Cruise tipping charges are 'out of control,' say passengers as companies tout 'exceptional service'

Cruise passengers are getting hit with a familiar vacation surprise: the bill that keeps growing after they book. Daily gratuities, drink-package service charges, specialty dining fees and other automatic add-ons have become a flashpoint for travelers who say cruise vacations are being advertised one way, yet priced another. Frustration is said to be mounting as several cruise lines have raised their gratuity or service charges in 2026. POPULAR CRUISE LINE'S BIKINI CRACKDOWN COULD SURPRISE PASSE