Carnival Cruise Line’s Hidden 20% Service Charge Shock Hits US Passengers – Here’s What You Need to Know!

Published on December 8, 2025

In a move that has caught many travelers off guard, Carnival Cruise Line has quietly introduced a 20% service charge across its entire fleet. This change, which was not widely announced, applies to a variety of onboard purchases, including specialty dining, drinks, customized stateroom decor, and other amenities. While the cruise line has focused on expanding its offerings, such as new itineraries in Australia and New Zealand for the 2027/28 season, the increase in service fees has raised concerns among guests.

The Unannounced Service Charge Increase

The news of the 20% service charge spread quietly through Carnival Cruise Line’s communications, with the fee quietly posted on its website. The service charge applies to a wide range of purchases made during a cruise, including specialty dining, individual bar drinks, beverage packages, and customized stateroom decorations for special occasions. This change reflects a 2% increase from the previous 18% service charge, which was applied to similar purchases. The update, however, was not accompanied by any major announcement, catching many guests by surprise.

Guests now face a mandatory 20% service charge on various onboard transactions. For example, Carnival’s CHEERS! Beverage Program, which includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, will also incur this service charge. The cost of the beverage package is set at a flat daily rate of $89.94, but the added 20% service charge will be added on top of that rate. Additionally, changes to the drink package’s ordering policy, such as an extension from five minutes to ten minutes for ordering a subsequent drink, were also quietly implemented.

Details of the 20% Service Charge

Carnival Cruise Line’s 20% service charge is now applicable to several services and purchases made onboard. These include:

• Specialty dining at all venues, where a 20% service charge will be added to the reservation fee.
• A la carte charges at restaurants like Bonsai Sushi, Emeril’s Bistro, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.
• Beverage packages, including those for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Room service orders, with a 20% service charge applied to drinks ordered through the bar or room service.

Though this 20% service charge may not seem like a substantial increase, it adds up quickly when considering the total cost of specialty dining, drinks, and other additional services on the ship. The quiet nature of this change has led to some dissatisfaction among travelers who did not anticipate the extra cost.

Other Hidden Fee Increases: Wi-Fi and More

This increase in the service charge is just one example of Carnival Cruise Line‘s ongoing trend of quietly raising onboard fees. Earlier, the cruise line also raised its Wi-Fi fees without significant public announcement, leaving guests unaware of the increased costs until they were already onboard. These fee increases, combined with the service charge hikes, have created frustration among cruise guests who expect transparency in pricing.

One notable distinction between the service charge and gratuities is that the service charge is applied to all transactional purchases like dining, drinks, and gifts, whereas gratuities are related to service levels. Gratuities are typically automatically added to passengers’ accounts on a daily basis and can range from $16 to $18 per person, per day, depending on the type of stateroom booked. Guests have the option to adjust or prepay these gratuities through Carnival’s Guest Services if they wish.

Understanding the Difference Between Gratuities and Service Charges

It is important for guests to differentiate between the standard service charge and gratuities when budgeting for their cruise. The service charge is mandatory and cannot be waived, applying to optional purchases such as spa treatments, specialty dining, and drinks. Gratuities, however, are tied to the quality of service provided by the staff and can be adjusted at the guest’s discretion.

For standard staterooms, the daily gratuity is $16 per person, while those staying in suite staterooms are charged $18 per person per day. Children under the age of 2 are excluded from the gratuity charge. Passengers also have the option to prepay these gratuities or have them charged to their onboard account. Gratuities for dining venues are separate and may be added at the guest’s discretion.

The Impact of the Increased Fees on Passengers

For passengers, the increase in service fees presents an additional cost to consider when planning their cruises. While the 20% service charge applies primarily to optional purchases, it can significantly add to the overall expense, especially for those who indulge in premium services like specialty dining or frequent drinks. The 2% hike may seem small on its own, but for larger parties or extended stays, the total cost can be substantial.

Travelers are advised to plan ahead and budget for these additional costs when booking their cruise. Given the growing number of extra charges across various cruise lines, understanding the full scope of potential fees and service charges is essential to avoid surprise expenses during the trip.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Carnival Cruise Line’s Future?

As Carnival Cruise Line continues to expand its fleet and promote new travel routes, including the addition of year-round cruises in Mobile, Alabama, and more itineraries across Australia and New Zealand, guests may need to stay vigilant about potential service charge hikes or fee changes. While the cruise line’s marketing campaigns, such as Find Your Fun Again, have been successful in attracting passengers, these additional charges could affect customer satisfaction.

In light of the growing trend of hidden charges across the cruise industry, it is clear that travelers will need to be more proactive in understanding the complete cost of their cruise before setting sail. Transparency in pricing will become increasingly important for companies like Carnival, as customers continue to demand clarity on what their cruise experience will truly cost.

Conclusion: A Growing Trend of Unannounced Fee Hikes

The quiet introduction of Carnival Cruise Line’s 20% service charge is part of a broader trend in the industry of hidden fees and fee hikes that have left many travelers surprised. While some of these charges may seem small individually, their cumulative effect can significantly raise the cost of a cruise. As the industry continues to evolve, passengers will need to remain aware of these potential changes and factor them into their vacation plans to ensure a more predictable and transparent travel experience.