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Scams & safety· 3 min read

CruiseHive called a fake Royal Caribbean notice bogus; it said guests could no longer remove daily tips

The notice, dated October 19, 2026, spread on social media and Reddit; the cruise line also admitted a separate FAQ error that listed 20% instead of 18%.

By CyberttakPublished · 04:02

In brief

Fake cruise notice claimed tips were locked

A notice dated October 19, 2026 said Royal Caribbean guests could not remove daily tips. The FAQ says they can until disembarkation morning. Drink and dining tips stay at 18%.

A hand holds a dark smartphone over a printed brochure on a table, with an empty blue chair by a window
A hand holds a dark smartphone over a printed brochure on a table, with an empty blue chair by a windowCredit: AI-generated · FLUX.2 klein 9B

A fake press release claiming Royal Caribbean guests could no longer remove daily gratuities once onboard spread on social media and Reddit. The fake notice carries the date October 19, 2026. The sources we checked do not say it was made with AI, so that part of the story is unconfirmed.

What the fake said

It claimed daily gratuity charges on guest accounts could not be removed or adjusted at the desk while onboard. It said the rule applied to sailings departing on or after October 19, 2026.

CruiseHive called it bogus. One clue: it shows the Royal Caribbean International logo, which the company retired in September 2024.

The real FAQ says the opposite

The current FAQ states that guests may modify or remove any gratuity at the Guest Relations desk until the morning of disembarkation. Once the sailing has ended, changes cannot be made.

A real mistake on the same page

Separately, the company's FAQ briefly listed a 20% automatic gratuity on drinks, specialty dining, room service and minibar purchases. Royal Caribbean said it was an error and that no rates changed. Beverage and dining gratuities remain at 18%. Spa and salon services stay at 20%.

The cruise line apologised for the confusion in a statement to CruiseHive. The corrected FAQ also adds that these gratuities are optional and can be adjusted or removed at the guest's discretion.

Where reports differ

TheTravel reported that the UK FAQ still showed 20% on October 20, after the US page was fixed. CruiseMummy said the company confirmed 18% for the UK as well. CruiseMummy also noted there was no separate public announcement about the wording.

A related review

On October 21, 2026, the National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs reviewed Royal Caribbean's booking disclosures. It found them supported and recommended clearer wording that gratuities are optional in the "learn more" tab and on the final checkout page. Royal Caribbean said it has implemented the recommendations. The body is a self-regulatory group, not a government regulator.

Limits

None of the sources show who created the fake notice or prove AI was used. The sources do not include a Royal Caribbean-hosted press release or FAQ page, and the UK rate question rests on conflicting reports.

Sources