Tipping - the age old question - Sorry

[Froufie]

As to giving someone a $20 in advance of any service, that is not a tip, that is a bribe.

 

I agree with almost all of your post, and we have been on 34 cruises (not sure what that has to do with it but you mentioned it so I did as well). As to the last line, that is an opinion (yours) not a fact.

 

When you are in a restaurant on land, do you hand the server a $20 when you are handed the menus?

 

Tipping before the service is a bribe.

 

I wholeheartedly agree and don't understand using the word 'tip' or 'pretip' when handing over $$ to ensure good service? A tip is for services rendered not to 'bribe' or entice someone to provide you with good service - in fact it can sometimes be seen as insulting....meaning unless you paid someone in advance they would not provide their usual excellent service?

 

I also would also agree that we don't 'pre tip' wait staff in restaurants or other places so why would you do it on a cruise?

 

I do leave auto tips on and tip extra at the end of the cruise if warranted - and I have always received excellent service - no need to 'bribe' my room steward to do his job :)

Edited December 11, 2015 by Froufie

[GUT2407]

It seems to be too complicated for many.

[Elaine5715]

 

When you are in a restaurant on land, do you hand the server a $20 when you are handed the menus?

 

Tipping before the service is a bribe.

 

Besides using inflammatory words like "bribe" to insinuate a crime, the fact is, your stateroom stewards have already provided you with a service by preparing your stateroom, using any requests you have already made, cleaning, setting up the luggage mat, delivering your excursion tickets, your Carnival mail, waters, etc so handing them a gratuity at first meeting, just recognizes the work already done. Or do you think, they don't start preparing until they introduce themselves?

[GUT2407]

Another important tip is the drink servers around the pools and sun decks. I guarantee they will find you a lot faster on the second round if you are tipping.

 

I don't tip in advance, or as I go but always get great service, I wonder if that could be anything to do with me being nice, having a laugh with (not at) the crew and using terms like Please and Thank You?

[jimbo5544]

I agree with almost all of your post, and we have been on 34 cruises (not sure what that has to do with it but you mentioned it so I did as well). As to the last line, that is an opinion (yours) not a fact.

 

 

 

I wholeheartedly agree and don't understand using the word 'tip' or 'pretip' when handing over $$ to ensure good service? A tip is for services rendered not to 'bribe' or entice someone to provide you with good service - in fact it can sometimes be seen as insulting....meaning unless you paid someone in advance they would not provide their usual excellent service?

 

I also would also agree that we don't 'pre tip' wait staff in restaurants or other places so why would you do it on a cruise?

 

I do leave auto tips on and tip extra at the end of the cruise if warranted - and I have always received excellent service - no need to 'bribe' my room steward to do his job :)

 

 

Your right there is no need to bribe anybody and nobody is. The only difference in tipping before or after or not at all is timing. You can do which ever you want. As I said before whatever you do or think it is your Chou d and opinion, not fact. People pore tip all the time. You degrading it and calling it names really does not bolster what it is or is not.

[Froufie]

 

Besides using inflammatory words like "bribe" to insinuate a crime, the fact is, your stateroom stewards have already provided you with a service by preparing your stateroom, using any requests you have already made, cleaning, setting up the luggage mat, delivering your excursion tickets, your Carnival mail, waters, etc so handing them a gratuity at first meeting, just recognizes the work already done. Or do you think, they don't start preparing until they introduce themselves?

 

A bribe does not insinuate a crime?

 

Full Definition of BRIBE

 

1

: money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust

2

: something that serves to induce or influence

 

And Gratuity or tip:

A gratuity (also called a tip) is a sum of money customarily tendered, in addition to the basic price, to certain service sector workers for a service performed or anticipated. Depending on the country, it may be customary to tip servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, hair stylists, and so on.

 

Tips and their amount are a matter of social custom and etiquette, and the custom varies between countries and settings. In some locations tipping is discouraged and considered insulting; while in some other locations tipping is expected from customers. The customary amount of a tip can a specific range of monetary amounts or a certain percentage of the bill.

 

In some circumstances, such as with U.S. government workers[1] or more widely with police officers, receiving gratuities (or even offering them) is illegal, as they may be regarded as bribery.[2] A service charge is sometimes added to bills in restaurants and similar establishments. Tipping may not be expected when a fee is explicitly charged for the service.[3]

[GUT2407]

 

A bribe does not insinuate a crime?

 

Full Definition of BRIBE

 

1

: money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust

2

: something that serves to induce or influence

 

And Gratuity or tip:

A gratuity (also called a tip) is a sum of money customarily tendered, in addition to the basic price, to certain service sector workers for a service performed or anticipated. Depending on the country, it may be customary to tip servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, hair stylists, and so on.

 

Tips and their amount are a matter of social custom and etiquette, and the custom varies between countries and settings. In some locations tipping is discouraged and considered insulting; while in some other locations tipping is expected from customers. The customary amount of a tip can a specific range of monetary amounts or a certain percentage of the bill.

 

In some circumstances, such as with U.S. government workers[1] or more widely with police officers, receiving gratuities (or even offering them) is illegal, as they may be regarded as bribery.[2] A service charge is sometimes added to bills in restaurants and similar establishments. Tipping may not be expected when a fee is explicitly charged for the service.[3]

 

 

But the definition of tip says "for a service performed or anticipated" so anticipated covers pre-tipping, by that definition.

[Froufie]

 

 

But the definition of tip says "for a service performed or anticipated" so anticipated covers pre-tipping, by that definition.

 

I think anticipated is more in the line of handing the parking valet a few bucks when he gets into your car to park it - as you may a) not see him again and b) won't be standing around waiting for him to get back? (to tip him 'after' the service?)

[MisterFidgetpants]

 

 

But the definition of tip says "for a service performed or anticipated" so anticipated covers pre-tipping, by that definition.

 

I read it as the service was anticipated (advertised/promised), and performed (delivered), hence a tip rendered after. I did not read it in the same manner as you.

 

Which all goes back to it is a personal decision how people wish to handle it. Auto or cash. A combination. Before or after. Along the way or all at once. No one can really be faulted for the method they prefer. Everyone interested in the topic should just state how they prefer to handle it, and leave it at that.

[Elaine5715]

 

A bribe does not insinuate a crime?

 

Full Definition of BRIBE

 

1

: money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust

2

: something that serves to induce or influence

 

And Gratuity or tip:

A gratuity (also called a tip) is a sum of money customarily tendered, in addition to the basic price, to certain service sector workers for a service performed or anticipated. Depending on the country, it may be customary to tip servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, hair stylists, and so on.

 

Tips and their amount are a matter of social custom and etiquette, and the custom varies between countries and settings. In some locations tipping is discouraged and considered insulting; while in some other locations tipping is expected from customers. The customary amount of a tip can a specific range of monetary amounts or a certain percentage of the bill.

 

In some circumstances, such as with U.S. government workers[1] or more widely with police officers, receiving gratuities (or even offering them) is illegal, as they may be regarded as bribery.[2] A service charge is sometimes added to bills in restaurants and similar establishments. Tipping may not be expected when a fee is explicitly charged for the service.[3]

 

And the part that I said that services were already completed therefore proffering a gratuity is appropriate.

[notyours75]

I consider the auto-gratuity part of my cruise fare. Now on past cruises we've never tipped anyone at the beginning of the cruise and service has always been good. My typical view of tips is that if you have pre-set one for me than that is what you get.

 

Is there a clear advantage to handing the room steward a little something up front?

 

The steward is the crew member that you typically have the most contact with and make the most requests of. Since you no longer have the same waitstaff for breakfast and lunch in the dinning room, you only see them once a day there is not that much of a relationship there.

 

I don't look it as some much of a bribe as a promise of something more if well earned.

[RHilla619]

I always use the automatic gratuities just for the peace of mind, like the OP said the nice part of cruising is that everything is pre-paid. Not having to carry around your wallet/purse is a great feeling. While in the casino I always tip the waiter/waitress an extra dollar from my chips since they are truly serving me, at the end of the week if our stew was great I give him/her an additional $20, and my "regular" pool bartender also gets a $20 for taking care of me all week.

[Who Cares?]

Besides using inflammatory words like "bribe" to insinuate a crime, the fact is, your stateroom stewards have already provided you with a service by preparing your stateroom, using any requests you have already made, cleaning, setting up the luggage mat, delivering your excursion tickets, your Carnival mail, waters, etc so handing them a gratuity at first meeting, just recognizes the work already done. Or do you think, they don't start preparing until they introduce themselves?

 

Actually, Cruizer2 was the first person (in this thread) to use the word "bribe" in post 19. If you're going to jump on someone for improper word usage how about jumping on the right person. :rolleyes:

Edited December 11, 2015 by Who Cares?

[moniquet]

We only use auto tip and only tip extra if service has been exceptional. This time on Liberty it was. Our Waiter and two assistants were great as was the room steward. I did give the cabin steward part of his tip after three days I was so pleased with our suite and little extras he did. Not really a bribe as I waited to see how he did.

[Havingfun2010]

 

Besides using inflammatory words like "bribe" to insinuate a crime, the fact is, your stateroom stewards have already provided you with a service by preparing your stateroom, using any requests you have already made, cleaning, setting up the luggage mat, delivering your excursion tickets, your Carnival mail, waters, etc so handing them a gratuity at first meeting, just recognizes the work already done. Or do you think, they don't start preparing until they introduce themselves?

 

I do believe everything you stated is their job, and at that point in time, how can you determine if they are going to give you extra or better service? Most of what you stated is actually cleaning up the past guest. Setting up a luggage mat? Now that might be considered hard? Dropping off your "mail". All part of the job. The only real reason to hand someone money up front, is to bribe them to do a better job, or the reality of the fact, do exactly the same job, and be perceived as doing a good job. You would never know.

[Cushing985]

I love tipping and smoking threads!:D

 

Anyway, we pre-pay our tips and I personally add a buck for drinks, a dollar for each plate for room service and normally give extra to the room attendant (s) and waiters in the dining room if warranted (and so far it always is).

 

These so-called "accomplished" cruisers the OP refers to forget the people behind the scenes (specifically those who clean up behind us ie the ones you find vacuuming the carpet, picking up glasses left behind in the elevators or around the decks, those who work on the Lido deck, those you see in the early morning hours washing down the decks) take a share of the pre-paid tips.

 

IMHO...those who claim they pay in cash are just being cheap and would much rather spend their money on booze or excursions than reward the workers who make your cruise an unforgettable experience.

[MisterFidgetpants]

IMHO...those who claim they pay in cash are just being cheap and would much rather spend their money on booze or excursions than reward the workers who make your cruise an unforgettable experience.

 

I see people state that a lot, always couching it as "humble". But what's the basis for that? Seems misinformed opinion. carnival used to only be cash tipping, you couldn't add anything to an account and it went to the people that served you directly.

 

So what changed? I never asked and have no knowledge of what others do or don't do, but I don't understand why cash tipping used to be the ONLY way, but now people are put down for it.

 

I still maintain that you can choose auto tips, combintation of auto and cash, or just cash; whichever you want really is fine since Carnival gives you the choice. I just don't understand why cash is so bad now. Whenever someone starts a thread asking about gifts everyone says give cash.

 

They all work for money, isn't that the best thing still? :confused::confused:

[Cushing985]

I see people state that a lot, always couching it as "humble". But what's the basis for that? Seems misinformed opinion. carnival used to only be cash tipping, you couldn't add anything to an account and it went to the people that served you directly.

 

So what changed? I never asked and have no knowledge of what others do or don't do, but I don't understand why cash tipping used to be the ONLY way, but now people are put down for it.

 

I still maintain that you can choose auto tips, combintation of auto and cash, or just cash; whichever you want really is fine since Carnival gives you the choice. I just don't understand why cash is so bad now. Whenever someone starts a thread asking about gifts everyone says give cash.

 

They all work for money, isn't that the best thing still? :confused::confused:

 

If you don't state "In My Humble Opinion" someone will always pop off about fact vs opinion so I want to put that out first that whatever I say is an opinion not a fact.

 

I cruised back in the day before auto-tips and handing out envelopes on the last day of the cruise but suspect the lines discovered many skipped that tradition and didn't tip at all thus short-changing the workers. Others, like myself, prefer the auto-tips because it's just one more thing not to worry about. Auto-tips is money...the lines just want to be sure the people who normally don't interact with the passengers directly are rewarded to some degree as those who directly serve the passengers. I doubt seriously the passengers who tip in cash go down to the laundry and tip the people who work there or give money to the guys washing down the decks in the early morning.

 

I guess the alternative would be for the lines to call the money taken out of your onboard accounts for tipping a "service" charge and not allowing someone to pull them.

[summersigh]

I see people state that a lot, always couching it as "humble". But what's the basis for that? Seems misinformed opinion. carnival used to only be cash tipping, you couldn't add anything to an account and it went to the people that served you directly.

 

So what changed? I never asked and have no knowledge of what others do or don't do, but I don't understand why cash tipping used to be the ONLY way, but now people are put down for it.

 

I still maintain that you can choose auto tips, combintation of auto and cash, or just cash; whichever you want really is fine since Carnival gives you the choice. I just don't understand why cash is so bad now. Whenever someone starts a thread asking about gifts everyone says give cash.

 

They all work for money, isn't that the best thing still? :confused::confused:

 

We have been told by staff - and actually seen it in writing in the HAL employee handbook (HAL is part of the Carnival umbrella) - if a passenger does auto tips then the staff member (like stewards and MDR staff) may keep any cash tips they receive from that passenger. If the passenger has taken off the auto tips then the staff members must turn in the cash to the tip pool - they may not keep the cash without threat of losing their job. I find it doubtful that a staff member will jeopardize their job for a few dollars.

[MisterFidgetpants]

If you don't state "In My Humble Opinion" someone will always pop off about fact vs opinion so I want to put that out first that whatever I say is an opinion not a fact.

 

I cruised back in the day before auto-tips and handing out envelopes on the last day of the cruise but suspect the lines discovered many skipped that tradition and didn't tip at all thus short-changing the workers. Others, like myself, prefer the auto-tips because it's just one more thing not to worry about. Auto-tips is money...the lines just want to be sure the people who normally don't interact with the passengers directly are rewarded to some degree as those who directly serve the passengers. I doubt seriously the passengers who tip in cash go down to the laundry and tip the people who work there or give money to the guys washing down the decks in the early morning.

 

I guess the alternative would be for the lines to call the money taken out of your onboard accounts for tipping a "service" charge and not allowing someone to pull them.

 

Yeah I was around for envelopes, and set dining times (all meals), and even streamers at sailaway and clay disc shooting. No one ever gave second thought to the laundry room or stuff like that that was not seen. I have to believe they were paid for their jobs then and now.

 

I'm in favor of people choosing whatever option they feel is best. If someone does auto and no more; great. If someone does some combination; great. if someone prefers to give cash; great. I'm not saying one is better than the other, it's just personal preference, and also as to when.

 

As to workers being allowed to keep some cash but not other cash; how on God's Blue Ocean would anyone know where it came from, who it came from, and when? Sounds like an impossible to track task.

 

I believe that however people choose to handle their business it is all to the benefit of the crew. They work hard.

[Cushing985]

Yeah I was around for envelopes, and set dining times (all meals), and even streamers at sailaway and clay disc shooting. No one ever gave second thought to the laundry room or stuff like that that was not seen. I have to believe they were paid for their jobs then and now.

 

I'm in favor of people choosing whatever option they feel is best. If someone does auto and no more; great. If someone does some combination; great. if someone prefers to give cash; great. I'm not saying one is better than the other, it's just personal preference, and also as to when.

 

As to workers being allowed to keep some cash but not other cash; how on God's Blue Ocean would anyone know where it came from, who it came from, and when? Sounds like an impossible to track task.

 

I believe that however people choose to handle their business it is all to the benefit of the crew. They work hard.

 

OK...we're both showing our age! I do remember streamers (especially in Hawaii) and the shooting off the fantail. Those were the days!

[Utahrd]

Maybe this is off-topic or a Threadjack.

 

But do I tip the fitness class instructors? If so, how much? Is a tip automatically added on to what I pay for the class?

 

My theory is that I am definitely going to tip the kids/teen club staff if they keep my kids so occupied that my wife and I can spend several hours in the Serenity area. Or do the Rug Rat Wranglers already receive a portion of the "autotips"?

[NIATPAC29]

How much you tip. Cash or prepaid. When you tip. Who you tip. Its no ones business but your own.

[Cuizer2]

 

Besides using inflammatory words like "bribe" to insinuate a crime, the fact is, your stateroom stewards have already provided you with a service by preparing your stateroom, using any requests you have already made, cleaning, setting up the luggage mat, delivering your excursion tickets, your Carnival mail, waters, etc so handing them a gratuity at first meeting, just recognizes the work already done. Or do you think, they don't start preparing until they introduce themselves?

 

I think you are having trouble properly quoting a post.

 

The stewards would make up the room as you noted even if the room is empty. Not all bribes are crimes. And finally, I stand by my statement, tipping before the service is rendered is a bribe, not a tip.

Edited December 11, 2015 by Cuizer2

[Cuizer2]

I don't tip in advance, or as I go but always get great service, I wonder if that could be anything to do with me being nice, having a laugh with (not at) the crew and using terms like Please and Thank You?

 

Amazing, that works for me also.