Are Tips and Gratuities Included on Explora Journeys?
Are Tips and Gratuities Included on Explora Journeys?
One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning an Explora Journeys voyage is simple yet important: Are tips and gratuities included?
For many travelers, the subject of tipping on cruises can feel confusing. Every cruise line seems to have its own policy, and many guests worry about hidden charges or awkward tipping moments on board. Explora Journeys, however, takes a refreshingly clear and luxurious approach.
Let’s explore what’s included, when (and if) tipping is expected, and how Explora’s inclusive philosophy adds to the effortless luxury of every journey.
The Short Answer: Yes, Gratuities Are Included
When you book with Explora Journeys, all onboard gratuities are included in your fare. That means the service you receive from your suite host, restaurant staff, bartenders, and crew is already covered — no need to calculate daily tip amounts or carry extra cash.
This inclusive policy is part of Explora’s broader vision of “Ocean State of Mind” — where every detail is designed to create ease, freedom, and complete immersion in the experience. The brand aims to remove all the small frictions that can interrupt a luxury voyage, and gratuities are one of them.
So when you step on board, you can simply relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that the staff’s exceptional service is not tied to tips or extra fees.
What “Gratuities Included” Really Means
Explora Journeys doesn’t just include tips as a line item; it integrates them into its holistic, all-inclusive philosophy.
Your journey fare already covers:
All dining experiences across multiple venues
Fine wines, premium beverages, and cocktails
In-suite dining and 24-hour room service
WiFi and shuttle services in many ports
All onboard gratuities
Because crew members are well compensated, they are not dependent on tipping to supplement their income. The result is an atmosphere of authentic hospitality — service that feels genuine, not transactional. Guests often describe the experience as effortless: no signing slips, no automatic service charges, and no feeling of obligation.
When Might You Still Consider Tipping?
While tips are not expected, there are a few specific moments where guests may choose to express additional appreciation. Think of these as entirely optional gestures rather than requirements.
1. Exceptional Personal Service
If a particular crew member goes above and beyond — for example, a suite host who remembers your preferences or arranges something special for a celebration — you may choose to recognize their effort with a small personal tip. It’s never required, but always warmly received.
2. Private or Third-Party Shore Excursions
Explora’s inclusivity covers onboard gratuities, but shore excursions often involve local guides or drivers who operate independently. In these cases, a small local tip is customary and appreciated, similar to any land-based tour.
Many travelers budget a little cash in local currency for these moments, typically a modest amount for guides and drivers who deliver an exceptional experience.
3. Specialty Purchases or Custom Requests
While rare, if you purchase exclusive experiences or personalized services not covered in your fare — for example, a private wine tasting or bespoke spa treatment — you might encounter an opportunity to tip at your discretion. However, most guests find that even these moments maintain Explora’s seamless, no-tipping rhythm.
Why Explora’s Approach Is a True Luxury
Explora Journeys belongs to a new generation of luxury travel — one where transparency, time, and peace of mind matter just as much as fine dining or elegant design.
Here’s why the inclusion of gratuities enhances the overall experience:
1. Effortless and Worry-Free
On traditional cruise lines, guests often face confusing tipping structures — daily service fees, extra percentages added to drinks or spa treatments, and end-of-voyage envelopes to fill. Explora eliminates all of that.
From the moment you embark, your focus is entirely on the experience — not on math. You’ll never find unexpected charges on your account or awkward moments of guessing whether tipping is appropriate.
2. Consistency in Service Quality
Because Explora’s crew aren’t dependent on tips, the service is consistent across the board. Whether you’re ordering breakfast in your suite or enjoying a cocktail at the Astern Bar, you’ll receive the same attentive, warm hospitality without any sense of expectation.
This creates a culture of genuine service, where every gesture feels natural and heartfelt — not motivated by gratuities.
3. A Reflection of True All-Inclusive Luxury
Luxury travelers value clarity. The most elevated experiences are the ones that feel seamless — where every need is anticipated, and there’s nothing left to think about except enjoying the moment.
Including gratuities in the fare underscores Explora’s position in the ultra-luxury category. It’s not just about indulgence; it’s about removing every small stress that could interrupt your sense of ease.
4. A Global Standard for Modern Hospitality
Explora Journeys attracts a truly international audience. Guests come from cultures with very different tipping customs — from North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. By including gratuities, Explora levels the playing field, ensuring every guest enjoys the same standard of comfort without cultural confusion.
How Explora Compares to Other Cruise Lines
For context, most mainstream cruise lines (such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, or MSC) automatically add daily service charges — often between $15 and $25 per person, per day. Some even add an additional 18–20% gratuity on spa or bar purchases.
Luxury and ultra-luxury lines, on the other hand, tend to include gratuities in their base fare. Explora stands firmly in this category, alongside other top-tier brands that prioritize simplicity and guest comfort.
However, Explora’s model goes a step further: the emphasis on not just including tips, but also discouraging the expectation of them, makes the experience truly refined.
Guests often describe it as liberating — you can simply say “thank you” without reaching for your wallet. And because the team is compensated fairly, the service feels sincere and gracious at every level.
The Only Times You’ll Need Cash
Explora’s onboard environment is virtually cashless. You won’t need to sign receipts, settle daily charges, or tip staff at the end of your voyage.
Still, there are a few practical reasons to carry a small amount of cash:
For tipping local guides and drivers on shore excursions
For purchases or snacks in small local markets
For emergencies or small gestures during land tours
Otherwise, your onboard account and journey fare cover everything. Most guests disembark with a zero balance, often remarking that they never once had to think about money during their entire cruise.
The Guest Experience: Pure Relaxation, No Hidden Costs
Explora Journeys is designed to feel more like a luxury floating resort than a traditional cruise ship. The design, the atmosphere, and even the way you’re served all align with the philosophy of slow luxury — where nothing is rushed, nothing is pressured, and everything feels perfectly effortless.
When gratuities are included, this calm extends to every aspect of your stay. There’s no awkwardness, no envelopes to prepare, and no staff waiting for tips. Instead, there’s a quiet assurance that you are fully cared for from start to finish.
Many guests describe the experience as “elegantly invisible service” — present, thoughtful, and intuitive, yet never overbearing. That’s what true luxury feels like.
If You Still Wish to Tip
Even though Explora Journeys includes gratuities, some guests still like to offer a personal token of thanks. Here’s how to do so gracefully:
Be discreet. Offer your tip personally and privately, rather than at the reception desk.
Use the right currency. The onboard currency is the euro, but you can also use U.S. dollars or local cash during excursions.
Keep it simple. A modest tip — often between €10 and €20 — is more than enough as a gesture of appreciation.
Focus on sincerity. A handwritten note or a personal thank-you often means just as much as money.
Remember, tipping is never expected. The greatest compliment to the crew is your enjoyment of the journey and your decision to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tipping required on Explora Journeys?
No. All onboard gratuities are included in your journey fare. You’ll never see an additional service charge added to your bill.
Are tips expected for shore excursions?
Gratuities for local guides and drivers during off-ship excursions are not included. Small cash tips are appreciated and appropriate for excellent service.
Can I still give a personal tip?
Yes, you can. It’s entirely at your discretion and should be offered personally for exceptional service.
Do service charges apply in bars or specialty restaurants?
No. Drinks, dining, and service throughout the ship are included. You won’t find added percentages or hidden charges.
Will my onboard account show gratuities?
No. Because they are included in your fare, you won’t see any additional line items for tipping on your final bill.
The Stars Desk Perspective
At Stars Desk, we believe that true luxury means more than fine dining and elegant suites — it’s the freedom to experience the world without stress, pressure, or hidden costs.
Explora Journeys embodies this philosophy beautifully. Its all-inclusive approach to gratuities reflects the kind of seamless, effortless travel our clients value most. Every element — from the ocean-facing suites to the curated gastronomy and intuitive service — is designed for complete relaxation.
When you book your Explora Journeys voyage through Stars Desk, you’ll also receive exclusive benefits such as up to €300 Journey Experience Credit per suite and VIP recognition throughout your sailing. It’s our way of ensuring your luxury cruise begins and ends with exceptional value and personal care.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning an Explora Journeys voyage, you can set aside your worries about tipping. Your fare already includes all gratuities, and your crew will deliver exceptional service regardless of additional recognition.
This approach — effortless, transparent, and elegantly simple — captures the spirit of modern luxury travel. You’re free to focus on what truly matters: the ocean, the destinations, and the joy of the journey itself.
When you’re ready to experience Explora Journeys, connect with Stars Desk. Our luxury travel advisors specialize in crafting personalized voyages with exclusive perks, suite credits, and expert guidance from start to finish.
