Travel agents, take note: Norwegian Cruise Line is increasing its service charge for your clients, effective April 1.
According to the cruise line’s website, the prepaid service charge will rise from $15.50 for The Haven and Suites and $13.50 for Mini-Suites and below to $16.99 for The Haven and Suites and $13.99 for Mini-Suites and below, starting with bookings made on or after April 1 for all ships except Norwegian Sky. On that ship, the prepaid charges will rise to $21.99 for Suites and $18.99 for Mini-Suites and below.
For service charges paid onboard, regardless of the booking date, the new rate will be $16.99 for The Haven and Suites and $13.99 for Mini-Suites and Below. On Norwegian Sky, the new rate for service charges paid onboard will be $21.99 for Suites and $18.99 for Mini-Suites and below.
All service charges are per person per day for all guests three years or older. Guests sailing to Hawaii will be charged an additional 4.275 percent Pre Paid Service Charge GET Tax.
The move marks the first increase in the line’s service charges since August 2015, when the line implemented the current rates of $13.50 for stateroom categories up to Mini-Suites and $15.50 for higher suite categories.
Norwegian Cruise Line said it uses a fixed service charge in order to encourage its crew to work together as a team, including complimentary restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff, all of whom are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs. The line said it does not have required or recommended tipping on its ships, although staff are permitted to accept cash gratuities for exceptional or outstanding service.
Visit www.ncl.com