P&O Cruises raises daily service charge

P&O Cruises raises daily service charge

P&O Cruises is raising its recommended daily gratuity from £6 to £7 per passenger from next month.

The increase applies to cruises departing after March 23 and comes just 12 months after gratuities were raised from £5 to £6 per passenger per day.

It applies to all passengers aged over 12.

The new recommended daily rate means couples will be charged almost £200 extra for a two-week cruise to cover tips.

However, the cruise line pointed out that the charge is discretionary.

“The service charge is reviewed periodically and is given directly to reward the waiters, cabin stewards and other staff on board for the exceptional service they provide to guests. It is a discretionary charge,” P&O Cruises said.

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises increased their rates in January and now charge between $14.50 and $18, depending on the cabin grade.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is raising its daily “voluntary” gratuity charge from £4 to £5 from March 7.