Starting from May 1, 2016 Royal Caribbean International will increase the guest’s gratuities for 55 cents per person, per day. The new daily gratuity rates will be $13.50 per guest, per day for Junior Suite, Balcony, Ocean View, and $16.50 per guest, per day for the Suites. 

Guests with existing reservations can pre-pay their gratuities before April 14 on the current rate which is $12.95 per person, per day for regular staterooms and $15.95 for the suites.

According to Royal Caribbean, the new gratuities increase will put the company in same line with its competitors in the cruise industry and recognize the exceptional service that Royal Caribbean's crew does to deliver unforgettable vacations.

Ten mounts ago Royal Caribbean increased gratuities from $12 to $12.95 for regular staterooms and $14.25 to $15.95 for suites.

The latest increase will provide $8.30 for dining room department (waiters, assistant waiters and Asst. Maître D per day, $3.85 for stateroom attendants, suite attendants will get $6.85 and $1.35 for housekeeping services.

There was heated debate on the passenger’s cruise forums and web sites, regarding this increase. Most of the passengers don’t mind paying extra 55 cents per day, however there is minority of passengers CHEAPATONES who don’t like to pay a cent for the services provided by the hard working crew members.