Carnival Cruise Line Increases Daily Gratuity
by Dori Saltzman
The Mardi Gras at Celebration Key. Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Effective April 2, 2026, sailing with Carnival Cruise Line is going to get more expensive, with an increase in the recommended daily gratuity of $1 per day regardless of stateroom category.
For cruise clients in standard staterooms, the recommended gratuity will go from $16 per day to $17, while those staying in suites will be asked to pay $19 per day, up from $18.
“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,” the line wrote in a letter it sent to past Carnival guests. “We hope you will agree this slight increase is well deserved.”
Simultaneously, the brand is also increasing the pricing of its Bottomless Bubbles soda package (for adult) from $9.50 per day to $11.99 per day (+20% service charge). The price for children (17 years and under) remains the same at $6.95 per day (+20% service charge).
Cruises can lock in current pricing by pre-paying gratuities and/or pre-purchasing the soda package before April 2.
