Cash Tipping on Board MSC?

[TheSoccerCoach]

I asked this question on another thread, but am starting this thread to be sure the most people see it and can respond.

 

On our recent cruise, we paid our gratuities in advance and bought drink packages in advance that we thought included a preset tip paid to the bartenders, bar waiters, etc.

 

We did tip our casino dealers with some chips. But, did not tip room service; we did Fantastica...assumed it was included.

 

But, a recent Divina review has me concerned that we did wrong by following the expressed no cash tipping policy that we read online and onboard.

 

So, what do you all do? Do you tip in cash on MSC? Interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

[1fifthavenue]

I've once given the waiter at dinner an extra 20€ but it was Christmas time. We don't give any other tips.

[stealthy]

Pre pay gratuity that's all you have to do.

It's totally up to the individual and MSC encourage you NOT to tip.

[highlandlassie]

I always tip extra I also take out goodie bags of sweets/candy

 

Easter sunday last year I took out cadbury easter eggs and handed them out to staff and crew - they were over the moon - one crew member took a photo ad sent home to his daughter saying look what the easter bunny brought me - away so far from home, a silly wee 50p easter egg brought a father and daughter together on easter sunday

 

It was my birthday and wedding anniversairy the same week - guess what the waiter sent us a bottle of champagne

[Beamafar]

It was my birthday and wedding anniversairy the same week - guess what the waiter sent us a bottle of champagne

 

Such a lovely gesture. :) Great that you shared that here - it's good to read about the positive experiences to balance some of the not so positive ones.

 

I've been the recipient of one or two nice gestures over the years on MSC. It makes you feel special and shows that MSC does make an effort from time to time!

[BermudaBound2014]

It is my understanding (based on asking two staff members), that if you PRE-PURCHASE the drink coupons to avoid paying the 15%, you are actually stiffing the staff, not the cruise line. I'd like to see this written somewhere.

[Crzyfrk62]

I tip in cash, especially the bartenders because I spend a lot of time at the bar. Not sure how it works when you pre-purchase drink packages.

[TheSoccerCoach]

It is my understanding (based on asking two staff members), that if you PRE-PURCHASE the drink coupons to avoid paying the 15%, you are actually stiffing the staff, not the cruise line. I'd like to see this written somewhere.

 

I would like to know more about this as well! It is my understanding that the staff was getting tip compensation off of the pre-purchased packages. Would be disappointed to find out that this is not true.

 

And, anecdotally, the bars that we frequented, especially the Casino, the bartenders knew our preferred drinks pretty quickly and were very generous with their pours. And, did not look askance or react negatively when handed the drink coupons.

[stealthy]

Nor should they.

 

 

They have no idea if you will tip them or not so I would expect nothing but professional service.

Edited August 2, 2016 by stealthy

[GOLDENBONNY]

I asked this question on another thread, but am starting this thread to be sure the most people see it and can respond.

 

On our recent cruise, we paid our gratuities in advance and bought drink packages in advance that we thought included a preset tip paid to the bartenders, bar waiters, etc.

 

We did tip our casino dealers with some chips. But, did not tip room service; we did Fantastica...assumed it was included.

 

But, a recent Divina review has me concerned that we did wrong by following the expressed no cash tipping policy that we read online and onboard.

 

So, what do you all do? Do you tip in cash on MSC? Interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

 

MSC or not I only tip extra if someone really good. I do it by the end of cruise .

[deliver42]

I,also tip extra at the end of the cruise above what was taken out, depending on service. I also tip the bartenders when I get a drink. I almost fell over when I asked for envelopes and was told no tipping please, and couldn't get them. I found some in the stateroom, and used them. I realize MSC is Italian, and Europeans don't usually tip, but they are in the American market, and as they say "When in Rome do as the Romans do".By that I mean Americans usually like to tip for good service, and they should rethink their policy here.

[kerryincork]

No they shouldn't change their policy, MSC has worked out a compensation package for there staff and tells us not to tip cash.

If it didn't work they wouldn't be able to keep their crew.

[Freespir8]

No they shouldn't change their policy, MSC has worked out a compensation package for there staff and tells us not to tip cash.

If it didn't work they wouldn't be able to keep their crew.

 

Agreed. They have a policy in place for a reason.

[stealthy]

No they shouldn't change their policy, MSC has worked out a compensation package for there staff and tells us not to tip cash.

If it didn't work they wouldn't be able to keep their crew.

 

 

 

Spot on

[nikkiw60]

We did give a little extra on our last night to our room steward, our 2 waiters in MDR and a couple of the servers as they totally looked after us. In conversation all of them had said earlier in the cruise that they were due to finish that contract and we're looking forward to working for MSC again possibly on other ships. They seemed to like their jobs.

 

 

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[PirateKing13]

How about the butler in the YC? I assume they get paid probably as good as the officers, but if they go over and above, is it expected? TIA!

[JPR61]

We've tipped all of the butlers we've had in the YC, with the exception of one. We also tip the bar and servers in the Top Sail Lounge and a little to the concierge not forgetting our waiters in LeMuse. My DH even tipped the pool guy in the one pool.

 

I read here all the time about it not being the European way, and I'm sure you've all heard about the tight Scots, but these people look after us very well on our holiday and I'm more than happy to show a little more appreciation :)

 

Do what you think feels right. If you what to give extra thats great if you don't then fine too. But nobody you offer a cash tip to is going to say 'no MSC discourage tipping" :)

[PirateKing13]

Thanks for the info JPR61. I'm used to greasing the palms of our butler beforehand (NCL prior to this sailing) just to be sure our requests are usually taken care of. Since you seem to have had enough experience with the YC, maybe I can bother you with one additional question. I heard rum was unavailable in the mini bar. Will your butler allow you to purchase a bottle from the shops to have in your cabin? Thanks once again!

[stealthy]

You want Rum in YC. Just ask and it will happen. No need to grease any palms regardless of what you have read.

[PirateKing13]

Thanks Stealthy!

[nikkiw60]

Surely tipping before hand is basically bribing? Why not just ask nicely for what you want with a please, a smile and a thank you? I have always been of the impression you tip after you have received something?

 

 

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[JPR61]

We've tipped all of the butlers we've had in the YC, with the exception of one. We also tip the bar and servers in the Top Sail Lounge and a little to the concierge not forgetting our waiters in LeMuse. My DH even tipped the pool guy in the one pool.

 

I read here all the time about it not being the European way, and I'm sure you've all heard about the tight Scots, but these people look after us very well on our holiday and I'm more than happy to show a little more appreciation :)

 

Do what you think feels right. If you what to give extra thats great if you don't then fine too. But nobody you offer a cash tip to is going to say 'no MSC discourage tipping" :)

Hi PirateKing

 

Strangely enough, I'm a rum drinker too. If you purchase a bottle on the ship, they'll take it away and deliver it to you on your last night. No need to do that though, just ask for a large run to be sent to your room, you can have these delivered as often as you like. They serve bacardi, a dark rum and havana club 7 i think. Also no need to tip beforehand, with the exception of one butler - who frankly we just didn't hit it off with, we've had WONDERFUL service. Back again in YC on the Divina in 4 weeks and I can't wait. :):)

 

if you need any other info, I'll do my best to help

[PirateKing13]

Thanks for the great info! I think is saw in some pictures people posted there was Pyrat also. I'll just have to do that then!

[LMaxwell]

It is my understanding (based on asking two staff members), that if you PRE-PURCHASE the drink coupons to avoid paying the 15%, you are actually stiffing the staff, not the cruise line. I'd like to see this written somewhere.

 

 

No, I posted in another thread (was looking for the actual cash tip policy) that bartenders get a set amount for each voucher redeemed; does not make a difference if you paid the 15% or not. No one is stiffed by pre-purchasing the vouchers.

[BermudaBound2014]

No, I posted in another thread (was looking for the actual cash tip policy) that bartenders get a set amount for each voucher redeemed; does not make a difference if you paid the 15% or not. No one is stiffed by pre-purchasing the vouchers.

 

 

I've read this also, but I can't find it confirmed in writing anywhere and it contradicts what I was told by two separate bartenders :(. I've also read the policy discouraging tipping in cash, but not one of the staff I encountered on both of my MSC cruises refused and it wasn't like I was hiding the tip. Can you link me to confirmation anywhere in writing that states the staff isn't stiffed by pre-purchasing the vouchers and/or that the staff get a set amount per voucher? Thanks :)