Lindblad Expeditions Gratuities And Service Charges: What You Actually Need to Know for 2026
Booking with Lindblad Expeditions soon? Let's walk through gratuities and service charges in plain English, the way a travel advisor would explain it over the phone.
Gratuities are generally not included in the fare and are left to guest discretion, following typical expedition cruise tipping norms for the crew and expedition staff. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Rules can vary by ship, region, and promotion, so speaking with an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 before booking is always the safer move. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are gratuities on Lindblad Expeditions?
Gratuities are generally not included in the fare and are left to guest discretion, following typical expedition cruise tipping norms for the crew and expedition staff. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
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. 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.
How do gratuities on Lindblad Expeditions compare to other lines?
For a side-by-side comparison of gratuity costs between Lindblad Expeditions and other lines, reach out to +1-800-406-8495. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Can I prepay gratuities before my Lindblad Expeditions cruise instead of paying onboard?
Prepaying gratuities on Lindblad Expeditions at final payment is common among guests who prefer to handle the cost before boarding. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. 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. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Are gratuities included in Lindblad Expeditions fares booked through a promotion?
Sometimes - certain promotional Lindblad 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. 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.
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. 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.