For new bookings, the automatic gratuity Norwegian Cruise Line tacks on to Specialty Dining and Ultimate Beverage packages goes up from 18% to 20%, effective immediately.
The increase in the charges has not been publicized by the cruise line, and it is automatically added to the “perks” that are associated with the popular Free At Sea program of NCL. Free At Sea offers various perks to guests upon booking. How many are available is based on the booked stateroom category.
The perks occasionally change, but the Specialty Dining and Ultimate Beverage packages are incredibly popular and almost always available. The service charge only shows up in the last stage of booking, where it's listed as “Choice Promo Srvc Chrg.”
Recently Norwegian decided to increase the per-day price of the package and, including gratuity, line’s beverage package now runs more than US$100 per day tor those buying it outright, opposed to receiving it as a perk.
How much passengers pay depends on the length of their sailing, and whether they choose one or both perks. On a 7-day cruise, the 20% gratuity on the beverage package now adds US$124.60 to the total bill, while the dining package comes with a total charge of US$13.80.