Royal Caribbean International is adjusting the cruise line’s recommended gratuities guideline for sailings that commence on or after July 1, 2011. The new recommended daily gratuities for dining staff and housekeeping staff will be a total of $11.65 per guest per day, and $13.90 per suite guest per day. This will be Royal Caribbean’s first gratuities guideline adjustment in 13 years.

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. All guests who prepay gratuities or select the My Time Dining flexible dining program before 12:01 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on December 11, 2010, for sailings on or after July 1, 2011, will not be affected by the adjusted guideline.

Gratuities will continue to be given at the discretion of each guest, except for guests who choose My Time Dining, which require prepaid gratuities. These guidelines provide a recommendation that helps guests determine the appropriate gratuity amount to reward the cruise line’s staff and crew for delivering the outstanding Gold Anchor Service on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.