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Tipping For Spa Treatments

Maineac

By Maineac,
in Silversea

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turnip eater

turnip eater

Posted
Posted
The all inclusive covers the spa as well.

 

We have never tipped in a Silversea spa, nor have we ever been given the impression that a tip was expected.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

 

It's interesting that you should say that, as this year one of the spa staff gave me a receipt to sign and told me that tips were not included. I was quite surprised at her forwardness and when I mentioned it to a nail technician, she said that they were told to say that and she found it embarrassing....Hmmmm

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billcrooz

billcrooz

Posted
Posted
It had always been my understanding that the spa was a separate operation from the cruiseline, and that the "included" cruiseline tips do not cover spa tips. As a result, I have always separately tipped spa staff after each service.

 

the spa is a concession and they do depend on tips.tip as you would your local hair salon or spa :o

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msrieski

msrieski

Posted
Posted

I've used the spa on each of the half dozen SS cruises we've taken and I've always tipped them. It's a separate service much like the SS-sponsored shore excursions and we always tip the local guides. I look at them as being similar in terms of tipping.

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CruisinGerman

CruisinGerman

Posted
Posted

I have asked this question to Mr. Lefebvre when we cruised with him last year. He said that as far as he is concerned, Silversea is a non-tipping cruiseline and the spa staff can say whatever they want, but that he will have any spa employee who becomes confrontational with a passenger on that subject removed from the ship.

 

The problem is that the Silversea spa has been part of the Steiner monopoly for several years. If they don't want to work on a non-tipping cruise line, then they can take their monopoly to all of the other cruise lines where they are already present.

 

Here in Spain (and I speak of large cosmopolitan cities such as Madrid or Barcelona), you can go to an upscale day spa and get an hour-and-a-half massage for 45 euros.

 

In the hundreds of dollars they charge for the same thing on the cruise ships, the tip is included on a line such as Silversea.

 

As always, you Americans can tip to your heart's galore, but the European culture is very different and we don't look to throw our money at service people when receiving these types of treatments and services.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

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CruisinGerman

CruisinGerman

Posted
Posted

Here's a link to the spa menu and price list taken right from the Mandara Spa website.

 

Unless it's outdated, and the "policy" has changed recently, it clearly says on every page that gratuities are included and none are expected.

 

http://www.mandaraspa.com/files/MS/Mandara%20Spa%20Silversea%20Main%20Brochure.pdf

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

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CruisinGerman

CruisinGerman

Posted
Posted

The following is reproduced from the Silversea website for Spain. It says ALL ONBOARD GRATUITIES ARE INCLUDED -- NONE ARE EXPECTED.

 

There is no * or exception listed for the Spa.

 

Under EU travel protection laws, advertisements and websites are contractually binding, not just the fine print of the cruise contracts.

 

So I stick with my interpretation that tipping is not required in the spa, despite the fact that it is a private concession.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

 

ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE

 

ALL OCEAN-VIEW SUITE ACCOMMODATION —

MOST WITH PRIVATE VERANDA

The most expansive suites of their class at sea, each provides a panoramic view of ocean, shore and port, and an elegant ambience of unrivalled luxury.

 

COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES SERVED

THROUGHOUT THE SHIP

An extensive selection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks are yours to enjoy — all courtesy of Silversea.

 

IN-SUITE BEVERAGE CABINET STOCKED

WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS

Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every suite features a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.

 

GRATUITIES INCLUDED

All onboard gratuities are included — none are ever expected.

 

OPEN-SEATING DINING

No assigned dining time, no assigned table. When, where and with whom you dine is up to you.

 

COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE DINING

AND 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE

A formal dinner served course-by-course, a late-night snack, or a full breakfast delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.

 

COMPLIMENTARY SILVERSEA EXPERIENCE®

A shoreside event exclusively for Silversea guests on select voyages. Recent outings have included dinner in the desert in Namibia and a concert at the ruins of Ephesus.

 

A FULL SPECTRUM OF ENTERTAINMENT

AND ENRICHMENT

Production shows, classical concerts, and folkloric performances. Multi-tiered show lounge. Lectures by world affairs experts, renowned authors and destination specialists.

 

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION INTO TOWN

Roundtrip transportation from the pier to the heart of town in most ports of call.

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Maineac

Maineac

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Very interesting...Thank you for your due diligence.

 

I treat myself to a 90 minute massage monthly, at a cost of $90.00. Mandara's price for a 80 minute massage starts at $160.00....I believe with the prices they are charging for such services, the gratuities are factored into the price.

 

I have several treatments scheduled on our upcoming cruise. Just to be on the safe side, I'll bring my life jacket with me in case they throw me overboard for not tipping.

 

 

Cheers,

Judy

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Sweetpea711423

Sweetpea711423

Posted
Posted
Here's a link to the spa menu and price list taken right from the Mandara Spa website.

 

Unless it's outdated, and the "policy" has changed recently, it clearly says on every page that gratuities are included and none are expected.

 

http://www.mandaraspa.com/files/MS/Mandara%20Spa%20Silversea%20Main%20Brochure.pdf

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

 

 

Well, on the "Spa at Silversea" brochure online the US website for my upcoming Silver Cloud cruise in August, there is nothing anywhere in the brochure about a tipping policy. Perhaps the brochure on board will have something. In any event, unless there is something in writing to the effect of "no tipping" for my cruise, I will continue to be one of those Americans who "overtip" in the eyes of the rest of the world. I would rather give a little more money that might be used to support a service person than not. After all, here I am on this wonderful and not inexpensive cruise, and here they are working. A little more money for a tip happily does not mean anything to me and might mean something to them.

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CruisinGerman

CruisinGerman

Posted
Posted

And what about the Silversea announcement "ALL GRATUITIES ONBOARD ARE INCLUDED -- NONE ARE EXPECTED"?

 

It doesn't say, "except in the Spa, because they are a concession".

 

And last time I looked, the Spa was indeed "ONBOARD" and not floating out in the middle of the sea.

 

The problem with the American overtipping policy on a line like Silversea is that if no gratuities are expected but people tip anyway, that starts to erode the service concept of advertising a no-tipping line in the first place.

 

In any case, do enjoy your cruise.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

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lilant

lilant

Posted
Posted

this MUST be an outdated menu, because the treatments we booked online for our cruise in june have been quoted at a higher rate. so not only are tips now "not included" but prices have gone up too.

 

oh well, for $84 to have my feet scrubbed and lathered in cream is worth it.:D

 

 

 

Here's a link to the spa menu and price list taken right from the Mandara Spa website.

 

Unless it's outdated, and the "policy" has changed recently, it clearly says on every page that gratuities are included and none are expected.

 

http://www.mandaraspa.com/files/MS/Mandara%20Spa%20Silversea%20Main%20Brochure.pdf

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

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Neilio

Neilio

Posted
Posted

I just checked the spa menu on our upcoming June 5 spirit cruise and it is completely different than this menu that was uploaded. I am referring to the link within "my voyage" on the ss web site. The other point to note is that there is no mention of "gratuity included" on any page of this spa menu. ON the menu that was uploaded/linked there is "all gratuities included" on virtually every page.

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lord of the seas

lord of the seas

Posted
Posted

Staff in the spa on any ship, are expecting some sort of tip for the service that they provide.There is no maybe about it.

Some staff try to get you to buy hair/makeup products as they earn commission from the sales.

Let no one be fooled,they are there to make money not to run a charity.

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ging466

ging466

Posted
Posted
So have I. It puts a damper on the relaxation aquired during the spa service to get hit with the hard sell afterwards.:(

 

I had a hard sell from the Fitness Director. It was a bit annoying especially when I said no a couple of times.

 

Personally, I think the prices in the Spa are ridiculous. They are more than double what I pay in Sydney for the same treatments, so I don't bother.

 

Cheers

Jennifer

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