Norwegian Cruise Line in Australia and gratuities,service charges.

Norwegian Cruise Line in Australia and their gratuities, service charges in Australia need to catch up with Princess etc who have none when Australia based.

Apparently you have to ask to have gratuities or as they say service charges removed at the Guest Relations department on board other wise you will have a surprise add on at the end of your cruise.

Below is part of an email answer I received to why it is even added in Australia.

Please be advised that gratuities are always optional services and guests are required to discuss the removal of these service charges on board with our Guest Relations department.

Our ships are still culturally American on board which is why gratuities are not exempt to the Australian market.

Norwegian Cruise Line in Australia and their gratuities, service charges in Australia need to catch up with Princess etc who have none when Australia based.

Apparently you have to ask to have gratuities or as they say service charges removed at the Guest Relations department on board other wise you will have a surprise add on at the end of your cruise.

Below is part of an email answer I received to why it is even added in Australia.

 

Please be advised that gratuities are always optional services and guests are required to discuss the removal of these service charges on board with our Guest Relations department.

Our ships are still culturally American on board which is why gratuities are not exempt to the Australian market.

I hope you are not implying that we should all ask for the gratuities to be removed and stiff the crew of part of their wages which, although abhorrent to the Australia Way, it unfortunately a practice on many cruise lines outside (and some inside) Australian waters.

Yes some cruise lines have now decided to include the gratuities in the fare you pay (so you are still paying it).

I hope you are not implying that we should all ask for the gratuities to be removed and stiff the crew of part of their wages which, although abhorrent to the Australia Way, it unfortunately a practice on many cruise lines outside (and some inside) Australian waters.

 

Yes some cruise lines have now decided to include the gratuities in the fare you pay (so you are still paying it).

Some industry standardisation of the practice would be nice. At the moment it's a hodge-podge of differing schemes which does nothing except confuse the consumer.

Some industry standardisation of the practice would be nice. At the moment it's a hodge-podge of differing schemes which does nothing except confuse the consumer.

Well said,that's how it left me confused.

delete.