Holland America Line Gratuities Policy

How much are gratuities on Holland America?

A daily hotel service charge is added automatically to your onboard account, similar in structure to other premium lines, and can be adjusted or removed at Guest Services if you prefer to tip crew members individually instead. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

Can I adjust or remove the automatic gratuity charge?

You can typically request an adjustment at Guest Services, though it's intended for unusual situations rather than a routine discount, given that gratuities fund crew pay. Crew members genuinely rely on this income, which is part of why most lines discourage using the adjustment option as a routine practice. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

Are gratuities included if I prepay them before sailing?

Yes, prepayment locks in today's rate and rolls it into your pre-cruise total instead of billing daily once you're onboard. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.

Do drink packages and specialty dining include a service charge on top of gratuities?

Drink packages and specialty dining typically tack on their own service charge, usually in the 15-20% range, apart from the standard daily gratuity. If you're unsure how the charge breaks down, guest services can usually provide an itemized explanation of what it covers. Good to know before you finalize anything.

Are gratuities different for children?

Some lines charge a reduced or no gratuity for very young children, though most charge the same daily rate per guest in the cabin regardless of age once they're past toddler age. Crew members genuinely rely on this income, which is part of why most lines discourage using the adjustment option as a routine practice. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.

How do gratuities on Holland America compare to other lines?

Call +1-800-406-8495 and an advisor can walk through how Holland America's gratuities stack up against other lines you're considering. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. Good to know before you finalize anything.

Can I prepay gratuities before my Holland America cruise instead of paying onboard?

You can generally prepay the Holland America gratuity charge ahead of sailing, which many find easier than tracking a daily onboard fee. Crew members genuinely rely on this income, which is part of why most lines discourage using the adjustment option as a routine practice. Worth keeping in mind either way.

Do specialty restaurants have a separate gratuity from the daily charge?

Some specialty dining spots charge their own service fee separately from the standard gratuity, so checking per venue is wise. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. Worth keeping in mind either way.

Are gratuities included in Holland America fares booked through a promotion?

Certain Holland America promotions bundle in gratuities, though standard fares generally charge them as an add-on - confirm which applies to you. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.

What's a reasonable way to budget for gratuities on a weeklong cruise?

Take the daily gratuity rate, multiply by nights and guests, and add a little extra buffer for any specialty dining or drink-package service fees on top. Prepaying can simplify your onboard budget considerably if you'd rather not think about a daily charge while traveling. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.