Tipping on drink package

[Buckeye94]

I have searched the boards to no avail!

 

I have never sailed with a drink package before. I took advantage of the 123 free drink package and upgraded to Premium (yeah!). On previous sailings, I've always had to sign a slip and I could add a tip. From other posts, I'm gathering there is no slip generated as long as the drink is within the plan. Is that true? Do I have to carry cash for all my bar tips? Yes, I know 15% is included in the package pricing, but I like to tip more for good service.

 

Thank you! These boards have been so helpful in the past. I only wish I'd known about this before my first cruise!

[adirondacksailor]

Yes, you'll need cash for tips.

[prim8keeper]

We usually just tip the bartenders or servers at the cafe who provided good service at the end of the cruise extra in cash. Love the premium package!

 

 

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[Oceanview77]

You can also ask the bartender to print you a slip so you can leave additional tip on your see pass card.

[Fang]

I just tip in cash to the server or bartender. Not everytime, but if I find myself going back to the same location or at pool and want to have server come by more often. Don't know if it helps but who knows?

[newcruisergal]

We tipped in cash at the end of the week, but you can also at any time ask for a slip to add gratuity. It's a fantastic deal, you'll love having the package!

[ILVet65]

We had the premium package and kept a handful of $1s in our pockets. We normally tipped $1 every round or two. We got great service everywhere...was it because of the tipping -- I can't say one way or the other. We tipped because the staff worked hard and took great care of us...they certainly appreciated the little extra. It will be interesting on the next cruise, with so many more people with the packages due to the 1-2-3 promo, whether tipping makes a difference in service levels (especially in smaller venues like Cafe Al Bacio).

[A Sixth?]

You can also ask the bartender to print you a slip so you can leave additional tip on your see pass card.

 

That's what we did too.

[redjetz]

We take a wad of $1 bills with us, for drink tips (even though we have the package) and for room service tips -- gotta have that morning jolt of caffeine! I always stuff a few bills in my pocket or purse when leaving the cabin.

[sarahc78]

We bring $2 bills and tip additional through out the day. Usually they are bringing us a new beer before we can finish the first one :)

[laslomas]

Sorry to ask an extra question, but it is relevant to this thread. There are many mentions of using 1$ and 2$ bills for tipping on board. How easy will it be to get a wad of small bills? I will be flying into Miami from UK and changing up currency and I know it is not usually possible to get hold of the really small denomination. I have already realised I will need these at the pier too.

 

It must be the same for most non U.S. residents, so any ideas how to obtain these and how many am I likely to use over 14 days? I know it is different for everyone depending on how generously they tip, but a general idea, or average would be useful. Alternatively, will I be able to get change on the ship???

[Cruise4me2]

Sorry to ask an extra question, but it is relevant to this thread. There are many mentions of using 1$ and 2$ bills for tipping on board. How easy will it be to get a wad of small bills? I will be flying into Miami from UK and changing up currency and I know it is not usually possible to get hold of the really small denomination. I have already realised I will need these at the pier too.

 

It must be the same for most non U.S. residents, so any ideas how to obtain these and how many am I likely to use over 14 days? I know it is different for everyone depending on how generously they tip, but a general idea, or average would be useful. Alternatively, will I be able to get change on the ship???

 

I would go to the casino or guest services and have them break your larger bills.

Safe travels

[laslomas]

I would go to the casino or guest services and have them break your larger bills.

Safe travels

 

Thanks for that. I hope I can get these first or second day on board as I do not expect I will get the chance to break into many larger bills before boarding.

[rbsmithpaige]

FWIW - I don't think you're going to find any quantity of $2 bills anywhere but a bank, and maybe not even there. Do what I do - use two $1 bills instead. ;)

[DEBnGAB]

Great info here! We had the drink card on Carnival and tipped $1 per either in cash or on the slip, always a fresh drink headed our way!

[Porter20]

I also carried a wad of $1 for tips. But I will tell you, based of my recent experience, they were not expecting additional tips. Several times they walked off without giving me the chance to slip them a $1 or $2.

[noblepa]

I found this on Celebrity's website.

 

"*All prices are subject to change without notice. A 15% service charge will be added to Soda, Wine, Water, Classic and Premium Package prices at checkout. "

 

Here's the link:

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/planAndBook/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages#onboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic_tab/onboard/asrPanel.do%3Fpagename=onboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic&ComponentTypeId=30&categoryId=&currencyCode=USD

 

I've not sailed on Celebrity, yet, but it appears that you don't need to tip the waiter when using the drink package. That may be why some waiters didn't wait for one.

[alexspepa]

I found this on Celebrity's website.

 

"*All prices are subject to change without notice. A 15% service charge will be added to Soda, Wine, Water, Classic and Premium Package prices at checkout. "

 

Here's the link:

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/planAndBook/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages#onboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic_tab/onboard/asrPanel.do%3Fpagename=onboard_beverage_packages_premium_classic&ComponentTypeId=30&categoryId=&currencyCode=USD

 

I've not sailed on Celebrity, yet, but it appears that you don't need to tip the waiter when using the drink package. That may be why some waiters didn't wait for one.

 

I believe that works out to about $7-8 per day per person if you have the premium package, less if you have the classic.

 

I am planning on bringing lots of ones as I plan on taking full advantage of the premium package; plus as a former waiter/bartender it's kind of hard for me not to tip a little extra.

[gelo7]

I would go to the casino or guest services and have them break your larger bills.

Safe travels

Ditto...