Why Are Babies Charged Cruise Gratuities? (And What You Can Do About It)

If you’re planning a cruise with a baby or toddler, you might be shocked to learn that gratuities are charged for every guest, no matter their age.

That’s right. Even if your baby isn’t eating in the dining room or sleeping in a crib in your cabin, you may still be billed $18.50–$21.00 per night for them.

Let’s break down why, how it works, and what options you have.

Current Royal Caribbean Gratuity Rates (as of August 2025)

$18.50 per person, per night for standard staterooms
$21.00 per person, per night for suite guests

These gratuities apply to every passenger on the reservation, including babies as young as 6 months old, the youngest age allowed on most sailings.

Example:

A 7-night cruise for a family of four (two adults, a toddler, and an infant) would add up to:

$518 in gratuities ($18.50 x 4 people x 7 nights)
That’s before drinks, excursions, or specialty dining.

Why Does Royal Caribbean Charge Babies Gratuities?

The cruise line’s position is that these automatic gratuities support the entire crew, not just the people you see. That includes:

Cabin stewards (even if they only set up the crib)
Dining staff (even if your baby eats snacks in the room)
Laundry teams and housekeeping
Kitchen and sanitization crews

The idea is that even small children create a “footprint” on the ship and contribute to the overall workload.

Why Some Parents Push Back

Many cruisers say they’re more than happy to tip for great service, but find it hard to justify tipping the same amount for a 10-month-old as for an adult ordering cocktails, asking for extra pillows, and dining nightly in the Main Dining Room.

When you’re cruising with multiple children, the daily gratuity total can really add up, especially for a family trying to stay on budget.

Can You Remove Gratuities for Babies?

Yes — but only if you ask.
Gratuities are not legally mandatory (though strongly encouraged), and Royal Caribbean allows guests to adjust them.

Here’s how to remove them:

Visit Guest Services once onboard.
Politely explain your reason (e.g., you want to remove gratuities for your 1-year-old).
You may be asked to fill out a short form.
Some guests report that only the underage guest’s gratuities were removed; others had to request it more than once.

Note: Experiences vary by ship and staff.

Do Gratuities Show Up Automatically?

If you don’t prepay gratuities before your cruise, they will appear as a daily line item on your onboard account, listed separately for each guest, including babies.

For example:

7-night cruise with 2 adults and 1 baby = $55.50 added to your account per day

You can view and manage this on the Royal Caribbean app or by visiting Guest Services.

Cruise Gratuities for Babies: FAQ

Q: What’s the youngest age a baby can cruise?

6 months old for most sailings
12 months old for transatlantic, transpacific, and some long sailings

Q: Do I have to pay gratuities for my baby?

By default, yes. Gratuities are charged for every guest, regardless of age.
You can request removal at Guest Services while onboard.

Q: Can I ask for gratuities to go to a specific crew member instead?

Yes. Visit Guest Services and ask to assign your gratuity to a specific person.
Many cruisers still tip favorite crew members with cash in an envelope at the end of the cruise.

Q: Is removing gratuities frowned upon?

Some people believe it’s unfair to remove gratuities for anyone, others feel it’s reasonable in cases like babies or poor service.
Royal Caribbean allows adjustments, but be polite and prepared to explain.

Q: What happens if I do nothing?

If you’ve prepaid: gratuities are already settled.
If you didn’t prepay: they’ll be automatically charged to your account daily, and you’ll see them on your final statement unless removed.

Final Thoughts

Cruising with kids can be amazing, but it’s important to understand the hidden costs, like gratuities for every member of your party, even the tiniest ones.

Whether you choose to pay them, adjust them, or hand cash tips directly to your favorite crew members, the key is knowing your options.

Want More Family Cruise Tips?

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Charity Bradley 🌺