If you’re planning a cruise on Cunard Line, there’s one extra cost you’ll want to budget for: gratuities.
These service charges cover the hardworking crew who look after you, from your stateroom steward to the waitstaff in the restaurants.
Cunard automatically adds these charges to your account, along with 15% service fees on drinks and spa treatments.
While the amounts are reasonable compared to other cruise lines, they can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
To save you the surprises, here’s everything you need to know about Cunard gratuities—how much they cost, who gets them, whether you can remove them, and even when Cunard includes them for free.
What Exactly Are Cunard Gratuities?
Gratuities are service charges added to your onboard account.
They are shared among hotel, dining, bar, and salon staff—including the many crew members you don’t always see, like those working behind the scenes in the laundry or kitchens.
- Hotel & Dining Gratuities: Charged daily, based on your cabin category.
- Bar & Spa Gratuities: Added per purchase, usually 15%.
- Casino Staff: Not included in gratuities since not all guests use the casino.
Good to know: 100% of gratuity funds go directly to the crew. There are no admin fees taken out by Cunard.
Daily Cost of Gratuities on Cunard (2025)
As of 2025, the daily gratuity rates are:
- $16 per person, per night → for Britannia staterooms
- $18 per person, per night → for Grill Suites
- Charges apply to adults and children
On top of this, all bar, wine, and salon purchases include a 15% service charge.
Example:
- 7-night Britannia cruise = $112 per person in gratuities
- 7-night Grill Suite cruise = $126 per person
If you buy a drinks package, the 15% gratuity is already included in the package price.
Are Cunard Gratuities Compulsory?
This is where it gets a bit nuanced:
- Bar & Spa Gratuities (15%) → Compulsory. You can’t remove them.
- Hotel & Dining Gratuities (daily) → Recommended but optional.
If you want to remove or adjust the daily gratuities, you can do so at Guest Services once onboard.
However, most seasoned cruisers recommend leaving them in place so that all staff, including behind-the-scenes workers, are rewarded fairly.
Can You Remove Cunard Gratuities?
Yes, but it’s not encouraged. Here’s how it works:
- Head to Guest Services during your cruise.
- Ask to reduce or remove your daily gratuities.
- Some guests prefer to remove them and tip the crew directly in cash.
The downside: this can unintentionally leave out staff you never see—like laundry workers, kitchen teams, and maintenance staff.
They work just as hard to make your cruise seamless, and gratuities ensure they’re recognized, too.
That said, if you’ve had a genuinely poor service experience, Guest Services will remove the gratuities without issue.
Prepaying or Covering Gratuities
Unlike some cruise lines, Cunard does not allow you to prepay gratuities before your cruise.
But you do have a couple of options:
- Onboard credit (OBC) – If you pre-purchase onboard spending money or get it through a promotion, you can use it to cover gratuities.
- Free gratuities promotions – Sometimes Cunard runs offers (especially for world cruises) where hotel & dining gratuities are included. These deals can save you quite a bit.
Tipping Extra on Cunard: When and How to Show Appreciation
While Cunard’s gratuities cover the basics, you can always tip extra for exceptional service.
If a crew member goes above and beyond to make your cruise extra special, you can personally reward them.
Who You Might Tip Extra
- Stateroom Steward: The person who cleans your cabin and ensures your space is always tidy. If they’ve been particularly helpful (or gone out of their way to make your stay better), consider giving them an additional tip.
- Dining Staff: Whether it’s the waiters who serve you during formal dinners or the buffet attendants, many guests like to show appreciation to their dining team directly.
Pro Tip: Bring envelopes for tipping, which Cunard’s Guest Services can provide for you.
How to Give Extra Tips
- Cash Tips: Leave cash in an envelope for the crew member at the end of your cruise. Many guests do this on disembarkation day.
- Personalized Tipping: If you feel particularly grateful to someone, a direct thank-you and cash tip can go a long way.
Cunard Cruises with Free Gratuities
For those sailing on Cunard world cruises or through special promotions, you might find free gratuities included.
- This is rare but highly beneficial if you’re sailing on a long voyage like a world cruise.
- If you’re lucky enough to book during a promotion, gratuities for hotel and dining services could be included in the cruise price.
Additionally, some promotions offer free onboard spending money, which can be used to cover the gratuities as well as other expenses like drinks, shore excursions, or spa treatments.
Final Thoughts: Are Cunard’s Gratuities Fair?
When it comes to tipping on Cunard, the daily gratuities are pretty reasonable compared to other cruise lines, and they ensure that all crew members—including those behind the scenes—are compensated fairly for their hard work.
Some guests may be turned off by the compulsory gratuities, especially if they’re not used to this system.
However, it’s important to remember that Cunard’s tipping culture is designed to support the entire team, not just the staff you interact with directly.
For those who don’t mind dressing up and following a more formal dining routine, Cunard’s gratuities are part of the luxurious, traditional experience that defines their brand.
And if you want to tip extra for great service, that’s always appreciated too!
Cunard Gratuities at a Glance
- $16 per person, per night (Britannia rooms)
- $18 per person, per night (Grill Suites)
- 15% service charge on drinks & spa services
- Optional to remove or adjust hotel/dining gratuities at Guest Services
- Prepaid gratuities are not available, but onboard credit or promotions may cover them
That wraps up everything you need to know about Cunard gratuities.
Whether you plan to prepay, adjust, or leave extra tips, this guide should help you navigate the process and enjoy your luxury cruise without any surprises on your final bill.
