If you go to guest services on a cruise ship and request to remove the automatic gratuity from your account, they will likely accommodate your request. Cruise lines typically have processes in place to handle such requests. However, it's essential to be aware of the following points:
Cabin Steward: If you remove the automatic gratuity and intend to tip your cabin steward in cash, it's possible that they may not be aware of this change immediately. The gratuity you remove from your account goes into a shared pool, and the crew members usually receive their gratuities at the end of the cruise. So, if you opt to tip your cabin steward in cash, it's a good idea to inform them personally about your decision. Many passengers leave a cash tip in an envelope in their cabin on the last day of the cruise, along with a thank-you note.
Waiter: Similar to the cabin steward, if you remove the automatic gratuity for dining and wish to tip your waiter in cash, they may not be aware of this in advance. Like the cabin steward, most waitstaff receive their gratuities at the end of the cruise, distributed from the shared pool. If you choose to tip your waiter in cash, you can do so directly at the end of your dining experience or on the last day of the cruise.
It's worth noting that the automatic gratuity system is in place to ensure that various crew members who contribute to your cruise experience, such as cabin stewards, waiters, and others, receive fair compensation for their services. Removing the automatic gratuity means you will need to manage tipping these individuals directly, which can be more time-consuming but allows you to have more control over how much you tip each crew member based on your satisfaction with their service.
If you have any doubts or concerns about the tipping process on the cruise, don't hesitate to inquire with guest services or the cruise line staff. They are there to assist you and make your cruise experience enjoyable.