October 19, 2026

Royal Caribbean Makes Drink and Spa Gratuities Optional

Royal Caribbean's website now states the automatic gratuities on drinks, specialty dining, and spa services are optional and can be removed at Guest Relations.

Royal Caribbean has updated its gratuity policy to state that the automatic gratuities added to drinks, drink packages, specialty dining, room service, minibar, and spa and salon purchases are optional. The policy now reads that guests may adjust or remove them entirely at their sole discretion, a change from the previous wording that said gratuities “may be modified.”

The rates themselves are unchanged: 18 percent on beverages, beverage packages, specialty dining, room service, and minibar, and 20 percent on spa and salon services. Guests can make changes at the Guest Relations desk any time before the morning of disembarkation. Note this covers purchase gratuities only, not the separate daily gratuity of $18.50 per guest per day ($21 for suites).