Celebrity Cruises has announced an increase in its automatic gratuities , effective July 29, 2026. The company informed passengers with existing reservations that the new rates applied that same day, with the goal of continuing to support onboard staff, including those in the dining room, staterooms, and guest services. The increase is $1,50 per person per day across all room categories, an adjustment that reflects a similar trend in the industry.
Meanwhile, the Royal Caribbean group is preparing Celebrity Cruises' entry into the river cruise market with a new division called Celebrity River Cruises, scheduled to begin operations in 2027. The initiative aims to bring the premium experience of its Edge-class ships to European rivers, with an adapted design and prices that, according to the company, are already higher than those of its direct competitors. Both new developments reflect the group's strategy to expand its offerings and build customer loyalty.
Increase in daily tips
As of July 29, passengers in interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms pay $19,50 per person per day , up from $18,00. In Concierge Class and AquaClass categories, the rate increases to $20,50 (previously $19,00), while in The Retreat suites it rises to $24,50 (previously $23,00). The change affects all guests who had not prepaid their gratuities before that date, as the company automatically applies them to the onboard account unless they have been prepaid. This increase follows the one implemented by Holland America Line in June, which set gratuities at $18 for standard staterooms and $20 for suites. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity's sister brand, has kept its rates unchanged since October 2024.
Celebrity River Cruises: the river cruise bet
The new river cruise division, which will begin operations in 2027, is based on a scaled-down version of the Edge-class ships , as explained by Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty during the presentation of second-quarter results. Liberty stated that they are “miniaturizing an Edge-class ship and putting it on the river,” maintaining the same style, ambiance, and onboard experience that characterizes Celebrity Cruises. The company asserts that the product is already generating strong demand, with prices higher than those of competing river cruises, and that interest is coming not only from existing Celebrity guests but also from Royal Caribbean International passengers. Michael Bayley, president of Royal Caribbean International, confirmed that “there is significant interest from Royal Caribbean guests in Celebrity River Cruises and its river cruise offerings ,” which reinforces the strategy of offering complementary vacations within the same group.
Summer offers
As part of its summer campaign, Celebrity Cruises is offering a 75% discount on the second passenger's fare on select voyages of three nights or more, departing through May 2028, including various Celebrity Cruises itineraries . The promotion, which requires no code, can be combined with other savings and applies to destinations such as the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. While the company hasn't specified the exact amount of the additional vouchers, the offer aims to attract couples and groups traveling together, reducing the overall cost of their trip. Those interested can check available dates and routes on the cruise line's website.
Taken together, these moves reflect a growth and adaptation strategy by Celebrity Cruises and its parent company, Royal Caribbean Group. While gratuities are being updated to maintain staff service, the foray into European river cruises opens a new avenue of business that, according to the company, will not replace ocean cruises but rather complement them, allowing travelers to enjoy more experiences within the same family of brands. Early demand and prices higher than the competition suggest that the premium river cruise market has room to grow, and Celebrity wants to be a key player.
