Cruise tipping charges are 'out of control,' say passengers as companies tout 'exceptional service'

Daily gratuities, drink-package service charges, specialty dining fees and other automatic add-ons have become a flashpoint for travelers who say cruise vacations are being advertised one way, yet priced another.

Frustration is said to be mounting as several cruise lines have raised their gratuity or service charges in 2026.

Holland America Line is the latest cruise line to change its gratuity structure.

"Crew Appreciation is a meaningful way for guests to recognize the exceptional service and hard work our crew provides every day," a Holland America spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

The company says the gratuity is automatically added to each guest's onboard account.

Guests who want to change the daily amount may adjust it at their discretion while onboard, the cruise line notes.

Regarding the "crew appreciation" fees, the Holland America spokesperson said that "100% goes directly to our shipboard team" and that the charge is "in line with the cruise industry competitive standards."

MSC Cruises also recently updated its daily service charge.

"We can confirm that MSC Cruises updated its daily hotel service charge for new bookings made on or after May 11, 2026," an MSC Cruises spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

"This update supports our dedicated crew members who deliver the exceptional onboard experience our guests expect," the spokesperson said.

Carnival Cruise Line also raised its gratuities earlier this spring. 

That brought Carnival's daily gratuities to $17 for standard staterooms and $19 for suites.

Carnival increased the price of a popular onboard package the same day.

The adult price for Bottomless Bubbles went up to $11.99 per day from $9.50 per day. 

A 20% service charge applies, according to the company's website.

"Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional service," a spokesperson said. "We believe our guests will agree this slight increase is well-deserved."

Cruise lines have long relied on automatic gratuities. But in recent years, tipping fatigue has crept in across restaurants, coffee shops and other venues, especially those that use self-checkout screens.

"I honestly feel the gratuity thing is going out of control," one poster wrote.

The debate spilled onto Facebook as well.

"I think they don't include [specific item charges] to keep advertised prices looking lower," the user wrote.