doog442 Posted August 8, 2017 #126 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Some friends of us are cruising with NCL next month and their tips are included. They neither know or care if it is included in the fare but they are happy with the amount they are paying for the cruise so feel it doesn't matter. So everyone is happy. Hence their prices don't appear that competitive compared to P&O. I'm guessing plenty of savvy people are being very selective over P&0 auto gratuities. We met three couples on our recent cruise where the subject arose, all had opted out and there was no way in a million years they were tipping cabin staff or waiters £168...and that's the uncomfortable truth or am I just being a cynic. I mean how do you tip waiters in Freedom dining when they rarely serve you twice over 14 nights. I reckon opting out of auto gratuities is pretty wholesale based on my experience yet the people making that decision were quite assured in their decision making process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted August 8, 2017 #127 Share Posted August 8, 2017 and embarkation times !! But then there would be nothing left to debate lol. Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted August 8, 2017 #128 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Hence their prices don't appear that competitive compared to P&O. I'm guessing plenty of savvy people are being very selective over P&0 auto gratuities. We met three couples on our recent cruise where the subject arose, all had opted out and there was no way in a million years they were tipping cabin staff or waiters £168...and that's the uncomfortable truth or am I just being a cynic. I mean how do you tip waiters in Freedom dining when they rarely serve you twice over 14 nights. I reckon opting out of auto gratuities is pretty wholesale based on my experience yet the people making that decision were quite assured in their decision making process. We mainly do 7 night cruises so the total tip doesn't seem much but anyone on 14 or above nights it must seem a lot so it is no wonder this is a hot topic. Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian1 Posted August 8, 2017 #129 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Hi,we done Dubai to Singapore this year on the Aurora.About 350 of us joined the ship after a golden triangle landtour.Most of the people we spoke to were going to remove the grats.Some only gave the guide and driver a fiver after a 7 day escorted tour.We kept the grats on and gave our steward a score (how uncouth to say that).But I must admit after sailing with Princess loads,the interaction with P&O wait staff was nonexistant,perhaps they are instructed not to be too friendly,but this does them no favours.These,perhaps,newcomers will probably think twice about even giving anyone cash at the end of the cruise,its a Brit thing,some are tighter than others,cheers,Brian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Presto2 Posted August 8, 2017 #130 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Don't laugh or groan, but we are thinking that we may split the difference in our next 17 day cruise. Hubby will keep the auto gratuities on, but I will not. He will sign for all drinks etc. I will then use my gratuities (taken in cash) to pay additional tips for those crew member that we would want to say a special thank you to. We then feel that we will give something to those that we only see once, but also get the chance to say thanks to those we meet the most.... It also means that we are not dodging out 'tips' ...... To be honest, even as I type this we are torn about what to do and don't feel happy with any option .... I just wish that P&O would get it sorted out ... Do I keep them on and then pay extra when others pay none at all??? Do I penalise the staff for a rubbish system? I feel really guilty ---- does P&O? The whole system is a mess ------ And a PS for anyone who thinks that we are just uncaring and should not book a cruise ------ you don't know us at all, so please no judgements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pisces14 Posted August 8, 2017 #131 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Don't laugh or groan, but we are thinking that we may split the difference in our next 17 day cruise. Hubby will keep the auto gratuities on, but I will not. He will sign for all drinks etc. I will then use my gratuities (taken in cash) to pay additional tips for those crew member that we would want to say a special thank you to. We then feel that we will give something to those that we only see once, but also get the chance to say thanks to those we meet the most.... It also means that we are not dodging out 'tips' ...... To be honest, even as I type this we are torn about what to do and don't feel happy with any option .... I just wish that P&O would get it sorted out ... Do I keep them on and then pay extra when others pay none at all??? Do I penalise the staff for a rubbish system? I feel really guilty ---- does P&O? The whole system is a mess ------ And a PS for anyone who thinks that we are just uncaring and should not book a cruise ------ you don't know us at all, so please no judgements. I'm not judging you at all as I feel the same as you I think. The whole system is wrong. I am so fed up of reading on this forum and other forums, people making every excuse under the sun as to why they remove the tips. IMO no-one should be allowed to remove them without a very good reason. We have always left the auto tips on and also given extra, so it's annoying to think that we are subsidising others. P&O should include them in the price of the cruise. The reason they don't of course is because they want to sell all the cabins. So they are happy for those who pay the tips to subsidise those who don't. Why should we??? We have never removed the tips and I know I said we'd pay those who give good service by envelope but I'm guessing on our next cruise my husband won't remove the tips and I too would feel like a cheapskate. So what do we do??? I suppose we'll continue subsidising the cheapskates.:( I really don't know why I got involved with this thread it doesn't do my blood pressure any good.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goosebear Mum Posted August 8, 2017 #132 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Your Indian colleagues are paid Indian wages because they are based in India. Strange. I thought I was in the UK, and that I see and speak to them every day. I must be mistaken, I must teleport to India every day. I know my commute is long, but I didn't know it was that long ;) Nah, they are often having to come over here for many months (up to 2 years now) and can be away from their families for weeks or months before their families can join them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krissyboi Posted August 8, 2017 #133 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I always leave the auto tips on because the colleagues work so god damn hard 24/7 and deserve every penny. I also tip at the end of the cruise giving an envelope to the cabin steward the main dining waiters and the wine waiter. As they consistently give us a great service on the traditional dining and nothing is ever too much! Hope this is of use! Kris ⛵🚢😎🌴⚓ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Presto2 Posted August 8, 2017 #134 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I'm not judging you at all as I feel the same as you I think. The whole system is wrong. I am so fed up of reading on this forum and other forums, people making every excuse under the sun as to why they remove the tips. IMO no-one should be allowed to remove them without a very good reason. We have always left the auto tips on and also given extra, so it's annoying to think that we are subsidising others. P&O should include them in the price of the cruise. The reason they don't of course is because they want to sell all the cabins. So they are happy for those who pay the tips to subsidise those who don't. Why should we??? We have never removed the tips and I know I said we'd pay those who give good service by envelope but I'm guessing on our next cruise my husband won't remove the tips and I too would feel like a cheapskate. So what do we do??? I suppose we'll continue subsidising the cheapskates.:(I really don't know why I got involved with this thread it doesn't do my blood pressure any good.:D We feel like we are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea ..... If we keep the gratuities on just who gets the money if it doesn't go to our staff??? If we could guarantee that those poor hard working staff could get it 100% then we would be more than happy to continue paying the automatic gratuities and extra as we have in the past. It is when we read of staff not being given the tips if they didn't get 100% on the feedback ....... let's be honest, some passengers are a pain and are just plain unfair. You'd have to be Mother Theresa to get a 5 there!!! I just wish that someone from P&O would let us know how it all works We are genuinely uneasy about all of this and want to do what is best for the crew ---- without being 'taken for a ride' by P&O. We also feel uneasy that lots of passengers don't pay anything at all ......... I don't like to subsidise those who don't pay ............... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Presto2 Posted August 8, 2017 #135 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I always leave the auto tips on because the colleagues work so god damn hard 24/7 and deserve every penny. I also tip at the end of the cruise giving an envelope to the cabin steward the main dining waiters and the wine waiter. As they consistently give us a great service on the traditional dining and nothing is ever too much! Hope this is of use! Kris ⛵🚢😎🌴⚓[/quote We have always done this until we have read more background on this forum ... now we are confused .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doog442 Posted August 8, 2017 #136 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I'm not judging you at all as I feel the same as you I think. The whole system is wrong. I am so fed up of reading on this forum and other forums, people making every excuse under the sun as to why they remove the tips. IMO no-one should be allowed to remove them without a very good reason. We have always left the auto tips on and also given extra, so it's annoying to think that we are subsidising others. P&O should include them in the price of the cruise. The reason they don't of course is because they want to sell all the cabins. So they are happy for those who pay the tips to subsidise those who don't. Why should we??? We have never removed the tips and I know I said we'd pay those who give good service by envelope but I'm guessing on our next cruise my husband won't remove the tips and I too would feel like a cheapskate. So what do we do??? I suppose we'll continue subsidising the cheapskates.:(I really don't know why I got involved with this thread it doesn't do my blood pressure any good.:D Someone further up mentioned that P&0 will subsidise gratuities that are withdrawn. If that's the case I guess none of the staff lose out, the only winners are those who don't pay it and I daresay shareholders in their dividend . I would hate for my cabin steward, restaurant manager to know that I wasn't paying it which might explain us getting granted that window seat most nights when our cabin number was punched into the system....probably wishful thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
claudiniusmaximus Posted August 8, 2017 #137 Share Posted August 8, 2017 they are often having to come over here for many months (up to 2 years now) and can be away from their families for weeks or months before their families can join them. They are here for up to two years or longer and they get paid Indian wages? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Presto2 Posted August 8, 2017 #138 Share Posted August 8, 2017 But then there would be nothing left to debate lol. Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app You've forgotten the dreaded dress code ........................................:eek:;p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florry Posted August 8, 2017 #139 Share Posted August 8, 2017 And nobody has even mentioned those who mainly eat in speciality and room service (esp short cruises) who pay gratuities via cover charges [emoji2] Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Presto2 Posted August 8, 2017 #140 Share Posted August 8, 2017 And nobody has even mentioned those who mainly eat in speciality and room service (esp short cruises) who pay gratuities via cover charges [emoji2] Sent from my iPhone using Forums Oh Florry, now my brain is aching ...................................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted August 8, 2017 #141 Share Posted August 8, 2017 You've forgotten the dreaded dress code ........................................:eek:;p OMG forgot about that one. Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrierjohn Posted August 8, 2017 #142 Share Posted August 8, 2017 OMG forgot about that one. Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app If you ban all these contentious topics what on Earth are we going to write about?:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Presto2 Posted August 8, 2017 #143 Share Posted August 8, 2017 The problem of Brexit ... ha ha ha .... sorry folks :-) Sent from my SM-T310 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted August 8, 2017 #144 Share Posted August 8, 2017 If you ban all these contentious topics what on Earth are we going to write about?:cool: That's what i originally said. Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wowzz Posted August 8, 2017 #145 Share Posted August 8, 2017 This is a topic that will never end, as everyone has their own opinions, and there is no right or wrong. Our last cruise was with Princess, and the auto tips were around £11 each per day, so quite a lot over 17 days. However, during the course of the cruise, without exception, the crew were brilliant, either in the buffet at breakfast or lunch, or in the mdr for dinner. If I had removed the auto tips, how could I possibly have have tipped each of the 60 or so individuals that served me so well? Not forgetting our cabin steward. I am more than happy to leave auto tips on - they are part and parcel of the cruise price, and to imply otherwise is disingenuous . My only issue is what do you do in the unfortunate instance of having a particular waiter/ steward that is not of the same standard as his/her colleagues? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insanemagnet Posted August 9, 2017 #146 Share Posted August 9, 2017 (edited) Our last cruise was with Princess, and the auto tips were around £11 each per day, so quite a lot over 17 days. However, during the course of the cruise, without exception, the crew were brilliant, either in the buffet at breakfast or lunch, or in the mdr for dinner. If I had removed the auto tips, how could I possibly have have tipped each of the 60 or so individuals that served me so well? Not forgetting our cabin steward.I am more than happy to leave auto tips on - they are part and parcel of the cruise price, and to imply otherwise is disingenuous . My only issue is what do you do in the unfortunate instance of having a particular waiter/ steward that is not of the same standard as his/her colleagues? On Princess whether you pay the service charge or give money to individual crew members who served you makes no difference, as the staff have to hand the money in; as you can see from this document - http://www.crew-center.com/princess-cruises-crew-wages-details The relevant section is - E. DISCRETIONARY HOTEL & DINING CHARGE POOL Now that is Princess, but is it really likely things are different in the other brands in the Carnival group. Princess Cruises Crew Wages Details _ Crew Center.pdf Edited August 9, 2017 by Host Sharon Contravening copyright - link sufficient Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wowzz Posted August 9, 2017 #147 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I did know that. Another reason to leave the auto tips in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted August 9, 2017 #148 Share Posted August 9, 2017 This is a topic that will never end, as everyone has their own opinions, and there is no right or wrong.Our last cruise was with Princess, and the auto tips were around £11 each per day, so quite a lot over 17 days. However, during the course of the cruise, without exception, the crew were brilliant, either in the buffet at breakfast or lunch, or in the mdr for dinner. If I had removed the auto tips, how could I possibly have have tipped each of the 60 or so individuals that served me so well? Not forgetting our cabin steward. I am more than happy to leave auto tips on - they are part and parcel of the cruise price, and to imply otherwise is disingenuous . My only issue is what do you do in the unfortunate instance of having a particular waiter/ steward that is not of the same standard as his/her colleagues? You are right to leave the autotips on. If any waiter or any crew member is poor or rude tell his Head waiter, supervisor,manager or guest services what the problem was and let them deal with it. All of the crew are excellent so don't let one bad egg spoil your cruise. Sent from my Kestrel using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florry Posted August 9, 2017 #149 Share Posted August 9, 2017 This is a topic that will never end, as everyone has their own opinions, and there is no right or wrong.Our last cruise was with Princess, and the auto tips were around £11 each per day, so quite a lot over 17 days. However, during the course of the cruise, without exception, the crew were brilliant, either in the buffet at breakfast or lunch, or in the mdr for dinner. If I had removed the auto tips, how could I possibly have have tipped each of the 60 or so individuals that served me so well? Not forgetting our cabin steward. I am more than happy to leave auto tips on - they are part and parcel of the cruise price, and to imply otherwise is disingenuous . My only issue is what do you do in the unfortunate instance of having a particular waiter/ steward that is not of the same standard as his/her colleagues? I'm not saying people should do one thing or another but I have it in writing from P&O that the crew don't have to hand it over. Whether I believe that is another matter - lots of reports to the contrary. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
insanemagnet Posted August 9, 2017 #150 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I'm not saying people should do one thing or another but I have it in writing from P&O that the crew don't have to hand it over. Whether I believe that is another matter - lots of reports to the contrary. Including an employment contract from another Carnival brand which says they do have to hand it over. Logically it would make no sense for the staff to keep tips given to them. If they did they might get paid twice - once through the tip pool and once through the tips handed to them, or they might only get the tip pool, which has been reduced because of people removing the service charge that feeds the tip pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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