Do you still tip? How to Tip on NCL | Norwegian Cruise Line Tipping Explained (2025)

Editorial Summary

The creators provide a detailed guide on tipping practices specifically for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers. They explain the distinction between the mandatory service charge, which is often prepaid or added daily to onboard accounts, and voluntary tipping. The discussion covers various scenarios, such as tipping cabin stewards in cash to ensure they receive the funds directly and rewarding exceptional service from bartenders. They advise against tipping on top of gratuities already included in specialty dining receipts, expressing skepticism that these additional funds reach the staff. The creators also suggest tipping port staff for baggage handling and mention the possibility of tipping tour guides or entertainment performers. A significant portion of the video addresses the controversy surrounding service charges and whether they subsidize base wages. They propose a hybrid approach where passengers use the service charge as a baseline but provide additional cash tips to reward excellent service in the moment. Finally, they discuss recent changes to beverage package inclusions at private islands and encourage travelers to vote with their wallets regarding cruise line policies.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.