Does Norwegian Cruise Line Include Gratuities in Price Find Out Now

No, Norwegian Cruise Line does not include gratuities in the base cruise fare, so passengers must budget for mandatory daily service charges. These gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account, typically ranging from $14.00 to $18.00 per person, per day, depending on stateroom category—ensuring crew members are compensated for their service.

Key Takeaways

• Gratuities aren’t included: Norwegian Cruise Line adds them as a daily service charge.
• Check your invoice: Gratuities appear as a separate line item, not in the base fare.
• Adjustable onboard: You can modify or remove gratuities before disembarking.
• Pre-pay option: Lock in rates by paying gratuities upfront during booking.
• Suite perks: Some suites include gratuities—confirm before booking.
• Children exempt: Kids under 3 pay no gratuities; others pay full rates.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Include Gratuities in Price? Find Out Now

Picture this: You’re on a sun-drenched deck, sipping a tropical drink, and the ocean breeze gently brushes your face. You’ve just booked your dream vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and everything feels perfect—until you check your bill at the end of the cruise. Suddenly, you’re staring at a long list of extra charges, including something called “gratuities.” Wait, weren’t those included in the price? If you’ve ever wondered, does Norwegian Cruise Line include gratuities in price?, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions travelers ask before setting sail.

Gratuities—or tips—are a big part of the cruise experience. From your room steward who keeps your cabin spotless to the waitstaff who serve your meals with a smile, these crew members rely on tips to supplement their income. But here’s the kicker: NCL doesn’t automatically include gratuities in the base fare. Instead, they offer a recommended daily gratuity rate that’s charged automatically unless you adjust or remove it. It’s a system designed to make tipping easy, but it can catch first-time cruisers off guard. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about NCL’s gratuity policy, how it compares to other cruise lines, and how to manage these charges without breaking the bank.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Gratuity Policy

How Gratuities Are Structured at NCL

NCL uses an automatic gratuity system, which means a daily service charge is added to your account for each day of the cruise. As of 2024, the standard rate is:

• $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms and suites
• $19 per person, per day for guests staying in The Haven (NCL’s luxury suite complex)

These charges are applied to every guest over the age of 2, and they’re automatically added to your final bill unless you request a change. The money is distributed among the crew who provide direct service—think dining staff, housekeeping, and bar servers. This system ensures that hardworking team members are fairly compensated, even if some guests forget or choose not to tip extra.

Why NCL Uses Automatic Gratuities

Automatic gratuities are not unique to NCL—most major cruise lines use them. But why? For one, it reduces the awkwardness of tipping. No more fumbling with cash or trying to remember who helped you. It also ensures consistency. Crew members don’t have to worry about inconsistent tips based on guest generosity. From NCL’s perspective, it’s a win-win: guests have a predictable cost, and crew members receive a reliable income stream.

However, this system can feel a bit impersonal. Some travelers prefer the freedom to tip based on service quality. If you’re one of them, don’t worry—NCL allows you to adjust or even remove the automatic charge. More on that later.

When Gratuities Are Added to Your Bill

Gratuities are charged daily throughout your cruise. If you’re on a 7-day voyage, that’s seven daily charges per person. The total is usually visible in your onboard account, and you’ll see the breakdown during your cruise or at checkout. For example, a family of four in a standard cabin on a 7-day cruise would pay: $16 x 4 people x 7 days = $448 in automatic gratuities.

Pro tip: Check your daily account statement (available via the NCL app or at the front desk) to monitor these charges. This helps avoid surprises at the end of your trip.

How to Modify or Remove Automatic Gratuities

Adjusting Gratuities Before Your Cruise

The best time to manage your gratuities is before you board. NCL allows you to pre-set your gratuity preferences during the online check-in process (usually 30 days before departure). Here’s how:

• Log into your NCL account and go to the “Manage My Reservation” section.
• Look for the “Gratuities” or “Service Charges” option.
• Choose to keep the standard rate, reduce it, or opt out entirely.

Opting out before boarding is the easiest way to avoid daily charges. But keep in mind: if you remove the automatic gratuities, you’ll need to tip manually in cash or via your onboard account. This requires more effort, but it gives you full control over how much you give and to whom.

Changing Gratuities While Onboard

If you forget to adjust gratuities before departure, you can still make changes during your cruise. Visit the guest services desk (usually near the atrium) and request a gratuity adjustment. The staff can reduce, increase, or remove the daily charge.

Important: You must act before the final 24 hours of your cruise. After that, the system locks in the charges, and you can’t make changes. So if you’re on a 7-day cruise, head to guest services by Day 6 at the latest.

What If You Want to Tip Extra?

Great service deserves recognition! If someone goes above and beyond, you can tip extra in cash or add it to your onboard account. Many guests carry small bills (like $1, $5, or $10) to tip room stewards, waiters, or bartenders directly. You can also use the NCL app to add a one-time tip to a crew member’s account.

Example: Your room steward remembers your preference for extra towels and leaves your favorite snacks. A $10 cash tip or a note of thanks with $5 shows your appreciation. Small gestures make a big difference to crew members who work long hours.

Gratuities vs. Other Cruise Lines: How NCL Compares

Automatic Gratuity Rates Across Major Cruise Lines (2024)

Here’s a quick comparison of daily gratuity rates for standard cabins on popular cruise lines:

Cruise Line	Standard Cabin Rate (per person/day)	Suite Rate (if applicable)	Adjustable?
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)	$16	$19 (The Haven)	Yes
Carnival Cruise Line	$14.50	$16.50 (suites)	Yes
Royal Caribbean	$16	$18.50 (suites)	Yes
Princess Cruises	$14.50	$16 (suites)	Yes
Celebrity Cruises	$15.50	$18 (suites)	Yes
Disney Cruise Line	$14	$15.50 (suites)	Yes, but limited

NCL’s rates are on the higher end, especially for The Haven guests. However, the ability to adjust or remove the charge gives you more flexibility than lines with stricter policies (like Disney, which allows adjustments but not full removal).

All-Inclusive vs. Gratuities-Included Packages

Some cruise lines, like Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, include gratuities in the base fare. These are often luxury or all-inclusive lines with higher upfront prices. For example, a 7-day Regent cruise might cost $5,000 per person, but that includes tips, premium drinks, and shore excursions.

NCL, on the other hand, follows the “pay-as-you-go” model. The base fare is lower, but you’ll pay extra for gratuities, drinks, and specialty dining. This appeals to budget-conscious travelers who want to control their spending. But if you hate surprise charges, an all-inclusive line might be a better fit.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Gratuities aren’t the only extra charges on a cruise. Be aware of:

• Specialty Dining: NCL’s main dining rooms are included, but restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse or Le Bistro have cover charges ($20–$50 per person).
• Drinks: Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and bottled water are not included. A drink package (e.g., Premium Beverage Package at $89/day) can help.
• Shore Excursions: Tours and activities in ports are usually extra.

Factoring these into your budget helps avoid sticker shock. A 7-day NCL cruise with gratuities, a drink package, and two specialty dinners could easily add $1,000+ to your base fare for two people.

Tips for Managing Gratuities and Saving Money

Pre-Pay Gratuities for Discounts

NCL occasionally offers promotions where you can pre-pay gratuities at a reduced rate. For example, you might see a deal like: “Pre-pay gratuities for $12 per person/day (normally $16).” This locks in a lower price and avoids daily charges. Check NCL’s website or sign up for their email alerts to catch these deals.

Example: A family of four on a 7-day cruise could save $112 by pre-paying at the discounted rate ($12 vs. $16 x 4 x 7).

Use the NCL App to Track Charges

The NCL app is a game-changer for budgeting. It lets you:

• View daily gratuity charges in real time.
• See a running total of all onboard expenses.
• Adjust gratuities before the final 24 hours.

Download the app before boarding and log in with your reservation details. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re spending and can make adjustments as needed.

Tip Strategically to Avoid Overpaying

Not all crew members are covered by automatic gratuities. For example, spa therapists, shore excursion guides, and concierge staff rely on cash tips. To manage costs:

• Carry small bills (mostly $1 and $5) for quick tips.
• Tip room stewards and waitstaff directly if service exceeds expectations.
• Use your onboard account for larger tips (e.g., $20 for a great excursion guide).

Pro tip: Leave a note with your room steward on the first day. Something like, “We’ll tip $20 cash at the end of the cruise for excellent service.” This sets expectations and avoids awkwardness.

Consider a Gratuities-Inclusive Package

NCL offers vacation packages that bundle gratuities, drinks, and Wi-Fi. For example, the “Free at Sea” promotion sometimes includes a gratuities-inclusive option. These packages can save money if you plan to use all the inclusions. But if you rarely drink alcohol or don’t need Wi-Fi, you might pay more than you would with individual charges.

Always calculate the total cost. A package that includes gratuities ($112 for two people on a 7-day cruise) might be worth it if you’d spend more on drinks and Wi-Fi separately.

Common Misconceptions About NCL Gratuities

“Gratuities Are Mandatory”

False! While NCL recommends the daily rate, you can adjust or remove it. The key is acting early. If you wait until the last day, you’re stuck with the charges. Think of it like a restaurant: the suggested tip is 15–20%, but you can leave more or less.

“All Crew Members Get the Same Share”

Not quite. The gratuity pool is divided among crew in guest-facing roles, but the distribution isn’t equal. Senior staff (like head waiters or stewards) may receive a larger share. This is based on job responsibilities and seniority. Direct cash tips, on the other hand, go 100% to the person you tip.

“You Can’t Tip in Cash”

You absolutely can! Many guests prefer cash because it’s immediate and personal. Crew members appreciate it, and it lets you reward specific individuals. Just keep small bills handy—crew members often don’t have change for large denominations.

“Gratuities Are the Same on All Ships”

NCL’s rates are consistent across the fleet, but service quality can vary. On a newer ship like the Norwegian Encore, you might find more crew members and higher expectations. On an older ship, service might be more relaxed. Your tipping approach can reflect this—higher tips for standout service, or adjustments if service falls short.

Final Thoughts: Should You Pay NCL’s Gratuities?

So, does Norwegian Cruise Line include gratuities in price? The short answer is no. But the long answer is more nuanced. NCL’s automatic gratuity system is designed to simplify tipping, not hide costs. By understanding how it works—and how to manage it—you can enjoy your cruise without financial surprises.

Here’s what to remember:

• Gratuities are adjustable. You can reduce, increase, or remove them before or during your cruise (but act fast!).
• Compare NCL to other lines. If you hate extra charges, consider all-inclusive cruises. If you prefer flexibility, NCL’s model works well.
• Plan ahead. Pre-pay discounts, use the app, and carry cash for strategic tipping.
• Tip with purpose. Recognize great service, but don’t feel pressured to overpay.

At the end of the day, gratuities are about fairness and appreciation. The crew works hard to make your vacation special, and a thoughtful tip—whether automatic or cash—goes a long way. With the right approach, you can sail stress-free, knowing you’ve supported the team behind the scenes while staying within your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Norwegian Cruise Line include gratuities in the price?

No, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) does not include gratuities in the base fare. Instead, daily gratuity charges are automatically added to your onboard account for service staff.

How much are the gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line?

NCL charges a recommended gratuity rate per person, per day (e.g., $20–$25 for standard staterooms, higher for suites). These gratuities are mandatory but adjustable at guest services.

Can I prepay gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, you can prepay gratuities online before your cruise or at the port. This locks in the rate and ensures hassle-free service during your trip. Prepaid gratuities are non-refundable.

Are gratuities included in Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” packages?

No, even with “Free at Sea” promotions, gratuities are not included in the price. You’ll still pay daily gratuities unless you’ve prepaid them separately.

Do I need to tip extra if gratuities are already charged?

While the daily gratuities cover most services, you may tip extra for exceptional service or specialty staff. The automatic gratuities are just the baseline recommendation.

How does Norwegian Cruise Line’s gratuity policy compare to other lines?

NCL’s gratuity policy is similar to other major cruise lines, as most exclude tips from the base price. However, some luxury or all-inclusive lines include gratuities upfront.