Norwegian Encore Cruise Reviews - Q&A

Customer service was trying to explain that because it's a tip, you can reduce or remove it if you don't feel the service warrants it, just like a restaurant. If you don't want to pay the lump sum gratuity in the future, you can always opt out and tip people in cash. However I think it's better to pay the lump sum because there are a lot of people that help give you a good cruise that you don't interact with, like the kitchen staff that cooks the food. Knowing how hard the staff works and how little they get paid, I would not feel right about reducing the gratuity at all.

Answered by spookylu on February 27, 2023

It goes to several crew members, and the deserve it,. they work hard for it.

Answered by tammyherndon on February 27, 2023

It is stated in your cruise documents. It goes to several crew members and is well deserved.

Answered by nclcruzr on February 27, 2023

Of course. They absolutely deserve it. I always leave a big tip in a thank you card at the end of the cruise. I was more confused that cusitomer service said we can pay $5 instead of $15. That’s the confusing part. First time traveling NCL. Other cruises I tipped everyone I dealt with at end of cruise.

Answered by yoyo71 on February 27, 2023

like everyone said here, it's needed, they depend on it, they work hard for it, just pay it. you try to remove it, they do notice it. not that they won't clean your room or does any worse but keep in mind when you need "additional" assistance a "maybe" would probably end up being a "sorry"

Answered by SoySauce on April 14, 2023

it also goes to all the crew cleaning the ship while you are sleeping, cleaning the outside of the ship while at port, they all work so hard. Just pay it and enjoy your cruise. They totally deserve it.

Answered by nclcruzr on April 14, 2023

You can pre-pay the gratuities when you book your cruise. That way you have no auto.

Answered by MissDataQueen on September 30, 2023