GlobalGypsy

The room is larger. The bathroom is larger.

 

Don't flame me---

I have always thought that the auto-grats should be higher for suites. A suite is typically at least twice as large as a balcony- the bathroom is much more complex to clean- especially the shower (where they polish the glass). It is some serious work to clean them.

Stewards who service mini-suites make more per cabin than those who service balconies. The cabin and bath are both larger than a balcony, requiring more work.

Those who serve full suites also make more for those particular cabins because of the very same reason, much more work. ;)

I got a Mojito on my last cruise and it cost me $11.95 with the 15% gratuity. That was my one and only drink on that cruise. Those prices are outrageous.

It is interesting how everyone is an expert on how the crew is paid and what goes on behind the scenes. I can say I speak from a bit of experience, as my BIL has been a room steward on Princess for over 20 years. He usually works on the Grand Class ships.

I can’t speak for any other department except accommodations. The stewards are paid per passenger. The rate depends on seniority and evaluations. Stewards who service mini-suites and full suites are paid more pp. An average is around $2.75 per passenger per day. Even if the passenger removes the auto-tip, the stewards are still paid their per passenger rate.

This form of payment was instituted a few years ago because of the large number of passengers removing the auto-tip. He has been on itineraries where the auto tip has been removed by almost all passengers on a regular basis. If you choose to remove the auto-tip, you are not asked any questions as to why. You are simply handed a piece of paper to sign.

All of you bragging about how much extra you tip, he would beg to differ. A couple of weeks ago only 1 cabin out of 19 left a tip, and that was $20, most cabins leave $5 or $10, if anything. The sloppiest, most demanding passengers are usually the cheapest.

The crew does not find out who removed the auto-gratuity until 2-3 days after the cruise ends. Most don’t even care, because it doesn’t matter to them anyway. They are still getting their full salary. Tips to stewards do not need to be turned in, no matter what the circumstances. No one is below deck ratting out their Pisano’s, friends and co-workers. Most crew are pretty private.

Poor or no tips is not just happening to my BIL, it is fleetwide. He would not have lasted 20 years and get excellent evaluations if he was not top notch. Face it, people are cheap. Or as they are known by the crew 'Cheapatones'.

I get a kick out of the people in the MDR on the last night of the cruise waving their white envelopes in the air. “Look at me, look at me, I’m giving an extra tip.” Then the crew opens it to see $5. I guess everyone on CC is the exception to the rule on tipping.

Besides, what business is it of anyone's how and what the crew are paid? How would you feel if your room steward upon introducing him or herself asked, "can you please tell me how much you are paid at your job? Do you get bonuses?"

Would any of you ask co-workers what their salary was or what their last review and raise was?

Just go on vacation and MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS! :rolleyes:

It is interesting how everyone is an expert on how the crew is paid and what goes on behind the scenes. I can say I speak from a bit of experience, as my BIL has been a room steward on Princess for over 20 years. He usually works on the Grand Class ships.

I can’t speak for any other department except accommodations. The stewards are paid per passenger. The rate depends on seniority and evaluations. Stewards who service mini-suites and full suites are paid more pp. An average is around $2.75 per passenger per day. Even if the passenger removes the auto-tip, the stewards are still paid their per passenger rate.

This form of payment was instituted a few years ago because of the large number of passengers removing the auto-tip. He has been on itineraries where the auto tip has been removed by almost all passengers on a regular basis. If you choose to remove the auto-tip, you are not asked any questions as to why. You are simply handed a piece of paper to sign.

All of you bragging about how much extra you tip, he would beg to differ. :( A couple of weeks ago only 1 cabin out of 19 left a tip, and that was $20, most cabins leave $5 or $10, if anything. The sloppiest, most demanding passengers are usually the cheapest. :mad:

The crew does not find out who removed the auto-gratuity until 2-3 days after the cruise ends. Most don’t even care, because it doesn’t matter to them anyway. They are still getting their full salary. Tips to stewards do not need to be turned in, no matter what the circumstances. No one is below deck ratting out their Pisano’s, friends and co-workers. Most crew are pretty private.

Poor or no tips is not just happening to my BIL, it is fleetwide. He would not have lasted 20 years and get excellent evaluations if he was not top notch. Face it, people are cheap. Or as they are known by the crew 'Cheapatones'. :D

I get a kick out of the people in the MDR on the last night of the cruise waving their white envelopes in the air. “Look at me, look at me, I’m giving an extra tip.” Then the crew opens it to see a $5. I guess everyone on CC is the exception to the rule on tipping. :rolleyes:

Just wanted to check back and thank you all for your advice. I contacted the Captain Circle Host and he did confirm that it was two coffee cards for the entire mini-bar set up. I told him what happened with room service and he said he would let them know they can exchange for 2 coffee cards. Thanks again. :)

Currently aboard the Coral Princess. Called room service to trade out mini bar for 2 coffee card. They told me they don't do that. I told them it is done. Firm NO. A few minutes later they called back and said I could trade entire mini bar for only 1 coffee card. I told them forget it. Has anyone else encountered this? Anyone to contact?

You just have to be street smart

Too bad most people are only Sesame Street smart. :(