What are cruise fares, port charges and tips (or service charge)?
Before starting to plan your cruise trip it is better to find out what´s included into the cruise price.
Cruise price consists of cruise rate (fare), port charges and taxes.
Cruise rate (fare)
Cruise rate (fare) - is actually the full payment for the stay in a cabin, attending of all entertainment events (concerts, shows, theaters), sport zones and gym (except for the individual trainings with the coach), and food in restaurants on board the vessel (except for alcoholic drinks). Though lately alcoholic drinks are included into the price of the cruise.
For example, NCL Company makes cruise rates with alcoholic drinks and tips included.
Costa Company divided its rates into Basic (the most budget varient) and Premium (Brindiamo drink package included into the price of the cruise). Brindiamo drink package includes unlimited choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in glasses in restaurants, buffet and bars 24/7.
MSC Company periodically makes "Cruise Wave and drinks package" promo. Cruise is sold with the package "MEALTIME RESTAURANT DRINK PACKAGE" included. This package includes unlimited wine in glasses, draft beer, non-alcoholic drinks, still water during lunch and dinner.
Pullmantur Cruises Company offers cruises only with drinks included into the price of the cruise.
Luxury Cruise Lines may offer cruise rates with tips and some drink packages and excursions included.
Port charges
Whenever a cruise ship docks at a port of call, the local authorities require a fee for stay of the vessel in such a port. Each country has its own amount of taxes. Cruise company pays additional governmant charges (taxes). All this amount is devided between the whole number of passengers aboard and is obligatory for payment. This obligatory amount of payment is fixed. For example, tourist should pay EUR 130-140 for 7 night cruise.
Port charges are not profit for the cruise line or its agent. You should take it into consideration if you are waiting for the discount.
Before a cruise commences, the cruise line will add up the port charges from the different ports of call on the cruise itinerary and will pass the cost of these port charges on to the passengers. Different places charge cruise lines different amounts and the total of your port charges will depend on what ports of call the cruise is visiting and how many stops are included in the itinerary. The more places you’re visiting, the higher the port charges should be.
How much are the service fee (tips)?
Once you plan to go to the cruise you should take into account service fee or tips. If the cruise is long enough the amonut of tips will be big. Most cruise companies make tips as obligatory payment during your stay on board the vessel. Service fee (tips) - is payment for the services rendered onboard during your trip. It´s a fixed price but it differse depending on the cruise company. For example, Costa and MSC Cruises - EUR 10 per night for an adult and EUR 5 per night for a child upto 14 years old. American cruise companies - from USD 12,5 to USDV 17,5 depending on the category of the cabin.
Service charge is an obligatory payment and is charged daily from the board account of the tourist. Sometimes you can pay tips in advance when you pay for the cruise.
Frequently asked questions
The cruise fare includes three main components: the base rate (accommodation, dining in main restaurants, onboard entertainment), port fees and taxes (charged for each port of call), and mandatory service charges (gratuities automatically added daily). The final price at booking usually includes all three components.
Port fees are mandatory charges that the cruise line pays to port authorities for docking. They include berth fees, pier servicing, and health inspections. The amount depends on the port and can range from 50 to 200 EUR per person for the entire cruise.
Most cruise lines automatically charge a service fee of 12-20 USD per person per day. MSC Cruises charges about 12 EUR/day, Royal Caribbean charges 16-18.50 USD/day, and Norwegian charges 16-20 USD/day depending on cabin type. Gratuities can be adjusted at Guest Services.
Technically, on most cruise lines you can visit Guest Services and request removal of automatic gratuities. However, this is discouraged as service charges are distributed among all service staff: cabin stewards, waiters, and bartenders.