Oceania Cruises will include all gratuities for crew, specialty dining and WiFi in a revamped “Your World Included” package to be introduced on 1 October. However, guests will now have to pay for wine and beverages at meal times and to go on shore excursions.
The change, says the line, comes after guests feedback.
The updated inclusions will be introduced on 1 October 2024 for all new bookings on sailings departing on or after 1 January 2025.
“As part of “Your World Included”, all guests will receive shipboard gratuities for room attendants, butlers and dining waitstaff automatically in their cruise fare. Previously, gratuities had been included selectively as travel partner or loyalty club amenities or for guests from certain regions of the world,” the line said.
In addition to crew gratuities, under the new scheme, guests will also be entitled to dine at gourmet specialty restaurants; soft drinks, juices, specialty coffee and teas; still and sparkling water, unlimited Starlink WiFi; in-room dining, fruit smoothies, gelato and artisan ice cream, group fitness classes and laundry services.
But “guests can personalise their cruise holiday experience with extras such as transfers, shore excursions or a beverage package, to be added according to preference. Guests can choose to add a beverage package or purchase drinks a la carte and similarly purchase shore excursion packages or individual excursions,” the line explained.
The introduction of the new inclusions has been a result from guests feedback.
“The change has come following feedback from guests, highlighting that they would prefer that we include amenities valued by all versus amenities valued by some,” said Frank A Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises.
“Not surprisingly, our guests place the greatest value on our core inclusions such as free specialty dining and free WiFi including gratuities creates the richest possible array of amenities and benefits for our guests globally.
“..I’m delighted that we are adding in gratuities for all guests, as our dedicated onboard team is working for guests’ smiles – not their tip.”
What Your World Included package includes:
- Gourmet Specialty Restaurants: A variety of distinctive, open-seating restaurants, all at no additional charge.
- In-Suite and In-Stateroom Dining: Our hot and cold in-room dining selections are sublime and complimentary.
- Unlimited WiFi: StarlinkÒ connectivity affords much quicker upload and download speeds.
- Soft drinks, Specialty Coffees & Teas: Whether at a restaurant, lounge or Baristas coffee bar, it’s always free.
- Still & Sparkling Vero Water®: Unlimited, eco-friendly and great tasting, the gold standard of still and sparkling water.
- Juices, Smoothies & Gourmet Ice Cream: Cold-pressed juices, fruit smoothies, homemade gelato and gourmet ice creams are always included.
- Group Fitness Classes: Choose from a selection of free classes at AquamarÒ Spa + Vitality Center.
- Laundry Services: With free launderettes included along with laundry services and pressing for Concierge and Suite levels, you’ll always look your finest.
- Shipboard Gratuities: Our people make the difference – they work for your smile, not for your tip.
Not happy not consulted extremely dumbed down we are travelling on two owners suites next year and may be iur last