Cruise lines adjust gratuities and beverage-related charges
Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line fees affect cost calculations for some 2026 sailings.
Carnival Cruise Line implemented price increases affecting daily service charges and beverage options on April 2. The line charges gratuities of $17 per person per day for standard staterooms and $19 per day for suite guests. The resulting gratuity total for a family of four sharing a standard cabin on a seven-night Carnival cruise is $476.
Carnival’s adult Bottomless Bubbles soda package rose to $11.99 per day, while the children’s price remained $6.95 per day. The packages are also subject to a 20% service charge.
Royal Caribbean charges standard-stateroom gratuities of $18.50 per person per day and suite gratuities of $21.00 per day. For a family of four taking a seven-night sailing, the standard-stateroom gratuity total is $518. Royal Caribbean also began charging $4.99 in July 2026 for the souvenir cup required to use Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, according to a report on the change.
Norwegian Cruise Line requires guests who receive its Free at Sea beverage-package perk to pay a 20% service charge. That charge is calculated from the beverage package’s retail value.
