Gratuities are part of any cruise voyage, and Disney Cruise Line is no exception. While aboard your Disney ship, you will interact with many cast members. However, there are several positions where they go above and beyond. Also, in these positions, they are assigned directly to your dining table and your stateroom. By the end of your voyage, you have made a good relationship with your head server and stateroom host. In turn, these CastMembers making your Disney cruise extra magical rely on gratuities from guests to support themselves and their families. Gratuities are something that are often overlooked, or thought about as you are disembarking and paying your charges. They are not really optional on cruise lines, but they are something I think more people need to be aware of. Today we are going to look at Gratuities on Disney Cruise Line.
What are gratuities and how much are they? Gratuity is a nice word for “tip”. Think of it as tipping your server or housekeeper at a restaurant or hotel. On cruise lines, gratuities need to paid for as a separate transaction, as they are not included in your cruise fare. On Disney Cruise Line, the gratuity rate varies based on your cruise length. You can use this tip generator to figure out how much your gratuities will cost.
Who receives the gratuities I pay on Disney Cruise Line? These gratuities are divided amongst several positions. You are expected to tip your Stateroom Host, Head Server, and Server, and Assistant Server. Gratuities are so expected on cruises that they can be paid up front or when you disembark. It is optional to tip the Dining Manager, Room Service, as well as at Palo and Remy. Should you choose to visit the spas, a gratuity is already included in the price of your spa services. Also, tipping guides at port adventures is optional as well.
How do I pay my gratuities? There are several options for paying your gratuities. First, you can prepay them before you board. These can be added to your cruise fare at booking, or a few days before you sail. Another option is to pay them as you disembark. As you disembark, you will be given a slip of paper showing any room charges you may have incurred during your stay. It also has the gratuities on there. At that time, you will charge the gratuities to your credit card on file.
May I change the amount of the gratuity? Yes, you can. While onboard, you can visit guest services to increase the amount of gratuity if you feel a server or host is going well above and beyond. In the very rare case you want to lessen the amount of gratuity, this can be done at Guest Services as well. Please, if you are decreasing the amount of gratuity, share with Guest Services if you have a problem with a particular server or host. Disney Cruise Line would like to exceed the expectations of their guests, and they can only do that with feedback from those onboard.
What services on Disney Cruise Line have an automatic gratuity? When onboard Disney Cruise Line, specialty drinks such as bottled water, smoothies, coffees, and alcoholic drinks carry a 15% automatic gratuity. Also, any drinks you order from Room Service have a gratuity. Another place, as mentioned above, the spas on Disney Cruise Line add gratuity into their pricing.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Contact one of our amazing Dream Team Travel Agents!