Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting gratuity levels for all of its U.S. and European cruises, raising the values of the recommended daily crew tips starting on April 1, 2023.
According to a letter sent to booked guests, the gratuities for both standard staterooms and suites will be increased by $1.50.
“Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service, so we hope you will agree that this slight increase is well deserved,” Carnival stated.
With the change, passengers of standard cabins will now be suggested to pay $16 per guest per day, while for suite guests, the recommended amount will be $18 per guest per day.
Prepaid gratuities will be honored, the company said, with passengers being able to secure the current rates if they pay the fees online before April 1.
If not paid in advance, the recommended gratuity value will be added to passengers’ onboard account during their cruise “as a convenience,” Carnival added in the letter.
However, while onboard, guests are also free to adjust the values at their own discretion, the company explained.
In addition to raising gratuity levels, Carnival Cruise Line is also raising the prices of the onboard Wi-Fi internet access plans.
According to the same statement, the increase will be affective for all embarkations starting on January 16, 2023.
The Social plan had its fare adjusted to $12.75 per day, up from $10.20, while the Value plan will be priced at $17 per day, up from $14.45. The Premium plan will cost $18.70 per day, up from $17.
Passengers are also welcomed to prepurchase their internet plans at the current rates, the company added.
Carnival had last adjusted the value of the recommended daily gratuities in April 2022. At the time, the amounts were increased by $0.50.