In a note that was shared with travel agents, Carnival informed that beginning December 1, the onboard gratuity rate is going up.
From that date forward, cruise passengers staying in standard staterooms will be charged US$13.99 per person, per day, while those in suite accommodations will be charged US$15.99 per person, per day.
Anyone intending to avoid paying the increased gratuities can do so by pre-paying prior to December 1 at the current rate of US$12.95 per person, per day for standard staterooms and US$13.95 per person, per day for suites.
Carnival Cruise Line included a statement which they encouraged travel partners to share with clients, saying that 100% of gratuities go towards their shipboard team members who "work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service”.
Like other cruise companies, Carnival automatically adds the gratuity charge to Sail & Sign cards of those guests who don't prepay them. The designated amount is automatically charged and the ones who are dissatisfied with the services received are given the option of going to ship's Guest Services Desk.
The last time Carnival Cruise Line increased their rates was in May 2016.