How Much Are the Gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) automatically adds daily gratuities of $16–$25 per person, depending on cabin category, with suites and higher-tier rooms incurring the highest fees. These mandatory gratuities cover dining, housekeeping, and other onboard service staff, though you can adjust them pre-cruise or onboard if needed. Always check your final bill, as rates may vary by itinerary and promotions.

Key Takeaways

• Gratuities are mandatory on Norwegian Cruise Line and charged daily per passenger.
• Standard rates start at $16 per person, per day for most staterooms.
• Suites pay higher gratuities, averaging $20+ per person, per day.
• Pre-pay gratuities online to avoid daily charges and simplify budgeting.
• Adjust or remove gratuities onboard only with service dissatisfaction proof.
• Specialty dining staff may require extra tips beyond standard gratuities.

How Much Are the Gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line? Let’s Break It Down

Ah, the joys of cruising—sipping a cocktail by the pool, dancing under the stars, and waking up to a new port every day. But let’s be real: one of the biggest questions on most cruisers’ minds (besides “what’s the buffet like?”) is how much are the gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line? If you’ve ever stood at the end of a cruise staring at your final bill, wondering where that extra $200 came from, you’re not alone. Gratuities, also called service charges, are a standard part of the cruise experience, but they’re often shrouded in mystery.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, understanding how gratuities work on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) can save you from surprise charges and help you budget more effectively. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything—from how much you’ll pay to who gets the tips, when to tip extra, and how to avoid sticker shock when you disembark. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense chat with a fellow cruiser who’s been there, done that, and learned the hard way (so you don’t have to).

How Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities Work: The Basics

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Unlike some cruise lines that leave tipping entirely to your discretion, Norwegian Cruise Line uses an automated gratuity system. That means a daily service charge is added to your onboard account, and it’s applied to every guest in your stateroom—regardless of whether you use all the services. This system ensures that the hardworking crew, from your room steward to your favorite bartender, receives consistent compensation.

Daily Gratuity Rates for 2024

As of 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line’s standard gratuity rates are:

• $20.00 per person, per day for guests in Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Mini-Suite staterooms.
• $25.00 per person, per day for guests in Concierge, Suite, and The Haven categories.

For example, a couple in a balcony room on a 7-day cruise would pay:
$20.00 x 2 guests x 7 days = $280 in automatic gratuities.
A family of four in a suite would pay:
$25.00 x 4 guests x 7 days = $700.

These charges are typically added daily to your onboard account. You’ll see them listed as “Service Charges” or “Gratuities” on your bill, which you’ll receive the night before disembarking.

Who Benefits From These Gratuities?

You might wonder: “Where does all that money go?” Great question. The gratuities are distributed among a wide range of crew members, including:

• Stateroom attendants (your room stewards)
• Dining room servers, assistant servers, and head waiters
• Buffet staff
• Kitchen and galley crew
• Bar and lounge staff
• Entertainment and activities team
• Front desk and guest services

NCL uses a pooled tip system, meaning the total collected is shared among eligible crew based on role, hours worked, and seniority. This ensures that even behind-the-scenes staff who don’t interact with guests directly still receive fair compensation.

Pro tip: While the automatic charge covers most crew, some roles—like spa therapists, specialty dining servers, and butlers—don’t always receive a full share. That’s why many cruisers choose to tip them extra in cash.

When and How Are Gratuities Charged?

One of the most common frustrations cruisers have is the timing and transparency of gratuity charges. Let’s clear that up.

Automatic Daily Charges

Gratuities are added to your account every day of the cruise, starting from day one. This includes port days and sea days. The charge appears as a line item in your daily statement, so you can track it as you go.

For instance, on a 5-day cruise:

• Day 1: $20.00 x 2 = $40.00 added
• Day 2: $40.00 added
• Day 3: $40.00 added
• Day 4: $40.00 added
• Day 5: $40.00 added

Total: $200.00 for two guests in a balcony room.

Note: The charge is applied even if you skip a meal, stay in port all day, or never set foot in the main dining room. It’s a blanket fee for the service infrastructure.

Prepaid Gratuities: Save Time (and Maybe Money)

Many cruisers opt to prepay their gratuities before the cruise. You can do this during the online check-in process or by calling NCL’s customer service. Prepaying has a few advantages:

• No last-minute bill shock—your final account is lower, and you avoid the stress of a large gratuity charge on the last night.
• Convenience—you don’t have to carry extra cash or worry about tipping during the cruise.
• Potential savings—NCL occasionally offers discounts or promotions on prepaid gratuities, especially during sales events.

However, there’s a catch: prepaid gratuities are non-refundable. If you cancel your cruise, you won’t get that money back. So only prepay if you’re confident in your travel plans.

Adjusting Gratuities Onboard

What if you feel the service was exceptional—or not up to par? You can adjust your gratuities onboard, but it’s not as simple as just removing a charge.

• To increase your gratuities, you can visit Guest Services and ask to add extra tips. They’ll apply it to your account.
• To decrease the standard charge, you must speak with Guest Services. NCL allows adjustments based on service quality, but they’re evaluated case by case. Don’t expect a full refund—most reductions are partial and require a formal review.

My advice? If service was truly poor, document specific issues (e.g., “Room wasn’t cleaned for two days”) and speak calmly with Guest Services. But be realistic—cruise staff work incredibly hard, and the automatic charge is meant to be fair and consistent.

Who Should You Tip Extra? Beyond the Automatic Charges

While the automatic gratuities cover the basics, many cruisers choose to tip extra in cash for exceptional service. Here’s where it’s most appreciated—and expected.

Specialty Dining and Bar Staff

Love that lobster at Cagney’s Steakhouse or that custom cocktail at the Skyy Bar? The servers and mixologists in specialty restaurants don’t always receive the full benefit of the automatic gratuities. A 15–20% tip in cash is customary and greatly appreciated.

Example: You spend $100 at a specialty restaurant. The automatic gratuity covers some of the service, but a $15–$20 cash tip shows your appreciation directly to the server.

Spa and Salon Services

Massages, facials, haircuts—these services come with their own built-in gratuities, but they’re often only 10–12%. If you enjoyed your treatment, tip an extra $10–$20 in cash directly to the therapist. They’ll remember your kindness (and might give you a better spot next time).

Butlers and Concierge (Suite Guests)

If you’re in a suite or The Haven, you have a dedicated butler and concierge. While they’re covered by the higher gratuity rate, a personal tip of $20–$50 at the end of the cruise is a kind gesture for going above and beyond—like unpacking your luggage or securing last-minute dinner reservations.

Kids’ Club and Entertainment Staff

Your kids had a blast at Splash Academy? The counselors and entertainers work hard to keep them engaged. A $10–$20 tip at the end of the cruise is a lovely way to say thanks.

Shore Excursion Guides

On private excursions booked through NCL or third-party vendors, guides often rely on tips. A $5–$10 per person per tour is standard, depending on the length and quality of the experience.

Pro tip: Carry small bills in USD. Many crew members prefer cash over card tips, and it’s easier to give exact amounts.

Gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Other Cruise Lines

How does NCL stack up against competitors like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess? Let’s compare.

Daily Rate Comparison (2024)

Here’s a quick look at standard gratuity rates for a 7-day cruise (balcony room, per person):

Cruise Line	Standard Gratuity (Balcony)	Suite Gratuity	Prepay Option?
Norwegian Cruise Line	$20.00/day	$25.00/day	Yes
Royal Caribbean	$18.00/day	$21.00/day	Yes
Carnival Cruise Line	$16.00/day	$18.00/day	Yes
Princess Cruises	$17.50/day	$19.50/day	Yes
MSC Cruises	$14.00–$18.00/day	$16.00–$20.00/day	Yes

NCL’s rates are on the higher end, especially for suites. But remember: NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” model means more dining options, longer hours, and more staff per guest, which may justify the cost.

Service Culture and Tipping Flexibility

Unlike Carnival, which has a more relaxed tipping culture, or Royal Caribbean, which offers digital tip requests via the app, NCL sticks to a traditional model. You won’t get pushy servers asking for tips, but the automatic charge is non-negotiable.

One advantage: NCL doesn’t charge gratuities for kids under 2 (unlike some lines that charge for all guests). That’s a win for families.

All-Inclusive vs. Gratuities

Some lines (like Virgin Voyages) include gratuities in the base fare. NCL doesn’t—but their pricing is often lower upfront, so the total cost can be comparable. Just budget for gratuities separately.

Smart Budgeting: How to Plan for Gratuities

Gratuities can add up fast. A 14-day cruise for two in a balcony room? That’s $560 in automatic charges alone. Here’s how to plan smart.

Calculate Your Total Gratuity Cost

Use this simple formula:
Daily Rate x Number of Guests x Number of Days = Total Gratuities
Add 10–15% for extra cash tips (specialty dining, spa, etc.).

Example:
A family of four (two adults, two teens) on a 10-day cruise in a balcony room:
$20 x 4 x 10 = $800
Plus $120 for extra tips → Total: $920

Save Before You Sail

Gratuities aren’t part of your cruise fare, so they’re easy to overlook. Start saving early:

• Set aside $20–$25 per person per day in your travel fund.
• Use a separate savings account or envelope to avoid spending the money.
• If you prepay, do it during a sale to save 10–15%.

Use Credit Card Perks

Many travel cards offer cash back or points on cruise purchases. If you prepay gratuities with a card that earns 2–3% back, you’re getting a small discount.

Track Your Onboard Spending

Check your daily statement via the NCL app or in your stateroom. This helps you stay on budget and spot any errors early.

Final Thoughts: Gratuities Are Part of the Experience

Let’s be honest: nobody loves getting a surprise bill. But understanding how much the gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line are—and why they exist—can turn a source of stress into a meaningful part of your cruise experience. These charges aren’t just “extra fees.” They’re a way to fairly compensate the hundreds of crew members who work tirelessly to make your vacation unforgettable.

From your cheerful room steward who folds your towel into a swan to the bartender who remembers your favorite drink, these people rely on gratuities as part of their livelihood. By tipping thoughtfully—both through the automatic system and in cash for standout service—you’re not just following the rules. You’re saying “thank you” in a way that truly matters.

So next time you’re packing for your NCL cruise, don’t forget the cash, the budget, and the gratitude. Because at the end of the day, the best part of cruising isn’t just the destinations—it’s the people who make the journey special. And they deserve to be rewarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are the gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) charges daily gratuities of $20–$25 per person, per day for standard staterooms, and $25–$30 for suites. These rates vary slightly depending on the ship and itinerary.

Are gratuities mandatory on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, NCL automatically adds gratuities to your account, but you can adjust or remove them by visiting guest services onboard. Many guests choose to keep them as a standard tip for crew service.

Can I prepay gratuities for my Norwegian cruise?

Yes, you can prepay gratuities online before your cruise at the same daily rates ($20–$30 per person). Prepaying helps streamline your vacation and avoids last-minute adjustments onboard.

Do I need to tip extra if gratuities are already included on NCL?

While gratuities cover standard service, you may want to tip extra for exceptional service or at specialty dining venues. The automatic gratuities are a baseline, not a cap.

How are gratuities calculated for children on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Children ages 3–12 are charged half the adult gratuity rate (around $10–$15 per day), while kids under 3 are exempt. This applies to both prepaid and onboard gratuities.

What services do Norwegian Cruise Line gratuities cover?

Gratuities cover dining room, room service, and housekeeping staff, as well as bar and spa service charges. They don’t include tips for shore excursions or specialty add-ons.