In a surprising coincidence, not one, but two Princess cruise ships sailing through Australia have experienced gastrointestinal outbreaks in a very short time period.
The first outbreak occurred during Diamond Princess’s 21-night New Zealand-bound cruise, which disembarked on November 12, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia.
However, according to passengers currently onboard Crown Princess, the Carnival-owned brand is now in the middle of battling a second, unrelated gastrointestinal outbreak.
In fact, up to 2,080 guests were strongly encouraged to disembark in Darwin, Australia, during the port call on November 14, 2024, to allow crew members to conduct a deep cleaning onboard.
“To help control the spread of illness, we are conducting a comprehensive ship wide cleaning and disinfection program on Thursday 14th November 2024 during our stay in Darwin,” reads a letter from Princess that was delivered to all cruise cabins.
“We strongly recommend you consider spending some time ashore exploring the beautiful port of Darwin whilst our teams diligently complete the disinfection operations,” the letter suggested.
The cruise line added that the cleaning process would begin mid-morning and take approximately two hours to complete – during which time some amenities onboard could be unavailable.
Guests were also informed that the cleaning wouldn’t be limited just to public areas, but would also include all 1,545 guest staterooms.
Passengers would be required to vacate their staterooms during the cleaning unless they had become sick and were in isolation.
“If you are not planning to spend time ashore, please vacate your stateroom if requested to do so by one of our team members. Guests who are currently in isolation are not required to vacate their rooms and should remain in their staterooms,”continued the update.
It’s unclear how many people onboard have fallen ill or what pathogen is making them sick, although norovirus is usually the cause of most gastrointestinal outbreaks on cruise ships.
Multiple Princess Ships Take Action Against Illness
If this story sounds familiar, it’s likely because a similar outbreak onboard Diamond Princess also came to light in early November – and both Diamond Princess and Crown Princess are currentlysailing in Australian waters.
In the case of Diamond Princess, guests were asked to leave the ship three timesto allow for deep cleanings – twice in Melbourne, Australia, and once in Auckland, New Zealand.
With the disturbance happening several times, guests onboard Diamond Princess were given a $50 onboard credit to make amends for each time they were asked to disembark – whereas no compensation has been announced regarding the outbreak on Crown Princess as of the time of publication.
That said, the cleaning and outbreak have not caused any known delays for the 113,500-gross ton Crown Princess – which is currently sailing through Eastern Australia and operating six itineraries at once, which range in length from 15 nights to 28 nights.
As she sails on, the approximately 1,200 crew members are following strict protocols to prevent any further spread of illness, and any subsequent delays that might follow a large outbreak.
For example, sick guests have been told to isolate themselves in their cabins and anyone who suspects they may be falling ill have been instructed to return to their stateroom and contact the onboard medical team.
“Please remember that if you develop any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, return to your stateroom, and notify the medical staff by telephoning 911,”urged the letter from Princess.
In these situations, it’s also common for the cruise lines to take extra precautions, such as by having crew members serve guests in the buffet (instead of self service) and cleaning high-touch surfaces more frequently.
Current passengers have also reported seeing a higher number of other guests wearing masks around the ship and that they are taking their own preventive measures, such as washing their hands more often and carrying hand sanitizer.
Dressing to the nines can be a grand occasion on a cruise vacation and a great opportunity for couples, families, and friends to enjoy a night of elegance and distinction with fabulous attire and glittering accessories. But should such formalwear be required?
One Carnival cruise guest has reached out to the line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, with an idea of where and when to require old-school formal night attire far beyond what the cruise line currently recommends for its “Elegant Evenings.”
“We are Platinum and closing in on Diamond,”the guest explained about their cruise line loyalty.“I know that Journey cruises are top heavy with Diamond and with Platinum [passengers].”
Carnival Journeys cruises are the longer sailings (9+ nights) that often visit very sought after destinations, such as voyages to Greenland, transatlantic and transpacific cruises, visits to New Zealand, and even Caribbean voyages from more northern homeports.
On these longer cruises, it is true that there are often more experienced cruisers who have risen higher in the ranks of Carnival Cruise Line’s “Very Important Fun Person” (VIFP) loyalty program. In fact, so many loyal cruisers often enjoy these sailings that many times certain VIFP benefits, such as priority embarkation or tendering, are not possible due to the onboard demand.
This can give Carnival Journeys cruises a very different vibe than other getaways. This could be an opportunity for a return to more traditional cruising, as this guest suggests.
“We dress formally on formal nights,”they said.“All of us on Journey cruises would want a proper formal night with an absolute dress code of tuxedos for the gentlemen and ball gowns for the ladies. Those [passengers] who did not want this can eat at the buffet.”
While the idea that “all of us on Journey cruises” is suspect – it’s doubtful every single Carnival guest was asked – the commenter does acknowledge that this is not necessarily a good option for many shorter Carnival cruises, which often have a reputation for a louder, wilder crowd.
“I am not naïve and so do not expect this to happen on your usual party cruises. The Journey cruises are a perfect chance to bring glamor back to Carnival and enhance its reputation completely,”they concluded.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Formal Night Evolution
Heald, who has more than 35 years’ of experience with Carnival Cruise Line and has seen how formal nights have evolved over the decades, does recognize the guest’s idea but disagrees that it may be the best option, even for Journeys sailings.
“If there is one cruise that perhaps people would all adhere to this more than others it would be the longer Journey cruises,”Heald said, but also included his own preferences.“I personally would not like it as I have a dislike for this kind of clothing.”
Times have certainly changed during Heald’s tenure with the cruise line, however.
“When I was a younger cruise director I would wear the tuxedo with pride. I would wear a black one on the first then ‘formal’ night and then a white one on the second formal night and many, many male guests would do the same,”he explained.
“Such was the popularity of the tuxedo that we, of course, started to rent them from the then Formalities shops and male guests would rent them in abundance. Far more male guests would bring their own.”
Over the years, however, fashion preferences have changed and formal dress codes have become more relaxed. Today, Carnival Cruise Line no longer calls these special nights “Formal Nights” but instead they are “Elegant Evenings.” Formalwear is optional, never required, even in the Main Dining Rooms.
Young Couple Dressed Formally on a Cruise (Photo Credit: Space_Cat / Shutterstock)
“Times change and the tuxedo has become an endangered species, replaced by regular business suits,”Heald acknowledged.“I recognize that some people like getting dressed up. I have no problem with this. But I can say from being with Carnival for 38 years that things have changed.”
Heald goes on to ask whether or not other cruisers would enjoy more strict attire requirements on Journeys sailings. Travelers’ responses are varied.
While some admit they enjoy the opportunity to dress up, many more admit that the strictness of formal attire isn’t the most comfortable and not their top choice for cruise vacation wear.
Others note that packing along formal wear, particularly “ball gowns” that could easily be crushed or wrinkled, isn’t always possible or practical for today’s travelers, especially for longer sailings with luggage space already at a premium.
Overall, the consensus is that if any individual traveler wants to dress very formally, they should enjoy the chance to do so, but not worry about what others are or are not wearing.
I’ll admit, I’ve packed along a formal gown (ONCE), and while the pictures turned out great, the hassle wasn’t enough to repeat. On formal night, it’s a nice blouse and dress slacks for me, accessorized with my sparkliest baubles. What about you? Share your formal night wardrobe on the Cruise Hive boards!
Good employees can make or break a cruise experience, which is why Disney Cruise Line is celebrating its magic-making cast, crew, and employees worldwide in a big way.
The cruise line announced on November 13, 2024, that it is naming all 200,000-plus team members, including its creative Imagineers, as godparents of its new Triton-class Disney Treasure.
“At the core of everything we do at Disney are the dedicated cast members and employees who create the magic that brings joy to millions of people around the globe,”said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney World Company. “That’s why we are proud to honor all Disney employees as the godparents of the Disney Treasure.”
He went on to say, “This is our way of paying tribute to the dreamers and doers who continue to tell our stories in the most compelling and innovative ways.”
Traditionally, a ship’s godparent is chosen to bestow good fortune and protection upon a vessel and its passengers. Typically a single individual, the role is symbolic and honors someone of influence or importance.
“Every magical guest experience is the result of the collective effort of tens of thousands of Disney cast members, crew members, Imagineers, and employees,”said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences.
He continued, “Because of this outstanding team, Disney creativity, storytelling, and service continue to set standards for the entertainment and hospitality industries around the world.”
The unprecedented choice of godparent follows Disney’s recent decision to honor Make-A-Wish children as the godchildren of the Disney Wish as she debuted in 2022.
Disney Crew Members were aboard the 4,000-passenger ship as it made its way from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida.
The ship made its US debut on November 12, 2024, with much fanfare, including the sounding of the iconic horn playing a medley of familiar tunes – but not before it was tasked by the Coast Guard to aid in rescuing four people in a sinking catamaran off the coast of Bermuda!
Disney Treasure is currently prepping for her upcoming christening ceremony, which will take place in New York Cityon November 19, 2024. The ceremony will be live-streamed at 8 p.m. EST so fans around the world can participate in the maritime tradition.
Disney Treasure Set to Debut
The 144,256-gross-ton Disney Treasure has been getting Disney’s full-court press in terms of marketing ahead of her much-anticipated maiden voyage on December 21, 2024.
This month, the new vessel will not only have the world watching its christening but will have all eyes on it as the star of a new float during the televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024.
The ship is also premiering a Pixar-inspired dining experience based on the movie “Coco” and Marvel-themed entertainment in its new adventure theme.
Additionally, themed lounges inspired by iconic destinations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom will reveal new Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea spaces.
Disney Treasure is the latest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s extensive expansion of its fleet, which currently includes six ships. Seven more vessels are planned by 2031, with each ship offering experiences modeled after Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions.
The ship is scheduled to provide regular 7-day sailing from Port Canaveral to the eastern and western Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas, featuring stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Its maiden voyage will include stops at Tortola and St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
A US Coast Guard (USCG) aircrew demonstrated their dedication to service, technical expertise, and commitment to saving lives with an airlift operation from Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
The request for a medical evacuation was made in the afternoon as Carnival Vista was approximately 45 miles southwest of Mona Island, Puerto Rico, or 160 miles west-southwest of San Juan.
At the time, the ship was en route to Grand Turk as part of an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, having already visited Aruba and Curacao. When medical emergencies happen, however, cruise ships will take all steps necessary to preserve life.
The patient’s name has not been identified to preserve their privacy and that of their traveling companions, family members, and friends. The USCG did note the patient was a 69-year-old female and a US citizen.
Watchstanders in Sector San Juan received the medical evacuation request and immediately worked to coordinate the necessary arrangements. An MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter was dispatched from Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico to rendezvous with Carnival Vista.
Inclement weather at the time made the coordination of a precise rescue mission more challenging. Even small wind changes can impact a helicopter’s stability, making basket lifts more dangerous.
Nevertheless, the aircrew arrived at the ship successfully and deployed a rescue swimmer to perform two hoists. First, the patient’s spouse and a Carnival Vista nurse were lifted aboard the helicopter, followed by the patient.
You can watch a video of the Coast Guard rescue below:
The USCG crew then transported the patient, her spouse, and the accompanying nurse to the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, where they were met by local emergency personnel for further transport to the Centro Medico Hospital.
“This case required a significant amount of coordination and planning by everyone involved,”said Lieutenant Luke Dewhirst, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for this case.
“Thanks to the Carnival Vista crew and Sector San Juan watchstanders for working with us to establish a rendezvous position amid inclement weather. Our crew performed phenomenally in conducting multiple challenging hoists to safely transport the patient to a higher level of care.”
Further details about the nature of the medical emergency or the patient’s current condition have not been released. Furthermore, Carnival Vista was not late in her return to Port Canaveral to conclude her sailing on November 10.
What Care Is Available Onboard?
While most cruise travelers enjoy their oceangoing vacations without incidents, it can be frightening when a medical problem does occur. Especially, the idea of “a higher level of care” may be concerning and raises the question about what care is available onboard a cruise ship.
All modern cruise ships are well equipped with state-of-the-art infirmaries that are well able to contend with most simple or even moderate incidents, including stitches, seasickness, even minor sprains or strains.
More complex health conditions, however, may require stronger intervention measures that just aren’t possible onboard. For example, cruise ships are not equipped for emergency surgeries, such as an appendectomy or dealing with a severe bone break.
Carnival Vista Cruise Ship (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
When those rare incidents happen, medical evacuations are necessary. Depending on the ship’s location with relation to nearby ports or homeports, the nature of the medical emergency, and the level of treatment required, a ship might divert toward a port to dock and evacuate the individual needing care, or an airlift might be requested.
The US Coast Guard always stands ready to facilitate such rescues, even at long distances, in poor weather, or in otherwise challenging conditions. All cruise travelers should be grateful such rescuers are available should the need arise.
A new ship began taking shape at Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, as TUI Cruises celebrated the keel laying of one of its newest vessels.
Less than a year after its initial steel cutting, Mein Schiff Flow has officially entered the next stage of assembly with its keel now in place to form the structure of what will be a 160,000-gross-ton ship, able to accommodate 4,000 passengers.
The construction milestone was highlighted in an official ceremony with TUI Cruises’ CEO Wybcke Meier and Cristiano Bazzara, director of the shipyard, in attendance.
“Keels of our ships are always particularly emotional,” said Meier during the event. “The Mein Schiff Flow, the sister ship of the Mein Schiff Relax, is now taking shape more and more every day.”
TUI Cruises’ new ships are being built using a method called “block construction,” where large sections of the ships, or “blocks,” are being built separately and then brought together in the dry dock.
The front of the ship, known as the “Troncone,” has already been placed and additional blocks are now being added and connected piece by piece until the ship’s full structure is complete.
The ship will be the cruise line’s ninth vessel – the third debut in three years – and is on track to debut in 2026.
Guest-Centered Features and Enhanced Design
As the second ship in the fleet’s new InTUItion Class, Mein Schiff Flow is joining the expanding fleet with a guest-focused design and updated amenities. The vessel will feature a three-deck atrium with expansive windows, and a two-deck Atlantik main dining room positioned at the stern for scenic views.
“What is also special for us is that the feedback from the guests has once again been incorporated into the development of the new ship class,” said Meier.
This includes the addition of a Captain’s Bar at the bow of the ship, providing vistas similar to those from the bridge, as well as indoor and outdoor dining at the French-inspired Sur Mer Bistro.
Mein Schiff Flow
Outdoor amenities include Agora on Deck 16, which is being designed to resemble a Greek village square with an infinity pool, live music, and more dining options, an 80-foot-long pool on Deck 17, and a fitness center on Deck 19.
“The eponymous ‘Flow’ is reflected in the entire design of the ship, as well as in the special atmosphere onboard, making it easy to let go, relax, and slow down,” Meier added.
The Mein Schiff fleet, which has traditionally been named numerically, has been growing quickly for the German-based cruise line. In April 2025, the company will debut its first InTUItion-class Mein Schiff Relax, also at 160,000 gross tons and able to welcome 4,000 passengers, in a naming ceremony in Malaga, Spain.
During the christening, which will feature “feel-good ambassador” Robbie Williams, Mein Schiff Relax will be joined by Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7 as godmother ships.
Both InTUItion ships will operate using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and have been designed with future flexibility to operate on BIO-LNG and E-LNG, anticipated to bring further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as Europe strives to see cruise ships reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its return to Haiti amidst escalating violence in the troubled Caribbean nation.
The cruise line says it will continue planned voyages to its private destination of Labadee despite the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) and United Nations’ recent decision to suspend flights to Haiti due to growing conflicts.
With armed groups recently firing on commercial aircraft approaching and departing from Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince, located on the southwestern part of the island, visitors to the island are on heightened alert.
However, Royal Caribbean, which leases 260 acres of land on the northern coast 125 miles away from the capital, says it has physical barriers and its own security system to keep guests safe while they enjoy Labadee’s multiple pools, cabanas, water sports, and a waterpark, and will not be cancelling visits.
In a statement to NBC in Miami, a spokesperson for the cruise line said,“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority. Our Global Security and Intelligence Team continuously monitors the situation in Haiti.”
Royal Caribbean only recently returned to Haiti on October 8, 2024, with the 3,800-guest Adventure of the Seas, after initially suspending calls to Labadee in May 2024 due to an earlier state of emergency in the nation caused by gang violence.
The 3,782-passenger Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, with 3,858 passengers, quickly followed suit with guests eager to return to Haiti’s sun-filled beaches, far removed from the turmoil.
Currently, Symphony of the Seas, which accommodates up to 5,518 guests, is spending the day in Labadee on November 13, with the 5,606-passenger Oasis of the Seas on target to arrive tomorrow, November 14.
The popular port will also see Explorer of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas later this month, with Royal Caribbean’s spokesperson saying, “Currently, there are no changes to our planned itineraries.”
Unrest Shaping Haiti Tourism
Haiti’s unrest stretches back years, with a surge in violence, political turmoil, and gang activity since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
The unrest has intensified dramatically throughout 2024, with clashes between armed groups increasing in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas and a prison outbreak that saw the escape of 4,000 inmates in March.
The instability has disrupted essential services, with road blockades and confrontations becoming commonplace and forcing cruise lines to cancel itineraries to the island to keep guests safe.
On November 11, 2024, a Spirit Airlines plane preparing to land at the airport in the capital was struck by gunfire, injuring a flight attendant. This led to an immediate shutdown of airport operations and the FAA’s swift response to issue a 30-day flight ban for US carriers.
Although Royal Caribbean is not cancelling its Labadee visits, it is limiting shore excursions on the island. Guests have reported receiving notifications on cancelled excursions, such as trips to Amiga Island, just a 15-minute boat ride from Labadee.
In a letter to passengers, the company said, “We’re phasing the rollout of some of our tours and temporarily adjusting our tour offerings.”
The limitations are not surprising, considering the cruise line cannot offer security outside of Labadee’s protected walls.
Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line calling in Labadee, with its sister line, Celebrity Cruises, removing the destination from in winter 2024-2025 sailings in June.
Some guests onboard Diamond Princess’s 21-night New Zealand cruise, which concluded on November 17, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia, may feel that they need a vacation from their vacation.
The Grand-class ship was plagued by a gastrointestinal outbreak during the sailing – which was most likely related to norovirus, although this is not confirmed.
Cruise ships operated outside of the United States are not monitored by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program that tracks outbreaks domestically – and the specific cause and case numbers have not been released by the Carnival-owned cruise line.
That said, enough of the up to 2,670 guests and 1,100 crew members must have fallen ill for guests to be asked to leave the ship not once, not twice, but three times to allow for deep cleaning and sanitization.
“It feels like the plague ship, we were ordered to vacate the ship for six hours in Melbourne, six hours in Auckland, and then again in Melbourne. This was due to the need for deep cleaning due to gastro onboard,” a passenger posted to a Princess Cruises complaint forum on Facebook.
According to cruise tracking data, the 115,875-gross ton vessel visited Melbourne, Australia, on both October 26 and November 9, and called on Auckland, New Zealand, on October 31.
Per the poster, the cruise line offered a $50 onboard credit for each time they were asked to evacuate, which the frustrated guest felt didn’t match the inconvenience.
“Essentially, that was three days of being unable to enjoy the ship’s facilities and suffering the long queues to reboard. Not good enough Princess,” the passenger continued.
While the 21-day voyage has come to an end, Diamond Princess has already continued sailing throughout Australia and New Zealand – and is currently operating a 7-night cruise and another 21-night cruise simultaneously.
Not the First Outbreak on Diamond Princess
While outbreaks aren’t super common, they do occur from time to time on cruise ships.
It’s sometimes unpreventable with thousands of people from around the world gathering in a confined space – and it only takes one sick passenger to be at the right place at the right time for germs to spread.
That said, most outbreaks impact a small percentage of the people onboard and are resolved by the next embarkation.
However, few outbreaks have been more severe or more famous than the COVID-19 outbreak on Diamond Princess at the very beginning of the pandemic – during which more than 700 cases of the virus were reported.
Diamond Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: HIROSHI H / Shutterstock)
In response, health officials required guests and crew to quarantine onboard for weeks and would not allow anyone to disembark, even if they tested negative.
The situation went viral – partly because so little was known about Covid-19 at the time and due to public outcry on behalf of the passengers who were stuck onboard.
Interestingly, Diamond Princess is also not the only Princess cruise ship to suffer a gastrointestinal outbreak in 2024.
Earlier this year, Sapphire Princess reported that more than 100 people became illduring a voyage to the South Pacific Islands and Hawaii, which embarked from Los Angeles, California, on April 5, 2024.
But while this may sound like a lot of cases, this is actually quite a low number, considering there were thousands of people onboard. It actually equates to only 3.71% of the 2,532 guests onboard and less than 2% of the 1,066-person crew.
In general – not just while traveling – it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits like frequent hand washing and getting enough sleep to prevent illness.
Kyndall “Fire” Magyar, one of Carnival’s most beloved cruise directors, is officially back onboard Carnival Jubilee.
She signed on for her next four-month stint onboard Carnival’s newest and biggest ship on November 9, 2024 – tapping out Louis Clare for the holiday season – and will remain onboard Carnival’s newest and biggest ship until March 15, 2025.
One thing Magyar’s fans love about the energetic personality is that she doesn’t just keep the fun onboard, but rather shares it with her fans on social media through behind-the-scenes content that shows what it’s really like to work as a cruise director.
Her latest reel, which has been viewed more than one million times in two days on social media, details her first morning back on board Carnival Jubilee.
Just like all of the 1,735 to 1,750 crew members onboard, Magyar has to go through a sign-in process to officially board the ship and start work.
The clip starts with Magyar getting ready for the day and repacking her belongings to go to meet up with the Excel-class vessel at the Port of Galveston in Texas.
It appears that Maygar stayed in a local hotel the night before – as she lives around 4-5 hours away in a town called Crowley, Texas. Typically, the cruise lines will pay for accommodations (and usually transportation) for crew members traveling from far away.
Sort of like how guests go through security and documentation verificationbefore they can board the ship, Maygar also had to go through several security checks and to bring a form to the ship’s medical center that shows she is healthy enough to begin her contract.
She then finds her new cruise cabin, says hello to her team members, and re-familiarizes herself with the 6,500-passenger ship – and all of this was done before 12 p.m. local time.
Who is Kyndall “Fire” Magyar?
In her reel, some may have noticed that Magyar is re-familiarizing herself with Carnival Jubilee and not just getting to know her new home away from home. She has actually spent around eight months onboard at this point.
This is because Magyar was chosen to be the first ever cruise director for Carnival Jubilee– kicking off the fun when the 182,800-gross ton ship entered service with her maiden voyage on December 23, 2023 – which was also based out of the Lone Star State.
Kyndall “Fire” Magyar (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Maygar has had an extensive career with Carnival that has made her the perfect inaugural cruise director – starting her career as an intern in 2016 and officially joining the Fun Squad in 2017.
Over the years, she has worked on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Vista, and was even the first ever female cruise director on Mardi Gras.
Known for her bubbly personality and seemingly endless energy, Magyar got her “Fire” nickname from another cruise director early in her career – which was given as a compliment for her non-stop positivity during a sailing that had been extended by a hurricane.
The nickname “Fire” was meant to symbolize that she rises from the ashes (like a mythical phoenix) whenever she steps on stage because she always brings the heat.
Her uplifting energy is one of the reasons why she is so popular both onboard and online – and she currently has a whopping 130,000 followers on Facebook, plus an additional 45,000 followers on Instagram.
Tipping on a cruise is a divisive topic. Some say you always should. Some say you shouldn’t. Then there’s the way individual cruise lines complicate the matter.
Some include auto-gratuities in your final bill at the end of the cruise, but some include auto-gratuities for some services and not others.
Some put auto-gratuities on your dinner or drinks bill. Others say they’re “gratuities included.” So how do you know if you’re on a gratuities-included cruise and should you tip on a gratuities-included cruise? Here’s what you need to know.
Generally, no. You should not tip on a gratuities-included cruise. However, there are specific instances where gratuities may not actually be included (like at the spa) and instances where some cruisers still may tip, even if it’s not expected.
For the most part, though, when a cruise is gratuities-included, it really is — you don’t have to worry about tipping. That said, there are differences between gratuities-included cruises and auto-gratuity cruises, and there can be some confusion, which is why we’re looking at this topic more in-depth.
Auto Gratuities: The Standard
Cruise Ship Gratuities on the Bed
First, let’s quickly define auto gratuities, so you can see the difference between auto gratuities and gratuities included.
On an auto-gratuities cruise, gratuities are automatically added into bills for “extra” purchases, like specialty dining, bar purchases and spa services — think of anything you can choose or choose not to purchase, and that’s not automatically included in your cruise fare.
Meanwhile, gratuities for the services everyone on the cruise enjoys by nature — such as the service of a cabin steward — are automatically added to your final bill, at the end of your cruise.
It is possible to choose not to pay auto-gratuities. However, you will have to ask for those gratuities to be removed from your bill, usually by going to guest services and providing a reason for why those gratuities shouldn’t be paid. Do note, though, that this practice is frowned upon in most circles.
The auto gratuities system is the standard for most mainstream cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.
For example, on Carnival Cruise Line, service gratuities for stateroom attendants and dining and culinary service staff are automatically charged at a rate of $16 per person, per day, when staying in standard staterooms, and at a rate of $18 per person, per day, when staying in suite staterooms. Then, gratuities for dining and drinks are automatically added to your bill at the time of purchase, at a rate of 18%.
On Royal Caribbean, the process is very similar. Gratuities for on-board purchases like room service, specialty dining and alcoholic beverages are added automatically to your bill at the time, at a rate of 18%.
Meanwhile, an overall service gratuity for services like those offered by a stateroom attendant is automatically added to your final bill at the end of the cruise, at a rate of $18 per guest per day for those staying in standard staterooms, and at a rate of $20.50 per guest per day for those staying in suite staterooms.
Tipping on Auto-Gratuity Cruises
Cash Tipping on Carnival Cruise Line
On many of these cruise lines that employ an auto-gratuity process, you’re already technically tipping those around you that you would normally tip, so, so long as you don’t actively ask for the gratuities to be removed from your bills, you can rest assure that you’re doing your tipping duty.
However, this fact doesn’t stop some cruisers from going above and beyond and tipping individuals like a favorite bartender or butler a little extra at the beginning of the cruise, in hopes of getting better service (whether or not this actually works varies, according to whom you ask).
Included Gratuities: A Luxury Cruise Line Alternative
Seven Seas Grandeur Cruise Ship
While they might seem fairly similar, included gratuities is not the same thing as auto-gratuities.
When your cruise line offers included gratuities, it means that the gratuities are already all bundled into the cost of your cruise. There are no auto-gratuities that will be added at the end of your bill, and no gratuities that you need to worry about paying at all, except for in very special circumstances (which we’ll get into, with certain cruise lines where this is a concern).
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Instead, all you’re paying is your cruise fare. The cruise line itself ensures that crew members are being fairly paid, so there’s no need for you to supplement those wages with a tip.
In fact, some cruise lines will actively encourage you not to tip at all. Instead, they see amazing service as just part of your cruise experience, and you shouldn’t have to worry about when and how and how much to tip, in thanks for that amazing service.
So, which cruise lines take this approach? And should you really not plan to tip at all when you’re on these cruise lines? These are some of the major cruise lines that include gratuities in the price of your cruise fare and what you should expect in regards to tipping.
Azamara
Azamara says that “all tips and gratuities are included in every cruise fare.” But does that mean you should really, as the cruise line instructs, “leave your wallet behind”?
According to cruisers, there’s really no need to ip, though it can be sometimes appreciated. However, if you’re just tipping in order to get special treatment, then don’t bother. You’ll pretty much get the same treatment whether or not you tip, and the crew certainly does not expect you to tip for anything.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises included certain gratuities in your cruise fare, but not all gratuities. Your cruise fare will cover gratuities for your butler, room steward, assistant steward and all bar and dining staff, including staff at specialty restaurants.
However, gratuities are not covered for other service personnel, such as those working in the spa or salon. There, you’ll want to tip at least the minimum suggested 18% of your bill total (though this gratuity charge may be automatically added to your spa or salon bill, so look out for that and don’t accidentally tip extra on top of it).
Additionally, while not expected, it is possible to add gratuity to other on-board purchases.
P&O Cruises
Prior to 2019, P&O Cruises had an auto-gratuity tipping policy similar to the ones discussed above, for both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line. You would pay around $7 for each person per day, and that was your automatic gratuity fee.
That said, many cruisers on P&O Cruises still report saying that they tip crew members such as cabin stewards, waiters, bartenders, etc., at either the beginning of the cruise, in order to perhaps inspire better service, or at the end of the cruise, to reward exceptional service.
This is a personal choice, though, and it’s not at all expected or required.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
As an ultra-luxury cruise line, Regent Seven Seas bundles quite a lot into your cruise fare, so there’s as little for you to worry about as possible, once you’re onboard the ship. These inclusions include, of course, your gratuity, and there’s no automatic gratuity charge.
The one sole instance where your gratuities are not included in your cruise fare, are if you go purchase a service at the spa. In these cases, you do need to tip your service provider.
Silversea
Like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea is another gratuities-included luxury cruise line. There’s no tipping whatsoever required while you’re on this line’s ships, even for those crew members that seem to go above and beyond, like your butler.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages brands itself as an “almost” all-inclusive cruise line, with lots of inclusions ranging from free WiFi to ample dining. Among those inclusion is, of course, gratuities.
As such, there’s no expectation to tip anyone while you’re on these cruises. Even spa staff gratuities are covered on Virgin Voyages, which isn’t the case on a handful of other cruise lines that claim all gratuities are included.
In fact, Virgin Voyages as a brand is so anti-tipping that, if you fill out a feedback survey at the end of your cruise, you may be asked if anyone solicited a tip from you (something Virgin Voyages frowns heavily upon)!
If you want to tip on Virgin Voyages, the only way you can do so is via cash, as there’s no option to add gratuities to your cruise account.
Tipping on a Gratuities-Included Cruise: The Crew Welfare Fund
If you do really want to tip on a gratuities-included cruise, you may want to consider asking guest services if the cruise line has a crew welfare fund.
This is sometimes a fund that takes tips or, essentially donations, and then the cruise line distributes the funds among the crew and uses the funds to purchase things that the crew might need.
For example, these funds might go toward crewmember group meals or excursions, or giving them something “extra” they otherwise might not have access to.
It essentially improves the quality of life for all crew members on the ship, not just those in visible service roles. Think line cooks, laundry staff, maintenance staff and others who wouldn’t normally get any tips at all.
You might also choose to use the end-of-cruise feedback form to leave certain crew members particularly nice feedback. Be sure to mention them by name. This is often very appreciated and can sometimes even help lead to a bonus or promotion for that crew member!
Still feel bad about not tipping? Don’t. Many crew members report that, on cruise lines that include gratuities in their fares, they actually get paid more than they would on cruise lines where auto-gratuities are accepted or where tipping is the norm.
Which Option is Better: Gratuities-Included or Auto-Gratuities?
Viking Sun, now Viking Yi Dun (Photo Credit: Sam Davids)
It really depends on who you ask.
On one hand, if you really don’t want to pay gratuities for whatever reason (not recommended), you can really only remove gratuities from your cruise cost on auto-gratuity cruise lines, and then be prepared to go to guest services in order to do so.
On the other hand, if you do plan on tipping during your cruise, note that the auto-gratuity cruise lines may end up costing you more than you originally expected.
Since these cruise lines don’t include gratuity in their base fares, and only end up charging you gratuity at the very end of your cruise, you could find that you end up paying hundreds upon hundreds of dollars more for your cruise experience, than you originally expected.
In contrast, the gratuities-included cruise lines offer fares that are much more up-front and transparent. There won’t be a surprise gratuity bill on your debarkation day. Additionally, it just makes the cruising experience easier when you don’t have to worry about tipping.
