Are You Getting TIPPED Off With Gratuities?

There is not many subjects in the cruising world that are more controversial than ‘Tipping or Gratuities’ especially when it come to us Brits! So it may even shock you further than Princess Cruises have announced that for the ‘Second Time’ this year they will raise the daily gratuity charge to passengers on-board accounts.

The increased daily service charge will take effect from the 15th December and will rise from $12.95 to $13.50 per passenger per night (including children) in inside, outside and balcony staterooms. Customers occupying a mini-suite will be charged $14.50 per person per night (previously $13.95) and suite occupiers will increase to $15.50 per person per nights (previously $13.95).

Personally I think this tipping business is getting out of hand, and what’s more annoying is how gratuities vary enormously between cruise lines. For example P&O charge a moderate £5 per person per night, with no charge for children under 12, whereas Royal Caribbean charge approximately $13 (equivalent to £10 per day) including children. So lets say you book a 7 night cruise with both cruise lines for a family of 4 the difference in the gratuities is massive, £70 compared to £280, FOUR times as much. Are you telling me that you get four times better service on Royal Caribbean compared to P&O?

I believe that tips should be included on all cruises. Okay the price might increase slightly to pay the staff better wages but then there would be none of these arguments of people suspecting the cruise lines are pocketing the extra cash rather than giving it to the crew. This idea of pre-paying gratuities up front is that you are no longer giving a gratuity in return for good service but on the assumption of good service. Then if you feel you haven’t received adequate service getting a refund from these cruise companies will not be easy.

I have just come back from an Azamara cruise and I know people who go regularly go on Thomson cruises and these companies include the tips as part of the package. I have to admit not only was the service fantastic, but the staff seemed happy, enthusiastic and were smiling all the time, possibly as they are getting paid a better wage.

What do you think, are they taking the TIPS?