Ponant Gratuities And Service Charges: What You Actually Need to Know for 2026
Wondering how Ponant handles gratuities and service charges? You're not alone - it's one of the questions our advisors field most often.
Gratuities are generally included in Ponant's fare, consistent with French hospitality norms and the line's more all-inclusive luxury positioning. 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. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Since specifics can differ by sailing date and cabin category, a quick check with an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 is the most reliable way to confirm what applies to you. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are gratuities on Ponant?
Gratuities are generally included in Ponant's fare, consistent with French hospitality norms and the line's more all-inclusive luxury positioning. 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.
Can I adjust or remove the automatic gratuity charge?
Adjusting the automatic gratuity is possible at Guest Services, though it's designed for exceptions rather than regular use, since the charge supports crew compensation. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Are gratuities included if I prepay them before sailing?
You can prepay to secure the current gratuity rate, folding it into your upfront cost rather than seeing it as a daily onboard charge. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Do drink packages and specialty dining include a service charge on top of gratuities?
There's usually a separate service fee on drinks and specialty dining, commonly 15-20%, distinct from your daily cabin gratuity. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Are gratuities different for children?
A handful of lines waive or reduce gratuities for the youngest kids, but most apply the standard per-guest rate once a child is past toddler age. 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. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
How do gratuities on Ponant compare to other lines?
For a side-by-side comparison of gratuity costs between Ponant and other lines, reach out to +1-800-406-8495. 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 prepay gratuities before my Ponant cruise instead of paying onboard?
Prepaying gratuities on Ponant at final payment is common among guests who prefer to handle the cost before boarding. Crew members genuinely rely on this income, which is part of why most lines discourage using the adjustment option as a routine practice. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Do specialty restaurants have a separate gratuity from the daily charge?
Often yes - some specialty dining venues include a separate service charge on top of the standard daily gratuity, so it's worth checking the specific restaurant's policy. 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.
Are gratuities included in Ponant fares booked through a promotion?
Sometimes - certain promotional Ponant fares do bundle gratuities into the price, while standard fares usually add the daily charge separately, so it's worth confirming which applies to your booking. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. Worth keeping in mind either way.
What's a reasonable way to budget for gratuities on a weeklong cruise?
A simple way to budget is to multiply the current daily per-person rate by your cruise length and by the number of guests in your cabin, then add a bit extra for specialty dining or drink-package service charges. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.