Are gratuities included in the cruise fare?

Gratuities are typically not included in the base cruise fare, and this can vary by cruise line and specific itinerary. Most cruise lines encourage passengers to budget for gratuities as they are generally expected for dining staff, housekeeping, and other onboard services. The amount can vary depending on the cruise line, but a common practice is to charge a daily gratuity rate per passenger, which can be automatically added to the onboard account. Passengers are usually informed of these fees prior to boarding, and some cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuities at the time of booking. It is always a good idea to check the specific cruise line’s policies regarding gratuities, which can often be found on their website. Being aware of these additional costs can help in planning the overall budget for a cruise vacation.