AIRTOURS Cruises has banned tipping on its ships.
Tips are now included in the cost of a holiday on all four ships in Airtours fleet, saving customers an average of £20-£25 per person on a seven-night cruise.
Previously, the company advised passengers to offer their cabin steward, waiter and assistant waiter tips of £1-£2 per day.
Airtours head of specialist products Gary Wardrope claimed the tour operator wanted to offer customers good value for money.
“Apart from helping people to budget for the cost of their cruise, this new policy again gives us the edge over our competitors.”
The company plans to recompense its staff so they are not out of pocket following the new arrangement.
However, the prices published in the 1999/2000 winter brochure have not been increased as a result.
Rates lead in at £449 per person for a seven-night cruise out of Tenerife on board Seawing. This includes stops at Agadir, Madeira and La Palma.