Stu:

 

That seems common for cruise lines where the cruise is originating from AU/NZ ports, and (I believe) you book from NZ or AU (as we're not generally countries that do the whole tipping thing).

 

Only some of the AU/NZ cruise lines do the no-tipping thing, as you say - because that's part of our culture. Principally it is Princess, P&O and any others in their group. 

I've got several friends who point-blank refuse to cruise because the one and only cruise they did was a tipping-expected cruise line, and the cruise was from Australia. 

If they are charged to your account, you can usually request prepaid gratuities are removed. If it's not clear in boarding documentation, the passenger services desk will be able confirm and make changes if required.

 

Yep, good to know and many don't know it. Glad it's being brought up here so others can realise the flexibility