Princess Cruises is hiking fees for ‘Crew Appreciation’

Passengers will soon have to pay more to travel aboard a Princess Cruise.

The cruise line is increasing their “Crew Appreciation Fee,” a daily fee per guest that will be automatically added to their onboard accounts “to recognize the efforts of a wide variety of crewmembers who contribute to the experiences of all our guests.”

The money that comes from this additional fee will be pooled and distributed throughout the year to crewmembers working in various departments — many of whom rotate between different ships — in the form of compensation and bonuses.

Amounts added to guests’ accounts for Crew Appreciation are based on the stateroom category:

• Guests in suites will pay an additional $19 per person per day.
• Guests in mini-suites, cabanas and club class will pay an additional $18 per person per day.
• Guests in all other stateroom types will pay an additional $17 per person per day.

Passengers have “complete discretion” to adjust the amount while onboard — but they can only be adjusted prior to disembarking the ship, and they are non-refundable after the cruise ends.

“We pride ourselves on excellent guest satisfaction and our onboard team is available to immediately address any concerns you may have about your cruise,” the Princess Cruises website states.

“In the unlikely event you remain dissatisfied for any reason, the Crew Appreciation is subject to adjustment, at your discretion, at any time during the cruise up to the time you settle your onboard account prior to disembarkation.”

A spokesperson told USA Today that the Crew Appreciation increase will roll out on the same schedule as updates to the line’s Princess Premier packages. The schedule is as follows:

• Enchanted Princess: August 31
• Majestic Princess; Sky Princess: September 1
• Crown Princess: September 2
• Ruby Princess: September 3
• Grand Princess: September 4
• Emerald Princess; Discovery Princess; Sun Princess: September 7
• Caribbean Princess; Regal Princess: September 12
• Royal Princess; Sapphire Princess: September 14
• Island Princess: September 25
• Diamond Princess: September 26
• Coral Princess: October 17