Yes we are here again talking about increasing gratuities. Well for the second time this year, Princess Cruises will raise the daily gratuities automatically charged to passengers’ on-board accounts.
The new service charge is due to take effect on all cruises departing on or after the 15th of December and will increase from $12.95 to $13.30 per person, per day for interior, ocean view and balconies.
For all guests who are booked into a mini-suite or suite, these now will be classed as separate tiers. Guests will no longer pay the normal $13.95 per person, per day, with the new policy this will mean that mini-suite passengers, including Club Class, will pay $14.50 whilst suite passengers will be charged $15.50.
For all guests that have already booked their forth coming cruise with Princess, you do have the option to pre-pay gratuities at the current rate by November 15th and guests who booked with promotions that included gratuities will not be affected.
Princess last raised its automatic service charge by 13% back in January 2016.
This is one subject that seems to cause a lot of controversy with most passengers. Some guest pre pay them so they are out of the way, some guest will have them taken off their on board account and pay at the end of the cruise and some guest think it should be within the price of the cruise, but everyone has their own opinion.
One thing to remember is that gratuities will be automatically added to your on board account at the beginning of your cruise. You can amend the amount you wish to pay OR you can actually opt out from paying pre-paid gratuities. All you need to do is, speak to the pursers office and ask them to take them off your on board account, then you can personally tip the staff that have given you an exceptional service. Your choice !!!