Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are increasing their daily rates for gratuities.
Princess is also increasing prices for its onboard wi-fi service.
Princess confirmed to Travel Gossip that its daily ‘crew appreciation charge’ will increase to $16pp per day in interior, ocean view and balcony cabins; to $17pp per day in a mini-suite or Club Class, and to $18pp per day in a suite.
The new rates represent an increase of $1.50pp per day and come into effect for bookings made from next week, for sailings on 20 February 2023 onwards.
Princess said: “This daily charge recognises our teammates for exceptional service they provide and is shared among many members of our hotel, dining and entertainment teams throughout the fleet.
“These increases will take effect for bookings made on or after December 13, 2022, for voyages sailing February 20, 2023, and beyond.
“The fee applies to all guests that sail with Princess.”
Princess also confirmed wi-fi charges are going up, also from next February.
“When paying for wi-fi onboard, the wi-fi charge increase will apply to all guests sailing on voyages from 20 February and beyond no matter when they booked their cruise,” a spokeswoman said.
The charge for a single device plan will increase from $9.99 per day to $15 per day from 20 February and a four-device plan will increase from $14.99 per day to $40 per plan.
Guests can, however, book an upgrade package that includes wi-fi in the price.
Meanwhile, NCL is increasing daily gratuities for guests booked in suites and regular staterooms, according to Cruise Hive, which says the change will take effect on all sailings starting January 1 2023.
The Haven and suite guests will be charged an extra $5pp per day, to $25pp per day. All other passengers will pay $20pp per day, an increase of $2pp per day for Club Balcony suite guests and an extra $4pp per day for passengers in all other cabin categories.
Guests who have already booked but who are sailing after 1 January can pre-pay the current gratuities price.
NCL also introduced a fee for the continental breakfast option from room service this week, Cruise Hive reports.
Travel Gossip has asked NCL for a comment.
