Royal Caribbean International is increasing the amount passengers pay in daily tips for dining staff and housekeeping attendants.
Daily gratuities will go up from $9.75 to $11.65 per passenger per day and from $12 to $13.90 for passengers staying in a suite per day for sailings from July 1, 2011.
This will be Royal Caribbean’s first change in gratuities guidelines in 13 years.
Gratuities will continue to be given at the discretion of passengers, except for those who choose the flexible My Time Dining option, which require pre-paid tips, the company said.
“These guidelines provide a recommendation that helps guests determine the appropriate gratuity for outstanding service on a Royal Caribbean International cruise holiday,” a statement said.
“This adjustment is the result of a long period of consideration and assessment that places the cruise line’s recommendations in line with its competitors.”
Passengers who prepay gratuities or select the My Time Dining flexible dining option before 5.01am tomorrow (December 11) for sailings on or after July 1, will not be affected.
The line claims that more than 90% of passengers state that the on board service meets or exceeds their expectations.