Welcome aboard, Gail! So much is
included in the cost of your Disney Cruise Line vacation that once you're onboard, you can simply relax and enjoy without needing to pay individually for much, if anything, else!
However, when budgeting, one thing you'll want to keep in mind that is over and above the cost of your cruise, is the
traditional gratuity that you'll pay to your stateroom host, dining server, assistant dining server, and head server. These are paid at the end of the cruise and are automatically charged to your stateroom account or you can pre-pay them by calling the agents at Disney Cruise Line prior to sailing. Should you encounter a Cast Member that goes above and beyond, as we do every time we sail, you're always welcome to stop by Guest Services to add additional tips to the traditional amounts, or simply tuck in some extra cash. On the last day of your sailing, you'll receive little tip envelopes in your stateroom and a printout of the Cast Members' names that served you, along with the amount that will be tipped to them. Just tear off the perforated cards and tuck them into the envelopes and present them to your servers and stateroom host to thank them. Don't worry if you forget to give them the envelopes. They'll still receive the tips that were charged.
Traditionally, the gratuities are as follows, and are per guest (including children), per night of the cruise:
Stateroom Host: $4 per night, per guest
Dining Server: $4 per night, per guest
Assistant Dining Server: $3 per night, per guest
Head Server: $1 per night, per guest
I hope that helps you budget for your upcoming cruise with Disney, Gail! Have such fun, and please stop back if we can help with any other questions before you set sail!
Marcy