Celebrity Hikes Gratuity Rates
Look out for a gratuity hike.
Celebrity Cruises has quietly increased the rates for automatic gratuities on its cruises starting from July 11, 2023.
This is the second increase in less than a year. The new rates vary depending on the type of stateroom and range from $18 to $23 per person per day.
This is how it breaks down
* $18.00 USD per person per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms
* $18.50 USD per person per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms
* $23.00 USD per person per day for guests of The Retreat
If you have already booked a cruise with included gratuities, the rates won’t change.
However, new bookings will be subject to higher gratuity rates.
Pre-paying gratuities before July 11 can help avoid these higher rates.
Carnival Menu Freakout
After Carnival Cruise Line, guests lost their minds over removing the Cheese Plate and Strawberry bisque off the line revamped menu can sleep a little easier.
Both artery-clogging delights will be added back to the menu.
Over the weekend, Carnival’s brand Ambassador, John Heald posted photos of both dishes with the quote, I’ll be back.
Carnival revised its menus last month, modifying 60 dishes, adding items like entree salads, and creating new signature dishes by Chef Emeril Lagasse.
The line also said they would soon add dedicated vegetarian menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Christmas Cruise Cancelled
Sorry, your Christmas cruise has been canceled.
Royal Caribbean announced that some sailings on the Freedom of the Seas in December 2024 and January 2025 had been canceled due to necessary maintenance.
Guests just received notifications about the cancellations, including Christmas and New Year sailings over the weekend.
Passengers can rebook on other select itineraries aboard the Freedom of the Seas or the Oasis of the Seas, choose another Royal Caribbean sailing, or cancel for a refund.
Dry dock specifics were not provided.