Tipping - the age old question - Sorry

[Who Cares?]

My advice, go to a show, go to dinner, go to the casino. Go outside and play mini golf or watch a movie. Get some pizza. I can't think of a bigger waste of time on vacation than to eavesdrop at guest services on any day for any reason.

 

Then you just don't understand where to go for good comedy. :D

 

But grabbing a drink and some pizza for the show IS a great idea. Gotta remember that one. ;)

Edited December 12, 2015 by Who Cares?

[MisterFidgetpants]

And since y'all were around for those days as I was you should also remember the days of the MDR being only half full (at best) on the last night (tipping night).

 

That's more CC trope than truth. That's a strong exaggeration. I recall many a lavish farewell dinner and people did not want to miss it.

 

I don't really investigate what others do. Some things I notice, some I don't notice. Did what you say happen, happen? Probably to some degree. Were dining rooms consistently half full or less on the final night? No.

 

There is no way to generalize what 1500, 2000, 3000, 4500 other guests are doing, have done, will do; etc. Whichever method of tipping you find works best for you is fine. You are thinking about the service provided to you and thanking the workers that made it possible. I don't care if someone wants to double it, or halve it; triple it, or remove it because their business isn't my business; like the person that will hang around at GS and listen in, and then get frustrated at what they hear. Why?? You've handled your business in your way and feel satisfied that you've done what's right for you. Why get grief over strangers doing what you don't feel is proper? That is why I said it was not a good use of time.

[MisterFidgetpants]

Then you just don't understand where to go for good comedy. :D

 

It's in the karaoke lounge, compadre.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Q0xfzDsFg

[jimbo5544]

It's in the karaoke lounge, compadre.

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Q0xfzDsFg

 

 

No question that is where it should be, but the cheapskate's make it not so.

[SadieN]

That's more CC trope than truth. That's a strong exaggeration. I recall many a lavish farewell dinner and people did not want to miss it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.............

 

 

First two cruises were on the Viking Serenade out of San Pedro. 50% might be an exaggeration but it's very close.

[MisterFidgetpants]

No question that is where it should be, but the cheapskate's make it not so.

 

My only point is you really don't know what people are doing, why they are doing it, if they had a real problem, or if they really are giving out cash, or lots of it at that. You just don't know. you're getting revved up over other peoples choices and likely incomplete information. And it's really between them and the company or them and the people that provide service.

 

I was just suggesting you participate in more fun events, not ones that raise blood pressure. That's your prerogative of course, I never meant to say otherwise, but I go on cruises for fun and entertainment and just can't see getting aggravated over others people issues at guest services.

 

All you can do is what's best for you.

 

Then again, if you are at GS you aren't taking up a seat in a lounge or a spot in the pizza line (but if you let me know what you like I'll order you a slice :D)

[jimbo5544]

My only point is you really don't know what people are doing, why they are doing it, if they had a real problem, or if they really are giving out cash, or lots of it at that. You just don't know. you're getting revved up over other peoples choices and likely incomplete information. And it's really between them and the company or them and the people that provide service.

 

 

 

I was just suggesting you participate in more fun events, not ones that raise blood pressure. That's your prerogative of course, I never meant to say otherwise, but I go on cruises for fun and entertainment and just can't see getting aggravated over others people issues at guest services.

 

 

 

All you can do is what's best for you.

 

 

 

Then again, if you are at GS you aren't taking up a seat in a lounge or a spot in the pizza line (but if you let me know what you like I'll order you a slice :D)

 

 

I understand your point and if we cruised together you would find me to fit into the Carnival FUN just fine. My point (and we can move on) is that whatever the the reason someone is already there (meaning guest services) you can quickly determine who is there fora legitimate reason (and the ere are def some of those although the last night is not he time to argue something on day 1) and those there with lame excuses and only trying to get out of paying what should be paid. Is it their prerogative to do so ? Yes but it's mine to call them out for what they are.

[Who Cares?]

That's more CC trope than truth. That's a strong exaggeration. I recall many a lavish farewell dinner and people did not want to miss it.

 

No CC trope. I speak from experience, no hearsay.

[elainmir]

I am NOT for pre tipping but only because we had a horrible experience with this at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas...you had to prepay gratuities if you ate at several of the onsite restaurants..the staff literally lined up against the wall and heaven help you if you wanted a drink refill. They felt they had to do NOTHING because they'd already been tipped. I also think it can work against you the customer..if someone feels you've not tipped enough ( not realizing you are splitting your tip up between start and end of trip) they may not give you the best service.

 

I do tip the cabin steward extra but I like to make it fun..save my towel animals for the week and I give between 20 and 40 bucks..I get singles and the towel animals make it "rain" lol...it's so fun.

 

I tip casino waitstaff with singles..I think they find you for sure quicker!

[zqvol]

. . .

 

I do tip the cabin steward extra but I like to make it fun..save my towel animals for the week and I give between 20 and 40 bucks..I get singles and the towel animals make it "rain" lol...it's so fun.

. . .

 

There is nothing fun about the mess that creates and the time it takes to clean it up. You in effect paid them for the extra work they had to do for your fun.

[summersigh]

I am NOT for pre tipping but only because we had a horrible experience with this at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas...you had to prepay gratuities if you ate at several of the onsite restaurants..the staff literally lined up against the wall and heaven help you if you wanted a drink refill. They felt they had to do NOTHING because they'd already been tipped.!

 

On the cruise ships they seem to put a great stock in having their names mentioned on the surveys at the end which may be one reason that ship staff normally gives a high degree of service all the time.

[moniquet]

I did not get a survey to fill in last week on Liberty. Where would it be possible to do it now? Our wait staff were brilliant.

[YubaSutter]

Is it their prerogative to do so ? Yes but it's mine to call them out for what they are.

 

No, it isn't your place to call someone out because they don't tip like you do. Know your role.

[wmwmarmstrong]

We prepay and then a $20 to cabin steward in beginning of trip and then extra for MDR staff at end of trip...plenty of $1's for room service and bar service if they come to me, personal preference

 

We always have also, being I sleep with a body pillow and bringing one would take a large suitcase. So I ask the steward to bring 2 extra pillows first thing, before they run out, and make my own.

Had no idea this was bribing. Always got a big smile whatever it's called!

[jimbo5544]

No, it isn't your place to call someone out because they don't tip like you do. Know your role.

 

We can disagree, the staff works very hard. When the only issue is that people are cheap (i.e. no legitimate reason to remove tips), I will and speak my opinion at will. I never said people had to tip like I do, just follow the cruise line strong suggestion and tip. It's not like it was a big surprise. I understand there are different cultures where tipping is thought of differently. That said, you play by the rules, I do when I travel to different parts of the world. You can do the same, so I guess you can know your role also. No charge for correcting you BTW.

Edited December 13, 2015 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

I did not get a survey to fill in last week on Liberty. Where would it be possible to do it now? Our wait staff were brilliant.

 

I would try Carnival online. There must be a way, if not send a note to John Heald and he can forward it along.

Edited December 13, 2015 by jimbo5544

[MisterFidgetpants]

When the only issue is that people are cheap (i.e. no legitimate reason to remove tips), I will and speak my opinion at will.

 

There is the rub. You aren't the decider of what is legitimate or not, and as I said earlier, when casually listening you may or may not have all the facts. That's why I said there's no sense getting your BP up over it. Let Carnival deal with it. If there's legitimate problems they probably will want an opportunity to try to correct them for the guest first. Perhaps they did and could not resolve something? Again, no way for a casual observer to know.

 

Do you actually "call people out" at guest services? If so, I may have to rethink my entertainment schedule!!!

 

And yes, I agree that the crew work very hard. I do not think anyone would disagree.

[jimbo5544]

There is the rub. You aren't the decider of what is legitimate or not, and as I said earlier, when casually listening you may or may not have all the facts. That's why I said there's no sense getting your BP up over it. Let Carnival deal with it. If there's legitimate problems they probably will want an opportunity to try to correct them for the guest first. Perhaps they did and could not resolve something? Again, no way for a casual observer to know.

 

Do you actually "call people out" at guest services? If so, I may have to rethink my entertainment schedule!!!

 

And yes, I agree that the crew work very hard. I do not think anyone would disagree.

 

My calling out is at cruise critic, although I could agree that it would be entertaining on the ship. I think Carnival (from my perspective) does a pretty job job pushing back. Listen, are there legitimate reasons, sure. Is the time to raise those, the last night, def not. I have heard the whole story of people while being there at GS. Some are legitimate, some are pathetic. As you know, there have been many threads here discussing this topic. You don't have to read very far on a lot of posts on these to understand the motivation. If I really get board today (my Giants won't lose their next game till tomorrow night) I could go find some to highlight this, but it is probably better to move on.

[skyeman27]

We can disagree, the staff works very hard. When the only issue is that people are cheap (i.e. no legitimate reason to remove tips), I will and speak my opinion at will. I never said people had to tip like I do, just follow the cruise line strong suggestion and tip. It's not like it was a big surprise. I understand there are different cultures where tipping is thought of differently. That said, you play by the rules, I do when I travel to different parts of the world. You can do the same, so I guess you can know your role also. No charge for correcting you BTW.

"play by the rules" ?? There are no rules for tipping, only guidelines and suggestions. No charge for correcting you again BTW...

[jimbo5544]

"play by the rules" ?? There are no rules for tipping, only guidelines and suggestions. No charge for correcting you again BTW...

 

 

Sounds like a comment made by someone looking for a way to cheat others out of what they deserve and have earned in good faith.

[MisterFidgetpants]

My calling out is at cruise critic, although I could agree that it would be entertaining on the ship.

 

As long as I'm not a participant on any side, hysterical. But probably a bad decision in any event.

 

I think Carnival (from my perspective) does a pretty job job pushing back.

 

How do they push back? I honestly have no idea. I'm asking because I find it interesting.

 

Listen, are there legitimate reasons, sure. Is the time to raise those, the last night, def not.

 

I believe service issues should be raised when they occur instead of waiting, when possible and practical. But if your service issue occurs on the last day of your cruise, when else would you raise it?

 

I have heard the whole story of people while being there at GS. Some are legitimate, some are pathetic.

 

The only people that know the whole story are the guest and the company. Unless you're a part of that party or that company you're just getting some of it; except for perhaps if someone says "I have no money" or "I'm not paying", which is a shame, but it's still Carnival's rules (hence the reason I say it's not worth negative energy if you're not involved). Carnival isn't making exceptions to their policies for people; they're following their policies. Even if it may be distasteful in some circumstance.

 

As you know, there have been many threads here discussing this topic. You don't have to read very far on a lot of posts on these to understand the motivation. .

 

Most are nasty arguments. This is a good natured discussion. If you want to continue, I prefer this arena. If not, that's alright too.

 

(my Giants won't lose their next game till tomorrow night)

 

Yes. Same probability as sun rising in east and setting in west.

[jimbo5544]

"play by the rules" ?? There are no rules for tipping, only guidelines and suggestions. No charge for correcting you again BTW...

 

 

Semantics don't change what is the right thing to do and what isn't. No charge for that bit of wisdom which will serve you in all aspects of life not just cruising.

[jimbo5544]

I don't think I was ever quoted five times in one post before. I am happy to continue discussing here just thought it had run its course. The other threads do get ugly which is why they'd get closed, which is to bad in any circumstance, although I understand why.

[moniquet]

Are there any statistics as to how many cancel their tips? I went to get small bills for tips on the last night of my cruise on Liberty and the line of people waiting was enormous. I thought maybe they were just querying their accounts etc.:confused:

[jimbo5544]

Are there any statistics as to how many cancel their tips? I went to get small bills for tips on the last night of my cruise on Liberty and the line of people waiting was enormous. I thought maybe they were just querying their accounts etc.:confused:

 

 

I am sure the line is reflective of both things, I sure hope the majority are for questions on their sign and sail account (as you noted, the last evening it gets long). Taking a couple of minutes to look at a couple of times during the cruise and raising questions then would be a much better plan.