cruise service charges articles

All you need to know about cruise tips Cruise tips. Do you have to tip on all cruises? Well, it depends. Cruise lines often provide different tipping policies, which can vary depending on the cruise line, destination, or even the type of service you receive. If you prefer not to worry about tipping while on vacation, booking with an all-inclusive or luxury cruise line that includes gratuities in the fare is your best option. For most mainstream cruise lines, prepare for daily gratuities to be automatically charged but know that you can prepay them or adjust them based on the service received. Here's a breakdown of the tips on cruise ships and a guide to which cruise lines include or exclude gratuities: Tips for Handling Cruise Gratuities Understand the Cruise Line's Policy. Each cruise line has its own tipping policy. Some include gratuities in the fare, while others charge them automatically to your account or allow you to tip at your discretion. Prepay Gratuities. Many cruise lines offer the option to prepay tips when you book. Prepaying can give you peace of mind and eliminate surprises at the end of the cruise. Adjust Tips Onboard. If you feel the service you received was exceptional or subpar, many cruise lines allow you to adjust the gratuities at guest services during or after your cruise. Check if Gratuities are Included. Some luxury and all-inclusive cruise lines include gratuities in their fare, meaning you don’t need to worry about tipping unless you want to provide something extra. Special Services. If you receive exceptional service from a specific crew member, like a butler or a concierge, feel free to offer them an additional cash tip. Onboard Drinks and Spa. Gratuities are often added to onboard drinks and spa services automatically, typically around 15%-20%. But it depends on the Cruise line. YOu will find information on our website. Always check your receipts in case you have been charged wrong, although this does not normally happen. Cash for Shore Excursions. Bring cash for tipping local guides, drivers, and others on shore excursions, as cruise gratuities don’t usually cover them. Cruise Lines' tipping policies Luxury and Gratuities Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Gratuities are included in the cruise fare, covering housekeeping, dining staff, and other onboard services. Seabourn Cruise Line. All-inclusive luxury line. Tipping is neither required nor expected, as gratuities are included in the price. Silversea Cruises. Another luxury line with gratuities included in the fare. Guests may still tip staff for exceptional service, but it’s not expected. Azamara.: Gratuities are included for housekeeping, dining, and bar services. However, tipping for spa treatments or drinks may incur an extra charge. Gratuities charged separately Royal Caribbean International. Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account, generally around $16-18 per person, per day, for suites and standard staterooms. You can prepay tips during booking. Carnival Cruise Line. Gratuities are added to the onboard account (about $16 per person per day for suites and $14 per day for standard rooms). Prepaying is also an option. Norwegian Cruise Line. A daily gratuity charge is added automatically (usually $18-20 per person per day depending on cabin type). Prepaying gratuities is also available. Celebrity Cruises. A gratuity fee is automatically added to the guest’s account (approximately $17-18 per person per day). Prepaid options are available. Princess Cruises. Daily gratuities are added to your bill (around $16-17 per person per day, depending on the stateroom). You can prepay them if you prefer on your cruise personaliser. Including service charges or gratuities MSC Cruises. This international cruise line includes in their cruise fare the daily service fee so you can forget about the extra cost at the end of your Cruise. Only gratuities for the drinks you consume onboard will be charged. A 15% Bar Service Charge is automatically added to all purchases. This is unless you book the All Inclusive option or one of their drinks packages. In both cases, the tips for drinks will be included. P&O Cruises. This British-style cruise line also now includes the service charges in their price. So that makes it easier to control the cost of your holiday. You can also book the fare with the classic drinks included. If you book this fare you will enjoy a discount if you compare it to the price onboard. Celestyal Cruises. This popular cruise line, famous for sailing the Aegean & the Adriatic, offers several fare options. However, gratuities are included in all of the sailings offered and all the types of fares Customising Tipping for Your Cruise Suites and Premium Service. If you're in a suite or premium room, your tips may be higher or they could also be included depending on the cruise line. These staterooms often come with added service, such as butlers or concierges, and tipping them extra is often appreciated. Luxury Lines. Some high-end cruise lines already include all gratuities in their fares, making them more expensive upfront but simpler in terms of payment.

cruise service charges

What are tips for and which cruise lines include them?