Holland America Line sent a notice to travel agents and made changes to its website confirming an increase in automatic crew appreciation tip rates for all sailings beginning on or after February 14, 2024. The last time the cruise line changed its tip rate was February 1, 2023.
This may or may not be indicative of an annual increase trend, but it is certainly the first of several major cruise lines to make such an increase in a matter of months. do not have.
Holland America Line increases tips for crew
Starting Wednesday, February 14, 2024, all Holland America Line customers will receive an increased Crew Appreciation Service Fee, regardless of the cabin type they stay in.
An update to the cruise line’s website and a notification sent to travel agents confirmed this change and the new tip amount.
“Crew Appreciation is a pool of (adjustable) amounts added to your onboard account each day to recognize the many team members across our fleet who contribute to the guest experience.” The website notice says: “As of January 15, 2024, crew appreciation fees will be $17.00 per person per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $19.00 per person per day for suite guests.”
It is important to note that the actual price increase date is February 14, 2024. Cruises booked before January 15, 2024 will maintain the current lower tip rate.
Previously, non-suite staterooms cost $16 and suites cost $17.50. Effective from February 1, 2023. This new increase is 6% for non-suites and 8% for suites from the latest rate.
But when compared to the January 2023 tipping rate, the difference is even more extreme. At the time, the non-suite tip was $15.50 and the suite was $17.00 for him. That’s a 9% increase (after two tip adjustments) in just over a year. 11% each for non-suites and suites.
Holland America Line says: “Prices are subject to change without notice.” As is the standard for any pricing structure. Please also note that these prices are per passenger per day.
At this time, the 18% service charge added to beverage purchases, specialty restaurant fees, and spa and salon services will remain unchanged.
Reward “Wars”
When one cruise line increases tipping, other cruise lines often follow suit, especially within the same family of cruise lines. Holland America Line is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, so Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, and others may see similar price increases. Cruise company owned by Carnival.
At this time, the service fees for other routes are as follows:
- Carnival Cruise Line – Standard staterooms are $16, suites are $18.
- Princess Cruises – Standard staterooms are $16, Mini Suites and Reserve Collection are $17, Suites are $18
- Royal Caribbean International – $18 for non-suites and junior suites, $20.50 for suites.
- Celebrity Cruises – Standard Staterooms $18, Concierge and Aqua Class $18.50, The Retreat $23
- Norwegian Cruise Line – Standard staterooms are $20, Suites and The Haven are $25.
- Disney Cruise Line – Standard staterooms are $14.50, Concierge staterooms and suites are $15.50
This puts Holland America Line’s increase significantly above the tip rates of other Carnival carriers, but still below the tip rates of other major cruise lines. What surprises many cruise travelers is that while Disney Cruise Line’s proposed gratuity rate is relatively low, Disney Cruise Line’s overall pricing is significantly higher than similar cruise lines. It is also important to note that there is a possibility that
When you look at these service tip fees side by side, it’s easy to see that other Carnival-owned cruise lines will likely see price increases in the near future as well. Whether other cruise lines also increase service rates will depend on the individual cruise line’s policies, financial considerations, and overall decision-making.