The Crazy Fee That One Cruise Line Will Soon Charge You
Ah, that sweet sweet cruise life. The ocean wind in your hair, the expansive sea all around you, and people waiting on your every need. Princess Cruises just sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Although cruise prices went down (due to COVID), and some people swear they are the best way to vacation, prices are about to get a little steeper.
According to Travel and Leisure, Princess Cruises is increasing what it calls its Crew Appreciation Charge to $16 per person. And yes, that is per day. Currently, the Crew Appreciation Charge is $14.50. In addition, the charge for WiFi will increase to $15 a day for one device. For more devices, you’ll have to buy more WiFi access. There is also an option to pay $40 per day for four devices.
It’s also worth noting that there is a tiered structure to Princess Cruises’ Crew Appreciation Charge. The aforementioned $16 per day charge is the base rate. That rate applies to all interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms. However, the daily fee increases to $17 per day per person for Mini Suite and Club Class Staterooms. The highest Crew Appreciation fee caps out at $18 per day per person and applies to Suite accommodations.
These charges are automatic gratuities charged by Princess Cruises (in case you don’t tip) for things like housekeeping, overall entertainment, assisting customers, and cruise director-type activities. However, it’s unclear if this is to discourage travelers from tipping extra and the company hasn’t given an explanation as to exactly why these charges even exist.
Surprisingly it’s not uncommon for people not to tip. This is especially true if travelers live outside the US where it is not a cultural custom to do so. Still, regardless of going on a Princess Cruise to be pampered, the staff also deserves to be appreciated. Primarily when you work on a cruise ship and when you’re walking around, you’re literally “at work.” There’s no hiding or checking out. Suffice it to say, working aboard a cruise ship is not an easy job and in many cases the employees more than deserve the extra appreciation.
Furthermore, although cruising is extremely luxurious bad things do happen. And we’re not just talking about the stock prices, here. But, in reality, the cruise industry tolerates a lot–from pandemics like cases of flu and COVID and legionnaire’s disease to horrible weather and natural disasters. And, there are horror stories of what could happen if you fall overboard. (It can and does happen).
So, on top of being extra nice to travelers all day and all night, you have to put up with the disasters that can occur – some without warning. Princes Cruises charging more for the extra gratuity charge is indeed in line with what is happening in the sector.
In line with what Princess Cruises just announced, earlier this year, Royal Caribbean increased its fee to $16/day per person. Norwegian Cruiseline did the same. Carnival Cruise and Holland America is hanging tough at $14.50 and $15.50 respectively.
So, tip your porter, tip the entertainment on your while you’re on your vacation with Princess Cruises. If you don’t want to spend the extra dough, maybe you just fly away and stay on dryland. Even if you do that, please tip.
