Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests that recommended gratuities and Bottomless Bubbles prices will increase starting April 2, 2026, marking the cruise line’s first gratuity hike since April 2023.
Daily gratuities for standard staterooms will rise from $16 to $17 per guest, while suite guests will see rates increase from $18 to $19 per day. The increases apply to both U.S. and European departures.
Guests who prepay gratuities through Carnival’s Cruise Manager before April 1 can lock in current rates for any open sailing.
Unless prepaid, recommended gratuities are automatically added to guests’ Sail & Sign accounts. Adjustments can be made during the cruise but not after disembarkation.
Bottomless Bubbles package hike
The adult Bottomless Bubbles package will also increase from $9.50 to $11.99 per person, per day, plus a 20 percent service charge. Pricing for children 17 and under remains unchanged at $6.95 per day plus the service charge.
Thank you, most especially, for your support of our onboard crew,” Carnival said in a guest notice signed by VP of Guest Services Colleen Oliverio.
“Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service, and your gratuities go directly to benefit the crew in addition to their base pay.”
Carnival’s announcement follows a wave of gratuity increases across the cruise industry. Margaritaville at Sea recently raised its rates again, now charging $22 per night for staterooms and $25 for suites.
Disney Cruise Line increased rates in January 2025, and Royal Caribbean implemented a modest increase in November 2024.
Even with the increase, Carnival’s gratuities remain among the lowest in the mainstream cruise market.
Royal Caribbean currently charges $18.50 per day for standard cabins, while Margaritaville at Sea now charges $22, well above Carnival’s new $17 rate.
