economy
The hidden cruise charge quietly adding $700 to family vacations
Many cruise passengers are shocked to discover they've been automatically opted in to this totally optional fee. The good news is that it's easy to opt out.
TL;DR
- Cruise lines like Carnival, Princess, and Celebrity have increased their daily gratuity fees.
- These fees are automatically added to passenger accounts and are meant for crew members.
- Passengers can opt out of automatic gratuities at the guest services desk on the first day of the cruise.
- Princess Cruises has also updated its deposit and final payment policies, requiring higher deposits and earlier final payments.
- Travel experts suggest consumers carefully review fine print regarding payment expectations before booking.
- Some passengers are opting for cash tips, while others prefer to pay auto-gratuities and tip select crew members extra.
- Experts highlight the need for transparency in cruise pricing models.