We prefer the pkgs that "include gratuities". The last several cruises we've been on, it seemed we never had the same waitstaff twice in 9+ days. If thats the case, included tips with the fare is fair with us.
If we have the same waitstaff nightly, we will tip them on our last evening.
After that, we will always tip our cabin steward, handsomely. We will question them throughout the trip about family, children, how long he's been at sea or yet to go. This weighs in to what we tip as well. Ya a single guy hoping to hook up with passengers or crew, tip goes down. But if they talk about the kids all the time, tip goes up.
We try to keep our cabin as our home, neat and clean as possible. But we've seen other rooms as we've passed by their open doors...oh my. Those poor cabin stewards.
We also will take aboard family size multi-choice chip assortments and candy assortments. We will leave these along with the tip. I had read somewhere on the forum here that the crew has limited choices in their store. Plus, I used to work away from home for long periods, so I understand their work days. They have it better with txting, and FB, and all that other stuff though. Those contracts and those hours can be ruthless not only on the body, but also on the mind. Hopefully, the chip or candy assortments we leave contain things they either do not have, or can sell/swap with other crewmembers. Just an extra special treat.
Tips should be based on service, and the quality of said service. Though we do practice that no matter how poor the service, we will still tip that accepted amount. Anyone can have a bad day. Tip jumps up with exceptional service and attitude.
