marinaro44 Posted January 16, 2017 #1 Share Posted January 16, 2017 Just booked first Windstar cruise. How are gratuities charged if you take the liquor package as a perk? Each time you order a drink? Or as a 15% one-time charge on the value of the package? Thanks. Looking forward to a new experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misty Morning Posted January 16, 2017 #2 Share Posted January 16, 2017 Marinaro44, there is a 15% charge added to the package when you book it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6rugrats Posted January 16, 2017 #3 Share Posted January 16, 2017 Marinaro44, there is a 15% charge added to the package when you book it But OP received this as a perk, so no charge. I also chose this as a perk and have no charge on my booking. Therefore, there's no charge also for gratuities. OP - I don't know the answer to this question, but it's a good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milepig Posted January 16, 2017 #4 Share Posted January 16, 2017 On each cruise I find a way to personally tip 2-3 crew members above the added gratuity. A great bartender is usually on that list. I just slip them cash. This summer I found out that our favorite over several itins was leaving for home. And I gave her a handsome tip. She stuck it in her packet and the next day gave me hugs. WS has some truly great long-term staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marinaro44 Posted January 17, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted January 17, 2017 But OP received this as a perk, so no charge. I also chose this as a perk and have no charge on my booking. Therefore, there's no charge also for gratuities. OP - I don't know the answer to this question, but it's a good one. But will 15% of the normal charge for this package ($108/day for two people on a seven-day cruise at 15% would add up to about a $114 gratuity charge) be added to my onboard account upon boarding? What I don't want is to pull out my keycard and then have to sign for a tip every time I ask for a drink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misty Morning Posted January 17, 2017 #6 Share Posted January 17, 2017 I am pretty sure they will add the 15% gratuity once you are onboard. Went through their website but it is not clear. Had free bev package on Celebrity a few years back and I believe they added the gratuity on my stateroom charges once onboard. Would be good to know. A call to Windstar will clear this up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milepig Posted January 17, 2017 #7 Share Posted January 17, 2017 What I don't want is to pull out my keycard and then have to sign for a tip every time I ask for a drink. This won't happen. Once they know you have the plan you'll never see a chit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bplazo Posted January 17, 2017 #8 Share Posted January 17, 2017 When we had the package on NCL they added the gratuity when be picked the package and the same thing with the specialty dining package. We also carried money around to tip extra. When we sailed Celebrity a few years ago when they first started the free drink package there was no gratuity added so we just tipped cashed. If anyone finds out the answer please post. I may call inquire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen13 Posted January 17, 2017 #9 Share Posted January 17, 2017 We have never had the package as a perk, but it would be unlikely that you do not pay a gratuity on it, just as you cannot use OBC to pay gratuities. They are for the staff, not the company. When we have paid for it, they have just added 15% of the package price to our account at the end of the cruise. After the first day the bar staff will know you are on the package and will never ask you to sign. They will also quickly know your usual drink at any particular time of day. The bar staff are superb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6rugrats Posted January 17, 2017 #10 Share Posted January 17, 2017 (edited) I just called Windstar and asked. The gratuities are included in the free premium beverage package and you will not be charged for them. And, as stated, you will not get any chit to sign if you have this package; the rep's exact words were, "they'll just hand you your drink". As an aside, I've never been asked for my card on Windstar when I've purchased a drink. They just ask my name and room number for the first day, then they remember it. Edited January 17, 2017 by 6rugrats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bplazo Posted January 18, 2017 #11 Share Posted January 18, 2017 I will bring cash then for the tip. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nearpost Posted February 24, 2017 #12 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I just called Windstar and asked. The gratuities are included in the free premium beverage package and you will not be charged for them. And, as stated, you will not get any chit to sign if you have this package; the rep's exact words were, "they'll just hand you your drink". As an aside, I've never been asked for my card on Windstar when I've purchased a drink. They just ask my name and room number for the first day, then they remember it. We opted for the free bev pkge on an upcoming 14 day cruise. On our "My Windstar" page, it's says we have a $1728 beverage package. Hopefully they take 15 percent of that value and put it in the crews tip fund. I presume that's what they do when you actually buy the beverage package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milepig Posted February 24, 2017 #13 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I will bring cash then for the tip. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app The crew will only be confused if you tip for each service as you go. They all share in the per day gratuity charge that's on your final bill. I limit cash to a few special people at the end of the cruise, and do it quietly so it isn't obvious. Routine tipping as you go is not part of the WS culture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6rugrats Posted February 24, 2017 #14 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I will bring cash then for the tip Why? The tip is already included in the price of the package. If you want to add an additional gratuity, do it at the end of the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bplazo Posted February 24, 2017 #15 Share Posted February 24, 2017 We always tip the bartender and will continue to give them extra. I am sure they will get over there confusion Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunprince Posted February 25, 2017 #16 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Question, does Windstar have a crew fund? Some cruise lines give you the option of giving an extra gratuity at the end of the cruise by contributing to the crew fund. That way the tips are equally and fairly distributed. On Windstar ,service is usually consistent so it is hard to single out one or two people over others who worked just as hard behind the scenes (I.e. Laundry, kitchen etc ) Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6rugrats Posted February 25, 2017 #17 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Not that I've ever seen. I think that's why they went to the daily service charge. It's distributed amongst everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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