{
 "last_verified": "2026-10-17",
 "note": "Every number below was read on 2026-10-17 from the page(s) linked in sources. 'null' means we did not verify it. Prices change; always confirm on your own booking.",
 "lines": [
  {
   "id": "carnival",
   "name": "Carnival Cruise Line",
   "gratuity": {
    "standard": 17,
    "suite": 19,
    "unit": "USD per guest per day",
    "basis": "Called 'recommended' by Carnival; added to the onboard account unless prepaid, adjustable onboard. Effective for sailings on/after Apr 2 2026.",
    "source_type": "news report of the line's own guest notice (carnival.com gratuity page would not load for our reader)",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "USA Today, Feb 4 2026: Carnival raises gratuity and drink package rates",
      "url": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2026/02/04/carnival-raises-gratuity-drink-package-rates/88511162007/"
     },
     {
      "label": "Cruise Critic news: Carnival increases gratuities and drink package rates",
      "url": "https://www.cruisecritic.com/news/carnival-increases-gratuities-drink-package-rates"
     },
     {
      "label": "Cruise Hive, Apr 3 2026: increases now in effect",
      "url": "https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-gratuity-and-drink-package-price-increases-now-in-effect/203888"
     }
    ]
   },
   "service_charge": {
    "beverage": 20,
    "specialty": 20,
    "spa": null,
    "basis": "Carnival's CHEERS! page prices the package as 'plus 20% service charge'. Cruise Hive reports the add-on service charge moved from 18% to 20% in Dec 2025.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Carnival CHEERS! page",
      "url": "https://www.carnival.com/drink-packages/cheers-package"
     },
     {
      "label": "Cruise Hive, Apr 3 2026",
      "url": "https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-gratuity-and-drink-package-price-increases-now-in-effect/203888"
     }
    ]
   },
   "drink": {
    "package": "CHEERS!",
    "price_per_day": 69.95,
    "price_note": "US$69.95 per person per day pre-cruise, US$74.95 onboard, plus 20% service charge, per the page. Must be bought for the entire cruise.",
    "all_adults_rule": "Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program (guests must be 21+).",
    "cap": "Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours; drinks over US$20 get a 25% discount instead of being covered; state/local taxes may be charged in US waters.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Carnival CHEERS! page",
      "url": "https://www.carnival.com/drink-packages/cheers-package"
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  {
   "id": "royal-caribbean",
   "name": "Royal Caribbean International",
   "gratuity": {
    "standard": 18.5,
    "suite": 21,
    "unit": "USD per guest per day",
    "basis": "Official FAQ: gratuities are optional and can be adjusted or removed at Guest Relations before the morning of disembarkation; applied daily to SeaPass account if not prepaid.",
    "source_type": "official line page",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Royal Caribbean FAQ: gratuity price and policy",
      "url": "https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/onboard-service-gratuity-expense"
     }
    ]
   },
   "service_charge": {
    "beverage": 20,
    "specialty": 20,
    "spa": 20,
    "basis": "Official FAQ: 20% gratuity auto-added to spa/salon, beverages and beverage packages, specialty dining, room service and minibar; optional and adjustable.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Royal Caribbean FAQ: gratuity price and policy",
      "url": "https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/onboard-service-gratuity-expense"
     }
    ]
   },
   "drink": {
    "package": "Deluxe Beverage Package",
    "price_per_day": null,
    "price_note": "Price varies by ship and sailing; not recorded here. Enter the price from your own booking.",
    "all_adults_rule": "Anyone buying the Deluxe Beverage Package must buy it for ALL guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom (official FAQ). A Royal Caribbean spokesperson, quoted by Royal Caribbean Blog, said exceptions ended Aug 1 2025.",
    "cap": "Per the line's package PDF: covers single drinks up to a stated value (US$14 on select ships and dates); excludes room service, minibar, souvenir glassware and super-premium drinks above the cap.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Royal Caribbean FAQ: does everyone in my stateroom need the Deluxe package",
      "url": "https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/does-everyone-need-to-buy-the-deluxe-beverage-package"
     },
     {
      "label": "Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package PDF",
      "url": "https://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/dam/royal/resources/pdf/beverage-packages/deluxe-beverage-packages-cruises.pdf"
     },
     {
      "label": "Royal Caribbean Blog, Aug 2 2025: exception rule dropped (third-party report)",
      "url": "https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2025/08/02/royal-caribbean-drops-drink-package-exception-rule"
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  {
   "id": "celebrity",
   "name": "Celebrity Cruises",
   "gratuity": {
    "standard": 19.5,
    "suite": 24.5,
    "other": [
     {
      "label": "Concierge and AquaClass staterooms",
      "value": 20.5
     },
     {
      "label": "The Retreat suites",
      "value": 24.5
     }
    ],
    "unit": "USD per guest per day",
    "basis": "Official FAQ: US$19.50 for Inside, Oceanview and Veranda; US$20.50 Concierge and AquaClass; US$24.50 The Retreat. Optional, adjustable before the morning of disembarkation.",
    "source_type": "official line page",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Celebrity FAQ: gratuity program",
      "url": "https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/gratuity-program"
     }
    ]
   },
   "service_charge": {
    "beverage": 20,
    "specialty": 20,
    "spa": 20,
    "basis": "Official FAQ: 20% gratuity auto-added to spa/salon, beverages and packages, specialty dining, room service and minibar.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Celebrity FAQ: gratuity program",
      "url": "https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/gratuity-program"
     }
    ]
   },
   "drink": {
    "package": "Classic Drink Package",
    "price_per_day": null,
    "price_note": "Price varies by ship, itinerary and length; 20% gratuity is added at checkout. Enter your own booking price.",
    "all_adults_rule": "All guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must buy the same package (pre-cruise or onboard). The FAQ lists some exceptions; read the FAQ for the current list.",
    "cap": "Classic covers drinks up to a per-serving value stated in the FAQ (US$12 at last read).",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Celebrity beverage packages FAQ",
      "url": "https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/beverage-packages"
     },
     {
      "label": "Celebrity drink packages page",
      "url": "https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages"
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  {
   "id": "ncl",
   "name": "Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)",
   "gratuity": {
    "standard": 20,
    "suite": 25,
    "unit": "USD per guest per day (ages 3 and up)",
    "basis": "Official FAQ: for bookings made on/after Jan 1 2023, US$25 for The Haven and Suites; US$20 for Club Balcony Suite and below. Called an onboard service charge; can be prepaid; NCL says its service charge is refundable if you cancel.",
    "source_type": "official line page",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "NCL FAQ: what is the onboard service charge",
      "url": "https://www.ncl.com/faq/what-is-ncl-onboard-service-charge"
     },
     {
      "label": "NCL FAQ: how do gratuities work",
      "url": "https://www.ncl.com/faq/how-do-gratuities-work-on-cruise"
     }
    ]
   },
   "service_charge": {
    "beverage": 20,
    "specialty": 20,
    "spa": 20,
    "basis": "Official FAQ: 20% gratuity/service charge on beverage purchases, specialty dining and spa/salon.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "NCL FAQ: how do gratuities work",
      "url": "https://www.ncl.com/faq/how-do-gratuities-work-on-cruise"
     }
    ]
   },
   "drink": {
    "package": "Unlimited Open Bar (Free at Sea promotion) / Premium Beverage Package",
    "price_per_day": 45,
    "price_note": "US$45 per person per day plus 20% gratuity plus taxes/fees is the ONBOARD price for the Unlimited Open Bar, purchasable in the first two days of the cruise (NCL FAQ). Pre-cruise and promotional pricing varies by sailing; enter your own booking price if different.",
    "all_adults_rule": "NCL says the package applies to all guests 21 and older in the stateroom, and all guests in the stateroom must choose the same offer. Guests under 21 get soda/juice instead of the alcohol package (per NCL pages).",
    "cap": "NCL's promotion terms state limits such as two beverages per person per transaction, packages are personal and not shareable, and $15 off drinks in the Connoisseur's Collection/Signature Selection. Read the current terms for per-drink value caps.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "NCL FAQ: who does the Unlimited Open Bar apply to",
      "url": "https://www.ncl.com/faq/who-does-the-unlimited-open-bar-beverage-package-apply-to"
     },
     {
      "label": "NCL FAQ: buying Unlimited Open Bar onboard",
      "url": "https://www.ncl.com/faq/no-free-at-sea-buy-unlimited-open-bar-package"
     },
     {
      "label": "NCL promotional terms and conditions",
      "url": "https://www.ncl.com/cruise-deals/promotion-terms"
     },
     {
      "label": "NCL beverage packages page",
      "url": "https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/beverage-packages"
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  {
   "id": "holland-america",
   "name": "Holland America Line",
   "gratuity": {
    "standard": 18,
    "suite": 20,
    "unit": "USD per guest per day",
    "basis": "Official FAQ ('Crew Appreciation'): US$18 non-suite, US$20 suite; adjustable; 'subject to change without notice'.",
    "source_type": "official line page",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Holland America FAQ: Crew Appreciation rates and charges",
      "url": "https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/onboard-cruise-experience/onboard-information/is-there-a-crew-appreciation-charge-gratuity-tip"
     }
    ]
   },
   "service_charge": {
    "beverage": 20,
    "specialty": 20,
    "spa": 18,
    "basis": "Official FAQ: 20% on beverages, bar retail, specialty cover charges and a la carte items; 18% on spa and salon.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Holland America FAQ: Crew Appreciation rates and charges",
      "url": "https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/onboard-cruise-experience/onboard-information/is-there-a-crew-appreciation-charge-gratuity-tip"
     }
    ]
   },
   "drink": {
    "package": "Signature Beverage Package",
    "price_per_day": 55.95,
    "price_note": "US$55.95 per guest per day pre-cruise per the FAQ; 20% service charge applies per the terms page.",
    "all_adults_rule": "All adults of legal drinking age for the itinerary in the same stateroom must buy the same package for the whole cruise; underage guests must buy the Quench package.",
    "cap": "15 drinks per day; Signature covers drinks priced up to US$12.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Holland America FAQ: beverage package options",
      "url": "https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/faq/onboard-cruise-experience/beverage/what-are-my-beverage-package-option"
     },
     {
      "label": "Holland America FAQ: non-drinking companion",
      "url": "https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/onboard-cruise-experience/beverage/what-if-my-traveling-companion-doesnt-drink-do-they-still-have-to-purchase-a-beverage-package"
     },
     {
      "label": "Holland America beverage package terms",
      "url": "https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/faq/onboard-cruise-experience/beverage/what-are-the-beverage-package-terms-conditions"
     }
    ]
   }
  },
  {
   "id": "princess",
   "name": "Princess Cruises",
   "gratuity": {
    "standard": 18,
    "suite": 20,
    "other": [
     {
      "label": "Mini-Suites, Cabanas and Club Class",
      "value": 19
     }
    ],
    "unit": "USD per guest per day",
    "basis": "Official FAQ ('Crew Appreciation'): US$18 most staterooms, US$19 Mini-Suites/Cabanas/Club Class, US$20 Suites. Adjustable before you settle your account; not refundable after the cruise. The page notes a US$1 prepay discount that ended Mar 8 2026. (An older Princess policy page still shows US$17/18/19, so numbers differ by page; the FAQ above is the newer one.)",
    "source_type": "official line page",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Princess FAQ: onboard experience (Crew Appreciation)",
      "url": "https://www.princess.com/faq/onboard-experience"
     }
    ]
   },
   "service_charge": {
    "beverage": 20,
    "specialty": null,
    "spa": null,
    "basis": "Princess beverage page: 'An 20% service charge will be applied to all itineraries excluding Australia' on beverage package prices. Specialty and spa rates not verified.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Princess beverages page",
      "url": "https://www.princess.com/en-int/cruise-dining/beverages"
     }
    ]
   },
   "drink": {
    "package": "Plus Beverage Package (also bundled in Princess Plus / Premier)",
    "price_per_day": null,
    "price_note": "Princess lists a 'value of $64.99 per day' for the Plus beverage package on its page, but pricing varies by sailing and is bought for the full length of the voyage; not used as a default. Enter your own booking price.",
    "all_adults_rule": "Princess requires guests 1 and 2 on the reservation to buy the same Plus or Premier package; guests 3 and 4 are not required to (Princess Plus/Premier page).",
    "cap": "Plus: drinks up to US$15 each, 15 beverages per 24 hours (specialty coffee/tea and bottled water counted separately). Premier: drinks up to US$20 each, no daily limit on included alcoholic drinks. Packages cannot be shared. Terms updated Jan 14 2026 per Princess.",
    "sources": [
     {
      "label": "Princess Plus & Premier packages",
      "url": "https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/plus-premier-cruise-packages"
     },
     {
      "label": "Princess Plus & Premier terms",
      "url": "https://www.princess.com/cruise-deals-promotions/plus-premier-cruise-packages/terms-and-conditions"
     },
     {
      "label": "Princess beverages page",
      "url": "https://www.princess.com/en-int/cruise-dining/beverages"
     }
    ]
   }
  }
 ]
}