P&O halt mandatory tipping down under
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P&O Cruises has become the first cruise company sailing from Australia to remove automatic passenger tipping.
Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the removal of automatic tipping followed passenger feedback.
“Tipping is a personal decision for Australians, so we have decided to update our policy in response to both passenger feedback and community expectations,” Ms Lourey said.
“As cruising becomes increasingly popular in Australia, we’re continuing to develop our onboard product to reflect Australians’ expectations, whether that’s using Australian currency onboard or updating our menus to recognise local tastes. The changes to our tipping policy are part of that evolution.”
Ms Lourey said passengers would be able to reward onboard crew for exceptional service at their own discretion.
The current recommended daily gratuity is $7.50 per passenger, unless the passenger requests it be removed from their onboard account.
Ms Lourey said the new policy, which would require changes to administrative processes, would apply to all passengers travelling on P&O Cruises’ departures from October 2010.
The policy will be highlighted in the new P&O Cruises’ brochure due for release in April 2010.
Travel agents requiring more information on the change should contact P&O Cruises helpdesk on 1300 363 706.
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