Fred Olsen Cruises: How Much Are the Gratuities?

Written by Jim Belt in Cruise

When planning a cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, it's important to consider the expected gratuities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This article provides everything you need to know about tipping on Fred Olsen, from prepaid rates to extra cash tips.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines typically charges gratuities at £5.00 per person, per day for guests aged 12 and over. This amount is split equally between your stewardess and restaurant staff.

Tipping Customs

Tippping is customary

Summary

  • Gratuities on Fred. Olsen cruises typically cost £5.00 per person, per day for those over the age of 12.
  • These charges are shared between your stewardess and restaurant waiter, ensuring fair distribution.
  • There are various options for paying gratuities, each affecting your cruise experience differently.

How Gratuities Are Calculated

When you cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, your gratuities are handled in a straightforward manner to ensure that the hardworking crew who contribute to your travel experience are rewarded for their service.

Daily Gratuities Rate

For guests aged 12 and over, Fred. Olsen automatically charges a daily gratuity of £5.00 per person. This charge is:

Service Charges per Service

Each service that you enjoy on the cruise ship can have specific service charges associated with it:

Through the automatic on board account system, Fred. Olsen ensures that gratuities are fairly distributed among the staff, making your travel experience enjoyable and hassle-free.

Understanding Gratuities on Fred Olsen Cruises

When sailing with Fred Olsen Cruises, it's helpful to grasp the ins and outs of their tipping policy to ensure the hardworking crew is appropriately rewarded for their service.

What Are Gratuities?

Gratuities, often known as tips, are a sum of money customarily given to the crew as a way of saying thank you for excellent service provided during the cruise. They are not just a reward for the service team but also form a significant part of their overall income.

Gratuity Guidelines for Fred Olsen Cruises

Fred Olsen Cruises has a recommended gratuity of £5.00 per person, per day, for guests aged 12 and over. This amount is automatically added to your onboard account, simplifying the process for you. The gratuities are shared equally between the stewardess and restaurant waiter, acknowledging their role in enhancing your cruise experience.

Regarding the gratuities:

For further insight into understanding tipping procedures on cruises and how they contribute to the overall experience, consider exploring more about cruise gratuities.

Lastly, should you wish to manage gratuities in a more personalized manner, on Fred Olsen Cruises, you can adjust or remove these automatic gratuities by visiting the reception desk. Envelopes may also be provided should you prefer giving cash tips directly to specific members of the crew on the last night or before disembarkation.

Payment Methods for Gratuities

When sailing with Fred. Olsen Cruises, you have options for how you handle tipping. Understanding these payment methods can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your cruise.

Prepaid Gratuities

Prepaid gratuities are all about convenience. You have the option to pay gratuities before you even step on board.

Paying Onboard

If you prefer to handle gratuities during your cruise, you can do so with ease via the onboard payment system.

Payment methods for gratuities on Fred. Olsen Cruises are designed for your ease, allowing you to enjoy your cruise with one less thing to worry about.

Gratuities and Service Quality

Gratuities on Fred. Olsen Cruises are not just a transaction; they're a reflection of your appreciation for the dedicated service you receive. The amount you tip can directly correlate with the crew's motivation to provide exceptional service.

Expectations for Service

Gratuities on Fred. Olsen Cruises are typically set at £5.00 per person, per day for guests aged 12 and over. These tips are shared among your stewardess and restaurant waiter, pivotal members of the service team who work tirelessly to ensure a pleasant cruise experience for you.

Service Team Composition:

The quality of service on cruise ships like Fred. Olsen includes multiple touchpoints, from the cleanliness of your cabin to the attentiveness of the restaurant staff. In these environments, the crew members, including the spa professionals, are committed to providing you with a memorable and relaxing experience.

Adjusting Gratuities

While gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account, Fred. Olsen recognizes that guest satisfaction may vary. If the service surpasses your expectations, or conversely, does not meet them, you have the discretion to adjust gratuities. It's more than a policy; it's an endorsement of the value you place on service quality.

Adjustment Guidelines:

  1. To increase gratuity: Visit the reception desk.
  2. To decrease gratuity: Discuss with cruise management.

Remember, your gratuities are a powerful tool for rewarding the crew who have made your cruise exceptional. Your direct feedback influences the service quality, ensuring that the team is recognized for going above and beyond.

Special Considerations for Gratuity

When enjoying your Fred. Olsen cruise, it's important to be aware of the additional gratuities applicable to services beyond your room stewardess and restaurant waiter.

Beverage and Spa Service

Group and Event Tipping

When you're part of a group or attending a special event onboard, you might wonder about the tipping protocol. Here's what you should consider:

Comparing Gratuity Practices

When you choose a cruise, understanding the gratuity practices can help you budget better and manage your expectations about the cost of your holiday.

Fred Olsen Versus Other Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruises typically charge gratuities at £5.00 per person, per day for guests aged 12 and over. This is automatically added to your on-board account and shared between your stewardess and restaurant waiter. Comparatively, other lines such as Celebrity Cruises often have higher gratuity rates that range from around $15 to more than $20 per day. P&O Cruises abolished their service charge, meaning you now tip at your discretion.

Cruise Line Automatic Gratuity per Day Ability to Adjust Gratuity
Fred. Olsen Cruises £5.00 Yes
Celebrity Cruises $15 - $20 Yes
P&O Cruises None (Discretionary) Not Applicable

Gratuity Inclusions and Exclusions

The gratuities on Fred. Olsen's ships, such as Borealis and Bolette, are not included in the cost of your holiday but are a suggested figure for the essential staff.

On other lines like Celebrity Cruises, gratuities also cover a wider range of staff members, including buffet staff and activity organizers. When prepaying gratuities, it's key to understand what is covered to avoid any surprise charges during your cruise experience.

Practical Tips for Cruise Guests

When planning your voyage on Fred. Olsen Cruises, understanding the gratuity policy is crucial to budgeting for your cruise holiday. Here's how you can prepare for gratuities and interpret your onboard account with ease.

Budgeting for Gratuities

Understanding the Gratuity Statement

Customs and Etiquette Onboard

When joining a Fred. Olsen cruise, being aware of the ship's customs and etiquette ensures a pleasant experience for you and your fellow passengers.

Dress Code and Formal Nights

Dress Code: Throughout the day, casual wear is typically acceptable on deck and in the ship's lounges. However, swimwear is restricted to the pool areas.

Formal Nights:

Dining and Social Etiquette

Dining Time:

Table Etiquette:

Frequently Asked Questions

When planning a cruise on Fred. Olsen lines, understanding gratuities is a key part of your trip. This section addresses common concerns and provides clear guidance on tipping etiquette aboard.

General Queries on Tipping

How much should you tip on a Fred. Olsen cruise?

Is tipping included in your cruise fare?

Discretionary Gratuity Concerns

Can you adjust the amount you tip?

What if you have specific service personnel you wish to tip more?

Published: 20-12-2023

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