Gratuities on the Up with P&O

It has recently been announced that P&O Cruise line will raise the service charges on board from the current £6 per passenger per day – to £7 – A raise of 17%

Anyone who has booked a cruise sailing after the 23^rd March over the age of 12 will have the new amount added to their on board account unless they choose to opt out and tip on an as and when basis

One of the main reasons customers choose to cruise is due to the exceptional service they receive on board and the service charges are used as an incentive for all staff on board to keep up with the high standards expected.

When I have cruised with P&O In the past I have tried both the option of paying gratuities via the on board account – these are automatically added and settled at the end of the cruise, and also tipped individually – each way has pro’s and con’s – for example the bar tender who remembers your name, what you like to drink every time you return is in my opinion brilliant service and well deserving of a tip, however then you think of everything that goes on behind the scenes  – the cabin stewards who leave your cabin immaculate and seem to work every hour of the day. Tipping individually can seem like an expensive way to show your appreciation but it is very easy to lose track of.. Hence the idea of the on board account system settled in one payment.

The new raise in service charges now puts P&O almost in line with other cruise lines here is an outline on tips per day by cruise line.

P&O  – £7 Per Day

Royal Caribbean – $12.95 Per Day = £8.63 per Day

Celebrity Cruises – $13.50 Per Day = £9.34 per day

MSC – $12 Per Day = £7.70

Fred Olsen – £4 per day

Marella – Tips are all included in the fare! Nothing extra to pay

Norwegian Cruise Line – Book an all-inclusive Fare and get your Gratuities included

Take a look at our Cruising guide to Gratuities –

Id love to hear your thoughts on the latest revelation from P&O? Will this make you think twice on who you cruise with on your next holiday?

Eliza x