Can I Pre-Pay Gratuities on My Disney Cruise?
If you’re setting sail on a Disney cruise, you are in for a real treat as so many awesome things are included in the cost of your sailing. This includes incredible dining, impeccable customer service, entertainment, impressive onboard amenities and so much more. However, one of the added expenses you do need to be aware of going into your sailing are the gratuities that you’ll pay Disney’s amazing team of cast members who really go out of their way to ensure that your visit is truly magical.
I have many clients who prefer to get as many cruise expenses out of the way before they set sail so that once on board you can sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday. Therefore a common question I get asked by first-time sailors is:”Can I pre-pay for all my tipping in advance?” The answer is absolutely!
Disney has a handy system allowing guests to pre-pay staff at a rate of $13.50 per person per day. Here’s a look at how this breaks down over the different sailings!
3-Night Sailing:
- Dining Room Server – $13.50
- Dining Room Assistant Server: $10.50
- Dining Room Head Server: $3.00
- Stateroom Host/Hostess: $13.50
That brings the total cost of pre-paid gratuities for 3-nights to $40.50 per person. If you divide this by 3 the rate is $13.50 per person per day.
4-Night Sailing:
- Dining Room Server – $18.00
- Dining Room Assistant Server: $14.00
- Dining Room Head Server: $4.00
- Stateroom Host/Hostess: $18.00
That brings the total cost of pre-paid gratuities for 4-nights to $54.00 per person. If you divide this by 4 the rate is $13.50 per day.
7-Night Sailing:
- Dining Room Server – $31.50
- Dining Room Assistant Server: $24.50
- Dining Room Head Server: $7.00
- Stateroom Host/Hostess: $31.50
That brings the total cost of pre-paid gratuities for 4-nights to $94.50 per person. If you divide this by 7 the rate is $13.50 per day.
What if I’m on a sailing longer than 7-days?
Your travel agent or Disney Cruise Line will be able to provide you with a suggested gratuities breakdown for your sailing. It will always be $13.50 a day. This means a 10-night sailing would be $135.00 per person and a 14-night sailing would be $189.00.
The rate above is just for adults right? I don’t need to pay gratuities for kids, do I?
The per person rate for gratuities includes everyone in your stateroom. This includes kids of all ages. In fact, Disney will go out of their way to tailor your entire sailing to your little ones. From adorable stateroom touches to little treats while you dine. Also with kids being some of Disney’s biggest mess makers, it’s nice to be able to thank those looking after your entire family.
How Do I Go About Pre-Paying Gratuities?
If you booked via a Travel Agent, reach out to them and they will be able to set this up for you. If booking directly with Disney Cruise Line you can get in touch with them directly at 1.800.951.3532. Gratuities can be pre-paid from the moment your book right up until 3-days before your sailing.
Is there anyone else I need to tip not included in the pre-paid gratuities?
You may occasionally find that additional staff members have gone out of their way to make your sailing truly magical. If this is the case you can absolutely tip during your sailing at your discretion. This may include:
- Dining Manager
- Room Service
- Palo Staff
- Remy Staff
- Senses Spa & Salon Staff (an 18% gratuity is automatically applied to all spa services
- Babysitting
- Port Adventures (optional and not included in the Port Adventures price)
- Bar, Beverage and Deck Service ( a 15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. All gratuities can be charged to your stateroom folio)
Do I have to pre-pay or can I wait until I am on this ship?
Pre-paying on gratuities is not mandatory and is simply a matter of preference. You absolutely have the option of waiting. As a matter of fact, on the last full day of your sailing, you’ll receive tipping envelopes. You can fill out the envelopes and distribute them to cast members as a good-bye.
What happens if my service was amazing and I want to tip more?
You always have the option even if you’ve pre-paid. You can simply add additional funds to the tipping envelopes distributed to your stateroom or visit the Guest Services desk where they will be able to assist you.
What if I pre-pay and I’m unhappy with my service?
Having sailed with Disney Cruise Line many times, I’m confident that you’ll be blown away by the incredible top-notch customer service you’ll receive while on board. However, if there are any problems, and you’ve already pre-paid your gratuities please visit the Guest Services desk and let them know of your concerns. They will be able to assist.
As you prepare for you Disney voyage it’s helpful to know what costs are/aren’t covered. Check out our handy guide to what services are included in the cost of your cruise fare and what you can expect to pay extra fore here.
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Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook