Do Children Get Charged Gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines Find Out Here

Children are not automatically charged gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines, as the standard service fees apply only to adults. However, parents should review their final bill carefully, since additional charges may apply if kids participate in specialty dining or spa services with separate tipping policies.

Key Takeaways

• Children are charged gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines, same as adults, per stateroom.
• Gratuities are mandatory and automatically added to your onboard account.
• Review your bill carefully to confirm gratuity charges for all guests, including kids.
• Adjust gratuities if needed by visiting guest services before disembarking.
• Infants under 2 are exempt from automatic gratuity charges in most cases.
• Prepaid gratuities cover children if purchased before your cruise.

Understanding Gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Lines: A Family-Friendly Breakdown

Planning a family vacation on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship is an exciting adventure—sunsets at sea, thrilling onboard activities, and endless dining options. But as parents, one of the biggest concerns often revolves around hidden costs, especially gratuities. You’ve likely heard stories of surprise charges at the end of a cruise, and you’re not alone if you’re asking: do children get charged gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines? This is a crucial question for families trying to budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

Gratuities, also known as service charges or automatic tips, are standard across most cruise lines, including Norwegian. These charges are designed to compensate crew members who provide exceptional service throughout your journey—from housekeeping and dining staff to bar servers and concierge teams. But how does this system apply to children? Are kids charged the same rate as adults? What if your child is under a certain age? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into NCL’s gratuity policy, clarify how it affects families, and provide practical tips to help you manage these costs effectively. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the ins and outs of gratuities ensures a smoother, more enjoyable vacation for everyone on board.

What Are Gratuities and Why Do Cruise Lines Charge Them?

The Purpose Behind Automatic Service Charges

Gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) are not optional extras or last-minute surprises—they are a structured, automated system designed to fairly compensate the hardworking crew. These charges are applied daily to each guest’s account and distributed to various service departments, including:

• Dining room waitstaff and stewards
• Housekeeping and room stewards
• Bar and beverage servers
• Concierge and guest services staff
• Entertainment and activity coordinators

The goal is to ensure that crew members receive consistent and fair compensation, regardless of whether individual guests choose to tip extra. This system also helps maintain high service standards across the board, as crew members are incentivized to provide excellent service to all passengers.

Standard Gratuity Rates on Norwegian Cruise Lines

As of 2024, Norwegian Cruise Lines charges a daily gratuity rate of $20.00 per person, per day for guests staying in standard staterooms (Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Mini-Suite). For guests in higher-tier accommodations like Suite and The Haven, the rate increases to $25.00 per person, per day. These rates are subject to change, so it’s always wise to check the official NCL website or your cruise contract for the most up-to-date information.

For example, a family of four (two adults and two children) on a 7-day cruise in a balcony stateroom would face a base gratuity charge of $560 (4 x $20 x 7 days). But here’s the key question: are children charged the same rate? We’ll explore that in the next section.

How Gratuities Are Applied: Per Person, Per Day

Unlike some expenses on a cruise (like specialty dining or shore excursions), gratuities are applied per person, per day, from the first day of the cruise to the last. This means that even if you’re not actively using certain services every day, the charge still applies. The system is designed to distribute compensation evenly across the crew, who work every day to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.

It’s important to note that gratuities are typically added to your onboard account automatically and appear as a line item on your final bill. You can review and adjust these charges before disembarkation, but doing so may require speaking with guest services—more on that later.

Do Children Get Charged Gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Official NCL Policy: Age-Based Gratuity Charges

The short answer: Yes, children are charged gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines, but the rate depends on age and stateroom category. According to NCL’s official policy, gratuities are applied to all guests aged 3 and older. Children under the age of 3 are not charged for gratuities.

This policy aligns with industry standards and reflects the fact that very young children require less personalized service. However, once a child turns 3, they are considered a full-fare guest and are charged the standard daily gratuity rate based on their stateroom type.

For example:

• A 2-year-old in a balcony stateroom: $0 gratuity
• A 5-year-old in the same stateroom: $20 per day
• An 8-year-old in The Haven: $25 per day

Real-World Example: A Family of Five

Let’s break this down with a practical scenario. The Smith family is booking a 10-day Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Encore:

• Two adults (45 and 43): $20/day each
• Two children (ages 6 and 8): $20/day each
• One toddler (age 2): $0/day

Total gratuity: (2 + 2) x $20 x 10 days = $800. The toddler is not charged, saving the family $200. This illustrates how age-based exemptions can significantly reduce costs for families with young children.

Why the Age 3 Threshold?

Norwegian’s age-3 cutoff is not arbitrary. It reflects operational realities: toddlers typically don’t dine independently, require less housekeeping attention, and are often cared for by parents rather than crew. The cruise line uses this benchmark to balance fairness to staff with affordability for families. However, some critics argue that even young children benefit from service (e.g., high chairs, cribs, childcare), so the exemption is a compromise.

How to Manage and Reduce Gratuity Costs for Families

Pre-Pay Gratuities: Lock in Rates and Save

One of the smartest ways to manage gratuity costs is to pre-pay them before your cruise. NCL allows guests to pay gratuities in advance through their online portal or travel agent. This offers two major benefits:

• Rate Lock-In: Pre-paying secures the current gratuity rate, protecting you from potential increases before your sail date.
• Convenience: Eliminates the stress of large final-day charges and streamlines budgeting.

For families, pre-paying is especially valuable. You can calculate the total cost upfront (factoring in age exemptions) and avoid last-minute surprises. Many travel agencies also offer gratuity-inclusive packages, where the cost is bundled into your cruise fare.

Adjusting Gratuities: Can You Modify the Charges?

While gratuities are automatic, NCL allows guests to adjust them under certain circumstances. If you feel the service was exceptional, you can increase the daily rate. Conversely, if service was poor, you may request a reduction—though this requires a conversation with guest services and is subject to approval.

Important: Adjustments are typically made at the end of the cruise, so be prepared to provide specific feedback. For families, this means:

• Documenting standout crew members (e.g., a server who went above and beyond for your kids).
• Addressing concerns early—don’t wait until the last day.
• Being polite but firm if requesting a reduction; staff rely on these charges for income.

Pro Tip: Some families choose to keep the automatic charge but add a personalized tip (e.g., $50 cash) to their favorite server as a bonus. This way, you support exceptional service while managing costs.

Gratuities and Special Promotions

Keep an eye out for NCL’s gratuity-free promotions. Occasionally, the cruise line offers deals where gratuities are waived for all guests (or certain stateroom categories). These promotions are rare but can save families hundreds of dollars. Sign up for NCL’s email alerts or work with a travel agent to stay informed.

Another cost-saving strategy: book during off-peak seasons (e.g., September–October). Lower demand often leads to more flexible policies, including gratuity discounts or credits.

Gratuities vs. Other Onboard Expenses: What Families Should Budget For

Comparing Gratuity Costs to Other Charges

Gratuities are just one component of onboard spending. To budget effectively, families should also account for:

• Specialty Dining: $20–$50 per person per meal (e.g., Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro)
• Beverage Packages: $60–$90 per person per day (alcohol, soda, specialty coffee)
• Shore Excursions: $50–$200 per person per tour
• Onboard Activities: Spa, arcade, arcade credits, art auctions
• Wi-Fi: $20–$30 per day per device

Gratuities often represent 10–15% of a family’s total onboard spending. For example, a 7-day cruise with $1,000 in gratuities and $3,000 in other expenses means gratuities account for 25% of the budget. This highlights the importance of planning ahead.

Data Table: Estimated Onboard Costs for a Family of Four (7-Day Cruise)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gratuities (2 adults + 2 kids)	$560	$20/day per person (balcony stateroom)
Specialty Dining (2 meals)	$240	$60 per person per meal
Beverage Package (non-alcoholic)	$420	$15/day per person
Shore Excursions (4 people)	$800	$200 per person average
Wi-Fi (2 devices)	$280	$20/day per device
Total	$2,300	Excludes shopping, spa, etc.

This table shows how gratuities fit into the bigger picture. While not the largest expense, they’re a significant and predictable cost that families should prioritize in their planning.

Tips to Control Onboard Spending

To keep costs manageable, families can:

• Use complimentary dining options (main dining rooms, buffets) instead of specialty restaurants.
• Skip beverage packages and stick to free drinks (water, coffee, tea, juice).
• Book shore excursions through local vendors in port (often cheaper than NCL’s offerings).
• Set a daily spending limit and track expenses via NCL’s mobile app.
• Take advantage of kids’ free dining and activity programs (e.g., Splash Academy).

Special Cases and Exceptions: What You Need to Know

Gratuities for Infants and Toddlers

As mentioned earlier, children under 3 are exempt from gratuities. But what about infants in diapers or toddlers in cribs? The policy is clear: no charge for guests under 3, regardless of services used. This includes:

• High chairs in dining areas
• Cribs and baby gear
• Stroller storage

However, if you’re traveling with a 3-year-old whose birthday falls during the cruise, the charge applies from the day they turn 3. For example, a child who turns 3 on day 4 of a 7-day cruise would be charged gratuities for days 4–7.

Gratuities for Large Families and Group Bookings

Families traveling with 5+ members or in group bookings (e.g., reunions, school trips) should be aware of group gratuity policies. NCL may:

• Apply a flat gratuity rate for the entire group.
• Offer a discount for pre-paid gratuities in large bookings.
• Require a deposit to secure the gratuity agreement.

Always confirm these details with your travel agent or NCL’s group sales team. For example, a family reunion of 12 people might negotiate a 10% gratuity discount for pre-payment.

Refunds and Cancellations: What Happens to Pre-Paid Gratuities?

If you cancel your cruise, pre-paid gratuities are typically refundable up to 48 hours before departure. However, if you cancel within 48 hours, the charge may be non-refundable. Check your cruise contract for specific terms. In cases of medical emergencies, NCL may offer exceptions—contact guest services immediately.

Expert Tips for a Stress-Free Gratuity Experience

Communicate with Crew: The Power of Personalized Tips

While automatic gratuities ensure fair compensation, nothing beats a personalized thank-you. Families can:

• Hand a $20–$50 cash tip to a server who made your child’s birthday special.
• Write a thank-you note to your room steward (include a small gift card).
• Tip activity staff who engaged your kids in fun programs.

This approach rewards exceptional service and creates memorable moments. Just remember: cash tips are separate from automatic charges.

Use Technology to Track Charges

NCL’s mobile app lets you monitor your onboard account in real time. Set up alerts for gratuity charges and review them daily. This helps catch errors early (e.g., a child being charged at the wrong rate) and keeps your budget on track.

Plan Ahead and Ask Questions

Before booking, ask your travel agent or NCL directly:

• “What’s the current gratuity rate for my stateroom category?”
• “Are there any promotions that include free gratuities?”
• “How are age exemptions applied for children?”

Being proactive saves time and money. For example, booking a suite with a 3-year-old might cost more in gratuities—but could be offset by suite perks (e.g., butler service, priority dining).

Conclusion: Navigating Gratuities with Confidence

So, do children get charged gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines? Yes—but with important nuances. Children aged 3 and older are charged the standard daily rate, while those under 3 are exempt. By understanding NCL’s policy, pre-paying gratuities, and leveraging age-based savings, families can avoid budget surprises and focus on what matters most: creating unforgettable memories at sea.

Remember, gratuities are more than just a line item on your bill—they’re a way to support the crew who work tirelessly to make your vacation magical. Whether you choose to adjust charges, add personalized tips, or take advantage of promotions, informed decisions lead to stress-free cruising. As you plan your next NCL adventure, use this guide to navigate gratuities with confidence, knowing you’ve got the inside scoop on one of the cruise industry’s most common questions. Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do children get charged gratuity on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) automatically includes gratuities for all guests, including children, in their daily service charges. The fee is applied uniformly per person, regardless of age, as part of their standard policy.

How much is the daily gratuity for kids on NCL cruises?

The gratuity rate for children is the same as adults, typically $16-$20 per person per day (subject to change). This covers dining, housekeeping, and other onboard services for your entire cruise.

Can I adjust or remove gratuities for my children on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

While gratuities are automatically charged, you can modify or remove them by visiting the guest services desk onboard. However, NCL recommends the pre-paid gratuity to fairly compensate crew members for their service.

Why does Norwegian Cruise Line charge gratuities for children?

Gratuities on NCL cruises support the hardworking staff who provide services to all passengers, including kids. The flat-rate system simplifies tipping and ensures crew members receive fair wages for their work.

Is the gratuity policy the same for infants on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Yes, even infants are charged the standard daily gratuity on NCL. The fee applies to all guests occupying a stateroom, regardless of age or dining participation.

Do I need to pay extra gratuities for my kids at specialty restaurants?

No, the automatic gratuity already covers dining at specialty restaurants. However, you may tip extra for exceptional service, but it’s not mandatory for children or adults.