Oceania Cruises has included gratuities for all guests through a new brand value promise, Your World, Your Way.
The luxury arm of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that 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: dining at all gourmet specialty restaurants; sodas, juices, specialty coffees and teas; still and sparkling Vero Water; unlimited StarlinkWiFi; in-room dining; fruit smoothies, gelato and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; and laundry services.
The updated inclusions will begin on October 1 for all new reservations on sailings departing on or after January 1, 2025.
The line’s current simply MORE offering will end on September 30, meaning that a shore excursion credit and beverage package will no longer be automatically included.
The change has come following guest feedback highlighting that while they enjoyed the simply MORE inclusions, they would rather global guest inclusions focused on what mattered most. At the top of this list was always included gratuities for all guests.
“Oceania Cruises’ promise to show our guests Your World. Your Way has been at the heart of our business since we launched more than 20 years ago. 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. 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,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.
“It also gives us a clearly defined position in the cruise sector as the leading ultra-premium line of choice, offering outsized value to our guests.”
Based on a 10-day cruise, guests will receive always included amenities valued at more than $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.
“Here at Oceania Cruises, we’ve always been renowned for our warm and authentic service; it’s part of the intangible magic of sailing on board one of our small, luxurious ships. I’m delighted that we are adding in gratuities for all guests, as our dedicated onboard team is working for guests’ smiles – not their tip. Making every interaction with our guests count is our service culture mantra,” said Mr Del Rio.
The generous suite of always included amenities through the new Your World Included brand value promise in full:
- Gourmet Specialty Restaurants: A variety of distinctive, open-seating restaurants, all at no additional charge.
- In-Suite and In-Stateroom Dining: Our hot and cold in-room dining selections are sublime and complimentary.
- Unlimited WiFi: Starlink® connectivity affords much quicker upload and download speeds.
- Sodas, Specialty Coffees & Teas: Whether at a restaurant, lounge or Baristas coffee bar, it’s always free.
- Still & Sparkling Vero Water®: Unlimited, eco-friendly and great tasting, the gold standard of still and sparkling water.
- Juices, Smoothies & Gourmet Ice Cream: Cold-pressed juices, fruit smoothies, homemade gelato and gourmet ice creams are always included.
- Group Fitness Classes: Choose from a selection of free classes at Aquamar® Spa + Vitality Center.
- Laundry Services: With free launderettes included along with laundry services and pressing for Concierge and Suite levels, you’ll always look your finest.
- Shipboard Gratuities: Our people make the difference – they work for your smile, not for your tip.
Guests can personalise their vacation experience with extras such as air transportation and transfers, shore excursions, or a beverage package, to be added according to preference.
