Carnival Cruise Line has angered its loyal fans with its latest policy change.
On Monday, February 2, the cruise line sent an email informing guests of its plan to raise the daily gratuity rate in April. Additionally, the price of the Bottomless Bubbles soda drink package is set to increase to nearly $12 per adult, per day.
Effective April 2, 2026, the daily gratuity rate for guests staying in standard cruise cabins will increase to $17 per person (up from $16), per day, while passengers booked in suites will see the rate rise to $19 per person (up from $18), per day. The new rates apply to all guests, regardless of age.
"We are writing to let you know that we will be changing the price for Bottomless Bubbles (for adults only – there is no price change for children) and adjusting the onboard gratuity guidelines, effective April 2, 2026, as outlined below. However, we will honor the existing price for both if purchased prior to the adjustment," the informational email states.
It continues, "Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service, and your gratuities go directly to benefit the crew in addition to their base pay. We hope you will agree that this slight increase is well deserved."
Carnival last raised its daily gratuities in April 2023. Before that, the daily charge was $14.50 per person for standard staterooms and $16.50 for suites.
These moves have sparked frustration among cruisers, as many feel that onboard costs have already been steadily rising. Last year, for example, the cruise line quietly increased the price of its three internet packages. The most dramatic increase was the Social Plan, which was raised by about 9%. The other two plans increase by roughly 7%.
However, Wi-Fi is an optional add-on, so guests do not have to purchase it. Daily gratuities, on the other hand, are automatically charged to passengers' Sail & Sign accounts unless they prepay in advance.
Per the email, the recommended gratuities can be removed or adjusted at Guest Services. However, no changes can be made after the sailing ends.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line abruptly raises the daily gratuity charges for the first time in three years
"[That's]...robbery. May be my first and last cruise"
Unsurprisingly, the announcement has drawn sharp criticism from both loyal and first-time cruisers. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, particularly because the daily gratuities are automatically charged to passengers’ accounts and are harder to avoid.
"Well god forbid that Carnival, the company that profited 2 billion in 2024, could just pay their employees a decent wage and not force guests to supplement their salary disguised as a 'tip,'" wrote one Redditor.
Someone else added, "Carnival is still trying to rip off the customers to make them pay for the covid losses and the 27 billion in debt they have. Glad we have moved on they are digging a hole they aren't going to be able to get out of once they lose all the loyal guests."
Do you have to pay gratuities on a cruise?
Many comments on the Reddit thread suggested simply removing the gratuities once on board.
While Carnival allows guests to adjust or remove the recommended gratuities at Guest Services, the practice remains controversial and is often frowned upon because it can impact the income of hardworking crew members.
According to Carnival's website, "100% of your gratuities are distributed to the crew who you interact with, such as your stateroom attendants, dining and culinary services staff, as well as other members of the onboard team who work behind the scenes to enhance your overall cruise experience. Applying this charge automatically streamlines the recognition process and ensures our crew will share in your generosity."
Still, many Redditors expressed that they plan to either remove the gratuities (and tip in cash) or avoid the cruise line altogether.
"You can remove the gratuities once on board, just be sure to bring cash to take care of the staff you interact with," gofordrew said.
RojerLockless agreed, writing, "You can always ask them to take it off. Tips are not mandatory. They are tips. Now people will shame you for it. But nobody is forcing you to tip."
"Even more reasons to NOT go on carnival….ever!" someone else commented in a different thread.
Carnival isn't the only cruise line that's raised its daily gratuity rate recently
Over the weekend, Margaritaville at Sea fans noticed that the line's website reflected higher gratuity rates than in the past. This quiet increase means that Margaritaville has the highest gratuities in the cruise industry.
The site lists the new rates as:
- $22 per person, per night for standard staterooms (up from $20)
- $25 per person, per night for suites (previously $24)
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
