AmaWaterways Gratuities And Service Charges: What You Actually Need to Know for 2026
Before you finalize an AmaWaterways sailing, it's worth understanding the details behind gratuities and service charges - what's below comes straight from current published terms.
Gratuities are not included in the fare. AmaWaterways suggests around 12 euros per person, per day for the crew plus 3 euros per day for the cruise director, payable in cash or added to your onboard account depending on the sailing. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Our licensed cruise advisors track these terms daily and can confirm the exact rules for your sail date - call +1-800-406-8495 for a free consultation. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are gratuities on AmaWaterways?
Gratuities are not included in the fare. AmaWaterways suggests around 12 euros per person, per day for the crew plus 3 euros per day for the cruise director, payable in cash or added to your onboard account depending on the sailing. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Can I adjust or remove the automatic gratuity charge?
You can typically request an adjustment at Guest Services, though it's intended for unusual situations rather than a routine discount, given that gratuities fund crew pay. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Are gratuities included if I prepay them before sailing?
Yes, prepayment locks in today's rate and rolls it into your pre-cruise total instead of billing daily once you're onboard. Crew members genuinely rely on this income, which is part of why most lines discourage using the adjustment option as a routine practice. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Do drink packages and specialty dining include a service charge on top of gratuities?
Drink packages and specialty dining typically tack on their own service charge, usually in the 15-20% range, apart from the standard daily gratuity. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Are gratuities different for children?
Some lines charge a reduced or no gratuity for very young children, though most charge the same daily rate per guest in the cabin regardless of age once they're past toddler age. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. Good to know before you finalize anything.
How do gratuities on AmaWaterways compare to other lines?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and an advisor can walk through how AmaWaterways's gratuities stack up against other lines you're considering. This is one of the areas where policies can shift between cruise lines even under the same parent company, so don't assume they match. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I prepay gratuities before my AmaWaterways cruise instead of paying onboard?
You can generally prepay the AmaWaterways gratuity charge ahead of sailing, which many find easier than tracking a daily onboard fee. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Do specialty restaurants have a separate gratuity from the daily charge?
Some specialty dining spots charge their own service fee separately from the standard gratuity, so checking per venue is wise. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Are gratuities included in AmaWaterways fares booked through a promotion?
Certain AmaWaterways promotions bundle in gratuities, though standard fares generally charge them as an add-on - confirm which applies to you. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
What's a reasonable way to budget for gratuities on a weeklong cruise?
Take the daily gratuity rate, multiply by nights and guests, and add a little extra buffer for any specialty dining or drink-package service fees on top. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Worth keeping in mind either way.