For the first time since 2001, Carnival Cruise Lines is raising gratuities 15% or by $1.50 per day, effective today (December 1, 2011).

Old verses new tipping guidelines

Stateroom attendant– up from $3.50 to $3.70 per day

Dining room service – up from $3.50 to $5.80 per day

Alternative services (distributed to kitchen, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members) – up from $1.00 to $2.00 per day

The change will also come with no longer being expected to tip the Maitre D. Senior Cruise Director, John Heald, said on his Facebook page, “Now obviously if you feel that the Maitre D did something special for you or that he or she did an outstanding job then yes, please do tip them but it is no longer expected.”

Though tipping remains optional, passengers seem to be adapting to the change without hesitation. Cruise Radio listener Heidi Dawson told us, “I have no problem with the increase. Those cabin stewards and waiters etc. work very hard for their money.”

“These new guidelines place Carnival in line with most other cruise operators. Tips are automatically added to guests’ on-board Sail & Sign shipboard accounts however guests are free to adjust the gratuity amount up or down at their discretion,” Carnival said in a statement.

Earlier this year Royal Caribbean hiked their daily gratuity from $9.75 to $11.65, the first time in 13 years.

Source: Carnival