and out of the way, you won't accidentally spend your gratuity money while onboard or in port or receive a large(r) bill at the end of the sailing.

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Can I pack wine in my suitcase for a cruise? You cannot pack wine in checked luggage for a cruise.

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