Daily service charges are not the only cruise tips you will pay on board. Many cruise lines will tack an automatic gratuity charge onto the bill for extra-fee drinks, restaurant meals and spa treatments. The included tip amount varies by cruise line but is typically 15% to 20% of the bill.

On a typical 2026 cruise, you will encounter two types of gratuities: Daily Service Charges and Automatic Service Fees. Most major lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL) now charge a daily "Crew Appreciation" fee of $16 to $20 per person, per day, which is automatically added to your onboard account. This pool is divided among stateroom stewards, dining staff, and "behind-the-scenes" crew. Additionally, an automatic 18% to 20% service charge is added to all bar bills, spa treatments, and specialty dining covers. While these are "automatic," you can technically visit the Guest Services desk to adjust the daily rate if the service was subpar, though this is generally discouraged as it directly impacts crew wages. Many modern cruisers prefer to pre-pay these gratuities at the time of booking to avoid a large bill on the final morning. It is also customary (though not required) to give a small cash tip ($5–$10) to porters at the pier who handle your heavy luggage before embarkation.