Prepaid tipping query

[arsenalboy]

I am travelling Concierge and have elected to prepay tips to make life easier.

 

However, are there any situations where I need to tip even though I have prepaid? I have also got drinks package.

 

I have read in places on this forum that one should tip on top for room service. I have also read that room service is provided by your stateroom attendant. Given that the bulk of what I have prepaid is for the stateroom attendant I am slightly confused!

 

Clarification from seasoned seagoers would be greatly appreciated.

[cruisestitch]

Some do tip for room service delivery, whether or not it is brought by your attendant. If, for example, you order a hamburger at 2 am it will be delivered by someone other than your stateroom attendant, so it's nice to give them a small amount for that service. But it is not required, and you really should not worry about it.

 

Many people tip the dealers in the casino if they win. Good luck!

[Gonzo70]

Most of the time room service is delivered by someone other than your stateroom attendant; on those occasion it is nice (but not required) to render a small tip. If you have children using the children's program; tipping the staff there at the end of the cruise is nice. If you have access to the Captain's Club Elite cocktail hour, it is nice to tip the staff there (either each day you attend the cocktail hour or at the end of the cruise). If you are in the casino, people commonly tip the dealer if you win at tables such as Blackjack. If you book a spa treatment, look at the receipt you sign; often a tip is automatically added, but sometimes not (if it is not added, 15% to 20% is customary if service was good). No other tips are really expected on the ship, but giving a little extra to any staff that really exceeded your expectations or made your cruise extra special is nice (but again not required).

 

Off the ship it is often expected to tip tour guides, taxi drivers etc., but this of course is dependent on the country you are visiting. Many tip the longshoremen serving as "porters" in US ports as they board the ship, but these people earn very generous wages and only handle your luggage for a few seconds before others take over, so IMHO this is totally unnecessary (you have already paid for this service in the port fees you were charged when you paid for the cruise).

[Tenn4ever]

We tipped our Select Dining waiter and assistant a little extra because we had the same ones eight out of twelve nights.

[tserface]

When we were at the cocktail party I tipped if the waiter went to get me a drink just like I would in any bar. There is no auto gratuity for them and I still get a drink so I figure a tip is in order. If we just grab a sparkling wine off the tray on the way in I don't tip.

 

I figure the drinks are free, but the servers are still working. If I give them a small tip (I usually do $1/drink) it's a win for me still since it's way cheaper than paying for drinks and the 15% auto elsewhere. The servers always appreciate it.

 

I just carry a few $1 in my pocket. They are never refused.

 

Tom

 

Most of the time room service is delivered by someone other than your stateroom attendant; on those occasion it is nice (but not required) to render a small tip. If you have children using the children's program; tipping the staff there at the end of the cruise is nice. If you have access to the Captain's Club Elite cocktail hour, it is nice to tip the staff there (either each day you attend the cocktail hour or at the end of the cruise). If you are in the casino, people commonly tip the dealer if you win at tables such as Blackjack. If you book a spa treatment, look at the receipt you sign; often a tip is automatically added, but sometimes not (if it is not added, 15% to 20% is customary if service was good). No other tips are really expected on the ship, but giving a little extra to any staff that really exceeded your expectations or made your cruise extra special is nice (but again not required).

 

Off the ship it is often expected to tip tour guides, taxi drivers etc., but this of course is dependent on the country you are visiting. Many tip the longshoremen serving as "porters" in US ports as they board the ship, but these people earn very generous wages and only handle your luggage for a few seconds before others take over, so IMHO this is totally unnecessary (you have already paid for this service in the port fees you were charged when you paid for the cruise).

[tserface]

We did this as well on our last cruise. The service was so spectacular and the experience greatly enhanced by that service.

 

Tom

 

We tipped our Select Dining waiter and assistant a little extra because we had the same ones eight out of twelve nights.

[Jenna109]

We tipped our Select Dining waiter and assistant a little extra because we had the same ones eight out of twelve nights.

 

We recently went Select and pre paid our grats - Also served by the same waiter most nights. However, on the last night after serving the meal all waiters in our area disappeared. It really was most odd that we were unable to say goodbye or give extra if we wished. It was our first time in Select and we did wonder if they were dissuaded from hovering at the end of the meal???:eek: