Cruise passengers are getting hit with a familiar vacation surprise: the bill that keeps growing after they book.Daily gratuities, drink-package service charges, specialty dining fees and other automatic add-ons have become a flashpoint for travelers who say cruise vacations are being advertised one way, yet priced another.Frustration is said to be mounting as several cruise lines have raised their gratuity or service charges in 2026.POPULAR CRUISE LINE'S BIKINI CRACKDOWN COULD SURPRISE PASSENGERS AT ISLAND PORTSHolland America Line is the latest cruise line to change its gratuity structure.As of June 1, guests onboard Holland America ships will pay daily "crew appreciation" charges of $18 per day for non-suite stateroom guests and $20 per day for suites."Crew Appreciation is a meaningful way for guests to recognize the exceptional service and hard work our crew provides every day," a Holland America spokesperson told Fox News Digital.Several cruise lines have raised their gratuity or service charges in 2026 — and frustration among travelers is apparently mounting. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis)The company says the gratuity is automatically added to each guest’s onboard account.Guests who want to change the daily amount may adjust it at their discretion while onboard, the cruise line notes.In addition, an 18% service charge is automatically applied to select purchases, including beverage items, bar retail items, specialty restaurant cover charges, for-purchase à la carte menu items, and spa and salon services.OUTRAGED CRUISE PASSENGERS BLAST COMPANY'S 'IDIOTIC' NEW DRESS CODE CRACKDOWNThe charges are subject to change without notice, the company says, and guests are told to contact customer service for up-to-date details before sailing.Regarding the "crew appreciation" fees, the Holland America spokesperson said that "100% goes directly to our shipboard team" and that the charge is "in line with the cruise industry competitive standards."Holland America Line is ...