Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities Policy

How much are gratuities on Norwegian?

$20 per person, per day for Club Balcony Suites and below, rising to $25 per person, per day for The Haven and other top suite categories. 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.

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. Good to know before you finalize anything.

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. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. 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. This is one of the areas where policies can shift between cruise lines even under the same parent company, so don't assume they match. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

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. If you're unsure how the charge breaks down, guest services can usually provide an itemized explanation of what it covers. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

How do gratuities on Norwegian compare to other lines?

Call +1-800-406-8495 and an advisor can walk through how Norwegian's gratuities stack up against other lines you're considering. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Good to know before you finalize anything.

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

You can generally prepay the Norwegian gratuity charge ahead of sailing, which many find easier than tracking a daily onboard fee. Reviewing your onboard account periodically during the cruise helps you keep track of gratuity and other charges before the final bill. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

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. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Good to know before you finalize anything.

Are gratuities included in Norwegian fares booked through a promotion?

Certain Norwegian promotions bundle in gratuities, though standard fares generally charge them as an add-on - confirm which applies to you. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

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. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Worth keeping in mind either way.