Carnival to Raise Daily Gratuities to $17–$19 Starting April 2026

Carnival Cruise Line will raise its daily gratuity rates by $1 per person, per day starting April 2, 2026, while also increasing the adult price of its Bottomless Bubbles soda package on the same date.

The updated automatic gratuities move from $16 to $17 per person, per day for standard staterooms (a 6.25% increase) and from $18 to $19 per person, per day for suites (a 5.55% increase). Carnival last adjusted its gratuities in April 2023. Guests who prepay gratuities before April 2, 2026 can keep today’s rates even if their sailing departs later in 2026 or beyond.

Updated daily gratuities and where they apply

Carnival’s new gratuity totals will apply to most sailings, with an exception for ships sailing in Australia, where gratuities are already bundled into the cruise fare rather than added as a separate daily charge.

• Standard staterooms: $16 per person, per day rising to $17
• Suites: $18 per person, per day rising to $19

Carnival’s message to guests about gratuities

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald addressed the change in a video message, emphasizing that gratuities are intended for shipboard staff. “Every single penny you give goes directly to the crew,” Heald said. In a separate remark responding to rumors, he added: “That’s absolutely not true,” saying that “all the pennies you give are kept by the crew.”

Heald also reiterated that guests can change automatic gratuities. “If you decide that a crew member is not worthy of those gratuities, that’s up to you,” he said, while adding that removing gratuities entirely is uncommon among Carnival guests.

Heald said there are currently no plans to bundle gratuities into cruise fares in Western markets, leaving the system of discretionary tipping in place for most of the fleet.

Bottomless Bubbles price increase and the 20% service charge

Carnival is also raising the adult price of Bottomless Bubbles, its unlimited soft drinks and juices package, to $11.99 per person, per day from $9.99 (a 26% increase), effective April 2, 2026. The children’s rate for guests 17 and under remains $6.95 per person, per day.

A 20% service charge will continue to apply to the package. Carnival is not changing the service charge percentage as part of the Bottomless Bubbles adjustment, but the total paid will rise because the base daily price is higher. Carnival increased its service charge on various onboard add-ons from 18% to 20% in late 2025.

How to keep current pricing before April 2, 2026

Carnival said guests can lock in current pricing by prepaying gratuities and/or purchasing Bottomless Bubbles before April 2, 2026. Prepayments can be made through Carnival’s website or through a travel agent.

Guests who do not prepay can still have gratuities added automatically to their onboard account during the cruise, at whatever rate is in effect at that time.

Industry context, comparisons, and guest concerns

Carnival’s move follows a broader pattern of price adjustments across the cruise sector as inflation and rising operational costs put pressure on pricing structures. Even after the change, Carnival’s standard-stateroom gratuity rate of $17 per day remains below several widely advertised daily gratuity rates, including Royal Caribbean at $18.50 and Norwegian Cruise Line at $20.

Other examples cited alongside Carnival’s announcement included Margaritaville at Sea at $22, while Virgin Voyages includes tips in its pricing model and advertises $22, with a lower $20 option when guests prepay.

At the same time, some guests have raised questions online about how cruise lines allocate onboard charges, particularly service charges on purchases that are separate from gratuities. Carnival’s late-2025 increase in service charges on add-ons such as specialty dining, beverage purchases, and onboard gifts has also drawn criticism from some commenters because it does not include an opt-out option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do the new gratuity rates take effect?

The new gratuity rates take effect April 2, 2026. Guests who prepay before that date can secure the current lower rates.

If I sail after April 2, 2026, can I still get today’s gratuity rate?

Yes. Carnival said if you prepay gratuities before April 2, 2026, it will honor the current rate even if your cruise departs later.

Do the new gratuity rates apply to Carnival cruises from Australia?

No. Carnival’s Australia sailings are excluded because gratuities are already included in the fare for those itineraries.

Can guests adjust or remove Carnival’s automatic gratuities onboard?

Yes. Carnival allows guests to adjust gratuities at their discretion, and John Heald reiterated that choice in his comments about the change.

What is included in the Bottomless Bubbles beverage package, and what is changing?

Bottomless Bubbles offers unlimited soft drinks and juices. Starting April 2, 2026, the adult rate rises to $11.99 per person, per day (from $9.99), while the $6.95 per day rate for guests 17 and under remains unchanged; a 20% service charge applies.