Princess to implement second gratuity increase this year

For the second time this year, Princess Cruises is raising the amount it suggests passengers tip their waiters, cabin attendants and other service workers.

Princess implemented a 13% increase on Jan. 1 to the current level of $12.95 a day. 

In a letter to passengers, Princess said that amount will be going up for guests in interior, ocean view and balcony cabins to $13.50 starting Dec. 15. It said mini-suite guests would be assessed $14.50, and full suite guests at $15.50 per day.

The payment plan is the first at Princess to have mini-suites and suites in separate tiers.

Guests can adjust the amounts, which are automatically billed to their shipboard accounts, at the end of each cruise.

Princess said booked passengers can prepay at the current rates through Nov. 15. 

Celebrity, Carnival and Royal Caribbean also have raised gratuity amounts this year.