What is the tipping policy on Independence of the Seas?

Officially, all tips or ‘gratuities’ are discretionary, though it isn’t generally accepted cruise practice not to tip. On Independence of the Seas, there are a number of ways you can tip. There’ s an option to pay your gratuities up front, which can work out cheaper, and you can easily have this option added to your booking before you sail. If you choose not to do this, you’ll automatically pay $12 per day, or $14.25 if you’re in a Grand Suite. Alternatively, you can ‘do it the old-fashioned way’, that is, pay cash directly to the crew members you’d like to recognize for their good service. Royal Caribbean does state that, due to the discretionary nature of the gratuities, you’re free to decrease or remove them during your cruise if you are unhappy with the service you are receiving. Similarly, if you’re particularly happy, you can increase them, too.