Use the Cruise Gratuity Calculator to estimate daily gratuities by guest and night, add purchase tips, subtract prepaid amounts, or solve for a rate.
Cruise Gratuity Formula
Base cruise gratuities are commonly quoted as a daily amount for each charged guest. Optional purchase gratuities and extra cash tips can then be added.
Base daily gratuities:
Base Gratuity = Guests * Nights * Daily Rate
Automatic gratuity on extra purchases:
Extra Gratuity = Extra Purchases * Automatic Rate
Total and remaining amount:
Total Gratuity = Base Gratuity + Extra Gratuity + Additional Tips Remaining = MAX(0, Total Gratuity - Prepaid Amount)
Variables:
- Guests is the number of passengers charged the daily rate
- Nights is the cruise length used by the cruise line
- Daily Rate is the gratuity charged per guest per night
- Extra Purchases may include beverages, spa services, or other items subject to a percentage gratuity
- Prepaid Amount is gratuity already paid before or during the cruise
The calculator also rearranges the base formula to find a daily rate from a quoted total or to estimate how many nights a gratuity budget covers. Enter the current rate from the cruise booking or operator because rates vary by line, cabin, passenger age, and package.
Cruise Gratuity Reference Table
The table shows base gratuities for two guests at $18.50 per guest per night, before purchase gratuities or extra tips.
| Cruise nights | Guests | Daily rate | Base gratuity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | $18.50 | $111.00 |
| 5 | 2 | $18.50 | $185.00 |
| 7 | 2 | $18.50 | $259.00 |
| 10 | 2 | $18.50 | $370.00 |
Example Problems
Example 1: Calculate the total cruise gratuity.
Two guests take a seven-night cruise at $18.50 per guest per night. Base gratuity is 2 × 7 × $18.50 = $259.
They also have $300 in purchases subject to an 18% gratuity, adding $54, and plan $40 in extra tips. Total planned gratuity is $259 + $54 + $40 = $353.
Example 2: Find the daily rate from a quote.
A quote shows $259 in base gratuities for two guests on a seven-night cruise.
Daily rate = $259 / (2 × 7) = $18.50 per guest per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cruise gratuities charged per day or per night?
Cruise documents often describe them as a daily or per-night rate for each eligible guest. Use the number of billable days or nights shown in the operator’s terms so the calculator matches the quote.
Should prepaid gratuities be subtracted?
Yes, when you are estimating the amount still due. Enter the prepaid amount and the calculator reports the remaining planned gratuity without allowing the remainder to fall below zero.
Are beverage and spa gratuities included in the daily rate?
Often they are separate percentage charges on those purchases. Enter the purchase amount and the applicable automatic rate only when those charges are not already included in the figure you are using.
