CaptainCook808

2 hours ago, Murt22 said:

No one cares, unless the person who double tips basically posts that they double the required gratuities and wants to get patted on the back for it.

Or they want to know what’s a reasonable amount for awesome service.

One thing I'd like to add to all this. I worked my way through college washing dishes. If they would let me, I'd go into the dish room and give each of the dishwashers $100 because it's such a crappy job that gets no thanks or recognition.

So doubling the tips is how I can get tips to all the people who we don't see, but are key to a great voyage. The dishwashers, the laundry, the cooks, etc.

1 minute ago, CurlerRob said:

 

As has been demonstrated at great length on other threads on this topic, no one on these boards is privy to the details of Viking's compensation program and we simply do not know the specifics of how the gratuities are folded into the crew's compensation. Anecdotes are not necessarily fact.

I asked the hotel General Manager on the last trip if they told the crew if people made a double tip. He gave me an enthusiastic absolutely yes. Now that's taking his word for it. And that isn't the same as saying they then get the money. But his reaction seemed genuine and emotional so I will assume it does get to the crew.

I didn’t see any other queries with the caveat of doubling the automatic tip. That’s why I asked anew.

Hi all;

First off, my wife and I were so happy with the service last time we had them double the tip charge on our bill. And I'll likely do that again going forward. I like that because the great service is due to a ton of people, including ones I don't interact with (those clean towels are washed by someone). I want to get it to everyone.

So question 1: In this case should I let crew members know I did that so they know their specific efforts were appreciated? Or is that awkward? Because the immediate effect is basically $1.00/mo. (If every passenger did it then it's 1K/mo and that's real money.) We did not tell anyone because it didn't feel right to tell anyone.

Question 2: When I do this, what direct tips should I do in addition? How much and to who?

thanks - dave