Oceania Cruises has announced that it will be including shipboard gratuities for all guests as part of its ‘Your World. Your Way’ brand promise.

Effective October 1, 2024, all guests will now receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers and dining waitstaff automatically in their cruise fare. Previously, gratuities had been included selectively as travel partner or loyalty club amenities, or for guests from certain regions of the world.

Gratuities are in addition to other ‘Your World Included’ amenities, including: dining at all gourmet specialty restaurants; sodas, juices, specialty coffees and teas; still and sparkling Vero Water; unlimited Starlink WiFi; in-room dining; fruit smoothies, gelato and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; and laundry services.

The updated inclusions apply to all new reservations on sailings departing on or after January 1, 2025. The line’s current ‘simply MORE’ offering will end on September 30, 2024, meaning that a shore excursion credit and beverage package will no longer be automatically included.

“The change has come following feedback from guests, highlighting that they would prefer that we include amenities valued by all versus amenities valued by some,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Not surprisingly, our guests place the greatest value on our core inclusions such as free specialty dining and free WiFi. Including gratuities creates the richest possible array of amenities and benefits for our guests globally.”

Based on a 10-day cruise, guests will receive always-included amenities valued at more than US$1,800 per stateroom when compared to premium cruise lines. This figure is based on average charges made for gratuities, WiFi, non-alcoholic beverage packages, and specialty dining reservations. 

Guests can personalize their cruises with extras such as air transportation and transfers, shore excursions, or a beverage package, to be added according to preference.

For more information go to OceaniaCruises.com.

Source: Travelweek