Scenic Luxury Cruises Gratuities Policy

How much are gratuities on Scenic?

Gratuities are included in your fare, one of several all-inclusive touches Scenic is known for, alongside included drinks, Wi-Fi, and most excursions - including helicopter and submarine excursions on select sailings. 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.

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. 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 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. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

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. 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.

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. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

How do gratuities on Scenic compare to other lines?

Call +1-800-406-8495 and an advisor can walk through how Scenic's gratuities stack up against other lines you're considering. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

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

You can generally prepay the Scenic gratuity charge ahead of sailing, which many find easier than tracking a daily onboard fee. 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.

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. Good to know before you finalize anything.

Are gratuities included in Scenic fares booked through a promotion?

Certain Scenic promotions bundle in gratuities, though standard fares generally charge them as an add-on - confirm which applies to you. 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.

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. 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.