Cruise gratuities are one of those topics that can spark an instant debate among travelers. Should they be included in the price of the cruise, left as they are now, or removed altogether?
To find out what cruisers really think, we polled the Life Well Cruised Facebook community and received over 6,000 votes and hundreds of comments. The responses were passionate and thoughtful, showing just how divided opinions are on this topic.
We gave cruisers four options to choose from:
- Yes – gratuities should be included in the price, and extra tipping should not be expected.
- Yes – gratuities should be included, but I’ll still tip certain crew members extra.
- No – keep the current system with automatic gratuities going to the crew.
- Gratuities should be eliminated entirely, and cruisers should tip whoever they choose.
While the question might seem simple, there’s a lot of nuance to it. For some, it comes down to transparency in pricing, while others are more concerned about ensuring crew members are fairly compensated.
Many also worry about cultural differences, since tipping expectations can vary so much depending on where you’re from.
In this article, I’ll share the results of our poll along with some of the most insightful comments from cruisers on both sides of the debate. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned traveler, the perspectives might make you rethink how you feel about cruise gratuities.
What Cruisers Really Think: The Poll Results
When we asked the Life Well Cruised Facebook community whether cruise lines should include gratuities in the price of a cruise, the response was overwhelming. More than 6,000 people voted and hundreds shared their thoughts in the comments.
The results showed a wide range of opinions, from wanting gratuities fully included to keeping the current system or eliminating them altogether. Here’s how the votes broke down and what cruisers had to say about each option.
The Most Popular Choice: Include Gratuities, But Keep Extra Tipping Optional
Getting 73% of the votes (4,445 users), the overwhelming favorite was option 2: Yes, gratuities should be included in the price, but I’ll still tip certain crew members extra.
Many cruisers felt this was the best of both worlds. Including gratuities in the cruise fare would make the total cost more transparent and help ensure crew members are fairly paid, while still allowing cruise passengers to recognize outstanding service with additional tips.
Several comments mentioned that this system would feel more like an “all-inclusive” experience, which many travelers prefer.
Some cruise lines have already moved in this direction. Virgin Voyages includes crew gratuities in every cruise fare, so there are no daily service charges added to your account. Princess Cruises has also adopted a similar approach with their Plus and Premier packages, which bundle daily gratuities into the cost alongside the beverage package, Wi‑Fi and other perks.
One cruiser summed up this sentiment perfectly: “I’d rather see gratuities built into the price so I know exactly what my cruise costs up front. That way the crew gets taken care of, and if someone goes above and beyond, I can still slip them something extra.”
Second Place: Include Gratuities With No Extra Tipping Expected
The second most popular response was option 1, which received 14% of the votes (874 users). This group felt that gratuities should be fully included in the cruise fare and that extra tipping should not be expected at all.
Many of these cruisers argued that this approach would make cruising feel truly all-inclusive and would eliminate confusion around when and how much to tip. Some also mentioned that if the cruise fare was adjusted to account for crew compensation, it would take away the awkwardness or pressure some travelers feel about tipping on vacation.
One commenter wrote, “I’d rather just pay one price and know everything is covered. The crew should be paid fairly without relying on extra tips from guests.”
This option also sparked a lot of discussion about whether cruise lines would actually pass the increased fare on to crew members or simply absorb the extra revenue.
Third Place: Eliminate Gratuities Entirely and Let Guests Tip Individually
Option 4 came in third place with 6% of the votes (390 users). This group preferred to get rid of automatic gratuities altogether and allow passengers to tip crew members directly based on their own experience.
Cruisers who chose this option felt that tipping should be a personal choice rather than a mandatory charge. Some mentioned they would prefer to hand cash directly to the crew they interact with and know that their money is going to the person providing the service.
One voter commented, “I want to tip the people who really make my cruise special, not have it divided up in a pool. If I’m paying, I want control over where it goes.”
This option often came with concerns about whether all crew members, especially those behind the scenes, would be fairly compensated if gratuities were entirely discretionary.
Last Place: Keep the Current Automatic Gratuity System
Option 3 came in last place with 5% of the votes (322 users). This group supported leaving the system exactly as it is now, with daily automatic gratuities added to each guest’s account and distributed among the crew.
Cruisers who voted for this option said they appreciated the simplicity of the current setup and felt it ensures all crew members, including those behind the scenes, are compensated fairly. Some also expressed concern that changing the system could result in higher cruise fares or less money reaching the crew.
One cruiser wrote, “The current system works. I don’t want cruise lines raising prices under the guise of including tips and then not passing that money to the staff.”
Although this option received the fewest votes, several commenters said they were hesitant to see cruise lines make big changes to a system that has been in place for decades.
The Big Debates Behind Cruise Gratuities
Reading through hundreds of comments, a few strong themes stood out. For many, the question wasn’t just yes or no – it was about fairness, transparency, and the overall cruise experience.
Related: Should You Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise or Pay Onboard?
Transparency in Pricing vs. Sticker Shock
One of the most common points was how gratuities affect the way cruise fares are advertised. Many cruisers said they want to see the “real” cost of a cruise upfront, without having to mentally add daily service charges. Others argued that including gratuities might make cruise fares appear more expensive compared to competitors, even if the total price ends up being the same.
As one cruiser put it, “I’d rather know the total cost before I book. Don’t show me a cheap fare and then add hundreds in gratuities after.”
Ensuring Fair Pay for Crew
Another big concern was making sure crew members are compensated fairly. Those in favor of keeping the current system said automatic gratuities help ensure everyone on the ship – including behind-the-scenes staff – receives their share.
On the other side, many felt that building gratuities into the fare would achieve the same thing while simplifying the process for cruise guests.
One Life Well Cruised member summed it up: “As long as the crew is taken care of, I don’t care how it’s done. But I want to be sure they actually get the money.”
Tipping Culture and Cultural Differences
Several cruisers brought up how tipping expectations vary around the world. For some international travelers, the idea of paying additional tips on top of the fare feels unusual or even uncomfortable.
This led to discussions about whether cruise lines should adopt a more inclusive, all-in-one model similar to European river cruises or luxury lines.
What This Means for Cruisers and Cruise Lines
The poll results show that most cruisers are open to change, especially if it means more transparency and less confusion over tipping. With 73% favoring included gratuities while still allowing for extra tipping, the message is clear: guests want a system that feels fair for the crew but also straightforward for travelers.
Some cruise lines are already heading in this direction. Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in every fare, and Princess Cruises bundles them into their Plus and Premier packages. If this trend continues, we might see more mainstream lines experiment with similar models in the coming years.
For now, cruisers should be aware of how each line handles gratuities and factor that into their overall vacation budget. Whether included or added on, the goal remains the same: to ensure crew members are recognized and compensated for the service that makes cruising special.
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Happy Cruising!
Ethan
