When you set sail on a Dream Cruise, one of the costs you'll need to consider is the gratuity fee. This guide explains Fred Olsen's daily gratuity rates per person so you can plan accordingly. You'll learn exactly how much is recommended to tip your room steward, dining staff, and other crew members.
Dream Cruises charges a gratuity fee of $22 per person per night for Interior to Balcony staterooms and $26 per person per night for Palace Suite accommodations and above.
When planning a cruise vacation, it's important to understand that gratuities or service charges are an integral part of the experience, often automatically added to your onboard account on a per person, per day basis.
A gratuity is a service charge collected by cruise lines as a way to ensure that the staff providing service to you during your cruise are compensated for their efforts. It covers a range of personnel including your cabin steward, dining room staff, and others who contribute to your cruise experience.
Gratuity fees on a cruise are calculated based on a per person, per day rate. This rate varies depending on the cruise line and the type of accommodation you have booked. For example:
| Room Type | Gratuity Fees Per Person, Per Day | Gratuity Type |
|---|---|---|
| Interior & Oceanview Rooms | $12-$15 | Automatic |
| Balcony Rooms & Suites | $15-$20 | Automatic |
| Exceptional Service | Discretionary amount | Discretionary |
These charges are often automatically billed to your onboard account, making it convenient for you to reward the service provided without handling cash.
Automatic gratuities are preset fees charged to every passenger, ensuring a fair and consistent distribution of tips among the ship's staff. However, if you receive exceptional service or feel inclined to offer additional thanks, you can give discretionary gratuities directly to individuals at your own discretion. On the other hand, if the service does not meet your expectations, you have the option to adjust these automatic gratuities at the guest services desk.
When you're settling into a dream cruise, the gratuity fee is an important part of your voyage. It ensures that the diligent crew, from your room attendant to the waitstaff, is compensated for the exceptional service provided.
Your generosity is felt by various members of the cruise crew who work tirelessly to enhance your experience. These typically include:
The gratuities you pay are not just a single fee but are divided up to cover multiple service aspects. The allocation is as follows:
Cruise gratuities are a standardized way to reward the service staff for their hard work during your voyage. These fees vary by cruise line and are typically charged per person, per day.
Mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian (NCL) have a set daily gratuity charge that is automatically added to your onboard account. As of 2023:
Luxury cruise lines typically have different gratuity policies:
Keep in mind, extra services such as spa treatments or dining at exclusive restaurants on any cruise line, including MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises, often have a service charge of around 15-18%, which is separate from the daily gratuity fee.
When booking a Dream Cruise, it's important to consider how gratuities will be handled during your voyage. The options provided allow you to manage your budget and preferences regarding tipping.
You can effortlessly add gratuities to your onboard account, which is linked to your credit card. Charges are typically applied daily and vary based on your room category. You can review these charges regularly on your account statement accessible via the cabin's TV or at the purser’s desk.
Prepaying gratuities is an ideal way to budget for your cruise expenses beforehand. This option means your tipping obligations are taken care of, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about daily charges. Check with Dream Cruises or your booking agent on how to prepay before you set sail.
Should the service exceed or not meet your expectations, you have the option to adjust gratuity charges. Visit the front desk onboard to discuss your gratuity adjustments. Note that any changes should reflect the level of service you received.
If you prefer, you can also opt to pay gratuities in cash directly to the staff members. This more personal approach allows you to recognize individual service excellence. However, be aware of the suggested daily gratuity rates to ensure fair compensation for the crew’s hard work.
When planning for your Dream Cruise adventure, gratuities are an important budgetary consideration that directly impacts the staff servicing your trip. Addressing not just the mandatory service fees but also your personal standards for rewarding exceptional service or handling subpar experiences, you have several options.
Gratuities on a cruise are not just about mandatory service fees; they reflect your satisfaction with the service quality.
If service falls short of expectations, it's within your rights to address these issues.
Recognizing crew members for exceptional service is often greatly appreciated.
Remember, the gratuity you pay is shared among the crew who make your cruise experience enjoyable, from the room stewards to the wait staff. Your tipping decisions should reflect the level of service you feel you received during your voyage.
Cruise gratuities can be a complex topic, with norms and expectations varying by cruise line. Understanding how tipping works on your cruise ensures you budget appropriately and show gratitude to the dedicated staff.
Daily Cruise Ship Gratuities: These are the fees charged per person, per day that cover the services you receive from the ship's crew. The rates typically range based on the stateroom category, and while most cruise lines automatically add these to your onboard account, you should expect to pay about $12-$25 per person each day.
Who Receives Your Gratuities: These daily fees are distributed among the staff who make your cruise experience pleasant, such as your cabin stewards, dining room waitstaff, and other behind-the-scenes crew members.
Making Adjustments: If you receive exceptional service, you're always welcome to tip extra. Conversely, if you feel the need to adjust the suggested gratuity rates, visit the front desk on the ship to discuss your options.
Understanding Tipping on a Cruise: While most cruise lines include gratuities in your fare to some extent, some offer promotions where prepaid gratuities are included, simplifying the process for you.
Children and Gratuities: A common query is whether there are exceptions for small kids when it comes to gratuities. Usually, children are charged the same daily rate as adults, but this can vary with age and by cruise line, so it's always best to check with your specific cruise for their policy.
Disembarkation and Last-Minute Tipping: On the last day of your cruise, it's customary to settle any remaining gratuities. Prepare for this by budgeting ahead of time, and if someone provided exceptional service, consider giving them an additional tip in person to thank them for their efforts during your journey.
Handling Gratuity Envelopes: Some cruise lines provide envelopes for cash tips on the last night. You can use these to give extra thanks to individuals who went above and beyond.
