Gratuity and Extra Charges

[CHENCE]

I have searched on different websites for answers concerning gratuities and extra charges on NCL. I've found conflicting answers to these questions.

Depending on the website, I've seen that there is either a 15% or 18% gratuity added to charges on the ship. Is it 15% OR 18% and what exactly does that apply to? Does this percentage apply to alcoholic beverages purchased at the bars, surcharges at the restaurants, purchases in stores on board?

Also, I've seen that there is either a $10 or $12 per person per day charge. Is it $10 OR $12 and is this actually the gratuity for the service staff?

I am a first time cruiser and this information will be very helpful to me and I appreciate anyone who can explain this for me...

[penny3333]

Hi CHENCE, welcome to Cruise-Chat! Congratulations on your up-coming cruise! The standard charges are 15% added to your beverages that are not free. These are all alcoholic beverages, sodas, and some juices. There will be some juice, tea, coffee, water, and a punch available free of charge in the buffet area and drink stations. The 18% charge would be included on spa treatments or the beauty salon. Tips (service fees) are added to your bill at a rate of $12/per day. You can adjust them, if you desire. We normally leave our auto-tips on the bill and then give extra to those that have gone out of their way for us. Normally for, this is the cabin steward, bar tenders, dining room waiters, and casino host. Sometimes, we'll tip the maitre d' if they've made us feel welcome. The $12/pp per day charge is divided between the cabin steward and your waiters. Room service is not included in this and we normally tips $2-$5 depending on what we've ordered.

Hope this helps.

[Berick1234]

Hi Chence...

I usually find my room steward right away and hand them a $20...just to get off on the right foot:-)....It does work wonders after 23 cruises...I also carry $2 bills to hand out for an extra tip to workers who go out of their way to make my cruise extra special....The $12 a day tips are a bargain...add more if you really get that extra service....Happy Sailing....

Bob E

[CHENCE]

Thanks so much guys for the clarification. This really helps a lot!

While I'm at it...I've not been able to find much about the menus in the different pay restaurants on the NCL Star. Any advice on where to get something like this?

[penny3333]

Wish I could help, but the food is so good in the main dining room, that I've never tried one of the specialty restaurants.

[Berick1234]

I skip the "extra pay" restaurants too...
When I did try one, it wasn't that much better...but I would check out the menus when I got on board the ship....Have a great cruise and great eating.....

Bob E