For me. I leave the auto tip on. At the end of the cruise I will give a cash gift to those who gave me great service. Except if I order a drink (a diet coke) at a bar, I will give a tip, for good service because I might not see that waiter again, or room service.
I don't tip before I am given great service. Because for me, I want the waiters to treat me that way I should be treated, not because I give out money. I want them to respect me, the way I respect them, not because they received money from me. I don't want to be treated better because I give out money .I don't want favors because of money. I am paying for the cruise and expect the great service that comes with the cruise fare.
I will thank (extra tip) those who have gone beyond and given me great service.
I hope that I explained myself correctly and I don't mean to put any one down who has a different way of tipping.