Can You Remove Gratuities on a Cruise? UK Guide 2026
Cruise Advisor planning guide. Verify changing prices, policies and itineraries with the relevant provider before booking.
Can you remove gratuities on a cruise is a question I’m asked every week. If you’re sailing from the UK in 2026 on P&O, Cunard, Marella or another line, automatic service charges and tips are something you’ll want to understand before you board. This guide explains the rules, offers real-world examples with specific ship names like P&O Iona, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Marella Discovery 2, and gives practical money-saving advice to help you decide whether to keep, reduce or remove gratuities.
In short: sometimes. On many mainstream UK lines such as P&O and Cunard gratuities are automatically added and usually can only be adjusted or removed through guest services under specific circumstances. Marella and some all-inclusive fares often include service charges in the fare. Always check your booking terms and speak to guest services as soon as possible if you want changes.
Gratuities (also called service charges, service fees or tips) are sums added to your onboard account to reward cabin crew, dining staff and other service team members. In 2026 most major cruise lines operating from the UK either add a daily per-person charge automatically or include service in the fare for certain cabins or promotions. For example, a Mediterranean cruise on P&O Iona might show an automatic charge of around £13–£15 per person per night, while Cunard's Queen Mary 2 typically includes a daily service charge of approximately £15 per guest in 2026. Marella Cruises sometimes include gratuities in promotional fares or premium all-inclusive packages, so you may see 'gratuities included' on a Marella Discovery 2 brochure special. The key point is the timing and flexibility: whether the charge is mandatory, whether it can be removed pre-cruise and whether the line allows adjustments while onboard.
Cruise lines use automatic gratuities to guarantee that crew receive consistent income for service. It simplifies distribution to hundreds of staff and reduces the awkwardness of asking passengers to tip. For operators there’s also a commercial logic: an automatic charge smooths revenue and reduces staffing complaints. From a guest perspective, automatic gratuities can seem unfair—especially if you received poor service or if you expected tips to be voluntary—so understanding policies before you travel helps avoid surprises.
There are three main windows for removing or adjusting gratuities: pre-cruise (by contacting the cruise line or travel agent), during the cruise (via Guest Services or the purser's desk), and post-cruise (rarely refunded but possible if you dispute charges). Onboard, guest services can sometimes remove charges for verified poor service or if you check out early due to illness; however, adjustments are at the line's discretion.
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