Tipping and gratuities can be a controversial topic for cruise guests. While no one denies that crew members work exceptionally hard and do their very best to ensure everyone has a great cruise vacation, higher and higher gratuity rates can really damage a cruise vacation budget.
So far in 2026, Cruise Hive has reported that five major cruise lines have already increased gratuities. Such increases make budgeting for these lines more challenging, but understanding the rate increases and when they take effect can help guests be prepared, as can online calculators that can total up gratuities for more informed budget planning.
Margaritaville at Sea
The boutique but growing cruise line Margaritaville at Sea was the first to raise gratuities this year, and certainly raised the most eyebrows when they did it.
Changes took effect from February 1 with a $2 per person, per day increase for all standard staterooms and a $1 per person, per day increase for suites. This made the rates the highest in the cruise industry at $22 for standard stateroom and $25 for suites.
Margaritaville at Sea does not permit guests to adjust or remove gratuities at their discretion. Guests can, of course, choose to tip above that required amount if they want to reward exceptional service.
It must be noted that Virgin Voyages also charges $22 per person, per day, but has a lower pre-paid rate booked guests can take advantage of. That option is not available aboard Margaritaville at Sea ships.
Carnival Cruise Line
One of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world, Carnival Cruise Line made its gratuity charges just a little bit larger from April 2, 2026.
Rates for both standard suites and staterooms went up by $1 per person, per day, making the new rates $17 for standard staterooms and $19 for suites.
The change was announced in early February, giving guests the option to pre-pay at the previous lower rate in order to lock in savings, regardless of their cruise departure date.
At the same time of the gratuity increase, Carnival also raised prices on its Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda drink package, but only for adults. The price went from $9.50 per adult per day to $11.99 per day, but guests could still pre-purchase for the lower rate until the increase took effect.
MSC Cruises
The rapid growth of MSC Cruises in the North American market isn’t the only thing catching attention. From May 11, 2026, the cruise line will also be increasing the gratuity rates for all guests.
Called a “hotel service charge” by the cruise line, the rate will be increasing by $1 per person, per night for standard staterooms. Guests staying in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club will see a range increase of $3 per person, per night.
This will make the new rates $17 for standard staterooms and $23 for MSC Yacht Club suites. While this does “beat” the rate for Margaritaville at Sea gratuities, the highest rate is only for the elite staterooms of the Yacht Club, not for all guests.
It is also important to note that this increase is only for cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska, and is not being implemented for European sailings or other cruise regions.
Holland America Line
From June 1, 2026, guests onboard all Holland America Line ships will pay higher gratuities as well as higher overall service charges for a wide range of extra amenities.
The gratuity increase is just $1 per person, per day, but applies to all stateroom types. This will make the gratuities for standard staterooms $18 per day, while the rates for suites are going up to $20 per day.
At the same time, onboard service fees for specialty dining and beverages are increasing from 18% to 20%. Carnival Cruise Line, which is a sister line under Carnival Corporation & plc, made the same service fee increase in December 2025.
While gratuities on Holland America Line can be adjusted at guests’ discretion, the service fee cannot be changed.
Princess Cruises
A third Carnival-owned line, Princess Cruises, has also increased the gratuity rate as well as upped the service charges onboard.
The gratuities increased by $1 per person, per day, making standard staterooms $18, mini-suites and select other exclusive staterooms $19, and suites $20.
The change rolled out fleetwide in early March 2026, though the exact date of the change varied for different vessels in the Princess fleet.
Similarly, the service charge was increased from 18% to 20% for drink purchases, specialty dining, and similar purchases. This charge is not adjustable and may not be removed.
Which Cruise Lines May Be Next?
So far in 2026, there are no announced or confirmed gratuity rate increases for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and other lines.
Booked guests should keep a close watch on such charges, however, because it is not unusual for multiple cruise lines to make similar adjustments once one cruise line confirms an increase.
Gratuity rate increases are not always announced in advance, nor do guests always have the opportunity to prepay at a lower rate.
