Aurora Expeditions Gratuities Policy

How much are gratuities on Aurora Expeditions?

Gratuity expectations vary by voyage - confirming whether tips are included or left to guest discretion for your specific Aurora sailing is worthwhile before you travel. 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. Worth keeping in mind either way.

Can I adjust or remove the automatic gratuity charge?

Adjusting the automatic gratuity is possible at Guest Services, though it's designed for exceptions rather than regular use, since the charge supports crew compensation. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.

Are gratuities included if I prepay them before sailing?

You can prepay to secure the current gratuity rate, folding it into your upfront cost rather than seeing it as a daily onboard charge. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

Do drink packages and specialty dining include a service charge on top of gratuities?

There's usually a separate service fee on drinks and specialty dining, commonly 15-20%, distinct from your daily cabin gratuity. If you're unsure how the charge breaks down, guest services can usually provide an itemized explanation of what it covers. Worth keeping in mind either way.

Are gratuities different for children?

A handful of lines waive or reduce gratuities for the youngest kids, but most apply the standard per-guest rate once a child is past toddler age. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.

How do gratuities on Aurora Expeditions compare to other lines?

For a side-by-side comparison of gratuity costs between Aurora Expeditions and other lines, reach out to +1-800-406-8495. 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. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.

Can I prepay gratuities before my Aurora Expeditions cruise instead of paying onboard?

Prepaying gratuities on Aurora Expeditions at final payment is common among guests who prefer to handle the cost before boarding. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

Do specialty restaurants have a separate gratuity from the daily charge?

Often yes - some specialty dining venues include a separate service charge on top of the standard daily gratuity, so it's worth checking the specific restaurant's policy. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Good to know before you finalize anything.

Are gratuities included in Aurora Expeditions fares booked through a promotion?

Sometimes - certain promotional Aurora Expeditions fares do bundle gratuities into the price, while standard fares usually add the daily charge separately, so it's worth confirming which applies to your booking. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

What's a reasonable way to budget for gratuities on a weeklong cruise?

A simple way to budget is to multiply the current daily per-person rate by your cruise length and by the number of guests in your cabin, then add a bit extra for specialty dining or drink-package service charges. Crew members genuinely rely on this income, which is part of why most lines discourage using the adjustment option as a routine practice. Worth keeping in mind either way.