Gratuities are an additional cost that you may need to consider when booking a cruise. Some cruise lines automatically add a gratuity charge of upwards of £10 per person, per day to your bill, plus an extra gratuity charge every time you order a drink. This can result in a bill of a few hundred pounds, which if you’re not expecting it, can come as a bit of a shock!
Thankfully, most luxury cruise lines include gratuities in the cruise fare. So you’ll know that the price you pay for your cruise is the total price, with no nasty surprises. Although you may still be expected to tip for things like spa services or hairdressing.
Tips are included in the cruise fare with Azamara Club Cruises. For spa services, an 18% gratuity will be automatically added to passengers’ bills. Tipping extra isn’t encouraged, but if you would like to do so, you can tip individual staff members in cash.
With Crystal Cruises, basic gratuities are included in the cruise fare. As with Azamara, an extra 18% is automatically added for spa and salon services. There’s no obligation to tip anything extra, but staff will always appreciate extra tips in cash if you feel the desire to do so.
Although Oceania Cruises is a luxury cruise line, gratuities are not included in the fare. The cost is $16 per person, per day and this is automatically added to your shipboard account. The cost is the same for children as it is for adults. For passengers staying in Penthouse, Oceania, Vista or Owner’s suites where butler service is provided, the charge is $23 per person, per day. In addition to this, an 18% gratuity charge is added to all bar bills, spa bills and speciality dining in La Reserve.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises are completely all-inclusive, and this includes all gratuities. Additional tipping is not expected. If passengers wish to give an additional tip, they can make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the purser’s office.
According to Seabourn, tipping is ‘neither required nor expected’ on their ships.
Tips are included in the cruise fare with Silversea Cruises, with the exception of spa services. Any additional tipping is not expected.
If you ‘d like any advice about what’s included in your cruise, or any other aspect of cruising, our dedicated cruise concierge team are on the end of the phone to help. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0207 980 2848.
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