Star Clippers Gratuities And Service Charges: What You Actually Need to Know for 2026
If you're getting ready to sail with Star Clippers, it helps to know exactly where you stand on gratuities and service charges before you pack a single bag.
Gratuities are generally not included in the fare and are left to guest discretion, following typical small-ship cruise tipping norms - confirm the current suggested amount for your specific sailing. 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.
Since specifics can differ by sailing date and cabin category, a quick check with an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 is the most reliable way to confirm what applies to you. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are gratuities on Star Clippers?
Gratuities are generally not included in the fare and are left to guest discretion, following typical small-ship cruise tipping norms - confirm the current suggested amount for your specific sailing. 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.
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 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.
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. Worth keeping in mind either way.
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 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.
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. 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.
How do gratuities on Star Clippers compare to other lines?
For a side-by-side comparison of gratuity costs between Star Clippers and other lines, reach out to +1-800-406-8495. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I prepay gratuities before my Star Clippers cruise instead of paying onboard?
Prepaying gratuities on Star Clippers at final payment is common among guests who prefer to handle the cost before boarding. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
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. 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.
Are gratuities included in Star Clippers fares booked through a promotion?
Sometimes - certain promotional Star Clippers 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. 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.
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. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Worth keeping in mind either way.