For Carnival Cruisers, Here's A Tip

For the first time in a decade, Carnival Cruise Lines has raised the recommended gratuity amount for service staff on their ships. The new total amount is $11.50 per guest, per day, effective on voyages departing Dec 1, 2011 and onward.

For convenience, gratuities are automatically charged to your onboard account. Broken down, this is how the $11.50 is distributed:

• $3.70 Per Day Stateroom Services
• $5.80 Per Day Dining Room Services
• $2.00 Per Day Alternative Services: for kitchen, entertainment, guest services, and other hotel staff members.

Unchanged, fifteen percent of the bill total for beverage services is automatically added to the Sail and Sign charge. Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered.

While Carnival assures us that their staff is totally committed to exceed your expectations in every way possible, if you are not satisfied with the service you receive, they encourage you to contact the Guest Services desk while onboard. This will allow them to address your concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. At your discretion, you may adjust the gratuities at any time while onboard. Gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship.

EXCEPTIONS:
• Gratuities do not apply to guests less than 2 years of age.
• Guests who have previously pre-paid gratuities on sailings that depart after Dec 1st will not be assessed the additional gratuity.
• For Cruises-To-Nowhere, gratuities of $11.50 per guest, per day must be pre-paid.
• All gratuities are pre-paid and automatically added during the booking process for Barbados itineraries.

Image Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines