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NCL now has the highest paid CEO and the highest service charges in the cruise industry. In September, Carnival Cruise Line updated its room service menu and removed some complimentary items. At the time, the cruise line said it did so to address food waste issues. A few days ago, Princess Cruises also increased gratuities by $1.50 per guest per day for all cabin and suite categories.
Celebrity Cruises
The third and fourth guests staying in a cabin will either be free or pay $99 each with the first two guests paying full fare. No deposit is required for the third and fourth guests, but they do have to pay taxes and port fees. The exact charge for these taxes and fees varies based on the cruise length and itinerary but can be over $200 per person on some seven-day voyages. Through Free at Sea, the dining package applies to the first and second guests on a reservation who must be at least 2 years old. Here's a breakdown of how many specialty restaurant meals you get if you choose this perk, based on the length of the cruise and the cabin category you have.
Exclusions and Separate Charges for Certain Staff Members
When it comes to who is charged the daily fee, Norwegian is among the most generous lines. While some cruise lines charge every person who sails – no matter their age – Norwegian Cruise Line only charges passengers three years or older. So if you won’t use the perks that are offered, be sure to consider if the deal is worth paying the higher price. Even so, there’s a reason the offer is popular — for many people it’s a smart move. During our most recent price checks, we looked at several cruises departing in the weeks ahead all the way to more than a year out.
Do you still tip if gratuity is added on a cruise?
The Unlimited Open Bar Package is Norwegian Cruise Line's base drinks package. The drinks package typically costs $109 per person, per day, plus a 20% gratuity, so it is by far the most popular perk chosen with the Free at Sea promotion (when a choice is offered). Keep in mind the daily gratuity applies to all guests sailing who are 3+. You're also able to prepay your gratuities up to 24 hours before embarkation. Prepaying is just a personal preference, but it does “protect” you in the case of an increase in the service charge.
Passengers staying in The Haven suite area on Norwegian ships and in other suites will face a $25 per person per day service fee — a $5 increase. Some passengers may feel it is unfair to be charged for services they did not personally request or use. However, paying gratuities is never mandatory, and should you feel that the service level needs to improve, you can opt-out. However, you should always carefully consider if this is how to show discontent.
O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill on NCL Ships - Cruise Critic
O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill on NCL Ships.
Posted: Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
What is the onboard service charge?
In conclusion, understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s tipping policy is essential for any passenger embarking on an NCL cruise. Remember to check NCL’s official website for the most up-to-date information on tipping guidelines and amounts. By tipping conscientiously, you contribute to the positive cruise experience for both yourself and the entire crew. On top of the cruise fare, gratuity charges are common on cruises and are typically based on a daily per-person rate.
Silversea Cruises
In that case, it’s worth a quick search of flight-search websites like Kayak to see what the airfare rate will be. In a recent search, we found flights on our own for several hundred dollars cheaper than what we were quoted on the NCL website. However, when you consider the free airfare for the second guest, the Free at Sea offer was better overall.
That gives you a more all-inclusive atmosphere on the ship, instead of worrying about more spending once on the ship. Solo travelers paying 200% of the voyage fare qualify for free airfare when offered. Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion offers guests several perks covered by the cruise fare, with the number often dependent upon the length of the cruise and the stateroom category chosen. We really like the perks you get with the new Free At Sea Plus promotion.
Do I have to pay gratuities on my cruise? Can I change the amount?
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it will be increasing daily gratuities for guests booked in suites and regular staterooms. This change will take effect on all sailings starting January 1, 2023. Passengers who don’t opt for prepayment of tips will find them automatically added to their shipboard account. The last time the line increased service charges was April 2020, one month after the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Norwegian Cruise Line truly knows how to celebrate educators and honor their contributions. This special event aimed to show appreciation and create unforgettable experiences for teachers like me. By organizing a special event and offering free cruises to winning teachers, the company is showing its gratitude and appreciation. This recognition not only acknowledges the efforts of these educators but also creates memorable experiences for them. Also keep in mind that the 20% gratuity is already added in when you sign the receipt for a drink at the bar.
The credit does not apply to Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye equipment rentals. Pre-cruise and post-cruise land tours, private tours and custom shore excursions are not eligible for this promotion; however, group debarkation-day tours are eligible. The first guest may redeem the $50 credit on more than one shore excursion per port but not tickets for them and a travel companion on the same tour.
Before you book, you’ll want to do the math to figure if the daily cost ($98 a day for a couple traveling) is worth the upgrade. For instance, many passengers would be just fine with the basic drink package. Others may take only an excursion or two during the trip, meaning the discount isn’t as big a deal. Guests who upgrade to Free at Sea Plus can upgrade their unlimited Wi-Fi package to include streaming for an additional $10 per person, per day (applicable to the first and second guests only). The third guest on a reservation and beyond must purchase the Premium Plus Beverage Package if the first and second guests purchase Free at Sea Plus.
If guests upgrade to the Princess Plus or Princess Premier Packages, they will not pay any additional gratuities once onboard the ship. On the other hand, many people choose to instead pay the gratuity charges automatically through their onboard account once on the ship. Each day there will be a gratuity charge — or a lump sum added at the end of the trip. How much to tip on a cruise is a question that trips up many first-timers. That's because some cruise lines tack daily service fees onto passenger bills — yet many travelers still hand out additional cash gratuities, either as a matter of course or for exemplary service. These additional gestures of appreciation are not mandatory but are highly encouraged if guests feel that a particular crew member has provided exceptional service.
Stephen Card’s maritime background greatly influenced his career as an artist. Growing up surrounded by the sea and working aboard ships, he developed a deep connection to maritime art. This experience became his artistic inspiration, allowing him to accurately depict ships and capture the essence of cruise history.
On Princess Cruises, the crew appreciation will cost more for voyages departing after February 20, 2023. This fee is applied to each guest’s SeaPass account on a daily basis. In this post, we explain everything you need to know about cruise gratuities broken down by cost for each cruise line. In this complete guide to cruise gratuities for 2023, we explain everything you need to know and break down the costs by cruise line. From the passenger perspective, the gratuity amount is simple — pay a set amount per person, per day, and be done.
