How Much Is the Gatuities for Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Line’s gratuities typically cost $16–$25 per person, per day, depending on cabin category and cruise length. These mandatory service charges are automatically added to your onboard account, covering dining, housekeeping, and other staff—budget accordingly to avoid surprises at checkout.

Key Takeaways

• Daily gratuities range from $16–$25 per person, depending on cabin type.
• Suites pay more: Higher gratuities apply for suite and concierge-level guests.
• Pre-pay option: Lock in rates before sailing to avoid mid-cruise increases.
• Kids under 3 sail free—no gratuities charged for infants.
• Adjustable onboard: Modify or remove gratuities at guest services if needed.
• Specialty dining includes automatic 18–20% service charge—not covered in daily rates.

Understanding Gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line: What You Need to Know

Let’s be real—cruising is one of the most relaxing vacations you can take. You unpack once, wake up in a new port every morning, and let the crew handle the rest. But if you’ve ever looked at your final bill on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) voyage, you’ve probably seen a line item labeled “gratuities” and wondered: How much is the gratuities for Norwegian Cruise Line, really? It’s not always clear, and the number can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

I remember my first NCL cruise. I was excited about the open bar packages and the all-inclusive vibe, but when I saw a $150+ charge for gratuities on my bill, I nearly choked on my piña colada. I thought, “Wait—did I agree to this?” Turns out, I had, but the details were buried in the fine print. That moment sparked my curiosity about how gratuities work, how they’re calculated, and whether you can adjust or even avoid them. If you’ve ever felt the same confusion—or just want to budget smarter for your next NCL trip—this guide is for you. We’ll break down everything from daily rates to special cases, with real examples and practical tips so you can sail stress-free.

How NCL Gratuities Are Calculated: The Daily Rate System

The Standard Daily Gratuity Rate

Norwegian Cruise Line uses a daily gratuity rate that’s automatically added to your onboard account. As of 2024, the standard rates are:

• Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony Staterooms: $20.00 per person, per day
• Club Balcony Suites and Mini-Suites: $25.00 per person, per day
• The Haven and Suites: $30.00 per person, per day

Yes, you read that right—gratuities are tiered based on your stateroom category. So if you’re splurging on a suite in The Haven, expect to pay more in gratuities. This system ensures higher-paying guests contribute more to the crew’s service pool, which is fair, but it can add up quickly. For example, a family of four in a balcony room on a 7-day cruise would pay $560 in automatic gratuities ($20 x 4 x 7).

Why the Tiered System Exists

NCL says the tiered model reflects the level of service you receive. Suite guests get more personalized attention—butlers, priority dining, private lounges—so the higher gratuity helps cover those extra services. It’s not just about room size; it’s about the crew’s time and effort. Still, some cruisers feel the jump from $20 to $30 is steep, especially since the base service (like housekeeping and dining) is similar across categories. My take? It’s a bit of a gray area, but the system is transparent—once you know where to look.

When Gratuities Are Charged

Gratuities start accruing from Day 1 of your cruise, even if you’re in port or not using all services. The charges appear on your onboard account daily, so you’ll see them accumulate as you sail. If you’re on a 10-day cruise, that’s 10 daily charges. Pro tip: Check your account mid-cruise to avoid sticker shock at the end. I once forgot to monitor mine and was hit with a $400+ charge on the last night—lesson learned!

Adjusting, Waiving, or Removing Gratuities: Your Options

Can You Change the Gratuity Amount?

Yes—but it’s not always straightforward. NCL allows you to adjust gratuities up or down at any point during your cruise. To do this:

• Visit the Guest Services desk (usually on Deck 6 or 7)
• Request a gratuity adjustment form
• Specify the new amount per person per day

For example, if you’re in a balcony room and want to lower your gratuities from $20 to $18, you can. But here’s the catch: You’ll need to adjust it for each day individually. If you’re on Day 5 of a 7-day cruise, you can only change Days 5, 6, and 7. Days 1–4 stay at the original rate. This is a common point of confusion. I once tried to adjust my gratuities on the last day and was told I could only change the current day’s charge—so I ended up with a mix of $20 and $18. Not a disaster, but not ideal either.

Waiving Gratuities Entirely: Is It Possible?

Technically, yes—but it’s rare. NCL’s policy states that gratuities are “strongly encouraged” to recognize crew service. If you have a legitimate service issue (e.g., your cabin steward never showed up, or your dining experience was terrible), you can request a full or partial waiver. But you’ll need to:

1. Document the issues (photos, notes, witness names)
2. Report them to Guest Services immediately
3. Be polite but firm in your request

I’ve heard mixed results. One friend got 50% of her gratuities waived after a week of missed room cleanings. Another was told, “We’ll look into it,” but saw no changes. My advice? Don’t count on a full waiver unless your experience was truly unacceptable. The crew works hard, and most cruisers choose to honor their service.

Pre-Paying Gratuities: Pros and Cons

Before your cruise, NCL may offer to pre-pay your gratuities at a discounted rate. For example, you might lock in $18/day instead of $20. Sounds good, right? But consider:

• Pros: Locks in a lower rate, avoids mid-cruise adjustments, and removes the hassle of managing charges onboard
• Cons: You lose flexibility to adjust downward if service is poor, and the discount is usually small (2–5%)

I pre-paid once to simplify my budget. It worked—no surprises—but I felt a twinge of guilt when a crew member went above and beyond and I couldn’t tip extra easily. If you’re a “reward good service” type, pre-paying might not be for you.

Special Cases: Kids, Infants, and Group Bookings

Do Children Pay Gratuities?

Yes, but with a twist. NCL charges gratuities for children aged 3 and older at the same rate as adults. Kids under 3 are exempt. So if you’re sailing with a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, only the 4-year-old’s gratuities apply. This is a relief for families—imagine paying $20/day for a toddler who only eats chicken nuggets!

Example: A family of five (two parents, two kids aged 5 and 7, one infant) in a balcony room pays $1,120 in gratuities ($20 x 4 x 7 days). The infant is free. Not cheap, but better than $1,400.

Group Bookings and Charter Cruises

If you’re booking a group (e.g., a wedding, reunion, or corporate event), gratuities work differently. NCL may:

• Negotiate a custom gratuity rate for the entire group
• Allow the group organizer to set a single rate
• Waive gratuities entirely for charter cruises (full-ship bookings)

I attended a friend’s group cruise, and the organizer negotiated a flat $15/day rate for all guests. It was a win for everyone—lower costs, no daily charges. But this only applies to large groups (usually 16+ cabins). For small groups, standard rates apply.

Military, Senior, and Loyalty Discounts

NCL offers gratuity discounts for certain groups:

• Military/Veterans: 10–15% off gratuities with ID
• Seniors (55+): Occasionally featured in promotions (e.g., “$15/day gratuities”)
• Latitudes Rewards Members: Higher tiers (Gold, Platinum) may get reduced rates or pre-pay discounts

Check your booking confirmation or ask your travel agent about eligibility. I missed a senior discount once because I didn’t ask—lesson learned!

Gratuities vs. Other Fees: What’s Included and What’s Extra

What the Gratuity Covers

NCL’s automatic gratuities are a “pooled” fund distributed to crew members who provide direct, non-beverage service, including:

• Cabin stewards
• Dining room staff (waiters, bussers)
• Buffet attendants
• Room service delivery
• Entertainment crew (for non-ticketed shows)

Notice what’s missing? Beverage service (bartenders, wine stewards) and specialty dining (e.g., Cagney’s Steakhouse). These are not covered by the standard gratuity.

Additional Tipping Scenarios

You’ll likely tip extra in these situations:

• Specialty Dining: Add 18–20% at the end of your meal (NCL often auto-adds 18%, but you can adjust)
• Spa and Salon Services: 15–20% of the service cost
• Excursions: $5–$10 per person for guides; $2–$5 for drivers
• Butler Service (Haven/Suites): $5–$10 per day, left in cash

Pro tip: Bring cash (USD or local currency) for excursions and small tips. Credit cards work for specialty dining, but cash feels more personal.

Common Misconceptions

Don’t fall for these myths:

• “Gratuities are mandatory.” They’re automatic but adjustable.
• “The open bar package covers tips.” No—bartenders still expect 15–20% on drinks, even with the package.
• “You don’t tip in The Haven.” False. While service is more personalized, a $5–$10/day cash tip for your butler is customary.

I once assumed my drink package meant “no tipping,” but the bartender gave me a look that said, “Really?” I quickly learned.

Real-World Examples and Budgeting Tips

Sample Gratuity Calculations

Let’s break down real scenarios:

• 7-Day Cruise, Balcony Room, 2 Adults: $20 x 2 x 7 = $280
• 10-Day Cruise, Suite, Family of 4: $30 x 4 x 10 = $1,200
• 3-Day Cruise, Interior Room, 1 Adult: $20 x 1 x 3 = $60

For longer cruises, the cost adds up fast. A 14-day transatlantic in The Haven? $840 per person. Ouch.

Smart Budgeting Strategies

Save without skimping on service:

1. Pre-pay with a discount: If offered, lock in the lower rate.
2. Adjust mid-cruise: Lower the rate if service is average (e.g., $18/day instead of $20).
3. Use Latitudes Rewards: Higher tiers often get gratuity perks.
4. Factor in extras: Budget an extra $10–$15/day for specialty dining and excursions.

My go-to? I pre-pay if the discount is 5% or more, then tip cash for standout service. It’s a balance between budgeting and appreciation.

When to Tip Extra (and How)

Reward exceptional service with cash:

• Cabin Steward: $5–$10/day if they go above and beyond (e.g., towel animals, extra amenities)
• Waiter: $20–$50 for the cruise if they remember your preferences
• Entertainment Crew: $5–$10 for a memorable show

I once tipped my cabin steward $20 at the end because he left a birthday card and balloons for my mom. It felt good to say thanks.

Data Table: NCL Gratuity Rates (2024)

Stateroom Category	Daily Gratuity (Per Person)	7-Day Cruise (Per Person)	10-Day Cruise (Per Person)
Interior, Oceanview, Balcony	$20.00	$140.00	$200.00
Club Balcony Suite / Mini-Suite	$25.00	$175.00	$250.00
The Haven / Suites	$30.00	$210.00	$300.00

Note: Rates subject to change. Always confirm with NCL or your travel agent before booking.

Final Thoughts: Gratuities as Part of the Cruise Experience

So, how much is the gratuities for Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer depends on your stateroom, cruise length, and choices. But one thing’s clear: Gratuities aren’t just a line item on your bill—they’re a way to say “thank you” to the crew who make your vacation magical. From the cabin steward who turns down your bed to the waiter who remembers your coffee order, these folks work long hours for modest pay. A fair gratuity system ensures they’re recognized.

That said, you’re in control. You can adjust, pre-pay, or even negotiate—just do it with empathy. The crew isn’t a faceless corporation; they’re people with families, dreams, and stories. I’ll never forget the bartender who told me about his daughter’s graduation while I sipped a mojito. A $5 tip felt like the least I could do.

As you plan your next NCL cruise, use this guide to budget wisely. Factor in gratuities from Day 1, tip cash for standout service, and don’t let the numbers stress you. At the end of the day, cruising is about relaxation—and that includes knowing your costs upfront. Bon voyage, and tip well!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the gratuity for Norwegian Cruise Line per day?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recommends a daily gratuity of $16.99 per person for standard staterooms and $19.99 per person for suites and The Haven, as of 2024. These gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account unless you adjust or remove them.

Are gratuities mandatory on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, NCL automatically adds gratuities to your bill, but you can modify or remove them by visiting the guest services desk. The “how much is the gratuity for Norwegian Cruise Line” policy ensures crew members are compensated, but you have the final say.

Do I have to pay gratuities for kids on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Children under 3 are exempt from gratuities, while kids 3–12 receive a 50% discount. For example, a child in a standard stateroom would pay $8.50 per day instead of the full $16.99.

Can I prepay gratuities for Norwegian Cruise Line before my cruise?

Yes, you can prepay gratuities online via NCL’s website before departure. This locks in the current rate and simplifies your onboard spending, though changes can still be made onboard if needed.

How does Norwegian Cruise Line distribute gratuities to staff?

NCL pools gratuities and distributes them among service staff, including housekeeping, dining, and hospitality teams. The “how much is the gratuity for Norwegian Cruise Line” breakdown ensures fair compensation across departments.

What if I want to tip extra beyond the automatic gratuities?

You can give additional cash tips or charge extras to your onboard account. NCL encourages extra gratuities for exceptional service, which are directly handed to the crew members you choose to reward.