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Cruiseline tipping policies: Quick guide

Jane Archer offers a guide to major cruiselines’ policies as part of a feature on tipping and cruise ships


Gratuities not included in cruise cost



  • P&O Cruises sticks with the cash and envelope system for passengers on fixed dining, but clients on Ventura or Oceana, who have opted for Freedom dining, will be changed £1.60 a day for the waiters. Envelopes will be provided for the stewards. Tipping is optional.

  • Princess Cruises adds $10 per person per day to the bill for all passengers. This can be removed on request.

  • Norwegian Cruise Line adds $10 per person per day service charge for adults, $5 for under-12s, which is mandatory. NCL also adds a mandatory 18% gratuity to all spa treatments.

  • Fred Olsen Cruise Lines recommends £2 a day each for the cabin steward and restaurant waiter. Envelopes are supplied at reception. 

  • Crystal Cruises includes gratuities for British passengers who have bought a flycruise package.

Gratuities included in cruise cost



  • Ocean Village

  • Island Cruises

  • Thomson Cruises

  • Silversea

  • SeaDream Yacht Club

  • Yachts of Seabourn

  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  • Hebridean International Cruises

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