Norwegian Cruise Line Tipping

Tipping on Norwegian Cruise Line: The Real Deal

Ah, tipping—an age-old debate that gets an extra dash of awkward when you’re on a cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is no stranger to the tipping game, complete with automatic gratuities and the ever-present pressure to make room in your budget for extra tips. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Automatic Gratuities: The Fine Print

If you’re not a fan of math (who is, on vacation?), NCL has kindly done the work for you. Their automatic gratuity system tacks on a daily service charge to your bill, which ranges from $20 to $25 per person, per day, depending on your room category. This fee covers the hard-working crew who keep the ship sailing smoothly, including room stewards and dining staff.

• Standard Cabins & Suites: $20 per person, per day
• Haven & Suites with Butler and Concierge: $25 per person, per day

Thanks to these auto-gratuities, you can enjoy your cruise without constantly reaching for your wallet. However, it’s important to remember this fee doesn’t cover specialty services, like spa treatments or specialty dining.

When to Tip Extra: A Gray Area

Sure, auto-gratuities are a wonderful convenience, but what about those moments of exceptional service? Here are some scenarios where extra tipping might cross your mind:

• Room Steward: If they’ve gone above and beyond, slip them an extra $5-$10 per day. A little appreciation goes a long way.
• Wait Staff: Dining room staff do a lot more than just serve your food. An extra $5-$10 for excellent service is a nice gesture.
• Bartenders: If they’re remembering your drink order like it’s a secret code, toss them a dollar or two per drink.
• Specialty Restaurant Servers: While a 20% gratuity is often added to your bill in these venues, consider leaving a few extra bucks for stellar service.
• Excursion Guides: Tipping your guide $5-$10 per person isn’t just polite—it’s expected.

Feeling generous? Good for you! But remember, you’re not obliged to tip extra if the service didn’t warrant it.

The Etiquette Debate: To Tip or Not to Tip

This is where things get spicy. Some cruisers argue that the automatic charges should cover everything, while others feel extra tipping should be standard for personalized service. Honestly, it’s up to your discretion and your budget. But keep in mind, a little extra can make a big difference to crew members who work long hours.

Specialty Restaurants: Are They Special Enough?

When you dine at a specialty restaurant, expect to see a 20% gratuity tacked onto your bill. Is it redundant? Maybe. But if your server really knocks it out of the park, feel free to leave a bit more. And let’s not pretend this is some grand mystery; you knew what you were signing up for when you booked that steakhouse reservation.

Can You Remove Automatic Gratuities?

Yes, you can! But there’s a catch. You’ll need to visit Guest Services, and be prepared for some serious side-eye. Crew members depend heavily on these tips, and removing them is, well, frowned upon. If you do opt to adjust these charges, consider tipping individually to ensure your money reaches the right people.

For more about Norwegian Cruise Line, check out our Norwegian Cruise Line Dossier.