Less than one year after announcing a gratuity increase for Concierge guests, Disney Cruise Line is set to increase the daily recommended gratuities for all passengers regardless of cabin.
Disney will raise the daily gratuity rate to $16.00 per person, per night for standard cabins, up from $14.50, and Concierge staterooms to $27.25, up from $23.50. It is the same amount for all passengers, including children and infants.
This means that a family of four staying in an inside stateroom on a 4-night cruise aboard Disney Wish will now pay $256 in gratuities for their cruise. Additionally, the same family cruising on the brand-new Disney Treasure in a Concierge cabin for one week will be automatically charged over $760.
The change will roll out across Disney's fleet this week, starting with Disney Dream on January 23 and followed by Disney Magic, Fantasy, and Wish on January 24. The increased gratuity rate will go into effect on Disney Treasure on January 25 and Disney Wonder on January 26.
You are locked into the lower rate if you have already pre-paid your gratuities
One advantage to pre-paying for cruise ship gratuities is that you're grandfathered into the lower price and don't have to worry about increases. For example, guests who pre-paid their gratuities for the upcoming 5-night cruise on Disney Fantasy won't be charged the difference, whereas passengers who waited for the gratuities to be billed to their onboard account are subject to the new rate.
However, Disney's website states you can visit Guest Services to remove or adjust the amount of the automatic gratuities once onboard. Any refund requests will be processed to the original form of payment, including forms made on a travel agent's behalf.
The pre-paid gratuities are distributed to your dining room server, assistant server, and head server, as well as your cabin steward.
No changes were made to Disney's service charge on purchases such as alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and spa treatments. These services will be charged an 18% gratuity.
Read more: I sailed on my first Disney cruise. I loved the Broadway-style shows but didn't enjoy all the food
Disney Cruise Line last increased the daily recommended rate for Concierge passengers in October 2024
In October, Disney updated the daily Concierge gratuity rate to $23.50 per person, up from $15.50 and reflecting an increase of over 50%. No changes were made to passengers in standard staterooms.
In other words, combined with the new increase, the gratuity rate for Concierge guests has increased by over 75% in less than one year.
Disney justifies the higher rate by explaining the gratuities are distributed to more than the dining team. "This includes gratuity for the assistant stateroom host, who services the Concierge accommodations, and the Concierge Lounge team," reads Disney's website.
Read more: Is Concierge on Disney Cruise Line Worth It?
It's not uncommon for mainstream cruise lines to have higher gratuity rates for suites, as these rooms come with more personalized amenities and help reflect the higher level of service.
Royal Caribbean, for example, charges $18.50 for standard cabins and $21.00 for suites. Sister-line Celebrity also has gratuities priced at $18 per day in standard rooms, $18.50 for Concierge and Aqua Class cabins, and $23 for The Retreat.
Similarly, guests staying in Norwegian's The Haven and Suites are billed $25 per day, while those in standard staterooms are charged $20.
Are passengers required to pay gratuities?
Gratuities are at the discretion of each guest. The automatic daily rate is merely for "guest convenience."
If you are unhappy with the service received, you may visit Guest Services while onboard to adjust or remove the amount. However, this is usually frowned upon, as crew members work hard to provide excellent service throughout the voyage. It's best to speak with Guest Services to work toward a solution if something isn't meeting your expectations.
"...[I]f you did not get a chance to pre-pay before boarding the ship, we will automatically charge your onboard account the suggested optional gratuity amount per Guest per night. Once on board the ship, if you wish to remove or adjust the amount of your optional gratuities, please visit Guest Services for assistance," says Disney Cruise Line.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
