Celebrity Cruises announced that they will be increasing their daily gratuity charges on July 11th, marking the 2nd increase in just 9 months. However, they are not the only brand line to make such changes this year.
The new gratuity rates will be as follows: $18 per person, per day for inside, oceanview, and veranda staterooms, $18.50 for Concierge Class and AquaClass accommodations, and $23 for guests staying in The Retreat. These rates will be implemented on all voyages departing on/after July 11th, 2023.
Prior to this latest increase, the daily gratuities for the corresponding room categories were set at $17.50, $18, and $21, respectively. While the increase represents approximately a 3% rise for guests staying in inside, oceanview, and veranda staterooms, those in Concierge, AquaClass, and The Retreat will experience higher increases of 9.5%.
It's important to note that if gratuities have already been prepaid through an "always included" or "all included" package, no additional payment will be required, regardless of the departure date. However, the new rates will apply to new reservations.
This marks the second time within a year that Celebrity Cruises has raised their daily gratuity charges. In October 2022, the rates were increased from $15.50 to $17.50, $16 to $18, and $19 to $21, resulting in percentage increases of over 16%, 15%, and 21% for the different room categories in just a few months.