Disney Cruise Line has recently adjusted its recommended daily gratuity amounts, according to an update on the company's website. The new suggested gratuity is $16.00 per guest, per night, including infants and children. This represents an increase from the previous recommendation of $14.50.

These pre-paid gratuities are distributed among dining and stateroom staff, including dining room servers, assistant servers, head servers, and stateroom hosts. However, they do not cover gratuities for room service, additional dining charges, specialty dining, port adventures, spa services, or other supplementary services. An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, deck service, and spa service bills, all of which can be charged to the onboard account.

For guests staying in concierge staterooms and suites, the recommended gratuity is higher, at $27.75 per guest, per night. This increased amount includes gratuities for the assistant stateroom host, who services concierge accommodations, and the Concierge Lounge team. This is up from the previous recommendation of $23.50.

While these gratuities are suggested, they are optional and can be adjusted or removed from a guest's bill by visiting guest services. Refunds for pre-paid gratuities will be processed in full back to the original payment method, including payments made through travel agents.

Disney Cruise Line, established in 1995, currently operates six ships, the newest being the Disney Treasure, which launched its maiden voyage in December 2024.

Automatic gratuities are a common practice across the cruise industry. Some lines, like Carnival, have similar recommended amounts to Disney, while others, like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, have slightly higher suggestions. Some cruise lines, including Azamara, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, and Virgin Voyages, incorporate gratuities into their fares, eliminating the need for separate gratuity charges.