This cruise line now includes gratuities – but it's not the deal it seems to be

Say goodbye to free alcohol on Oceania Cruises sailings. The line is replacing gratis alcohol and shore excursion credits with complimentary gratuities in the latest iteration of its inclusive package.

The new "Your World Included" package will take effect beginning Oct. 1, 2024, for all new reservations departing on or after Jan. 1, 2025. It will replace the line's current "Simply More" package, which includes 2-for-1 cruise fares, shore excursion credit, and wine and other basic alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner. As is the case with the current package, the new one will be included with even the most basic fares.

In addition to gratuities for room stewards, butlers and waiters, the new bundle will include dining in all specialty restaurants; nonalcoholic beverages like soda, juice, specialty coffee and tea; still and sparkling bottled water; unlimited Wi-Fi; room service; gelato and artisan ice cream; group fitness classes; and laundry services (self-service for all but those in suite accommodations).

Oceania says it made the change following passenger feedback that placed an emphasis on including items of value to all cruisers, not just some.

"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," Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, said in a press release from the line.

The release claims that — based on average charges for gratuities, Wi-Fi, nonalcoholic beverages and specialty dining on a 10-day sailing — guests will receive amenities valued at more than $1,800 per cabin under the new package. It might sound like a good trade-off until you consider the value of what's offered with the current package.

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The terms and conditions for Oceania's current "Simply More" package state that the value placed on the package's free alcohol is up to $1,400 per person, and the shore excursion credit is valued at up to $700 per person. The value varies based on sailing length; although those amounts might only be available on sailings longer than 10 days, the numbers still show the change represents a loss in value.

When comparing that to the value of the gratuities by which both of those will be replaced as inclusions, the numbers look even worse. Currently, a charge of $18 per person, per day is added to guests' onboard accounts for gratuities. Passengers in suites with butler service pay $23 per person, per day. Even on the high end, that amounts to $230 per person for a 10-day cruise. So, a $2,100 value is being replaced by a perk valued at just $230.

The change comes about a year after Oceania rolled out "Simply More," which replaced a previous package known as "OLife Choice."

Want to learn more about Oceania cruises? Check out these stories:

• Best destinations to visit on an Oceania Cruises ship
• All about the Oceania Club cruise loyalty program
• The 3 classes of Oceania cruise ships explained
• Cruise guide: A review of Oceania Cruises' Vista ship