Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have both recently upped their daily automatic gratuity charges for all guests across all cabin types.
NCL’s new rate kicked in on January 1 at US$20 (R340) per person per day for all standard cabin guests – an increase of US$4 (R70). The new rate is also US$20 for those staying in Club Balcony Suites – an increase of US$2 (R30). Guests staying in The Haven Suites will have a new daily gratuity of US$25 (R430) per person per day – a US$5 (R90) increase.
“We make it easy for guests to show their appreciation for these vacation heroes with discretionary daily services charges, which provide gratuities to key onboard team members, including room stewards, restaurant servers and behind-the-scenes support staff,” a statement from NCL reads.
Princess Cruises’ daily gratuity, which it has named ‘Crew Appreciation’, increased by US$1,50 (R30) across all cabin types on December 14, 2022 for the first time since 2019.
Staying in an interior, ocean-view, or balcony cabin now means a charge of US$16 (R270). Mini suite and club class guests will be charged a gratuity of US$17 (R290), and suite guests face a US$18 (R310) rate. All gratuity rates are charged per person per day.