Tipping - New Policy

[karena1]

We do the buffet for breakfast and at sea for lunch and a lot for dinner.Now my turn to ask,do you tip the same amount when you go out to dinner at home rather it be a full service restaurant or a buffet?

 

yes, I tip the same no matter when I go out to eat. They all work really hard to take care of me.

[karena1]

When I book my cruise, I prepay everything, from the tips, to the soda to the excusions and when I get on the ship, I need no money and now, I can even prepay for my booze. So all I need is money to lose in the casino.

 

To be serious, this is better for the crew, and I glad it is finally going to happen. I always looked at the tips as part of my trip (why I prepay). Now on many occasions, and if I did not lose too much money in the casino, I start handing out $20 on the last night for the crew that worked hard so I didn't have to. :D

 

so agree with you. We always prepay our tips, then take extra cash to reward any of our staff we feel like we want to. But I love knowing it is already done and I don't have to take all that extra cash. I for one am very glad they changed to this system. The staff take great care of us and deserve to be rewarded for their service

[VABeach]

I have no problem with the increase in tipping. These are hardworking people and it's a good thing to reward them.

 

I couldn't agree more! How long has it been since they increased the suggested amount anyway? The Amount of Increase is not breaking my bank. If it was, I wouldn't be going. :rolleyes:

Edited March 9, 2013 by VABeach

[Clarea]

I couldn't agree more! How long has it been since they increased the suggested amount anyway? The Amount of Increase is not breaking my bank. If it was, I wouldn't be going. :rolleyes:

The last gratuity increase was July 1, 2011.

[VABeach]

The last gratuity increase was July 1, 2011.

 

By how much?

[cruisenfever]

By how much?

Before July 1, 2011

$3.50pp per day for Stateroom Attendant ($5.75 if in a GS or above)

$3.50pp per day for Waiter

$2.00pp per day for Assistant Waiter

$0.75pp per day for Head Waiter

$9.75pp per day ($12.00pp per day if booked in a GS or above)

 

After July 1, 2011

$5.00pp per day for Housekeeping Staff ($7.25 if in a GS or above)

$3.75pp per day for Waiter

$2.15pp per day for Assistant Waiter

$0.75pp per day for Head Waiter

$11.65pp per day ($13.90pp per day if booked in a GS or above)

 

The rate increase effective March 1, 2013 is $.35pp per day.

Edited March 9, 2013 by cruisenfever

[VABeach]

Before July 1, 2011

$3.50pp per day for Stateroom Attendant ($5.75 if in a GS or above)

$3.50pp per day for Waiter

$2.00pp per day for Assistant Waiter

$0.75pp per day for Head Waiter

$9.75pp per day ($12.00pp per day if booked in a GS or above)

 

After July 1, 2011

$5.00pp per day for Housekeeping Staff ($7.25 if in a GS or above)

$3.75pp per day for Waiter

$2.15pp per day for Assistant Waiter

$0.75pp per day for Head Waiter

$11.65pp per day ($13.90pp per day if booked in a GS or above)

 

The rate increase effective March 1, 2013 is $.35pp per day.

 

Thank you for posting, that's kind of my point. It seems a little strange to me that people spend thousands of dollars to go on vacation, and then complain about $5 or $10. :rolleyes:

[Daghis]

Thank you for posting, that's kind of my point. It seems a little strange to me that people spend thousands of dollars to go on vacation, and then complain about $5 or $10. :rolleyes:

You have met us Cruise Critic folks, haven't you? :D :D

 

We'll complain about anything!

 

Now someone can complain about this post and continue the trend. ;)

Edited March 9, 2013 by Daghis

[VABeach]

You have met us Cruise Critic folks, haven't you? :D :D

 

We'll complain about anything!

 

Now someone can complain about this post and continue the trend. ;)

 

I only complain about complainers. ;)

[topanga49er]

Does this mean we can no longer prepay gratuities before boarding? I don't care about the extra amount at all; but I really would prefer to still be able to pre-pay so no worries about it while on vacation.

Thank you

[Clarea]

Does this mean we can no longer prepay gratuities before boarding? I don't care about the extra amount at all; but I really would prefer to still be able to pre-pay so no worries about it while on vacation.

Thank you

Sure, you can still prepay. In fact, if you choose My Time Dining, you must prepay.

[pscruzinboyz]

OK...Tried to find this answer but really did not so hopefully someone can answer for me. We leave on April 7th Freedom OTS. I understand we will be charged the 12.00 PP regardless if we use the dining room in which we do not. Is that still correct. We are CL guys and like to go to the Windjammer at 8:30 pm......not into being at dinner until 10:30 pm. Honestly, not a big deal considering all we get.

Next Question....We have Brother, SIL, Mom in law and 2 boys, 12 and 8...in a family ocean veiw stateroom. Unfortunately, we booked this cruise 18 months ago and the work situation has not been good to them but they already paid for everything and are excited about going. Will they be charged 12.00 PP for all 5 in the room? They know there are tips required but they were also thinking about foregoing the dining room. I just need to let them know since this is their first cruise in 5 years and are not on CC.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Mike

[Coralc]

OK...Tried to find this answer but really did not so hopefully someone can answer for me. We leave on April 7th Freedom OTS. I understand we will be charged the 12.00 PP regardless if we use the dining room in which we do not. Is that still correct. We are CL guys and like to go to the Windjammer at 8:30 pm......not into being at dinner until 10:30 pm. Honestly, not a big deal considering all we get.

Next Question....We have Brother, SIL, Mom in law and 2 boys, 12 and 8...in a family ocean veiw stateroom. Unfortunately, we booked this cruise 18 months ago and the work situation has not been good to them but they already paid for everything and are excited about going. Will they be charged 12.00 PP for all 5 in the room? They know there are tips required but they were also thinking about foregoing the dining room. I just need to let them know since this is their first cruise in 5 years and are not on CC.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Mike

 

Sorry to tell you Mike, but yes they will pay the new amount per person. If they weren't signed up for MTD or pre-paid tips prior to March 1st, the new rate will be assessed.

Edited March 10, 2013 by Coralc

[pscruzinboyz]

Sorry to tell you Mike, but yes they will pay the new amount per person. If they weren't signed up for MTD or pre-paid tips prior to March 1st, the new rate will be assessed.

 

OK...Thank you...I will let them know!

 

Mike

[caddie1]

OK...Tried to find this answer but really did not so hopefully someone can answer for me. We leave on April 7th Freedom OTS. I understand we will be charged the 12.00 PP regardless if we use the dining room in which we do not. Is that still correct. We are CL guys and like to go to the Windjammer at 8:30 pm......not into being at dinner until 10:30 pm. Honestly, not a big deal considering all we get.

Next Question....We have Brother, SIL, Mom in law and 2 boys, 12 and 8...in a family ocean veiw stateroom. Unfortunately, we booked this cruise 18 months ago and the work situation has not been good to them but they already paid for everything and are excited about going. Will they be charged 12.00 PP for all 5 in the room? They know there are tips required but they were also thinking about foregoing the dining room. I just need to let them know since this is their first cruise in 5 years and are not on CC.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

Mike

 

I think they should only pay what they can afford . Its their holiday and it should not be spoilt now on worrying about how much to tip.Cancel at GR and and pay what they can at end of cruise. Enjoy your cruise and i hope things improve for them.

[Coralc]

I think they should only pay what they can afford . Its their holiday and it should not be spoilt now on worrying about how much to tip.Cancel at GR and and pay what they can at end of cruise. Enjoy your cruise and i hope things improve for them.

 

You think? I think not. It's probably why they went to this sort of system You are of course, entitled to your own opinion. But sorry, I disagree with you.

 

There's no worrying about it. They're standardized, just like the 15% added on the drinks.

Edited March 10, 2013 by Coralc

[caddie1]

You think? I think not. It's probably why they went to this sort of system You are of course, entitled to your own opinion. But sorry, I disagree with you.

 

There's no worrying about it. They're standardized, just like the 15% added on the drinks.

As you said i am entitled to my own...

[P&OMAN]

I think they should only pay what they can afford . Its their holiday and it should not be spoilt now on worrying about how much to tip.Cancel at GR and and pay what they can at end of cruise. Enjoy your cruise and i hope things improve for them.

 

Totally agree with your sentiments. Tell them to enjoy there holiday and just tip what they feel they can afford.

 

By tHe way they do not i repeat do not have to give a reason or an explanation at Guest Services for the gratuities to be removed. A polite request is all that is required. Once this has been done they can then tip accordingly with cash at the end of the cruise.

[webteach]

We have been wondering if the tip situation is why we did not get any of the mail from the DL concierge (usually delivered by room steward) and also got NO luggage tags the day before disembarkation. For the first time ever, we walked into a pitch dark room on the last night. Seemed unusual!!

[postmeome]

You think? I think not. It's probably why they went to this sort of system You are of course, entitled to your own opinion. But sorry, I disagree with you.

 

There's no worrying about it. They're standardized, just like the 15% added on the drinks.

you think? you think wrong 15% is not added on uk cruises:D

[Paul65]

By tHe way they do not i repeat do not have to give a reason or an explanation at Guest Services for the gratuities to be removed. A polite request is all that is required.

 

Are you sure? Have you been on a RC cruise since the new policy started a couple weeks ago?

[3dog]

Are you sure? Have you been on a RC cruise since the new policy started a couple weeks ago?

 

I am sure. The number of official responses that indicate only a visit to Guest Services is necessary, far outweigh the assumptions that have been made by CC'ers after reading a FAQ (note the cruise contract item #21 posted at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=37452969#post37452969 should be sufficient).

 

I would hope that GS staff at least ask if the guest would tell them why so that they have an opportunity to get immediate feedback on either the policy or poor service, but it won't be good service if the GS desk decides to argue with a guest about their preference (no matter if anyone here truly believe that the reasons are good or bad). Keep in mind, that the staff doesn't often confront guests over the published dress code (or even non-service animals masquerading as service animals, but I digress), I doubt they will push back on something that is usually reserved as a voluntary and personal action.

[Paul65]

I am sure. The number of official responses that indicate only a visit to Guest Services is necessary, far outweigh the assumptions that have been made by CC'ers after reading a FAQ (note the cruise contract item #21 posted at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=37452969#post37452969 should be sufficient).

 

I would hope that GS staff at least ask if the guest would tell them why so that they have an opportunity to get immediate feedback on either the policy or poor service, but it won't be good service if the GS desk decides to argue with a guest about their preference (no matter if anyone here truly believe that the reasons are good or bad). Keep in mind, that the staff doesn't often confront guests over the published dress code (or even non-service animals masquerading as service animals, but I digress), I doubt they will push back on something that is usually reserved as a voluntary and personal action.

 

I haven't seen the official responses, nor do I have an item #21 in my cruise contract, so I wasn't sure. I thought maybe someone had personal experience.

 

Edit: Plus, when you said that you don't have to give a reason, I suppose I took that a little differently than you meant it. I assumed (as you seem to above) that they will ask you for a reason.

Edited March 13, 2013 by Paul65

[stupendousman8]

I'm guessing it would be illegal not to allow you to later remove the "tips" from your bill if you really wanted to, with them calling it a "gratuity."

 

They are already skirting a gray area by not referring to it (required pre-payment) as a service charge. Not allowing customers to have it removed after the cruise starts would surely open them up to some kind of legal liability.

[3dog]

I haven't seen the official responses, nor do I have an item #21 in my cruise contract, so I wasn't sure. I thought maybe someone had personal experience.

 

A number of people have indicated they called, others have emailed, and all posted the replies as "just visit the GS desk". I'll admit that the tipping threads are very large and hard to follow or search, and why I posted the link to item 21 of the cruise contract, as that is about as definitive as any. It describes gratuity for MTD guests as mandatory (which opens a possible issue of "what if the MTD service was bad?"), but the daily charge can be removed by visiting the guest services desk. No mention of reasons, nor would it be good policy or good service to grill a guest as to why.