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ho-hum

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  1. Unfortunately no money…. Hum’s person signature is generally considered of more value (yeah right……). It is addressed to mikeenbob
  2. I have it from various authorities that tipping is included….but please accept this THANKYOU CARD (whether it’s upside down or not: it’s the thought that counts) oh that didn’t work out !,
  3. Surprise us Pcardad ….. please (always willing to learn and listen to others)
  4. Sorry Pcardad, I overlooked your final comment……possibly because I couldn’t understand how a comparison is possible BUT don’t let me “hold you back”. if you wish to start a new thread along your suggestion I would be interested. All the best Ho-hum
  5. Your comments, advice, suggestions (and illustrious prominence as a highly respected contributor) are fully recognised and appreciated (as have all those that have participated…..bless you). I love to at least recognise good service and would be happy to offer a modest gratuity for service beyond the usual parameters. But there is another consideration…. which frankly outweighs the guest’s approach. I have always been appreciative and many times humbled by a significant number of ship crew with their consideration of others. I often wonder if the “shoe was on other foot” how would they treat service. And to be frank, I don’t think there would be any difference between the two (us and them…terrible expression but I’m not standing for President…..so get over it). However there are crew where a thankyou and gratuity has genuinely meant a lot AND it has not always been immediately obvious. So, I aspire to the “higher ground” and at least try to reciprocate with those amazing crew I have met over the years. I have also recently learned that even “pre-tipping” has a “place” if delivered in a private and modest manner (for special occasions). Yet nothing can surpass a genuine thankyou (with or without a gratuity) and I thankyou all for your valued consideration and varied advice: each and all is respected.
  6. It’s a “Godsend” isn’t it ? I can now go on Regent pretending to be a sophisticated “man of the world” ! That will be a First !
  7. I found this section on PRE-TIPPING particularly interesting: ”Pre-tipping can be strategic in some situations. If you have special requests or require extra service in your cabin -- nightly ice or hosting gatherings in your room, for instance -- a well-placed tip at the beginning of the cruise can do wonders to help ensure that they help you out. Likewise, tipping the bartender at your favorite bar on the first day can mean the perfect drink every time (and maybe even faster service when you're in a crowd). The same goes for dining. If you're after a coveted window seat, a nice tip to the maitre d' on day one can help ensure that they never fails to have that table waiting. Room service stewards should be tipped on the spot, as should non-cruise workers like in-port baggage handlers or tour operators on shore excursions” So, is this expert right, wrong or do you have another viewpoint ? please remember nobody is right (except Blondie…..my missus, who I obeyed at all times she is in earshot !)
  8. Well, By now many of you will be thinking “what’s this guy so hung up about this for ?” And you would be right. BUT …… to me at least, it is important and for some odd reason I have been fixated on it. Yea Gods ! I hear you cry. But, I want to share with you wonderful, kind and tolerant people. ONE THING An article by a Cruise Critic own expert - ELLISA GARAY This intelligent lady ( lays out the professional “cruisers” view and response to TIPPING. ”Fingers crossed” I have copied it correctly ! I promise it won’t lead you to a Russian scam site ! Check it out If it doesn’t work…..please tell me as opposed to demanding I “walk the plank” It is such an intelligent article deserving of consideration (8 minutes of your life ! Sure you can imbibe on your favorite beverage during the perusal……how do you think I got through it !) What do you think ? https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles/an-insiders-guide-to-tipping-on-a-cruise
  9. Respect to you Sir. Health care workers in the UK are thoroughly respected and appreciated (but maybe not enough by the government……but moving swiftly on !). On the basic level whenever you have had good service just say thankyou. From there on “lies the rub”. By and large the advice from this wonderful board has generally aligned with my own. I will express gratitude proportionally most often by just saying thankyou, writing thankyou cards, tipping to crew fund and significant individuals at the END of the voyage. Who am I kiddin’ ? I’m not a “high roller, schmoozer” who pre-tips ! Besides my wife would not speak to me……what a vacation that would be !
  10. There is a saying: "when in Rome" and hence my initial enquiry on this "thorny" matter for an un-worldly person (moi meme) It doesn't just "smack" of buying favours ..... it is all that it could ever mean ! .... and yet, I fully accept it WORKS too But I dont want to live in a world like that. Besides how does the person ever know what is genuine, authentic service ? It devalues the role of those genuine persons who believe that hospitality really matters. Oscar Wilde sums up the person quintessentially: "he knows the cost of everything BUT the value of nothing"
  11. Dear Gpilon, Nice thought. I have done the same but only to crew I know (but never sailed with Regent before so I don’t feel so confident to do so…..well this time).
  12. I fully concur (tipping butler and housekeeper). Pre-tipping has its merits BUT I could never do it ……. too darn English ! I did ask a chum who used to be a butler on one of the big, posh ships for advice and he told me to give the butler a pre-tip of half the full tip (the remaining half would be given at the end….obviously) but when this was suggested to my wife she was horrified ! It just doesn’t feel right.
  13. Sorry Pcardad but I agreed with you completely and Gilly’s emphasis on thanking persons completely “synced” with me. I feel confident now. May I make an additional request ? Do you and the wider viewers of this post have any general TIPS for me ? As I explained before,I am a “newbie” when it comes to larger vessels. i am aware that Regent has one of the best reputations BUT to be “forearmed “…….
  14. Dear Gilly, Funny you mention that, I have just had made a whole "bunch" of THANKYOU CARDS: I get through so many ! I once sent a Dessert Chef a written note thanking him for his array of dishes: subsequently we did a "Kitchen Tour" and lo and behold there was my note pinned to a board ! Ever since then, I write THANKYOU CARDS: some say "compulsively" ! We are on the "same page" on that item. ....... and THANKYOU for your post Gilly. I hope there are nice guests like you all on Regent ...... and why shouldn't there be ! PS....sorry its upside down
  15. Appreciated eroller. The future Regent voyage is expensive so I wondered whether tipping was expected too or would be included as you clarified It is also by far the largest vessel I have ever been on so I am assuming it wouldn’t feel that personal hence there would be less of a relationship to personnel and a subsequent inclination to tip. However if I am contact regularly with personnel (say housekeeper and butler) then I would tip. Pcardad’s suggestion of donating to the Crew Fund is an excellent and obvious suggestion and will be done assuming service is good and why wouldn’t it be (my attraction to Regent was the reputation it has).
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