MENU
  • Loading ...
  • Loading ...

Mackay Tourism

Latest News Mackay Tourism

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

Cruise line jacks up mandatory gratuities for travelers as 9 in 10 Americans blast tipping

13 Mar 2026 By foxnews

Cruise line jacks up mandatory gratuities for travelers as 9 in 10 Americans blast tipping
 

It's forecasted that many travelers will be taking cruises this year, and one cruise line in particular is making an adjustment to its pricing structure.

Princess Cruises has announced it will be rolling out a new "crew appreciation" fee while also increasing the cost of food and beverages.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the cruise line said, "Starting March 8, we will implement a $1-per-guest-per-day increase to the crew appreciation amount for guests who do not hold a Princess Premier, Princess Plus [pass]."

AIRPORT SECURITY STRAIN DURING SHUTDOWN GROWS AS UNPAID TSA OFFICERS WARN, 'WE'RE HURTING'

"Food and beverage service charges will be adjusted from 18% to 20% for those who do not hold a Princess Premier, Princess Plus [pass], or other beverage packages," the statement continued.

The spokesperson said the changes will help the cruise line "keep pace with rising operational costs" - and that 100% of collected gratuities will go directly to the crew.

"We remain committed to delivering outstanding value and memorable vacations for our guests," the company added.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

In a related survey released this week, WalletHub found that nearly nine in 10 Americans think the country's tipping culture is "out of control."

Americans in general are "fed up with increased tipping obligations," said Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

"Tips have gone far beyond traditional establishments, which had been places like sit-down restaurants, bars and hair salons," Lupo told Fox News Digital. 

Nearly 22 million Americans are expected to go on ocean cruises in 2026, according to AAA's cruise forecast report.

"These numbers reflect the growing demand for ocean cruises among U.S. travelers," said Stacey Barber, AAA Travel vice president, in a press release.

"Our travel agents see this every day when booking dream vacations for AAA members," Barber added. 

"Whether it's an anniversary trip to relax in the Caribbean or a family reunion to explore Alaska, ocean cruises offer variety, convenience and lifelong memories."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The report found that the Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, with 72% of Americans opting for the sunny islands. 

Fox News Digital's Kelly McGreal contributed reporting. 

More News

Booking.com
Roblox adds age-based accounts for kids and teens
Roblox adds age-based accounts for kids and teens
5 worrisome privacy clauses hidden in smart home devices
5 worrisome privacy clauses hidden in smart home devices
Dangerous water warnings hit trendy vacation spot after powerful storm pounds area
Dangerous water warnings hit trendy vacation spot after powerful storm pounds area
2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck discovered with treasures still clustered where it sank
2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck discovered with treasures still clustered where it sank
Scientists say turtle shells could hold clues to secret side of Neanderthal behavior
Scientists say turtle shells could hold clues to secret side of Neanderthal behavior
Widow, son of late Chicago commissioner found shot dead inside home in suspected homicide: reports
Widow, son of late Chicago commissioner found shot dead inside home in suspected homicide: reports
Harvard president calls students 'ignorant' on Israel-Palestinian conflict
Harvard president calls students 'ignorant' on Israel-Palestinian conflict
Hunter Biden trashes Democratic leadership, hails Gavin Newsom as party's 'greatest warrior'
Hunter Biden trashes Democratic leadership, hails Gavin Newsom as party's 'greatest warrior'
Tigers sign top prospect Kevin McGonigle to $150 million extension just 17 games into career
Tigers sign top prospect Kevin McGonigle to $150 million extension just 17 games into career
'Dukes of Hazzard' star Catherine Bach stuns fans in new photo after reported hospitalization
'Dukes of Hazzard' star Catherine Bach stuns fans in new photo after reported hospitalization
DC Metro CEO fires back at critics hammering him for picture with National Guard troops
DC Metro CEO fires back at critics hammering him for picture with National Guard troops
DC curfew ends as teen takeover fears clock in - city braces for chaos amid spring break mayhem
DC curfew ends as teen takeover fears clock in - city braces for chaos amid spring break mayhem
LIV Golf's end may be imminent after report signals Saudi Arabia is preparing to cut off funding
LIV Golf's end may be imminent after report signals Saudi Arabia is preparing to cut off funding
Airline unveils stacked bunk bed 'pods' as backlash builds over pricey, cramped way to fly
Airline unveils stacked bunk bed 'pods' as backlash builds over pricey, cramped way to fly
Iran shifts 20M barrels through 'dark' offshore oil network bypassing US port blockade, firm says
Iran shifts 20M barrels through 'dark' offshore oil network bypassing US port blockade, firm says
Stefanik clashes with CNN hosts over Trump's Pope comments, while accusing Swalwell of 'criminal' conduct
Stefanik clashes with CNN hosts over Trump's Pope comments, while accusing Swalwell of 'criminal' conduct
Switzerland fires hockey coach who admitted to faking vaccination status for 2022 Beijing Olympics
Switzerland fires hockey coach who admitted to faking vaccination status for 2022 Beijing Olympics
Hannity probes the psychology of Trump's would-be assassin and a new wave of radicalized youth on Fox Nation
Hannity probes the psychology of Trump's would-be assassin and a new wave of radicalized youth on Fox Nation
LABOR SEC CHAVEZ-DeREMER: Trump tax cuts deliver bigger refunds and a big boost for working families
LABOR SEC CHAVEZ-DeREMER: Trump tax cuts deliver bigger refunds and a big boost for working families
Former MLB prospect, 35, killed in car crash while returning from coaching tournament
Former MLB prospect, 35, killed in car crash while returning from coaching tournament
Latest News

copyright © 2026 Mackay Tourism.   All rights reserved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z