HAL-Holland America Line has initiated communication with passengers and travel agencies, informing them of an upcoming adjustment in gratuity rates effective February 1, 2024.
For guests occupying suites, the daily gratuity charge will see an increase to US$19, marking a 9% rise from the previous rate of US$17.50. Non-suite accommodations will experience a 6% adjustment, with daily rates moving from US$16 to US$17.
Despite these changes, HAL has emphasized that the existing 18% service charge on optional purchases will remain unchanged. This encompassing service charge is applicable to cover charges for specialty restaurants, a la carte menu items, spa and salon services, as well as bar items.
Termed as a form of "crew appreciation" by Holland America, this adjustment aligns with HAL's previous pattern, as they implemented a similar round of gratuity increases on the same date the previous year, February 1, 2023. However, the increases in 2023 were more modest, with guests required to pay an additional US$0.50, resulting in a 2% and 3% gratuity hike for non-suite and suite staterooms, respectively.