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P&O Cruises to remove daily service charge
P&O Cruises has announced it is removing its onboard daily service charge just months after raising it by 17%.
The company said the £7 per passenger per day discretionary fee would be removed for all cruises on all ships departing from next May.
Senior vice president Paul Ludlow said: "We take huge pride in giving guests a holiday experience that’s truly memorable and special. By removing the daily discretionary Service Charge, P&O Cruises will make enjoying a cruise holiday an effortless experience, knowing that great service comes as standard."
A spokeswoman said the set price of its cruises would not increase as a result of the change, but added: "As with all holidays, prices can be affected by market demand."
Cruise lines introduced service charges, which are either pre-paid or added to a guest’s bill at the end of a voyage, to replace onboard tipping. Norwegian Cruise Line recently increased its charge from $13.99 per passenger per night to $14.99.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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