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Norwegian Cruise Line Announces New Tipping Policy

No More Automatic Gratuities on NCL Ships

In a recent announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) revealed that it would be eliminating its automatic gratuity policy. This means that passengers will no longer be charged a daily service charge for dining, room service, and other onboard services.

Passengers Can Now Decide How Much to Tip

Under the new policy, passengers will have the option to tip individual crew members directly for the services they receive. This gives passengers more control over how much they spend on tips and allows them to reward crew members who provide exceptional service.

Alternative Tipping Options

For those who prefer not to tip individually, NCL will also offer a pre-paid gratuity option. Passengers can purchase a gratuity package at the time of booking or before their cruise departure. This package will cover all onboard gratuities, including dining, room service, and other services.

Exemptions for Certain Passengers

Children under the age of three are exempt from the new tipping policy. In addition, NCL will continue to offer a reduced gratuity rate for passengers who have booked a Haven suite or a The Waterfront stateroom.

Impact on Crew Members

The elimination of automatic gratuities is expected to have a significant impact on NCL's crew members. Previously, crew members relied on gratuities as a significant portion of their income. Under the new policy, crew members will need to work harder to earn tips from passengers.

Response from Passengers

The reaction from passengers to the new tipping policy has been mixed. Some passengers have expressed concerns about the potential impact on crew members, while others have welcomed the opportunity to have more control over how much they spend on tips.

Additional Information

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line's new tipping policy, visit the NCL website or contact your travel agent.