Royal Caribbean to hike gratuities again

Royal Caribbean International is set to raise gratuities by 55 cents per person, per day, effective with cruises departing on May 1.

The new rate of $13.50 a day draws it equal with Norwegian Cruise Line, which had maintained the highest suggested gratuity in the industry.

The new suggested amount for passengers in suites on Royal Caribbean ships is $16.50. The amounts are automatically added to a passenger’s shipboard account, but can be adjusted up or down at the end of the cruise.

Royal Caribbean said the new rate will apply to guests who do not prepay gratuities before April 14.

The new rate is a 4.2% increase. Royal Caribbean last increased gratuities in June 2015 by 8% to the current rate of $12.95 ($15.95 for suites).