Princess Cruises has raised its onboard service charge to 20 percent, a move that has prompted criticism from some online commenters.
Princess Cruises told Newsweek that the changes would help it “keep pace with rising operational costs while ensuring we continue recognizing the exceptional service our crew provide worldwide.”
What To Know
According to Cruise Hive, passengers on Princess Cruises ships were recently given notices outlining the adjustment, which raises the service charge from 18 percent.
The non-refundable service charge is “automatically added to optional purchases of drinks, dining room and specialty dining, private group functions, and other elective products, services or amenities not included in the cruise fare,” the company said on its website.
The increase is being implemented across the fleet as each ship prepares for its next departure, and it will not apply partway through a voyage for guests already onboard, according to Cruise Hive.
One passenger claiming to be aboard a cruise posted an image of a notice purportedly announcing the change to an online message board, sparking criticism from some users on the forum.
“Dribble dribble with the charges and changes. Seems constant and getting old,” one user wrote.
“I wish they’d just bake it into the price, and let us tip more if we want to,” another user wrote.
Another wrote: “Good ol’ Princess. Always slipping on the proverbial banana peel.”
Cruise blogger Scott Sanfilippo said in a post on X that the charge is separate from daily gratuity and came after a similar move by Carnival.
“On paper, 2 percent does not sound like much. In reality, it adds up fast. A few drinks here, a specialty dinner there, maybe a couple extra-fee purchases during the week, and suddenly your onboard bill is a little fatter than it used to be” Sanfilippo wrote in a blog post.
“So while this is not some massive earth-shattering increase, it is still one more reminder that the cost of cruising keeps creeping up, even when the base fare looks the same.”
What People Are Saying
Princess Cruises told Newsweek in a statement: “We regularly review our pricing structure to ensure we can continue delivering the high-quality service and experience our guests expect, while supporting the crew members who make that experience possible.
“Rolling out starting March 8, we will implement a $1 per guest, per day increase to the Crew Appreciation amount for guests who do not hold a Princess Premier, Princess Plus. In addition, Food and Beverage service charges will be adjusted from 18 percent to 20 percent for those who do not hold a Princess Premier, Princess Plus, or other beverage packages.
“These changes help us keep pace with rising operational costs while ensuring we continue recognizing the exceptional service our crew provide worldwide. We distribute 100 percent of collected gratuities directly back to our crew in support of their dedication and hard work. We remain committed to delivering outstanding value and memorable vacations for our guests.”
What Happens Next
According to Princess Cruises’ website, the increased charges will not apply to passengers who prepaid as part of an all-inclusive package, as it says: “no additional amount will be added to your onboard account for the Crew Appreciation or for those Service Charges covered by such package.”
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