Norwegian Cruise Line has increased its gratuity charge by up to $1.50 per person per day from 1 April.

However, guests can avoid the increase if they book before 1 April and pre-pay the gratuities charge.

NCL has detailed the new daily charges, which are discretionary, in a letter to agents and customers.

The gratuities charge for passengers in a balcony stateroom or below will rise from $15.50 per person per day to $16. The cost for guests in Club Balcony suites remains at $18 a day, but those in The Haven & Suite face the biggest rise of $1.50 to $18 per person per day.

In a letter, seen by Cruise Hive, NCL said: “At Norwegian Cruise Line, we are committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences at every step of the cruise journey, and with the dedication of our shipboard team, we are able to turn your vacation dreams into reality. As such, we make it easy for guests to show their appreciation for these vacation heroes with discretionary daily services charges, which provide gratuities to key onboard team members, including room stewards, restaurant servers and behind-the-scenes support staff.”