Holland America Raises Gratuities…But Not Too Much

If you’re cruising with Holland America before May 1, 2017, you could save a few dollars. As of May 1, 2017, the cost of daily gratuities aboard all of Holland America’s ships is going to increase.

How Much?

Gratuities will increase from $12.50 per person per day to $13.50 per person per day. That’s if you’re in an inside, oceanview or balcony stateroom – $1.00 a day increase.

Lucky enough to reserve a suite? Be prepared for an 11% increase in daily gratuities, from $13.50 per person per day to $15.00 per person per day.

Where exactly does this money go? It’s split among the ship’s crew and includes the “hidden” employees working behind the scenes like in the laundry and the galley. While gratuities are automatically added to guests’ onboard accounts, it’s always nice to give a little cash to reward excellent service, especially to your room steward, waiter or even a special bartender.

Holland America hasn’t raised the price of gratuities since December 2015. Will more cruise lines follow suit?