Norwegian Cruise Line is raising its service charges, effective April 1, a cruise line representative tells Travel Agent. The new rates for all ships have increased from $13.99 to $14.50 per person per day for any category up to a mini-suite stateroom, and from $16.99 to $17.50 per person per day for any suite or The Haven.
On the all-inclusive Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, the daily service charges will rise from $18.99 to $19.99 per person per day for inside, ocean view and balcony staterooms, and from $21.99 to $22.99 per person per day for suites.
Any guest that has made a booking by March 31, 2018 will have the option of prepaying their service charges at the current rate if done prior to sail date, the cruise line said. Guests with existing cruise reservations who have already pre-paid their service charges at the current rate are not affected.
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.
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