Tipping for children

How did this get into a question regarding 6 month olds? The OP's question clearly states that the youngest grandchild is 7, so whether or not tipping starts at 6 months or 2 years is irrelevant to this conversation.

Welcome to cruise critic, this seems to be the usual around here unfortunately.

As usual...some poster's start "expanding" in giving answer's...the problem is when they start giving "wrong" information.

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Wow, I will never get over how the "Tipping" question can get so heated. The OP joined this month and this was his/hers first post, I bet they never log in to CC again and I don't blame them either. simple questions can bring out the best and worst in people, well done.

actually not true, tipping starts at 2 years old.

This must depend on the cruise line. I know when we cruised with our 6 month old they charge us full tips for her. I feel like it depends on the age of the kids. My 6 month old didn't eat anything of theirs, we had our pack and play, she couldn't use the pool. Felt like not only did I have to pay for her ticket but she didn't use anything on the boat and I had to pay tips for things she didn't use.

As they get older yes you should pay the full tip as they use the amenities like everyone else.

This must depend on the cruise line. I know when we cruised with our 6 month old they charge us full tips for her. I feel like it depends on the age of the kids. My 6 month old didn't eat anything of theirs, we had our pack and play, she couldn't use the pool. Felt like not only did I have to pay for her ticket but she didn't use anything on the boat and I had to pay tips for things she didn't use.

As they get older yes you should pay the full tip as they use the amenities like everyone else.

Your infant is also considered a "soul" on the ship as far as lifeboats are concerned. Only so many souls are permitted on board. Thus, your infant would be taking up space that could otherwise be booked by an adult who will raise ship revenue by purchasing alcohol, gambling, spending money in the shops, playing bingo, eating in specialty restaurants, etc. - this is where the cruiseline makes its money.

Please drop the whole "the crew depends on tips" argument. A gratuity is earned for good or excellent service. Not just because they show up. Look up the definition yourself if you want.

 

No one here is debating wether the crew deserve to be paid more, or wether they deserve the tips we give.

 

But they are just that...tips. For good service. If that service isn't perceived to be given, then by all means the amount should be reduced.

 

If this was a required thing, all cruise lines should just eliminate them altogether, increase our fare, and increase the wages.

 

 

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Can I get a little Amen up in here? AMEN! :)

The tipping threads are some of the most ridiculous things I have ever read. I don't think I should have to tip because I keep my cabin clean. I don't order seconds of anything at any meal and at dinner I don't order a full meal of soup, salad, entree, dessert etc. Your husband has 2 appetizers, two or three lobster tails plus some prime rib. I don't order coffee with my meals.

I don't use the pools, hot tubs or kids centers. I don't play ping-pong or mini-golf or even shuffleboard. I don't go to the shows, movies etc. I don't have pictures taken that I know I have no intention of buying. I don't eat between meals so no pizza, ice cream etc. for me. I don't sit out in the sun so I don't need someone to put out a lounge chair for me. Same goes for the shade.

I do go to the casino, but going there costs me money, so I am paying for that part. I do get some drinks, but here again I am paying for them and tipping when I order them. So, when you see me taking off all my tips, I'm sure you will understand because, after all, I don't want to pay for services I am not using. I'm just doing what so many of you feel is right and I know you will agree with me.

The tipping threads are some of the most ridiculous things I have ever read. I don't think I should have to tip because I keep my cabin clean. I don't order seconds of anything at any meal and at dinner I don't order a full meal of soup, salad, entree, dessert etc. Your husband has 2 appetizers, two or three lobster tails plus some prime rib. I don't order coffee with my meals.

 

I don't use the pools, hot tubs or kids centers. I don't play ping-pong or mini-golf or even shuffleboard. I don't go to the shows, movies etc. I don't have pictures taken that I know I have no intention of buying. I don't eat between meals so no pizza, ice cream etc. for me. I don't sit out in the sun so I don't need someone to put out a lounge chair for me. Same goes for the shade.

 

I do go to the casino, but going there costs me money, so I am paying for that part. I do get some drinks, but here again I am paying for them and tipping when I order them. So, when you see me taking off all my tips, I'm sure you will understand because, after all, I don't want to pay for services I am not using. I'm just doing what so many of you feel is right and I know you will agree with me.

No, I will never understand this mentality.

The wait staff is still serving you at each meal - regardless of how much or how little you eat. The cabin steward is still bringing you fresh towels, checking your toilet paper and tissues, making your bed, cleaning your bathroom each day, including wiping up the inevitable water that happens with a ships shower.

In America, people in such service industries are exempted from minimum wage requirements because it is STANDARD to tip. You can feel as justified as you like in removing your tips and you are certainly free to do so. Just as I am certainly free to disagree and find it repugnant and cheap.

The tipping threads are some of the most ridiculous things I have ever read. I don't think I should have to tip because I keep my cabin clean. I don't order seconds of anything at any meal and at dinner I don't order a full meal of soup, salad, entree, dessert etc. Your husband has 2 appetizers, two or three lobster tails plus some prime rib. I don't order coffee with my meals.

 

 

 

I don't use the pools, hot tubs or kids centers. I don't play ping-pong or mini-golf or even shuffleboard. I don't go to the shows, movies etc. I don't have pictures taken that I know I have no intention of buying. I don't eat between meals so no pizza, ice cream etc. for me. I don't sit out in the sun so I don't need someone to put out a lounge chair for me. Same goes for the shade.

 

 

 

I do go to the casino, but going there costs me money, so I am paying for that part. I do get some drinks, but here again I am paying for them and tipping when I order them. So, when you see me taking off all my tips, I'm sure you will understand because, after all, I don't want to pay for services I am not using. I'm just doing what so many of you feel is right and I know you will agree with me.

Unbelievable!

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Unbelievable!

 

 

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For those of you who didn't understand that I was being sarcastic, I apologize. I was just trying to show how ridiculous these tip posts are. Anything/everything can be rationalized and on these boards, it usually is.

I DO TIP the requested amounts and tip additionally to the cabin steward, dining staff and bartenders if I get the Cheers package. I really don't see how anyone could believe my post, but then again--------:cool:

I took my daughter on her first cruise at 9.

She really liked the service of being treated like a Princess.

From her 2nd cruise , she was expected to participate in the tipping.

She would put aside some of your birthday and Christmas money to cover these.

It made her feel like she was contributing and she appreciated things more.

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I agree, the tips for the meals cover all venues. And it is no where near 15 % of the cost of the meal. So I would never think of reducing tips.

For those of you who didn't understand that I was being sarcastic, I apologize. I was just trying to show how ridiculous these tip posts are. Anything/everything can be rationalized and on these boards, it usually is.

 

 

 

I DO TIP the requested amounts and tip additionally to the cabin steward, dining staff and bartenders if I get the Cheers package. I really don't see how anyone could believe my post, but then again--------:cool:

Because you did an excellent job articulating and combining many of the comments also posted on tipping! Well done - sorry I missed the sarcasm!

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For those of you who didn't understand that I was being sarcastic, I apologize. I was just trying to show how ridiculous these tip posts are. Anything/everything can be rationalized and on these boards, it usually is.

 

I DO TIP the requested amounts and tip additionally to the cabin steward, dining staff and bartenders if I get the Cheers package. I really don't see how anyone could believe my post, but then again--------:cool:

Me too 😜 Because sadly there are a bunch of people out there that feel exactly like that and are unbelievably selfish & cheap!:evilsmile:

Tipping on P&O cruises begins at age 12.

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1123

According to this, from the Carnival website, (and what my PVP told me), tips are not expected for under age 2.

That being said, we fully expect to tip above and beyond the "suggested" amount, as we normally do, for exceptional service.

Tipping starts at two actually.[/quote

 

Sorry, but its a gratuity... If I received sub par service for my vacation it will be reflected in the "gratuity". And the gratuity will be increased if the service is above average. I don't wanna be told what I should tip before I even get board the boat... this is why the cruise industry workers have become lazy, b/c they know they are getting a bonus every sailing, an automatic gratuity percentage .. I tip for services received! Nobody should tell you how to tip..

Depending on the line you may be able to opt out or reduce them.

We put our boys in an inside across the hall so it never occurred to us to reduce tips. But as other suggested, tips go for a wide variety of services - irrespective of the MDR.

 

It is also your choice NOT to eat in MDR and for the kids NOT to be enjoying that service. But that is only a very small portion of the tip allotment.

 

These employees do not make minimum wage and tips are the way they make their living

 

Assuming good service , It would be wrong to reduce tips for all the reasons stated.

 

 

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But no matter where the family & kids decide to eat ... there is staff WORKING and they have to pick up, clean the dishes and area in which family & kids ate, etc.

PLEASE do NOT reduce any tips. Kids, especially, are dirty, grimy, germ ridden beings with legs and hands to spread the dirt, grime and germs everywhere.

Perhaps some people should leave their kids at home if they don't want to pay for them. Easily fixed. :p

I have cruised several times with my kids who are currently 2&5. I reduce the tips (for my children) and give the difference to the youth staff, you know the ones that are actually providing my children more of a service. With that being said, I pick up our room, make the bed, put the bunk away, pack the crib away everyday, etc. With 4 of us in the cabin, it needs to be clean and tidy and I do 99% of it before the attendant arrives. Flame away. Ps. I also used to work on cruise ships and have worked in the service industry for 15 plus years and don't feel one bit sorry about it. Flame away...

I will reduce my tips to cash and reallocate them to the staff with whom my child interacts. I go by the breakdown that the cruise ships follows, only interchanging service providers. The cabin steward still receive theirs as do the dining venue where they eat. Its just given in the provided envelopes in cash instead. It’s the head waiter and like that I reallocate to the youth staff as they are primarily performing service in regard to my child. JMO.

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I love these discussions! [emoji19] I get where everyone is coming from I do. I think the OP should do what they feel is best. I’ve been cruising with my 4 kids since they were 3 and they are going on their 5th cruise in April. We’ve never reduced our tip and two of our cruises were in a suite, if anything we’ve given more to the stewards or waiters that went out of their way to make my kids feel special. The decision to adjust gratuities is personal and should be based on what they think is best. I’m not here to judge someone’s decision, I’ve seen it both ways. Happy cruising!

What happened to tipping for above average service?? It is a persons JOB to serve food, clean rooms, do laundry, etc! Yes, workers on cruise ships work hard, so do I. I don’t expect tips for doing the job I’m being paid for. If go above the “call of duty”, then sure. Seems you can’t go anywhere without people expecting a tip just for doing their jobs.

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