Table Of Content
- things I loved and hated about Norwegian Epic
- Do you have to pay gratuities on cruise?
- Additional cruise ship tipping
- Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion
- Who is covered & not covered by gratuities/service charges?
- Understand the Terms & Conditions Before Booking (Lots of Fine Print)
- Back to “Nickel and Diming” Again: Norwegian Cruise Line Jacks Up Gratuities
Cruisers who opt to only eat in the buffet, who select anytime dining, or who choose more traditional dining will all pay the same amount based on their stateroom category. They are often expressed as the rate for a single person (despite having to pay for double occupancy) and don’t include port fees or taxes. Having to add in gratuity costs to these advertised rates could make them less attractive to potential cruisers. While the cruise lines might say differently, we think that gratuities aren’t included in the headline price for marketing purposes. The cost for two people on a week-long cruise can be well above $200.
things I loved and hated about Norwegian Epic
If that’s the case — and you decide you want to change the amount you are charged for tips — then you can do that. To do so, simply head down to Guest Services on the ship to tell them that you want to change your tip amounts. The amount you pay will vary by cruise line, but they are all in the same ballpark. Most lines charge $16 at the moment, but it steadily rises each year. First of all, if you’re feeling a little confused, don’t worry — you aren’t alone. In fact, we can’t think of a place where gratuities are handled the same way as they are on a cruise ship.
Do you have to pay gratuities on cruise?
Norwegian Cruise Line has a mandatory service charge for all guests, which covers the hardworking crew members who provide exceptional service throughout your journey. If you don’t pay the gratuity upfront, it will be automatically added to your onboard account. Failing to settle this charge can result in penalties or even being denied certain services.
Additional cruise ship tipping
That said, in theory you could request that tips be removed from your account and not tip at all. For example, Carnival does not charge tips for kids under two years old. Norwegian Cruise Lines doesn’t charge gratuities for kids under three. However, for the most part you can expect that every passenger on your trip will see a charge.
It gives passengers prepaid gratuities (Princess calls these "crew appreciation" fees), a single-device Wi-Fi plan and a basic beverage package for a single bundled price of $60 per person, per day. It is also worth noting that Norwegian Cruise Line offers the option to prepay gratuities before embarking on the cruise. This allows guests to have a clear understanding of their total expenses and ensures that the gratuities are taken care of in advance. Prepaying gratuities can be a convenient option for those who prefer to have everything settled before boarding the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line has a suggested gratuity amount that is automatically added to guests’ onboard accounts.
Maybe you’ve made the choice to book Free at Sea instead of a basic cabin without the perks. There’s one more choice to consider, and that is Free at Sea versus Free at Sea Plus. For the full terms and conditions of the offers, you can click here. And here is a breakdown of what’s included from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship First-hand Expert Review - Cruise Critic
Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship First-hand Expert Review.
Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:54:12 GMT [source]
When it comes to tipping on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation, it’s important to know the appropriate amounts for each service. NCL suggests a daily per-person gratuity of $15 for guests staying in standard staterooms and $18 for those in suites. These amounts cover the cabin steward, restaurant servers, and other crew members who provide exceptional service throughout your trip.
Considering the fees range from $20 to $25 per person, per day, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these details before setting sail. Remember, gratuities are an essential part of the cruising experience as they support the hardworking crew members who ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout your trip. Therefore, it’s encouraged to recognize and appreciate their efforts by paying the recommended gratuity amounts or more if you receive exceptional service. When it comes to paying gratuities on a cruise, it’s essential to understand the process and options available.
Back to “Nickel and Diming” Again: Norwegian Cruise Line Jacks Up Gratuities
You’ll pay the old fee and won’t be subject to the higher service charge. The FAS gratuities are for the bartenders and specialty restaurant waitstaff. Per day covers your room steward and the "behind the scenes" folks that provide service. You might be wondering how you can get out of paying these cruise service charges. That is to keep an eye on your cruise planner and email for special promotions.
According to the Ultimate Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Tipping Policy, the recommended gratuity for these dedicated professionals is $7 per person, per day. This gratuity ensures that your butler and concierge are recognized for their personalized assistance throughout your cruise experience. Remember, tipping is voluntary but highly appreciated, and can be adjusted at your discretion. For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s tipping policy, visit [insert reliable source link].
Sometimes, free daily gratuities pop up as a Free at Sea perk option, but not often. Most of the time, you'll have to pay the daily service charge as normal. It's $20 per person, per day for Club Balcony Suite staterooms and below, and $25 per person, per day for those staying in suites or The Haven. Babies and toddlers ages 2 and under are not subject to the daily service charge. If your cruise booking comes with more Free at Sea perks than you want, you do not have to choose the amount you are allotted; you can decline any or all Free at Sea perks. While considered a luxury brand, Viking is one of the few high-end cruise lines that does charge a daily guest gratuity.
Free at Sea is a great value if you plan to fully take advantage of each perk. If some inclusions work for you but others do not, carefully consider whether the value is worth the cost (i.e., gratuities). In addition to alcoholic beverages, the Hawaii package includes fountain soda, fresh juice, bottled water, nonalcoholic beer and specialty coffee ordered in the dining rooms only. It doesn't include specialty coffee outside the restaurants, room service, minibar purchases or vending machine purchases.
This means you can pay when you book your cruise and have the charge already budgeted into your vacation spending. You can also book your cruise and then prepay later, but before your trip departs. To conclude, understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s gratuity policy is essential for anyone planning a cruise with this popular cruise line. It is important to note that gratuities are not included in the upfront price of the cruise and are an additional charge.
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