Cash tipping bar tenders

[cb at sea]

The "tips" are included in the package, or you pay them on top of the package price. At any rate, the bartenders get tipped if you're on a package. If you frequent one a lot, then feel free to give them a couple bucks when you're leaving for the night....there is no need to tip additionally per drink.

[hladygirl]

Our last ncl cruise in May the freestyle daily said that bar servers were not included in the gratuity pool. That was news to me. I am not carrying cash. Around the ship to tip. I used to add a buck or two on when you used to have a receipt to sign but last two cruise with UBP this is not the case.

[OCruisers]

Tipping Early & Often is never a bad thing to do! ;p

[CruisingUS]

We usually tip $5 the first and last time we order drinks from our favorite bartenders and a buck or two each time we order in between.

This

[Demonyte]

Our last ncl cruise in May the freestyle daily said that bar servers were not included in the gratuity pool. That was news to me.

 

 

This is exactly why there is 18% added (included in some promos) to the purchase of UBP and added to the receipt when paying per drink.

 

Nothing new there, that is how it's always been - DSC covers services everyone uses and for the additional services there is gratuity added.

[Moby0215]

True to an extent. The labor laws in the US call for a lower minimum wage for employees in positions where tipping is customary, HOWEVER should the reported tips not make up AT LEAST The difference between the standard minimum wage and the tipped employee minimum wage, the employer is required to make up any short fall.

 

 

 

This is true however the standard minimum wage is not much so with tips they hope to make more than that.

 

 

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[Something fun!]

A coworker recently returned from the Boston to Bermuda on the Dawn which I will be on Sept. 1. She would take 20 single bills each day and tip a dollar per drink. Not only did she get excellent service but it was an easy way to keep track of how many drinks she managed to consume each day. One record day she only had $1 left.

[Blocks]

I know this is a cultural thing with significant difference between UK and US but I have been on 4 NCL cruises and I could probably count on the fingers of two hands how many times I have tipped a bartender above the 18%. Some of you will call me cheap, etc (I don't care) but when I have paid the cruise fare, daily service charge and 18% gratuity (when I don't have UBP), why should I tip more? I have never had a problem with bar service on any cruise and don't have a need to be treated as special. If I have a problem with service I will ensure that I raise it with the appropriate person.

[KeithJenner]

I know this is a cultural thing with significant difference between UK and US but I have been on 4 NCL cruises and I could probably count on the fingers of two hands how many times I have tipped a bartender above the 18%. Some of you will call me cheap, etc (I don't care) but when I have paid the cruise fare, daily service charge and 18% gratuity (when I don't have UBP), why should I tip more? I have never had a problem with bar service on any cruise and don't have a need to be treated as special. If I have a problem with service I will ensure that I raise it with the appropriate person.

 

There is absolutely no reason to tip more, as has been stated above. Nothing to feel bad about, or for others to make you feel bad about. The gratuity is taken care of and any cash that anyone gives is a bonus.

 

I agree with you to a large extent about the service. It does depend a little how you get your drinks. I'm sure that if you are relying on the staff wandering around on a busy pool deck then there may be some benefit in giving them something extra to make them more likely to come back. We almost always go to the bar, and chat and make friends with the bar staff. In my experience this makes far more difference to how we are treated than any cash we may give them.

 

The biggest issue I have with people from the UK not tipping is when their excuse is "I don't do it back home, so why should I when I'm on holiday". I think it is common courtesy to do what is the practice wherever you are. That's why I disagree with anyone from the UK who grumbles about the service charge just because they aren't used to paying it at home.

[ClevelandCruisin]

I always give the bartender or people delivering my drink a dollar or two. Not only does it get you known, but I would get my drink so quick and usually with a heavy pour or a better alcohol. They knew my drink and kept them coming.

 

But you don't have to tip.

 

They will appreciate it!

[KeithJenner]

Perhaps picking nits here, the reason is that perhaps a person WANTS TO tip for the service he is getting. That is a 100% valid reason. To say there is no reason is shortsighted. Secondly no one came 'make you feel bad' about anything. If one does feel bad about something it is because they choose to feel that way. Next, in the case of the UBP or any other package the 18% IS 'taken care of', however if you are buying drinks off of the plan, noting is 'taken care of'. Having said that, tipping is 100% optional and up to each individual to decide how much and to whom to give tips. I personally think it is none of anyone else's business who anyoen else tips and how much they give. It will not impact my tipping practices at all.

 

 

 

Yes, I meant that there is no requirement to tip extra. Bad choice of words.

 

I don't understand what you mean about gratuities not being taken care of if you buy drinks outside the plan. NCL charge an automatic 18% in that case, so again no need to tip extra.

 

As for the "make you feel bad" bit, yes, very much nit picking (or maybe language differences). Whether or not someone actually succeeds in making them feel bad is irrelevant. They just shouldn't try to.

Edited July 4, 2017 by KeithJenner

[SeaShark]

True to an extent. The labor laws in the US call for a lower minimum wage for employees in positions where tipping is customary, HOWEVER should the reported tips not make up AT LEAST The difference between the standard minimum wage and the tipped employee minimum wage, the employer is required to make up any short fall.

 

Could you please connect the dots as to how US Labor Laws...especially with respect to minimum wage...apply to bartenders on ships flagged in the Bahamas (therefore under Bahamian Law) who are actually (usually) not even US citizens?

 

Wouldn't either the labor laws governing their workplace or those governing their country of residence take precedence here?

[leithbones]

I make a good living on an hourly wage, one high enough that tips are unexpected and infrequent. However, the occasional $gratuity$ does find its way into my pocket, a much appreciated / pleasant surprise.

I know how it makes me feel to receive this generosity >> so I pool those few tips and 'pass it along' to the ship staff, especially the bartenders, waiters, bus staff, and of course steward.

I feel just as good passing it along as I did receiving it the first time.

Yeah, that's selfish.

Do I get better service? Probably.

But that's not why I do it.

[dhdelrod]

I always tip extra and I always get great service everywhere I go on the ship.

[NCTribeFan]

No internet cruise site can ever have too may tipping threads, can it? ;p

 

I'll be on my first NCL cruise in the spring (but it will be #30 overall (I think!)). My fare came with the drinks package, and I've been charged the 18% gratuity.

 

I prefer to NOT tip in cash. It makes me uncomfortable. Tipping should't be about making myself feel good. It's supposed to be to recognize service above and beyond. It isn't supposed to be a bribe to get people to provide the service that their position requires them to provide without the bribe!

 

I'm used to getting a slip to sign where I can add an additional tip should I feel it's warranted.

 

I'm not sure how I'll handle it on NCL. I don't want to carry around a wad of $1 bills. Yes, I can get change from a casino window or the service desk, I'm sure. I just don't think it should be necessary. If someone happens to provide exceptional service, I'll figure out something.

[Gershep]

We always tip in cash. I make sure to bring singles and fives with me.

[Moby0215]

No internet cruise site can ever have too may tipping threads, can it? ;p

 

 

 

I'll be on my first NCL cruise in the spring (but it will be #30 overall (I think!)). My fare came with the drinks package, and I've been charged the 18% gratuity.

 

 

 

I prefer to NOT tip in cash. It makes me uncomfortable. Tipping should't be about making myself feel good. It's supposed to be to recognize service above and beyond. It isn't supposed to be a bribe to get people to provide the service that their position requires them to provide without the bribe!

 

 

 

I'm used to getting a slip to sign where I can add an additional tip should I feel it's warranted.

 

 

 

I'm not sure how I'll handle it on NCL. I don't want to carry around a wad of $1 bills. Yes, I can get change from a casino window or the service desk, I'm sure. I just don't think it should be necessary. If someone happens to provide exceptional service, I'll figure out something.

 

 

 

NCL no longer prints out receipts so if you don't have cash then it will be hard to tip. But I want to say it's not about a bribe or making oneself feel better. It's just about making the server appreciated.

 

 

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Edited July 5, 2017 by Moby0215

[hawk/hornfan]

In my last 7 cruises I have only felt the need to tip extra once to bartenders. That was on the CCL Liberty at the Martini Bar. Had 3 great bartenders and each got $20 extra at end of cruise. Last 2 cruise have had Bev Plan as a perk, as well as my upcoming one on NCL. would never pay for any UBP.

 

Lately with the bev plans the bartenders seem preoccupied. Last cruise on RCCL was the worst.

 

I am usually a good tipper, but when you automatically tack on a tip I will not tip extra. In most cases the servers loses money.

[Moby0215]

In my last 7 cruises I have only felt the need to tip extra once to bartenders. That was on the CCL Liberty at the Martini Bar. Had 3 great bartenders and each got $20 extra at end of cruise. Last 2 cruise have had Bev Plan as a perk, as well as my upcoming one on NCL. would never pay for any UBP.

 

 

 

Lately with the bev plans the bartenders seem preoccupied. Last cruise on RCCL was the worst.

 

 

 

I am usually a good tipper, but when you automatically tack on a tip I will not tip extra. In most cases the servers loses money.

 

 

 

If you say you are usually a good tipper but in the next sentence say that servers lose money... then why wouldn't you tip a buck or so? Makes no sense.

 

 

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[Quilting_Cruiser]

I'm just a week off the Pearl and tipped the bartender we went to most frequently $5 mid-cruise and another $5 at the end. I'm a good tipper, but I wouldn't tip extra on every drink when I've already paid 18%. I'd like to tend bar for some of you though! LOL.

[soggy1975]

I didn't know this would be such a popular topic!

Being British tipping always makes me feel uncomfortable.

Having read on here the various tipping 'tactics' I think my plan will be a few dollars here or there for good service.

I don't want to have to tip for every drinks purchase but likewise didn't want to cause any faux pass.

 

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[KeithJenner]

I didn't know this would be such a popular topic!

Being British tipping always makes me feel uncomfortable.

Having read on here the various tipping 'tactics' I think my plan will be a few dollars here or there for good service.

I don't want to have to tip for every drinks purchase but likewise didn't want to cause any faux pass.

 

If you think this one was popular then just keep an eye on the other thread which has just started where someone wants to remove the daily charge. :)

[Blocks]

I'm just a week off the Pearl and tipped the bartender we went to most frequently $5 mid-cruise and another $5 at the end. I'm a good tipper, but I wouldn't tip extra on every drink when I've already paid 18%. I'd like to tend bar for some of you though! LOL.

 

I agree with this comment :)

I was also thinking if I got tipped $1 for every drink I served, I might apply for a job as a bartender on a cruise ship but maybe I am too old for that game and I haven't met any British bartenders on 4 cruises ;)

[Blocks]

If you think this one was popular then just keep an eye on the other thread which has just started where someone wants to remove the daily charge. :)

 

:')

[NCTribeFan]

In many of these tipping threads, I read comments from people who want to remove the auto-tips so they can hand someone the cash. The comments often include that if makes them feel great to see that person's gratitude.

 

IMHO, that's the opposite of how it should be.

 

You tip because YOU are grateful from the work they've performed for you. Not because it makes you feel good!

 

Many people also comment about how they tip up front so they'll get good service during the cruise. To me, that's a bribe, not a tip. I've never done it and I've never had poor service. I leave the auto tips alone and, occasionally, I tip extra at the end of the cruise but like I said, rather than making me feel good, it makes me uncomfortable.