Does Everybody Tip for Room Service?

[mbisson]

You regard the chef de cuisine as "back help" ?

 

You are reading into my comment and jumping to a conclusion. I expect you'll be a British high jumper at the next Summer Olympic Games

[staygulf]

You are reading into my comment and jumping to a conclusion. I expect you'll be a British high jumper at the next Summer Olympic Games

 

No the Olympics don't do it for me I'm afraid. But I will be jumping high when we retain the Ryder cup in a few years time !:cool:

[Spectax]

Speaking of seagoing matters and jumping, I'm beginning to think this conversation has "jumped the shark".

[mbisson]

Speaking of jumping, I'm beginning to think this conversation has "jumped the shark".

 

 

For sure!

 

No the Olympics don't do it for me I'm afraid. But I will be jumping high when we retain the Ryder cup in a few years time !:cool:

 

Unless you're on the team, what do you mean by 'we'? ;)

[PS90]

Speaking of seagoing matters and jumping, I'm beginning to think this conversation has "jumped the shark".

 

LOL! You're exactly right!

[mbisson]

Speaking of seagoing matters and jumping, I'm beginning to think this conversation has "jumped the shark".

 

LOL! You're exactly right!

 

And I bet someone is doing a google search to figure out what it means LOL

[LarryL]

One of the prerequisites to being a good server is you must be a people person and have a desire to excel in service. There is a lot of pride that goes into it. I think a lot of very successful people in this world have waited tables in their lives. It prepares you very well in how to deal with people of all types. It’s a sink or swim environment. 45 years ago at $1.25 an hour we had to be good or go hungry because tips (@10%) determined how well we were able to feed ourselves. The wages only paid the rent. Some have implied we only wanted to serve them and get them out. You are completely off base. While we had a regular clientele we also had people who we saw only once. They received our best service as well because we cared about our work ethic. We never considered rushing our customers because they were our guests. As with the room service staff, we were 100% reliant on independent tips. That with the knowledge many people will not tip no matter how good we were. Because I understand what our wait staffs deal with, I have always and always will tip well when I get good service. That has always been the case on cruise ships for us. We never consider removing the auto-tip. We are very low maintenance cruisers but I tip our cabin steward a minimum of $25 up front and sometimes duplicate that amount at the end of our cruise. This comes with a verbal acknowledgement of who they are to us and their appreciated importance in making our cruises wonderful. In no way I feel it is a bribe because we would get the same service without the tip. Again, as a veteran in the service industry, I understand completely why people tip. I also (as do others in this field of work) also really know why some don’t. You’ll still get good service.

[staygulf]

For sure!

 

 

 

Unless you're on the team, what do you mean by 'we'? ;)

 

Yes, I am on the team. And we were brought up on a diet of American comedy TV series in the 70's and 80's so the term is quite widely known.

[staygulf]

One of the prerequisites to being a good server is you must be a people person and have a desire to excel in service. There is a lot of pride that goes into it. I think a lot of very successful people in this world have waited tables in their lives. It prepares you very well in how to deal with people of all types. It’s a sink or swim environment. 45 years ago at $1.25 an hour we had to be good or go hungry because tips (@10%) determined how well we were able to feed ourselves. The wages only paid the rent. Some have implied we only wanted to serve them and get them out. You are completely off base. While we had a regular clientele we also had people who we saw only once. They received our best service as well because we cared about our work ethic. We never considered rushing our customers because they were our guests. As with the room service staff, we were 100% reliant on independent tips. That with the knowledge many people will not tip no matter how good we were. Because I understand what our wait staffs deal with, I have always and always will tip well when I get good service. That has always been the case on cruise ships for us. We never consider removing the auto-tip. We are very low maintenance cruisers but I tip our cabin steward a minimum of $25 up front and sometimes duplicate that amount at the end of our cruise. This comes with a verbal acknowledgement of who they are to us and their appreciated importance in making our cruises wonderful. In no way I feel it is a bribe because we would get the same service without the tip. Again, as a veteran in the service industry, I understand completely why people tip. I also (as do others in this field of work) also really know why some don’t. You’ll still get good service.

 

You said it yourself. " I have always and always will tip well when I get good service."

How can an upfront payment of $25 be anything other than a bribe. You said that without a tip the service would be the same. So basically you are saying to the steward " I know you are going to give me good service for which there is an autotip in place, but I want you to give me extra special attention and this, my man, should do the trick". How can you reward good service before you have received it ? It IS a bribe even though you won't admit it.

[mbisson]

Yes, I am on the team. And we were brought up on a diet of American comedy TV series in the 70's and 80's so the term is quite widely known.

 

I'm impressed LOL

[southwestie]

You said it yourself. " I have always and always will tip well when I get good service."

How can an upfront payment of $25 be anything other than a bribe. You said that without a tip the service would be the same. So basically you are saying to the steward " I know you are going to give me good service for which there is an autotip in place, but I want you to give me extra special attention and this, my man, should do the trick". How can you reward good service before you have received it ? It IS a bribe even though you won't admit it.

 

 

I have known people do this, tip before, I tip after at the end of my cruise and I known many people who dont leave a tip at all, everyone gets the same service.

 

This year we had the most amazing cabin stewardess, she was great, we tipped her at the end and it was a bigger tip than normal, double, she knew she would get a good tip as she really went the extra mile.

 

so just tip at the end for good service

[LarryL]

You said it yourself. " I have always and always will tip well when I get good service."

How can an upfront payment of $25 be anything other than a bribe. You said that without a tip the service would be the same. So basically you are saying to the steward " I know you are going to give me good service for which there is an autotip in place, but I want you to give me extra special attention and this, my man, should do the trick". How can you reward good service before you have received it ? It IS a bribe even though you won't admit it.

 

I tip because I choose to tip those who, to me, deserve it. I've lived in some of those 3rd world countries where the cruise lines get their help. I fully understand that, for them, a little extra means a lot. I am by no means a wealthy person, but a small amount such as $25 can mean a lot to someone who has little. Besides, a bribe is asking for more than you should get in normal service. I actually ask for less than those who choose to "stiff" their servers. It's my personal custom to tip as it others' choice to be a cheap a$$ and use every excuse in the world to be one.

[Aquahound]

But that is what the auto tipping system is supposed to be for, isn't it ? If you have already shown your gratitude for the servitude, why throw down that extra bit of cash if it is not to boost some over inflated ego ?

 

Because the auto-tip does not cover room service on some cruise lines (Celebrity is one of those cruise lines).

 

Wasn't that mentioned already?

[jocap]

I've not managed to read through all the pages, so I don't know whether this has already been mentioned:

The Berlioz Guide to Cruising is asked this question, and the response is "No.It's part of the normal onboard duties that hotel staff are paid to carry out." 2010 Guide, page 23.

Jo.

[klfrodo]

I've not managed to read through all the pages, so I don't know whether this has already been mentioned:

The Berlioz Guide to Cruising is asked this question, and the response is "No.It's part of the normal onboard duties that hotel staff are paid to carry out." 2010 Guide, page 23.

Jo.

 

Tried "Googleing" and didn't get any hits.

 

Is it remotely possible that the guide you speak of is catered more to European cruises where the cultural norm would be No on the tipping for room service.

 

I only ask because all of the Carribean/ Mexican/Alaskan cruises that depart from the US,,, the Cruiselines specifically state in their FAQ that room service people are NOT part of the daily gratuity pool.

[jocap]

Tried "Googleing" and didn't get any hits.

 

Is it remotely possible that the guide you speak of is catered more to European cruises where the cultural norm would be No on the tipping for room service.

 

I only ask because all of the Carribean/ Mexican/Alaskan cruises that depart from the US,,, the Cruiselines specifically state in their FAQ that room service people are NOT part of the daily gratuity pool.

No, the Berlitz book is mainly for North Americans, although it is widely read in Europe....the Author, Douglas Ward, is American. If he needs to write something specifically for Europeans, he will say so. It details every cruise ship in the industry, with reviews.

Jo.

[PS90]

No, the Berlitz book is mainly for North Americans, although it is widely read in Europe....the Author, Douglas Ward, is American. If he needs to write something specifically for Europeans, he will say so. It details every cruise ship in the industry, with reviews.

Jo.

 

Wow, Jo. Thanks for that info. I don't know anything about that book, but if it is a reputable resource, then that throws a wrench in the popular opinion of this whole thread...

[pambud96]

On our first cruise we were young and stupid and had very little money (and it was back when they left you the envelopes for everyone.)

Tipped our waiter, our room steward and that was it. Some people got left out because we spent to much money elsewhere. And I am sure we only left the minumum. Please don't flame me. I did say I was young and stupid.

IMO service was alot better back then, wish there had been a CC then.

I now make sure I budget for tips and give them personally to those who serve me.

I am not a big fan of the added on tips to anything.

 

I will admit to not tipping for room service if I didnt have one's to give.

I do specifically get 100 dollars in 1's for this reason, but they seem to go elsewhere.

 

Also in the past we have talked to our room steward and they like to get little gifts as well as money. EX. outgrown baby clothes,books,tshirts from your state, get there home address to send something to there children at home, that is the reason they are working on a cruise ship, for their family.

 

Just my 2cents.

[simplelife]

On land vacations, room service merits a tip, so I figure it is the same for cruises. Room service is not included in the automatic tipping, so I give a cash tip, a dollar or two for coffee and juice, more for a more extensive meal

[sollan]

I think tipping is a difficult thing... At least for me that comes from a country where tipping is not common. If tipping at all - it's about "rounding up" the sum on the restaurant and maybe some extra for the taxidriver. All service % is included in the price and nobody expects it and I don't have to feel guilty about if I dont leave some extra.

We are going at our first cruise ever and the tips where included in the price. Of course I supposed that everybody either should have a part of that tip or having normal wages (not beeing dependent on tips).

I was also under the impression that room service was included but it seems that they are not. Is there any more that I should have to tip extra?

I'm getting a bit nervous about all this, I don't want to behave badly but it's very tricky this tipping thing when you are not used to it. :(

[jocap]

I think tipping is a difficult thing... At least for me that comes from a country where tipping is not common. If tipping at all - it's about "rounding up" the sum on the restaurant and maybe some extra for the taxidriver. All service % is included in the price and nobody expects it and I don't have to feel guilty about if I dont leave some extra.

We are going at our first cruise ever and the tips where included in the price. Of course I supposed that everybody either should have a part of that tip or having normal wages (not beeing dependent on tips).

I was also under the impression that room service was included but it seems that they are not. Is there any more that I should have to tip extra?

I'm getting a bit nervous about all this, I don't want to behave badly but it's very tricky this tipping thing when you are not used to it. :(

Sollan- just follow the guide lines laid down by your cruise line....many of them will allow you to pay up front; some will add a tip automatically on bar sales; some will leave an envelope with guide lines, and yet others will include it in the fare. Look at the booklet....if you haven't got one yet, then there should be one in your cabin. Your original fare will have been calculated with these tips in mind, so that you may find a low price and high tips, or vice versa. Leave it at that, relax...and enjoy!

Jo.

[klfrodo]

I'm getting a bit nervous about all this, I don't want to behave badly but it's very tricky this tipping thing when you are not used to it. :(

 

I'd recommend not even worrying about it.

It's great that you're concerned enough to try to learn. Just researching it, shows you're not out to stiff anyone.

If you forget, or are not accustomed to it, good professionals in the industry who would normally expect a tip will understand completly and not think less of you.

 

I remember once when I was working in Alaska. I was in a small community and there were 3 cruise ships in port that day. I was sitting at a bar have lunch and there was an older couple from Germany sitting next to me.

They had lucnh and a couple of beers. Talked up the bartender and had a good time. Their bill came to about $30. That would normally get a $3 to $6 tip here in the States. They left the guy a quarter. 25 cents...

I asked him about it and he smiled,,, he said he was thankful that they appreciated him and his service. He understood they were from Germany and a quarter tip was OK for them,,it's OK by him.

[CruisinChris412]

klfrodo,

 

I completely understand your point of view, but I think (for me at least) some confusion on tipping comes from the "semi-all-inclusive" concept of cruising.

 

 

I think this hits the nail on the head for me as well. In regards to the dining services, I usually tip a percentage based on the cost of the bill. Well, there is no bill to use. Many other services are based on a $1-2 per bag, per drink, per song. Then, other services are a flat lump sum like housekeeping and casino dealers (this can be creative though).

 

Plus, I think it's terribly tacky and tasteless to have tipping guidelines. I'm on vacation, and the last thing I want to do is read about how I should tip and who I should tip. Now, there's this whole world about cruise tipping and envelopes and automatic tips. It's confusing. If you order a drink, we automatically charge 15% of the total. The waiters should be tipped this much per person per day (regardless if you only ordered a coffee or didn't even use the service!). Meanwhile, somebody who takes your food all the way across the ship to your room, nothing is suggested? It's a circus.

[GlendaleCruiser]

I was also under the impression that room service was included but it seems that they are not.

No. Room service is not included.

I'm getting a bit nervous about all this, I don't want to behave badly but it's very tricky this tipping thing when you are not used to it. :(

 

Don't worry about it overly much. Maitre D' and room service not included, but I only tip MD if he does something special for me.

[tweeterbug]

My husband and I are going on our first cruise the end of February and we were charged for our gratuities up front, except for any beverages, they will be charged to our on board account along with a 15% gratuity. I'm confused...is it expected that we tip over and above our prepaid gratuities???

 

Thanks for any and all advice:-)

 

Colleen