Holland America Line · What it costs
How much are gratuities?
The answer
Checked 2026-09-21US $18.00 per guest per day, or US $20.00 in a suite
- Holland America calls it Crew Appreciation and adds it to your onboard account daily.
- A 20% service charge is added to drinks, specialty dining covers and bar items; 18% on spa and salon.
- Adjustable on board before your account is finalised.
- Nothing is added automatically in ports, terminals or on shore excursions.
In one sentence — Holland America Line: US $18.00 per guest per day, or US $20.00 in a suite. Holland America calls it Crew Appreciation and adds it to your onboard account daily. A 20% service charge is added to drinks, specialty dining covers and bar items; 18% on spa and salon. Adjustable on board before your account is finalised. Nothing is added automatically in ports, terminals or on shore excursions. Read from Holland America Line's own published policy on 2026-09-21. Cruise lines change policies without notice — confirm with Holland America Line before relying on this.
Why this one catches people out
Nearly every line adds a daily service charge per person. It is not optional in practice, and it is the charge people are most often surprised by.
Where this came from
https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/faq/booking/how-to-pay-gratuities-on-a-cruiseWe read these policies from each cruise line's own pages and record the date we read them. Lines change their rules without notice. Always confirm with the cruise line before you rely on anything here.