Holland America Raises Daily Gratuities to $18-$20 as Cruise Fee Backlash Grows

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 14

Holland America began charging guests $18 a day for non-suite cabins and $20 for suites on June 1, automatically adding the "crew appreciation" fee to onboard accounts.
An 18% service charge also applies to selected purchases including drinks, specialty dining, spa services and bar retail items, adding to complaints that cruise prices rise well beyond advertised fares.
The line said guests can adjust the daily gratuity onboard and that 100% of the charge goes to shipboard staff, calling the increase in line with industry standards.
MSC and Carnival have also lifted 2026 service charges—MSC to $17 and $23 in Yacht Club, Carnival to $17 and $19—fueling broader traveler frustration over automatic tipping and hidden vacation costs.