Quay1

I'll correct my previous comment. I just looked at the Australian Oceania website and it states special offer, free pre paid gratuities plus the choice of credit, shore excursion or beverage package. I'm cynical and the gratuities have probably been factored into the fare because tipping is not part of our culture. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the cruises out of Australia, too many sea days. The one cruise we did to Noumea, the bar was packed before we left port. It was a cheaper cruise line and as we say in OZ full of 'yobbos'.

The reason that I made a comment about building/adding the gratuities into the fare is because for the Australian market, the cruise lines that we have travelled with include them as part of our fare. I would have no idea how much has been allocated per day for the crew. Yes, the fare is going to be more expensive, but I personally prefer it that way. We don't get extra credit from our TA, we pay more per cruise because of our lousy exchange rate, we don't have complimentary airfares. I'd rather have all expenses paid for except alcohol before I leave home.

The advantage of building the gratuity into the cruise fare means no more long lines at reception. Many cruise lines are building the gratuities into the fare for the Australian market.

My husband is Coeliac and is often assigned a person to oversee his menu choices. He has regularly tipped the person concerned.

We booked the Airport Hotel for the night as our flight left at 3am.The rooms are basic but far cheaper than the Hilton and other chains. The only food options are the takeaway outlets at the airport. My biggest regret was not booking a tour around Papeete, even a half day tour would have been good. It was a long boring day, being Sunday nothing was open.