Cruise passengers are facing yet another unwelcome surprise on their vacations: rising costs after booking.
Various automatic fees—like daily gratuities, drink service charges, and specialty dining costs—are causing frustration among travelers. Many feel that cruises are marketed attractively but end up costing much more.
Complaints are reportedly increasing as some cruise lines prepare to hike tips and service fees in 2026.
Holland America Line has announced changes to its tipping policy. Starting June 1, a “crew appreciation” fee will be charged: $18 per day for non-suite guests and $20 for those in suites.
A spokesperson for Holland America mentioned, “Crew Appreciation Day is our way of letting guests acknowledge the hard work of our crew members.” They also noted that these tips will automatically be added to guests’ accounts, although adjustments can be made onboard.
Moreover, an 18% service charge will apply to certain purchases, such as drinks, specialty restaurant fees, and spa services. The company indicated that prices could change without prior notice and urged guests to check with customer service for the latest information.
Regarding the “Crew Appreciation” fee, the spokesperson emphasized that “100% of the fee goes directly to our onboard team” and claimed the fee aligns with industry standards.
MSC Cruises also recently revised its service fees. As of May 11, 2026, guests making new reservations will see an increase of $1 per person per night for standard staterooms, raising the total to $17. For MSC Yacht Club guests, the daily fee will rise by $23 per person.
A spokesperson for MSC stated that these changes aim to support their crew in providing top-notch service.
Carnival Cruise Line similarly increased its tips earlier this spring, now requiring $17 daily for standard staterooms and $19 for suites. Additionally, changes were made to onboard package structures, with adult rates for Bottomless Bubbles going up from $9.50 to $11.99 per day, accompanied by a 20% service charge.
A company spokesperson remarked, “Our onboard team works hard for excellent service, and we believe our guests will find this increase warranted.” However, guests can still adjust gratuities while onboard, despite them being automatically added to accounts.
Automatic tipping has been a norm for cruise lines, but there’s been growing “tipping fatigue” elsewhere, like in restaurants and shops, especially at self-checkout stations.
Earlier in the year, social media erupted with travelers expressing their grievances about inflated gratuities, especially on Reddit. One user remarked, “Gratuities are getting out of control,” while another lamented, “Tipping is rampant; even self-checkout machines ask for tips.” A third person voiced a desire for fair staff wages to be factored into trip costs, rather than relying on tips.
The conversation also made its way to Facebook, where some cruisers argued that companies need to be more transparent about overall trip costs. One commenter pointed out, “I don’t think they include charges that make the advertised price seem lower.”
