Beverage Package Gratuities Update: 15% to 18%

[NLH Arizona]

That's not quite true. They raise the prices by a good deal more than the 15% (or now 18% tip). A couple examples from May, 2014 when we were on an American embarked cruise and a Southampton cruise back to back. Nothing went up only 15% and a lot went up 2 times that much or more. It was annoying watching the prices jump literally overnight.

 

 

All sodas $2.50 to $3.50 (40%)

Beers $5.00 to $6.50 (30%)

Evian 1 l $4.50 to $6.00 (34%)

Mini bar items also raised 30-35%

Maybe it was making up for those that removed the $12 to $15.50 (depending on cabin category) auto gratuities, because they don't believe in tipping.

[Cruise Junky]

I see very little drama. One poster. The rest of the posters seem to support the change.

 

 

Have you read the other thread? And now we have a second. I call that drama

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[K.T.B.]

Yeh, after all tipping is so rational that logic can be applied to the full extent to all comments about.

 

Silliness would be if tipping behaviours were irrational and the rhetoric couldnt withstand logical questions.

 

Ah. Non-American I see.

 

And, no, silliness is saying that you should tip your doctor.

 

 

The entire discussion is unresolvable because some people want to rationalize or make sense of what is an inherently flawed and irrational custom.

 

Americans assume and accept that the select service and other industry workers are underpaid, and so we tip to both appreciate extra or superior effort, and to provide what non-tippers call some amount of "wage leveller".

 

People from non-tipping countries persist in trying to dissect, critique, debate and understand something that, ultimately perhaps, they can never understand. ;)

 

Tipping in not just an American custom. People keep assuming this. Matter of fact, there is only one country where is actually against the law to tip: China.

 

There are countries that don't really encourage tipping, but accept them anyway: Germany, France (except for drinks), and India. And in those cases, the "tip" is usually the customer "rounding up" the bill to an even number.

 

And then there are places that do encourage tipping like the good ol' USA: Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the UK (though not usually in the pubs), and Thailand to name a few.

 

So we Americans are not alone in this.

 

Here's an article to see a picture that better illustrates tipping around the world: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/19/tipping-around-the-world_n_3779911.html

Edited February 5, 2015 by Kevin T Brown

[cle-guy]

Call me unhappy with this one. Industry standard is $1 per drink, not 15% or 18% per drink. Some locales in the USA it's even customary to remove wine before calculating tip in a restaurant.

 

So a $13 martini or Molecular Bar drink already got $1.95 tip, now it gets $2.34 per drink tip. Far above "standard" of a buck per drink.

 

So to get to the industry standard of $1 per drink a drink needs to cost $5.50 - roughly a glass of orange juice.

 

I guess those pillow chocolates come at a cost.

 

glad folks got their chocolates back!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Presto2]

Sorry for starting another drama. Didn't know there was another thread. Perhaps the moderator could join the two. Thanks

[cle-guy]

Fuel contracts are negotiated ahead of time. They are probably still locked in at a higher rate than the low rate now. It happened to me with my home oil company. I caped a rate back in May an I am still paying more per gallon than a new customer who would purchase at today's rate. Also they never enforced the fuel surcharge all of these years so count your blessings.

 

 

I reviewed their Quarterly SEC filings, and fuel hedging has been purchased thru most of 2017.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Terpnut]

Ah. Non-American I see.

 

And, no, silliness is saying that you should tip your doctor.

 

 

 

 

Tipping in not just an American custom. People keep assuming this. Matter of fact, there is only one country where is actually against the law to tip: China.

 

There are countries that don't really encourage tipping, but accept them anyway: Germany, France (except for drinks), and India. And in those cases, the "tip" is usually the customer "rounding up" the bill to an even number.

 

And then there are places that do encourage tipping like the good ol' USA: Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the UK (though not usually in the pubs), and Thailand to name a few.

 

So we Americans are not alone in this.

 

Here's an article to see a picture that better illustrates tipping around the world: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/19/tipping-around-the-world_n_3779911.html

I know all that, but my question is why do we waste time in debating the merits or flaws of a custom when the only thing that MATTERS is that it is a custom. So even if I grant all the non-tippers their points that tipping is stupid, irrational, non-sensical, ridiculous, arbitrary and based on business greed--it's still customary and expected. Whether you are American, Chinese, Aussie or whoever, you are still expected to tip 15%-18% of the food or beverage total! The criticisms are all directed at an admitted-flawed system, but the tips are between us (as customers) and service workers who are merely innocent players in a system in which they have no control or influence.

 

So again, my question to my non-tipping friends remains: what point is there in debating the flaws or venting your frustrations at your fellow cruisers who did not invent a system in which much of the world partakes? Are you blaming us somehow for this? I for one am not here to defend it--merely saying to accept and move on! Kevin, my only suggestion to you is: don't even try to explain, justify or rationalize the system because it only starts the debate all over again! LOL

Edited February 5, 2015 by Terpnut

[cle-guy]

I don't care about that increase at all but I WISH some of the money would go toward MORE staffing at bars and bar waiters. Sometimes finding available bar staff is like looking for bird poop in a cuckoo clock.

 

 

Amen. Off my last summit, 1 server in the entire theatre. ONE, I left to go get my own drinks for me and my gang in casino, and returned before the row in front of us got our drinks.

 

And mind you, I had no package so was PAYING for the privilege of serving myself. Where was my tip?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[GUT2407]

The entire discussion is unresolvable because some people want to rationalize or make sense of what is an inherently flawed and irrational custom.

 

Americans assume and accept that the select service and other industry workers are underpaid, and so we tip to both appreciate extra or superior effort, and to provide what non-tippers call some amount of "wage leveller".

 

People from non-tipping countries persist in trying to dissect, critique, debate and understand something that, ultimately perhaps, they can never understand. ;)

 

I personally agree that it makes sense to pay people a better base salary or wage, and reduce or eliminate the concept of tipping. But in the end, this "system" is merely a fantasy -- an alternative reality that can never be. And so I always conclude with: that's just the way it is whether you like it or understand it. :D

 

So a question for my Aussie and other friends from traditionally non-tipping countries: What is it that you want from this dialogue? Since tipping is discretionary so you don't have to tip the service providers, are you simply torn by your inherent desire to NOT tip? Are you upset by the implied pressure of tipping? Or do you honestly feel that many service people are not worthy of a tip? Or are you simply upset that businesses are paying too low a wage and exploiting this "custom"? It may be customary, but ultimately tipping is usually discretionary so there is generally nothing forcing you to do it. Even the automatic gratuities on most cruise lines can be removed.

 

Why can a system of fair wages never be.

 

Yes I don't like being "forced" to tip. Yes I am upset that businesses exploit the system. How is it discretionary when I read Americans saying things like

 

If you remove tips lock up your toothbrush

If you don't tip at the docks say goodbye to your bags

 

And the like. That's not discretionary it's extortion.

[Ceeborne]

I also find 18% exorbitant. I think Americans are used to paying this amount. Personally, I prefer to give an extra tip for good service.

[laslomas]

18% is way too high to add to all drinks. At least once a day I stop at a bar or the café for just for a bottle of water to take back to my cabin. I should not be charged 18% on top of the price for this 'service'. And when I find I cannot get the attention of a server and go to the bar to get a drink after a long wait it seems way too high.

 

I know this is the way it is in the States. I have only spent a few days now and again in the USA before or after cruising. When I am there I am uncomfortable as I have read about the tipping expectations and worry I will forget that I should be handing out money and I find it quite unnatural. From the minute I step off a plane or a ship I need to have access to a wad of dollar bills (hard to come by when exchanging my GB£ for US$) and must remember to hand them to everyone I come into contact with. I have had my luggage taken from me in a hotel so that I will tip the guy who walks next to me wheeling it. I have been in restaurants where I have been handed the bill with the gratuities box circled or highlighted to be sure I do not miss it (presumably as they recognise my accent). I really do not enjoy the experience and I am sure I am not the only one. When cruising I pre-pay the on board gratuities and I would be also be happy to have the gratuities added to the base price of my cruise. I can then relax and get on with my holiday.

Edited February 5, 2015 by laslomas

[flames9]

Yes I agree one should only tip for great service..blah blah blah..

 

BUT what would happen to the cruise prices if they started to pay the crew a real hourly wage? I'm only a RN, but I guess it would be more than what they take away from your account for daily tips and this new 18% charge on drinks....

[wwcruisers]

Call me unhappy with this one. Industry standard is $1 per drink, not 15% or 18% per drink. Some locales in the USA it's even customary to remove wine before calculating tip in a restaurant.

 

So a $13 martini or Molecular Bar drink already got $1.95 tip, now it gets $2.34 per drink tip. Far above "standard" of a buck per drink.

 

So to get to the industry standard of $1 per drink a drink needs to cost $5.50 - roughly a glass of orange juice.

 

I guess those pillow chocolates come at a cost.

 

glad folks got their chocolates back!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Curt, I don't mind paying what X charges for drink gratuities (and then some) when I've had a great bartender fix me a wonderful drink. Whether it's the mixology expert in the Molecular Bar, or the showy talent in the Martini Bar -- these folks are working hard for the $$. I've also had the head bartender in the Ensemble lounge drop everything, to go in search of the champagne I requested. :cool: But 18% just to hand you a bottle of water, or pop the cap off a beer bottle -- I dunno. Guess I'll just be a little more conservative on my "extra" tips -- saving those for truly outstanding service! :)

[DinaS]

I don't see anything wrong with 18% for good service. I generally tip about 20% for excellent service, and a bit more for exemplary service.

 

For everyone who is complaining about this increase in the gratuity - there is really a good way to show your dissatisfaction.

 

Take your business elsewhere - to another cruise line where you can tip whatever you want, or not at all.

 

I am not saying that to be nasty.

 

I am simply stating that if you take your money elsewhere, that would be the most effective way to show your dissatisfaction with Celebrity.

[Cruise Junky]

Call me unhappy with this one. Industry standard is $1 per drink, not 15% or 18% per drink. Some locales in the USA it's even customary to remove wine before calculating tip in a restaurant.

 

So a $13 martini or Molecular Bar drink already got $1.95 tip, now it gets $2.34 per drink tip. Far above "standard" of a buck per drink.

 

So to get to the industry standard of $1 per drink a drink needs to cost $5.50 - roughly a glass of orange juice.

 

I guess those pillow chocolates come at a cost.

 

glad folks got their chocolates back!

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

 

OMG. The horror, the humanity. How will you cope with paying an extra .39 cents for a drink in the molecular bar? This coming from someone who quite proudly lists their suites in their signature. Give me a break.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[miched]

Have just read this on another post.

 

Is it right that Celebrity now add 18% gratuities?

 

The last time we were there it was 15% and we thought that was high enough.

 

If so we are gob smacked ----

 

:confused::(:eek:

 

I always thought of the 15% as a bargain. Usually in a bar I leave a minimum of $1 for a drink. If the drink is $5.50 they get $7.00 and keep it. On board ship a $5 beer plus was $.75 and now it will be $.90. I am not going to protest or complain.

 

Something that I always thought was bad logic though was that everything is going up in price so that justifies raising the percentage from 15 to 20%. True but there is also a built in raise when the prices for food and drink increases. Many years ago a server got 10% and most time that amounted to pennies on a restaurant bill. Coffee and donut and you may have got nickel but most times a few pennies or a dime for serving breakfast for two. I know because I was the one serving.

 

happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌞

[Ceeborne]

For those people who find it necessary to put down people for their point of view, it is nasty. No matter how it is sugar coated.

[Adidas4fun]

Ah. Non-American I see.

 

And, no, silliness is saying that you should tip your doctor

 

An utterly illogical and silly response ... How unsurprising.

[Adidas4fun]

The entire discussion is unresolvable because some people want to rationalize or make sense of what is an inherently flawed and irrational custom.

 

Americans assume and accept that the select service and other industry workers are underpaid, and so we tip to both appreciate extra or superior effort, and to provide what non-tippers call some amount of "wage leveller".

 

People from non-tipping countries persist in trying to dissect, critique, debate and understand something that, ultimately perhaps, they can never understand. ;)

 

I personally agree that it makes sense to pay people a better base salary or wage, and reduce or eliminate the concept of tipping. But in the end, this "system" is merely a fantasy -- an alternative reality that can never be. And so I always conclude with: that's just the way it is whether you like it or understand it. :D

 

So a question for my Aussie and other friends from traditionally non-tipping countries: What is it that you want from this dialogue? Since tipping is discretionary so you don't have to tip the service providers, are you simply torn by your inherent desire to NOT tip? Are you upset by the implied pressure of tipping? Or do you honestly feel that many service people are not worthy of a tip? Or are you simply upset that businesses are paying too low a wage and exploiting this "custom"? It may be customary, but ultimately tipping is usually discretionary so there is generally nothing forcing you to do it. Even the automatic gratuities on most cruise lines can be removed.

Why, when I question the rhetoric am I attacked for trying to understand something that finally someone has the balls to admit is irrational.

 

How am I supposed to understand something and do the right thing when it is irrational?

Edited February 6, 2015 by Adidas4fun

[Adidas4fun]

I had the occasion to chat to a bus driver. He had until recently been working for a municipal bus company. He chose to take a lower paying job with a tour company because he was sick of being spat at, abused and generally treated like a worthless piece of ... (and thats not even starting on his bosses).

 

But because of tips he now makes more than he previously made for what is an immeasurably better job.

 

Got to bless tipping, it sure rewards those who put effort into their jobs.

Edited February 6, 2015 by Adidas4fun

[GUT2407]

Curt, I don't mind paying what X charges for drink gratuities (and then some) when I've had a great bartender fix me a wonderful drink. Whether it's the mixology expert in the Molecular Bar, or the showy talent in the Martini Bar -- these folks are working hard for the $$. I've also had the head bartender in the Ensemble lounge drop everything, to go in search of the champagne I requested. :cool: But 18% just to hand you a bottle of water, or pop the cap off a beer bottle -- I dunno. Guess I'll just be a little more conservative on my "extra" tips -- saving those for truly outstanding service! :)

 

Maybe ok on a Martinee etc but as you say what about a can of coke 60 or 70 cents to hand it to you, a joke, put in a vending machine and let me use my card to grab a drink there.

Edited February 6, 2015 by GUT2407

[GUT2407]

I had the occasion to chat to a bus driver. He had until recently been working for a municipal bus company. He chose to take a lower paying job with a tour company because he was sick of being spat at, abused and generally treated like a worthless piece of ... (and thats not even starting on his bosses).

 

But because of tips he now makes more than he previously made for what is an immeasurably better job.

 

Got to bless tipping, it sure rewards those who put effort into their jobs.

 

But auto tipping does the exact opposite everyone gets the same good service or bad. How does that reward or even encourage good service? Simply it doesn't.

[Terpnut]

Why can a system of fair wages never be.

 

Yes I don't like being "forced" to tip. Yes I am upset that businesses exploit the system. How is it discretionary when I read Americans saying things like

 

If you remove tips lock up your toothbrush

If you don't tip at the docks say goodbye to your bags

 

And the like. That's not discretionary it's extortion.

I can't comment on whether or not bad things could happen to one's bags because you don't tip a porter but your fears are largely unfounded since 99% of the time, tips are offered only after the delivery of a service! So how in the world is tipping being "forced" on you, or "extortion"? 99% of the service providers do their jobs with nothing but the mere hope that you will be so kind to acknowledge their good work and tip them.

 

The only possible negative affect for you might be that your compatriots may have established a tipping pattern and a stereotype of a particular nationality of either not tipping or not tipping well may arise.

 

Why, when I question the rhetoric am I attacked for trying to understand something that finally someone has the balls to admit is irrational.

What I am saying is that, even if I concede to your reasoned points, nothing will change with this system--rational or irrational. I personally am not getting upset or angry because I know nothing I type will change your mind or vice versa, however some people here do sense an intense anger from you and I think your caustic tone is only inflaming things without helping us get to any real solution. Just my 2 cents.

 

 

How am I supposed to understand something and do the right thing when it is irrational?

Here is the problem: You do NOT need to understand a custom to follow the custom. It doesn't and shouldn't need to be rational to YOU for you to do the "right thing". Whether you think it's a greedy business-based or crazy cultural-based custom, you simply are expected do it. But you don't have to if you don't respect it. Most of us don't really care what you choose to do because it's your right to choose. But PLEASE don't post comments on this board about how dumb something is and imply that those that have the custom OWE YOU a rational explanation. before you can comply with said custom. IOW, you are not owed an explanation nor entitled to understand it!

 

The custom of tipping will likely never make any sense to you, but I genuinely hope the perspective I offer above does. :rolleyes:

Edited February 6, 2015 by Terpnut

[LuckiePuris]

Hi there,

 

Thank you all for being patient as we looked into this for our Australian guests. We can confirm that guests are able to receive the same beverages as before the gratuities increased.

 

Thank you. What is the per glass cost limit for classic and premium packages for these Australian cruises? Will the menus onboard for Australian cruises be updated in cost?

[cle-guy]

If you don't tip at the docks say goodbye to your bags

 

And the like. That's not discretionary it's extortion.

 

I don't usually tip the porters, and have never had a bag delayed or misplaced.