Are Gratuities Included on All Luxury Cruise Lines?

Right, so this is the sort of thing that needs a little explaining for British travellers. Experienced British cruisers will no doubt be aware of gratuities and what to expect from a luxury cruise, but if it’s your first time, it’s natural to be a little confused. We don’t have a tipping culture in the U.K., so let us explain. 

Gratuities, also called service charges, are common on cruise ships. In the luxury sector, however, tipping policies are less straightforward. Some lines include gratuities in the fare; others don’t. And in many cases, “included” doesn’t mean “invisible.” If you’re booking a luxury cruise, it helps to understand what’s covered, what’s optional, and what’s expected.

Included Gratuities: The Industry Standard

Most luxury cruise lines include gratuities in the upfront fare. These include:

• Silversea – Gratuities are fully included across all sailings. You won’t be asked to tip, and there are no service charges added to your bill.

• Regent Seven Seas – All gratuities are covered, whether in restaurants, suites, or shore excursions. Staff are paid through the line’s inclusive model.

• Seabourn – Tips are neither expected nor required. Crew are salaried and trained not to solicit gratuities.

• Explora Journeys – Gratuities are included in the voyage fare. No extra charges are added during or after your trip.

• Scenic (Ocean and River) – All tips are included—even for guides and drivers ashore. There’s no suggested tipping envelope at the end of the cruise.

• Ponant – Gratuities are technically included, but Ponant do provide an anonymous envelope in each stateroom for optional tipping. 

• Oceania Cruises – Since September 2024, all gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff are automatically in the cruise fare.

• Viking (Ocean and River) – Gratuities are included on board. Any additional tipping is at your discretion; should you choose to tip your local guides and drivers, Viking Cruises recommends tipping at the end of each tour in cash. 

• Azamara Cruises – Gratuities are included for hotel and dining staff, but there is a service charge on spa treatments.
   

What About Extra Tipping?

Even on lines that include gratuities, some passengers choose to tip extra for exceptional service. This is always optional and usually done in cash or via a note to the purser. Staff are trained not to ask for tips, and the atmosphere is generally free of tipping pressure.

Some lines allow guests to add a discretionary gratuity to their final bill, but this is rarely encouraged. If you’d like to reward a specific crew member, such as your butler or suite attendant, you can do so at your own discretion.