P&O Cruises tipping: Are tips included on P&O Cruises?

Are tips included on P&O Cruises?

Tips are included on P&O Cruises holidays – they are now factored into the price of your holiday. The cruise line previously charged a £7 a day ‘discretionary daily service charge’ for each guest, but this was axed in 2019.

In answer to the question “Are gratuities included on P&O Cruises?” the P&O Cruises tipping policy now states: “Tipping isn’t needed on our ships so you can relax knowing good service and good times are all part and parcel of your P&O Cruises holiday.”

Do you have to pay tips on P&O Cruises?

While you no longer have to fork out for tipping on P&O Cruises getaways thanks to gratuities being included in the price, you can still tip anyone who made your voyage extra special along the way, whether that’s a waiter who went above and beyond or a particularly helpful cabin steward on your cruise ship.

Indeed some preemptive folk even tip extra at the start of the journey to ensure they benefit from the best service throughout their holiday.

Any amount you contribute is entirely at your discretion. As a guide, fellow UK-based cruise lines Fred.Olsen and Ambassador (who do not include gratuities in their cruise fare) charge £5 per person per night and £7 respectively.

CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) also provides some helpful advice: “Tipping is a matter of individual preference.

“In general terms, the average (inclusive of stateroom steward/ stewardess, waiter, assistant waiter, head waiter) is approximately $10-$15 (£8-£12 at the time of writing) per person, per day.

“Any shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services received or at your discretion. For your convenience, most lines add the standard gratuity to bar service tabs.

“In most cases, general gratuities may be charged to your stateroom. Some lines include gratuities in the price of your cruise, while others maintain a ‘no tipping” policy.’”

– READ MORE: What’s included in your P&O cruise fare? –

Can you opt out of tipping on P&O Cruises?

If you object to the P&O Cruises tipping policy you have the option to request their removal. Head to the guest services desk, state your decision, and the cruise line will opt you out of P&O tips by amending your onboard account.

It’s worth noting that the crew won’t be informed about passengers opting out of tipping on P&O cruises – ensuring the service level remains consistent and you won’t get any nasty looks!

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to consider that crew members depend on these P&O gratuities to supplement their hourly wages; opting out might impact their earnings significantly.

As for what regular cruisers think on the matter, Reddit users have come together to share their thoughts on passengers choosing not to tip on cruises – with most criticising the decisions to opt out of gratuities.

“Whether it’s folded into the fare, or added daily it’s a normal cost of cruising and it’s rude and selfish and stingy to even think about removing it,” one commented on the forum.

Others revealed they go the extra mile no matter what cruises include: “I pay the gratuity and add more in cash to my steward, waiters, bar tenders etc. Sometimes I remember to bring individually wrapped chocolate and give that with the cash,” a Reddit user penned.