What are cruise line automatic gratuities and do I have to pay them?
Most non-luxury cruise lines add a charge to your onboard account for gratuities. Typically the charge is added to your account the night before your cruise ends. This charge can range from $14 - $25 per person per day. The charge is used to compensate crew members for the services they provide during your trip. This includes waiters, bartenders, stateroom attendants, the culinary team and those providing behind the scene services related to your stay.LOW CREW BASE PAYThese crew members' base pay rate is very low, much lower than the U.S. minimum wage laws (which don't apply to the cruise lines). ......
