Agent says Gratuities optional

[Janderra]

Hi

 

Have just booked a cruise in MSC Orchestra out of Barcelona with a T. Agent and on the quote she has said that the Gratuities are Optional.

I asked about including them in the quote, payment and again she said that Gratuities are Optional. When I queried what this meant she said that it was our decision whether we paid them or not.

 

I have been reading all the posts and also MSC website and it says that Mediterean cruises are charged at 7euro a day p.p. for 8 day cruises. I am not sure if this then draws a 15% charge like the drinks do.

 

I have read somewhere that you can change that rate if you wish on the first day.

I have also read somewhere that you should tip your waiters extra as well as this charge. Also read that you can not pay the charge and tip everyone individually and you will get better service if you do.

 

I want to do the right thing, but in Australia we are not used to tipping, unless we get really good service or someone has gone the extra mile, not just doing the job that they are being paid to do.

Also some places in Europe automatically add 15% service charge on the bill and then we have had some waiters ask us for a tip and say that the 15% goes to the owner of the restaurant.

 

7 euro a day for 2 people is about $20 Austalian a day which seems a lot, however more advice on this would be appreciated. Specially when the agent said it is Optional.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Hi

 

Have just booked a cruise in MSC Orchestra out of Barcelona with a T. Agent and on the quote she has said that the Gratuities are Optional.

I asked about including them in the quote, payment and again she said that Gratuities are Optional. When I queried what this meant she said that it was our decision whether we paid them or not.

 

I have been reading all the posts and also MSC website and it says that Mediterean cruises are charged at 7euro a day p.p. for 8 day cruises. I am not sure if this then draws a 15% charge like the drinks do.

 

I have read somewhere that you can change that rate if you wish on the first day.

I have also read somewhere that you should tip your waiters extra as well as this charge. Also read that you can not pay the charge and tip everyone individually and you will get better service if you do.

 

I want to do the right thing, but in Australia we are not used to tipping, unless we get really good service or someone has gone the extra mile, not just doing the job that they are being paid to do.

Also some places in Europe automatically add 15% service charge on the bill and then we have had some waiters ask us for a tip and say that the 15% goes to the owner of the restaurant.

 

7 euro a day for 2 people is about $20 Austalian a day which seems a lot, however more advice on this would be appreciated. Specially when the agent said it is Optional.

 

I assure you that if it were optional NOBODY would pay.

 

with that said, I assume you adhere to the motto of when in rome..therefore the lines state a per day service charge, not a tip.

This will be distributed to a variety of staff that work directly for you, seen and unseen. waiters, room stewards, kitchen etc

 

These employees get paid very little from the line, and their salary is passed on to the guests.

 

I know that in your area these costs may already be included on your total bill, not so elsewhere.

 

my personal experience has been that these hard working individuals work very hard, long hours for their money, and usually 7-9 months away from their families. They are deserving of these service charges.

 

Should you receive less that satisfactory service from anyone during your cruise, immediately inform the hotel manager, it is his job to correct it, I would not remove it or reduce it to penalise a small shortcoming, instead I work it into the overall cost of my cruise.

[Zambini]

Hi

 

Have just booked a cruise in MSC Orchestra out of Barcelona with a T. Agent and on the quote she has said that the Gratuities are Optional.

I asked about including them in the quote, payment and again she said that Gratuities are Optional. When I queried what this meant she said that it was our decision whether we paid them or not.

 

I have been reading all the posts and also MSC website and it says that Mediterean cruises are charged at 7euro a day p.p. for 8 day cruises. I am not sure if this then draws a 15% charge like the drinks do.

 

I have read somewhere that you can change that rate if you wish on the first day.

I have also read somewhere that you should tip your waiters extra as well as this charge. Also read that you can not pay the charge and tip everyone individually and you will get better service if you do.

 

I want to do the right thing, but in Australia we are not used to tipping, unless we get really good service or someone has gone the extra mile, not just doing the job that they are being paid to do.

Also some places in Europe automatically add 15% service charge on the bill and then we have had some waiters ask us for a tip and say that the 15% goes to the owner of the restaurant.

 

7 euro a day for 2 people is about $20 Austalian a day which seems a lot, however more advice on this would be appreciated. Specially when the agent said it is Optional.

 

You will be expected to pay the Service Charge and 15% on beverages at the bars.

 

Anything else, your discretion.

 

You can arrange to remove it at end of cruise, I've seen many Europeans do it on lot's of different lines.

 

Personally, we consider it part of the cost and have always paid it, only adjusting for poor service or the times we have eaten most of our meals ashore.

 

From MSC website:

SERVICE CHARGE

Hotel Service Charge

 

During your cruise, you will meet staff throughout the ship who provide you with excellent service. They are supported by just as many staff and crew who work hard behind the scenes to ensure you enjoy every moment on board.

For your convenience MSC Cruises will automatically add a daily Hotel Service Charge to your shipboard account, based on your chosen itinerary and the number of days for which the services are actually provided. The Hotel Service charge serves to ensure we maintain the highest quality standards of service to our guests. The daily amounts below have been calculated with this in mind and cannot be modified. However, should you wish to remove any of the daily Hotel Service Charge in the unlikely event that you do not receive satisfactory service, you may do so by contacting the Guest Relations Manager on board.

[mbeginner]

Hi

 

Have just booked a cruise in MSC Orchestra out of Barcelona with a T. Agent and on the quote she has said that the Gratuities are Optional.

I asked about including them in the quote, payment and again she said that Gratuities are Optional. When I queried what this meant she said that it was our decision whether we paid them or not.

 

I have been reading all the posts and also MSC website and it says that Mediterean cruises are charged at 7euro a day p.p. for 8 day cruises. I am not sure if this then draws a 15% charge like the drinks do.

 

I have read somewhere that you can change that rate if you wish on the first day.

I have also read somewhere that you should tip your waiters extra as well as this charge. Also read that you can not pay the charge and tip everyone individually and you will get better service if you do.

 

I want to do the right thing, but in Australia we are not used to tipping, unless we get really good service or someone has gone the extra mile, not just doing the job that they are being paid to do.

Also some places in Europe automatically add 15% service charge on the bill and then we have had some waiters ask us for a tip and say that the 15% goes to the owner of the restaurant.

 

7 euro a day for 2 people is about $20 Austalian a day which seems a lot, however more advice on this would be appreciated. Specially when the agent said it is Optional.

 

 

Cruise Line Policies: Tipping / Gratuities

 

Azamara Cruises

For your convenience, a gratuity in recognition of outstanding personal service of $12.25 per Guest, per day, will be automatically added to your SM Account. This covers your Butler & Stateroom Attendant as well as all restaurant staff. Since our ships offer multiple open-seating dining venues and you will likely be served by many different staff members during the course of your stay onboard, the restaurant staff allotment is evenly distributed among them. Guests staying in Penthouse, Royal and Sky suites will experience superior Head Butler service in addition to Butler & Stateroom Attendant service; these guests will be charged an additional gratuity of $4.00 per Guest, per day.

Notice to Guests: Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement. Please note that Bar & Wine personnel are acknowledged with the standard 18% of the beverages and wines billed for the service rendered.

 

 

 

 

Carnival Cruise Line:

$10.00 per guest, per day

Automatically charges the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account. The total amount is as follows:

$3.50 Per Day Stateroom Services

$5.50 Per Day Dining Room Services

$1.00 Per Day Alternative Services: distributed to other kitchen and hotel service staff

For Cruises-To-Nowhere, gratuities of $10 per guest, per day must be prepaid.

For beverage purchases, 15 percent of the bill is automatically added to the Sail & Sign charge. Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered. Tipping your Maître d’ is at your discretion, based upon the service you receive.

Of course you may contact guest services if you feel that the tip should be reduced.

 

 

Celebrity Cruises:

$11.50 per person per day for guests in staterooms (higher for concierge and suites)

Gratuities for your dining and stateroom services will be automatically charged to your onboard Seapass account on a daily basis in the following amounts, which may be adjusted at your discretion.

Waiter $3.65

Assistant Waiter $2.10

Dining Room Management $1.00

Stateroom Service $3.50

Other Service Personnel $1.25

Beverage Service personnel are acknowledged with a 15% service charge which will be automatically added to the bill.

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Cruise Line:

$12 per person per day recommended

Per Guest per Day

Dining Room Server $4

Dining Room Asst. Server $3

Dining Room Head Server $1

Stateroom Host/Hostess $4

Dining Manager - Your Discretion

Room Service – Your Discretion

Palo – Gratuity included

Vista Spa & Salon - Your Discretion

Babysitting Gratuity – not expected

Shore Excursions - Optional; not included in shore excursion price.

15% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. All gratuities can be charged to your room charge.

 

 

Holland America:

$11 per person per day

Hotel Service Charge is automatically charged to each guest’s shipboard account. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. The Hotel Service Charge is paid to Holland America Line crew members, and represents an important part of their total compensation package.

15% gratuity is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases

 

 

MSC Cruises:

Caribbean and North American Cruises (including spring transatlantic cruises):

$12 day per adult; $6 per day per child under 18

I am almost positive that children 3 and under are free.

Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises:

- 8 days or less: 7 Euro/day per adult

- more than 8 days: 6 Euro/day per adult including autumn transatlantic cruises

There is no service charge for children under the age of 14, whereas guests between the ages of 14 and 17 will be charged 50% of the above rates.

Their website states that the service charges are fixed, but I know that when we went on the MSC Poesia in November 2009, my father adjusted the gratuity because he was not pleased with the maitre’d (we did not get seated together!).

 

 

 

 

 

Norwegian Cruise Line:

$12 per person per day ages 3+

Children under 3 are NOT charged a gratuity!

Tipping is called Onboard Service Charge. It can be prepaid or paid on your onboard account.

Beverage staff are automatically tipped 15%. Spa services have an 18% service charge.

You may adjust your service charge amount at your discretion. Please note that the Kid’s Crew staff is not in the tipping pool! They will provide an envelope the last day to give the staff a cash tip.

 

 

Princess Cruises:

$10.50 per person per day (including children) – $11 for suites and mini-suites

The discretionary Hotel and Dining Charge will be automatically added to your onboard account each day. The Casino dealers and spa personnel do not share in this charge.

15% is automatically added to bar bills and dining room wine purchases.

 

 

 

 

Royal Caribbean International:

$11.65 per person per day (as of July 1, 2011) – $13.90 for suites

Waiter: $3.75

Assistant Waiter: $2.15

Head Waiter: $.75

Housekeeping staff: $5.00 (Suite Housekeeping staff: $7.25)

Gratuities are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest. Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways: Prepaid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent, added to your onboard SeaPass account, OR paid in cash at the end of the cruise.

15% is automatically added to bar and wine bills.

 

[Jayhawk]

We just got off the Fantasia a few days ago. YES, there is a "service charge" of 7 EU/day/person (in addition to the service charge for alcohol, etc.)

 

It is similar to a tip in terms of cost of most of the other lines, however, I found it quite different in concept. It is truly a service charge, not a tip. By this I mean everyone gets the same charge, no "real" opportunity to adjust up or down like on other cruises. In fact, they don't mention adjusting up at ALL (and in fact discourage any kind of tipping). To adjust down, you have to lodge a formal complaint at the front desk (per our understanding) and tell them why your service wasn't as expected.

 

IMO, this is part of the reason that the service might not be up to speed vs. US ships; there really is no incentive to overperform. The remaining difference is cultural. Again, just my opinon. I didn't think the service was bad at all....just when your bar is US ships, it is lower than that. They meet your needs, just don't go above and beyond.

 

I was pleasantly surprised that our kids (7 and 8) were NOT charged! That had been in my budget for half the cost but I hadn't seen it was only for older kids. I had to pay for them on the last two cruises, so that saved me a good $100.

[Janderra]

Hi

 

I had understood that the gratitiues were charged to your account at the end of trip, but when the agent sent the paperwork saying it is optional, I queried him and he told me it is up to us whether we pay it or not.

Hence the confusion.

Most of the other cruises we looked at the gratituies were added in to the total paid.

 

One last question, if we pay our account at the end of the cruise with a credit card is it automatically charged in Australian dollars at a exchange rate set by the cruise company, or by the bank, does anyone know.

I pay everything in Euros when we travel and then the bank charges me the exchange rate of the date. I also dont pay any foreign exchange fees if I use my debit card.

I prefer not to have to withdraw a large amount of cash from an ATM but if necessary I could.

Also does anyone know how late you can disembark in Barcelona at the end of the cruise. Says 8.00am on the itinery, however as we can not book into our hotel until about 2.00pm I cant see any point in getting up very early and then having to wait around to check in at the hotel.

 

If anyone can help with this I would appreciate

[Rudy888]

Hi

 

I had understood that the gratitiues were charged to your account at the end of trip, but when the agent sent the paperwork saying it is optional, I queried him and he told me it is up to us whether we pay it or not.

Hence the confusion.

Most of the other cruises we looked at the gratituies were added in to the total paid.

Service charges are normally added to your statement each day, not at the end of a cruise. Unless you go to accounting and ask to have these charges removed, which will take some argument, you will have to pay your outstanding statement before you can depart the ship.

 

One last question, if we pay our account at the end of the cruise with a credit card is it automatically charged in Australian dollars at a exchange rate set by the cruise company, or by the bank, does anyone know.

I pay everything in Euros when we travel and then the bank charges me the exchange rate of the date. I also dont pay any foreign exchange fees if I use my debit card.

I prefer not to have to withdraw a large amount of cash from an ATM but if necessary I could.

Each cruise notifies you on what the shipboard currency is, it may be US Dollars, Euro's, even Australian dollars. It is best to pay by a credit or debit card and not have the ship convert to your currency as their conversion cost is generally higher than your credit card.

Also does anyone know how late you can disembark in Barcelona at the end of the cruise. Says 8.00am on the itinery, however as we can not book into our hotel until about 2.00pm I cant see any point in getting up very early and then having to wait around to check in at the hotel.

You must be out of your room by 8:00am or 9:00am as a rule so that the cabin stewards can prepare the room for the next cruise. You cannot sleep in. You can request a late departure from the ship which they may or may not be able to accomodate. When we were in Tahiti , Princess,we were able to stay on the ship in pulic areas until our flights left late in the day the cruise line and the destination dictate the terms.

 

If anyone can help with this I would appreciate

[AmoMondo]

Hi

 

I had understood that the gratitiues were charged to your account at the end of trip, but when the agent sent the paperwork saying it is optional, I queried him and he told me it is up to us whether we pay it or not.

Hence the confusion.

Most of the other cruises we looked at the gratituies were added in to the total paid.

 

One last question, if we pay our account at the end of the cruise with a credit card is it automatically charged in Australian dollars at a exchange rate set by the cruise company, or by the bank, does anyone know.

I pay everything in Euros when we travel and then the bank charges me the exchange rate of the date. I also dont pay any foreign exchange fees if I use my debit card.

I prefer not to have to withdraw a large amount of cash from an ATM but if necessary I could.

Also does anyone know how late you can disembark in Barcelona at the end of the cruise. Says 8.00am on the itinery, however as we can not book into our hotel until about 2.00pm I cant see any point in getting up very early and then having to wait around to check in at the hotel.

 

If anyone can help with this I would appreciate

 

Your card will be charged in Euros and it will be up to your bank what exchanges rate and charges they apply.

 

Can't help you with the disembarkation time as I've only ever disembarked at the main port on the cruise. I'd imagine they'd still want you off fairly early as no doubt they'll have new passengers joining there and want to get the cabin ready for them. You may be able to stay on the ship a bit longer but I'd expect that they'll want the cabin vacated by about 8am.

 

Although your check in time at your hotel is 2.00, I frequently check in long before that. occasionally I'm lucky and my room is ready but if not, they'll always take your luggage and store it, leaving you free to go out and about and explore.

[Rockwife]

Hi

in Australia we are not used to tipping, unless we get really good service or someone has gone the extra mile, not just doing the job that they are being paid to do.

 

As others have mentioned the quote above is where you have it wrong. Cruise staff are NOT being paid for the jobs they're doing, unless you call $50 a month for 7 days a week, 14+ hours per day getting "paid". If people don't pay the service charge staff are working slave wages. How would that feel on your conscious?

 

Your TA just wants your business and is telling you the service charge is optional so the fare appears cheaper than it is. I wouldn't trust anything else they tell you, either.

[Janderra]

Hi

 

Thank you everyone for your advice. I was just confused and asked the question because all the other cruises we looked at you paid them in advance and this one was listed as optional.

 

If what you say is right and they are paid $50 a week for 7 days then that is slave labour. Are you sure that is right. I dont know how they get anyone to work on this ships if that is the case.

[Zambini]

Hi

 

Thank you everyone for your advice. I was just confused and asked the question because all the other cruises we looked at you paid them in advance and this one was listed as optional.

 

If what you say is right and they are paid $50 a week for 7 days then that is slave labour. Are you sure that is right. I dont know how they get anyone to work on this ships if that is the case.

 

Of course it's not right, people will post stuff like that on here all the time, just to give you a guilt trip about tipping. They never back it up with facts...

 

Here is a good website:

http://www.cruiseshipjob.com/hotel.htm

[Shelledpea]

Hi

 

Thank you everyone for your advice. I was just confused and asked the question because all the other cruises we looked at you paid them in advance and this one was listed as optional.

 

If what you say is right and they are paid $50 a week for 7 days then that is slave labour. Are you sure that is right. I dont know how they get anyone to work on this ships if that is the case.

 

There was a very interesting programme shown on CNBC called Cruise Inc about behind the scenes on an NCL ship and a cabin attendant stated that he made $2500 US per month plus tips tax free ~ so don't believe those who say otherwise

 

This is a link to the CNBC site about the programme and there are video links where you should be able to find the piece ~ http://www.cnbc.com/id/29139914

[Shelledpea]

Here's a link to the full programme on CNBCs web site: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=1139954767

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

There was a very interesting programme shown on CNBC called Cruise Inc about behind the scenes on an NCL ship and a cabin attendant stated that he made $2500 US per month plus tips tax free ~ so don't believe those who say otherwise

 

This is a link to the CNBC site about the programme and there are video links where you should be able to find the piece ~ http://www.cnbc.com/id/29139914

 

You need to rewatch the program, it states $2500 per month, never does it mention plus tips. (more precise at 27 minutes and 40 seconds link to complete video (http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=1139954767)

All non American registered ships operate the same way.

 

Please calculate $2500 into working 6 days per week, sometimes 10-12 hrs a day ...this breaks down to 9-10 dollars an hour

 

If you feel they are living it up, I don't know how.

 

They also are away from their families for 8-10 months a year

 

These individuals work very hard for their money, denying them their tips is in my opinion a very selfish way to save a few bucks.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Of course it's not right, people will post stuff like that on here all the time, just to give you a guilt trip about tipping. They never back it up with facts...

 

Here is a good website:

http://www.cruiseshipjob.com/hotel.htm

 

Your link indicates that they are dependant on tips to make the stated $2500 per month

 

This in my opinion is fact!

They work for their tips. And you benefit from their hard work

 

you are re enforcing misinformation

[Zambini]

Your link indicates that they are dependant on tips to make the stated $2500 per month

 

This in my opinion is fact!

They work for their tips. And you benefit from their hard work

 

you are re enforcing misinformation

 

I suggest you work on your comprehension and reading skills, and that's a fact!

 

Read my post again, I was disputing the $50.00/ month plus tips claim, the link I provided simply states expected monthly SALARY.

 

Definition of SALARY

 

: fixed compensation paid regularly for services

 

Can you verify the $50/ month claim? I can verify what I post!

 

Also, with a minimum US wage of $7.25/hour, $10-$12 an hour, no us tax, all expenses paid is pretty good pay to a lot of the world for cleaning rooms and waiting tables.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

I suggest you work on your comprehension and reading skills, and that's a fact!

 

Read my post again, I was disputing the $50.00/ month plus tips claim, the link I provided simply states expected monthly SALARY.

 

Definition of SALARY

 

: fixed compensation paid regularly for services

 

Can you verify the $50/ month claim? I can verify what I post!

 

Also, with a minimum US wage of $7.25/hour, $10-$12 an hour, no us tax, all expenses paid is pretty good pay to a lot of the world for cleaning rooms and waiting tables.

 

Zambini. yes, I misread your quote...Sorry!..but, don't get used to it!:D

[Zambini]

Zambini. yes, I misread your quote...Sorry!..but, don't get used to it!:D

 

"s'awright"

;)

[conmarg]

Hi

 

I had understood that the gratitiues were charged to your account at the end of trip, but when the agent sent the paperwork saying it is optional, I queried him and he told me it is up to us whether we pay it or not.

Hence the confusion.

Most of the other cruises we looked at the gratituies were added in to the total paid.

 

One last question, if we pay our account at the end of the cruise with a credit card is it automatically charged in Australian dollars at a exchange rate set by the cruise company, or by the bank, does anyone know.

I pay everything in Euros when we travel and then the bank charges me the exchange rate of the date. I also dont pay any foreign exchange fees if I use my debit card.

I prefer not to have to withdraw a large amount of cash from an ATM but if necessary I could.

Also does anyone know how late you can disembark in Barcelona at the end of the cruise. Says 8.00am on the itinery, however as we can not book into our hotel until about 2.00pm I cant see any point in getting up very early and then having to wait around to check in at the hotel.

 

If anyone can help with this I would appreciate

 

 

Pls. note that on most ships you have a choice to have reception use the ship conversion of the day OR you can have the credit card do it. ( when embarking)

When paying my bill Celebrity offerd me 85 cents for the Candian dollar when the international rate was $1.05. Therefore' using MasterCard saved a bundle!