Princess Cruises
View company profile →
Less transparence charge
2/5 – Good Experience Marred by Hidden Fees Cruise Line: Princess Cruise Line Ship/Route: Vancouver-Alaska-Seattle Our family cruise had enjoyable moments, but the lack of transparency around mandatory daily fees significantly impacted our experience. The Issue: When booking directly on [Cruise Line]’s website, there was no clear disclosure of a 17 − 17−18/day per person "crew appreciation" fee. The only mention of credit card charges was for onboard purchases—nothing about this automatic daily gratuity. Since my sisters (experienced cruisers) advised tipping staff directly, we did so every day (room stewards, dining staff, etc.). Only later did I discover we were charged twice—once via this hidden fee and again via our personal tips. Why This Is Unfair: Transparency Matters: If this fee is compulsory, it should be prominently displayed during checkout, not buried in fine print. Double Tipping: Guests who prefer to tip in cash (or adjust amounts based on service) deserve that option. Budget Impact: For a family of 5 , a couples of hundreds dollars unexpected charges are big burden—a significant oversight. Suggested Fixes: Clearly list all mandatory fees before payment. Allow guests to opt-out or adjust the fee if they tip directly. Train staff to explain charges upfront (e.g., at check-in). Final Thoughts: The crew worked hard and deserved appreciation, but the company’s approach feels misleading. Until this is addressed, I’d hesitate to book again or recommend Princess Cruise to others.