Onboard gratuities are included in every Explora Journeys fare. Explora lists them in its standard journey inclusions, alongside Wi-Fi and the included dining and drinks. This policy was checked October 2, 2026.
I run hospitality for a living, so the tipping moment is something I watch for. On my Explora I sailing, it never became a daily calculation at the bar or dinner. That was one of the welcome differences from a trip where service charges keep arriving after the headline fare.
Are you supposed to tip extra onboard?
The published fare already includes onboard gratuities. An extra personal thank-you is discretionary; it should not become a required daily budget just because you have seen another cruise line’s tipping guide. If you want to give something additional, ask a Host about the appropriate way to do it.
What about the spa and specialty restaurants?
Included gratuities do not mean every experience is included. Explora identifies Anthology as an additional epicurean experience, and spa treatments can have their own prices. The thermal-area inclusion is different from a treatment booking.
Check the current treatment or dining menu and any stated service charges before buying an extra. The public spa FAQ describes the facilities and treatments; it does not establish that every paid service has no additional charge. I would rather have you confirm a specific purchase than turn the general gratuities policy into a promise it does not make.
Do you tip guides and drivers ashore?
The onboard policy should not be assumed to cover an independent guide, driver or excursion service. Check the inclusions for that particular tour or transfer. If gratuities are not included, follow local practice and your own preference; there is no useful single euro amount for every country and length of tour.
On my own sailing, the cash tips I chose to give were ashore. Carrying small local notes made that easier. The shore-excursions guide explains the choice between ship tours and independent arrangements.
Compare the total, not just the headline fare
Other cruise lines can include gratuities, add a daily amount, or apply different terms by market and fare. Use the actual booking terms for the sailing you are considering. The Viking comparison shows one dated budget example with its published recommended gratuity rate; the Oceania comparison explains its booking-date rules.
For the rest of Explora’s fare, see what is included and the current cost guide.
Questions people ask
Are gratuities included on Explora Journeys?
Yes. Onboard gratuities are listed in Explora's standard journey inclusions. This is not limited to a particular suite tier or promotion.
Do I have to leave extra tips onboard?
The published fare includes onboard gratuities. An additional personal thank-you is your choice; it should not be treated as a required daily amount on top of the included policy.
Does included gratuity mean spa treatments and Anthology are free?
No. Included gratuities and included experiences are different things. Anthology and paid spa treatments can carry separate prices. Check the current menu and any stated service charges before purchasing an extra.
Are shore guides and drivers covered?
Do not assume the onboard policy covers services ashore. Check whether the excursion or private transfer includes gratuities, then follow local practice and your own preference.
How does this compare with other cruise lines?
Compare the exact booking terms. Some lines include onboard gratuities; others add or recommend a daily amount, and rules can vary by market or fare. Add any applicable charge to the total trip budget rather than comparing headline fares alone.
— Justin