Why Cruise Line Are Hiking Certain Fees

For years, cruise lines have assessed passengers a daily gratuity fee, which the companies say gets divvied up among the crew. But this summer, several major lines have suddenly hiked the fee, and some passengers say it is part of a pattern of being nickel-and-dimed with surprise onboard increases.

Cruise companies, including Carnival, Celebrity, Princess and MSC, say the hike is necessary to keep crew compensation competitive. While the charges are automatically added to guest accounts, they are recommended and not mandatory, so guests can adjust or remove them at the end of the cruise.

In April, Carnival Cruise Line increased its daily gratuity rate by $1, to $17 per person per day for staterooms and $19 per day for suites. The company said its team members provide “exceptional service” and that guests would agree that the “slight increase was well deserved.”

Celebrity Cruises also increased its daily gratuity charge by $1.50 in July, with rates ranging from $19.50 to $24.50 per passenger per day. Some passengers questioned whether the extra funds would go to the crew members or be used to offset operational costs.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/travel/cruise-lines-fees.html