Yes we are here again talking about increasing gratuities.
Holland America has just confirmed that they will be increasing their gratuity charges again. The increase will come in to effect from 01st May 2017.
So let’s have a look at the facts. If you are booked on an inside cabin, ocean view or balcony, your service charge will rise 8%, from $12.50 per person, per day, to $13.50. If you are booked in to a Suite, this currently is $13.50 per person, per day, and will jump to $15 per person per day, which is an increase of 11%.
Service charges, or gratuities, serve as compensation split among the ship’s crew (from housekeeping staff and servers in the dining room to crew who work behind the scenes).
I know this is one subject that seems to cause a lot of controversy with most passengers. Some guest just pre pay them so they are out of the way, some guests 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 either alter the charge or you can take them off your on board account, then you can personally tip the staff that have given you an exceptional service. Your choice !!!