Norwegian Gratuities: $20 and $25 Service Charge Per Day

Where these numbers come from

Norwegian handles crew pay through a daily service charge. The line says there is no required or recommended tipping for general service, and cash tips are welcome only for exceptional help or for roles paid outside the pool, such as concierge, butler and youth staff.

For bookings made on or after January 1, 2023, the charge is $20 per person per day in Club Balcony Suite categories and below, and $25 per person per day in The Haven and suites. Earlier prepaid bookings show rates from $15.50 to $20.00, depending on category and booking date. The charge applies to guests 3 and older.

Here is a worked total for four guests, two adults plus children aged 8 and 10, on a 7-night cruise. Standard rooms: 4 x 7 x $20 = $560. A Haven booking: 4 x 7 x $25 = $700, or $140 more. If the youngest is a 2-year-old, the charge covers only 3 guests: 3 x 7 x $20 = $420. Bar spending of $300 at the 20% beverage charge adds $60 to the bill. The cruise gratuity calculator handles your exact mix.

The separate 20% applies to beverages, spa and salon, specialty dining and entertainment dining. It is not part of the daily service charge. Prepaying the daily charge does not remove the 20% on the bar. Free at Sea Plus includes prepaid daily service charges, but the line states it does not cover bar, beverage or specialty dining gratuities.

Pre-paying has a flexibility benefit. Prepaid service charges are 100% refundable if you cancel, and you can add them up to 24 hours before sailing through a travel professional. If service is poor, the line says to tell guest services right away and it will work toward a fix. If the issue stays unresolved, the charges can be adjusted.

Compared with the rest of the market, Norwegian's $20 is higher than Carnival's $17 and Royal Caribbean's $18.50. Budget the difference as part of the trip total in the cruise cost calculator. Read the Norwegian overview and the Norwegian drink package page for the other costs.

Sources

• NCL onboard service charge FAQ
• NCL how gratuities work
• NCL gratuity FAQ (20% charges)

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.