Tipping on MSC cruises

[roberttz]

Well I am the OP and didn't expect this thread to take off like this 🙂
All I wanted to know was how the tipping/service fee is handled on MSC (prepaid or at the end of a cruise).
It was fun reading the diversion!
In any case I got my answer thank you all. 
Off to Merviglia in 2 days (at least COVID test is green 🙂 )

Edited September 24, 2021 by roberttz

[MonsterJoe]

25 minutes ago, roberttz said:

Well I am the OP and didn't expect this thread to take off like this 🙂
All I wanted to know was how the tipping/service fee is handled on MSC (prepaid or at the end of a cruise).
It was fun reading the diversion!
In any case I got my answer thank you all. 
Off to Merviglia in 2 days (at least COVID test is green 🙂 )

see you there, maybe*

*I'm the tall guy

[PennyHofstader]

We wanted to tip our butler and some other staff in the Yacht Club, but I ran out of time to get cash while we were in port. I assumed there would be an ATM on the ship, but no. The YC concierge told me tipping wasn't expected, and that there was no way to get cash on the ship. So I went to guest services, where someone told me that there was an ATM by the casino. It turned out that she had assumed that a kiosk for paying your cruise charges was an ATM. The cashier at the casino told me that guest services would provide cash advances for a 5% fee, which they did. You can also get tip envelopes from guest services.

[JetGreen]

Tipping where tipping is customary is great.

What’s interesting is that these threads typically descend into:

1) I tip where tipping is neither expected nor customary:

2) Tipping gets me remembered and I get extra good / special service (inevitably at the expense of others of course).

That’s where the downwards spiral starts. 

 

[defbref]

6 hours ago, PennyHofstader said:

We wanted to tip our butler and some other staff in the Yacht Club, but I ran out of time to get cash while we were in port. I assumed there would be an ATM on the ship, but no. The YC concierge told me tipping wasn't expected, and that there was no way to get cash on the ship. So I went to guest services, where someone told me that there was an ATM by the casino. It turned out that she had assumed that a kiosk for paying your cruise charges was an ATM. The cashier at the casino told me that guest services would provide cash advances for a 5% fee, which they did. You can also get tip envelopes from guest services.

Should of just bought some casino chips at one of the tables and then immediately cashed them out at the cashier. They would have given you cash with no fee.

[zekekelso]

On 9/23/2021 at 7:08 PM, Gatordad1967 said:

are we allowed to get tipsy?

 

Nope. You must drink enough to get to “slightly drunk.”

[rkacruiser]

17 hours ago, PennyHofstader said:

The YC concierge told me tipping wasn't expected, and that there was no way to get cash on the ship

 

Maybe you learned a travel lesson with your experience?  Always take more cash with you than you think you will need.  There will probably be some who will object to my following comment.  But, I do it and it still works when I need some additional cash and an ATM is not available or I don't want to use it.  Traveler's Checks remain available and can be cashed on a ship at the Front Office.  They can also be cashed at some banks by providing proper identification.  

[Missymssy]

On 9/18/2021 at 1:59 PM, miataman19 said:

You can call MSC and pay for your Gratuities before you sail. Leaving on Oct 2nd and that's what I did. Staying in the YC and paid $14 a day. $196 for the 2 of us for 7 day sailing. I also will take care of my Butler and Concierge (depending on how much we utilize them) as well as both of the YC Restaurant Maitre d's.

So, although not listed on website as able to pay prior to cruise, all one has to do is call? The more I pay before a cruise, the more relaxing and enjoyable it it for me 🙂

[Seadweller001]

Last cruise on the Divina this very respectful Bar Server from India asked me if I had 6 $100 bills to exchange for $20s, $10s, $5s and $1s.  I asked why?

 

When he goes home and exchanges American Dollars for Rupees,  he does take as much as a hit compared to small bills.   Of course I was willing to help him out.

 

The workers get tipped well in addition to the standard tip on a full ship.  The standard tip really is not much when divided among many crew members.  MSC does not give the passenger a breakdown (as Celebrity does) as to what each category receives.  The bill references the gratuities as a "service charge" and it is spread thin.  I cant imagine how much of the $11.50 or $12 per day goes to the Butler, Asst Butler, Waiter, Asst Waiter, Restaurant Maitre'd, Lounge Butlers, lounge Bartenders.  

 

We do not consider the Service Charge a gratuity and tip as if our cash is the only tip they receive.

 

No Manager, Maitre'd, etc has ever told me not to tip or refused a gratuity.  They work on the ship for ONE REASON ONLY,  $$$$$$$s.

 

 

 

[zekekelso]

Just got off the Grandiosa. One thing I really liked was that when you ordered a drink and were on a drink package they didn’t bring you a bill for $0 and make you fill in a tip amount (or $0) and sign. 

[perakcruiser]

22 hours ago, zekekelso said:

Just got off the Grandiosa. One thing I really liked was that when you ordered a drink and were on a drink package they didn’t bring you a bill for $0 and make you fill in a tip amount (or $0) and sign. 

As the Grandiosa sails in Europe with probably almost zero US pax they know anyway that close to nobody will write in something else than zero 😄

 

Maybe this procedure only exists with US cruises from MSC as I never have been ask to fill in a tip amount in one of our nine MSC cruises. As they automatically add the hilarious 15% already and drink packages also include the exta charge already. 

[hamrag]

On 12/12/2021 at 11:33 AM, Couple-Somerset said:

....I didn't tip in Yacht Club on Grandiosa 2 weeks ago though as you no longer get the same staff serving you and service levels differed so much.

 

A small $20 tip for butler and $5 here and there for washroom attendants (who appreciate it far more)

 

 

The butler assigned to your cabin, and their assistant, is the one constant within YC. We just returned from 25 days on Seaview, and tipped both of them and the Concierge who was superb.

 

In the other areas within YC, certainly on Seaview, tips are shared so we tipped the top sail lounge bar, dining room and top pool area grill and bar. The fact that multi crew members provide the various services didn't hinder or affect how we tipped for the (overall) excellent YC experience.

[publicpersona]

On 12/12/2021 at 6:33 AM, Couple-Somerset said:

Though they do when you have your free Voyager Club Black/Diamond meal in Speciality.

This has been known to happen, but is not standard procedure. I’ve had two Diamond meals in Butcher’s Cut in the last couple of months (Meraviglia and Davina) and it did not happen either time. 

[hamrag]

11 minutes ago, publicpersona said:

This has been known to happen, but is not standard procedure. I’ve had two Diamond meals in Butcher’s Cut in the last couple of months (Meraviglia and Davina) and it did not happen either time. 

In our experience, it only happens when you purchase sides (veg, various potato based items) etc. which are not included.

[celestialcruiser]

So I have made it through this whole thread and still don’t know how much or if I should tip. A lot of commentary about YC but for those of us back in steerage, is it not common to leave a tip for your waiter at lunch or dinner? Assuming they have done a good job or something special? And the person that cleans your cabin? And if the gratuity has been added to the drink package (that was included for “free” with cruise), is the waiter or bartender really getting that gratuity? Or do most people give them a buck or two when the drinks are delivered? 

[Seadweller001]

Just off Meraviglia.  Deleted service charge that does not go directly to the crew who serves you.

 

butler.  $85

 

asst butler $75

 

waiter $125

 

asst waiter $115

concierge $75

 

sommelier $40

 

hostess $45

 

maitre d. $75

 

if you return and they are there the next time, it is 100x the experience.

 

everyone on board working for 4-8 months away from home is there for only one reason, $$$$$$$$$s.

 

Positive comments are nice but the money is paramount.

 

the experience is sublime when they see generosity.

 

everyone gets great service, tipping extra or not but try tipping generously and you will an experience something quite amazing the next time.

 

caveat:  we only cruise in YC, not sure how the buffets or dining rooms work.  I d probably tip alot to the dining room supervisors.

[rkacruiser]

2 hours ago, celestialcruiser said:

is it not common to leave a tip for your waiter at lunch or dinner? Assuming they have done a good job or something special?

 

Open sitting?  No, there is no need to leave a tip for your waiter unless they really do something special for you.    Leave the auto-tip on your account.  You have done what you ought to do.  

 

2 hours ago, celestialcruiser said:

Or do most people give them a buck or two when the drinks are delivered? 

 

Once upon a time, I did this.  No more.  If there is an added gratuity, that is sufficient.  If I am a "regular" at a particular bar and develop a "relationship" with the staff, an end of the cruise additional gratuity is warranted.  

[no1talks]

5 hours ago, Seadweller001 said:

Just off Meraviglia.  Deleted service charge that does not go directly to the crew who serves you.

 

butler.  $85

 

asst butler $75

 

waiter $125

 

asst waiter $115

concierge $75

 

sommelier $40

 

hostess $45

 

maitre d. $75

 

if you return and they are there the next time, it is 100x the experience.

 

everyone on board working for 4-8 months away from home is there for only one reason, $$$$$$$$$s.

 

Positive comments are nice but the money is paramount.

 

the experience is sublime when they see generosity.

 

everyone gets great service, tipping extra or not but try tipping generously and you will an experience something quite amazing the next time.

 

caveat:  we only cruise in YC, not sure how the buffets or dining rooms work.  I d probably tip alot to the dining room supervisors.

 Regarding those amounts...

Did you request special tasks? Get your shoes shined overnight? Did you make special arrangements for things on the first day? Or, is that just your play for solid, typical YC service? What, if I may ask, did you require from the concierge? I'll be in YC next week and I cannot think what I might need from the concierge.

Also, since you just came from Mera, what are the shows and times? As I understand it, there is (at least) a rock band on the stage formerly dedicated to Cirque that begins after 10 PM.

I'm looking to up my game for best results during what will be our first time in YC. Any guidance is very much appreciated.

[KennyFla]

14 hours ago, celestialcruiser said:

So I have made it through this whole thread and still don’t know how much or if I should tip. A lot of commentary about YC but for those of us back in steerage, is it not common to leave a tip for your waiter at lunch or dinner? Assuming they have done a good job or something special? And the person that cleans your cabin? And if the gratuity has been added to the drink package (that was included for “free” with cruise), is the waiter or bartender really getting that gratuity? Or do most people give them a buck or two when the drinks are delivered? 

 

The bottom line is, it is totally up to you.  If you leave the service charge on your account, you have the basics covered.  If you want to give additional to the people that you interacted most with on your cruise, great.  And don't worry about the amount, any above and beyond is really appreciated.  

 

 

[Fogfog]

We leave the Service Charge that gets spread across staff--including those we don't see (dish washers/laundry/sheets/towels etc). Its only $14 a day pp and important

 

We tip in cash

-all who service the room

-all who serve meals/bar

-all pool attendants

 

- If we take an excursion, we tip those folks too

 

We prefer to tip at the end of the sailing in bigger lump sums per person and have it all ready by the last afternoon to get it to everyone by the end of dinner/bar etc the last evening.

Friends tip as they go with $5 bills along the way and then they tip some lump sum amounts at the end

 

 

[Seadweller001]

12 hours ago, no1talks said:

 Regarding those amounts...

Did you request special tasks? Get your shoes shined overnight? Did you make special arrangements for things on the first day? Or, is that just your play for solid, typical YC service? What, if I may ask, did you require from the concierge? I'll be in YC next week and I cannot think what I might need from the concierge.

Also, since you just came from Mera, what are the shows and times? As I understand it, there is (at least) a rock band on the stage formerly dedicated to Cirque that begins after 10 PM.

I'm looking to up my game for best results during what will be our first time in YC. Any guidance is very much appreciated.

We saw one show.  Knew every song but all sung in Italian.  Interesting but would rather have the shows in english.

 

Concierges:  they adjusted my bill a few times deleting erroneous internet charges, added OBCs that were not posted.  They are the ones that order the pizza and they can get an amazing pizza.  You can tell the Butler but the slip is written up by the Concierge and called in.   At night after hours the Concierge orders all the Room Service.  The Concierges have the most authority in the YC under the YC Director.  Money well spent.

 

Shoe shine?  I would NEVER request someone to shine my shoes, big insult.  I shine my shoes at home before the cruise.

 

We hung in the Top Sail Lounge and the Sky Lounge (deck 18).  No desire to see more shows.

 

We ate at two Specialty Venues, Butchers Cut and Ocean Cay Seafood Rest.  Good but the YC Restaurant was better.  No need to venture out.  
 

Tipping is optional of course but there is no such thing as over tipping, promise.  Hurts no one to be generous.  The workers here DEFINITELY need the money being out of work for many months.  There are some very special crew on the Meraviglia.
 

 

 

 

[JAGR]

3 hours ago, Fogfog said:

We leave the Service Charge that gets spread across staff--including those we don't see (dish washers/laundry/sheets/towels etc). Its only $14 a day pp and important

 

We tip in cash

-all who service the room

-all who serve meals/bar

-all pool attendants

 

- If we take an excursion, we tip those folks too

 

We prefer to tip at the end of the sailing in bigger lump sums per person and have it all ready by the last afternoon to get it to everyone by the end of dinner/bar etc the last evening.

Friends tip as they go with $5 bills along the way and then they tip some lump sum amounts at the end

 

 

I have a B2B related question. This is our third coming up, and I have wondered about tipping protocol.  Once I waited until the end of the second week to distribute envelopes, and once did tow distributions, one per week.  Any suggestions appreciated.

[Fogfog]

5 minutes ago, JAGR said:

I have a B2B related question. This is our third coming up, and I have wondered about tipping protocol.  Once I waited until the end of the second week to distribute envelopes, and once did tow distributions, one per week.  Any suggestions appreciated.

Many crew are going home each week as they started back when cruising started---so some fresh faces-- between 60-90 are boarding each time the ship is stopping in Us port.

So it  would be helpful to know if you have any butlers/servers who are leaving

 

Our folks all stayed except the grill master from the first week---I was sorry to not know he was leaving as I planned on tipping him--he did breakfast and lunch for that week up on deck One

We got a new grill master the third leg

Our dining room guys are leaving in the next sailing or two....same for our butler, some lounge folks, 

 

The YC did get some new folks--very nice and have MSC YC experience

The Maitre D came on our second leg-- Christian

The YC Dir is Giorgio--who we knew from 2020 sailings. He will be on ship to Malta

There is no TA w pax to the EU - it will be limited crew/staff only

 

Meraviglia is headed to Malta for dry dock and not all crew have visas for EU

 

So my advice is ask your crew as you meet them so you can tip them before they leave

 

We had truly outstanding service. Our YC 2020 sailings were fabulous and I thought nothing could top it-- however these sailings we found the crew exceptional in all ways.

 

 

[hamrag]

4 hours ago, JAGR said:

I have a B2B related question. This is our third coming up, and I have wondered about tipping protocol.  Once I waited until the end of the second week to distribute envelopes, and once did tow distributions, one per week.  Any suggestions appreciated.

On a B2B we treat tipping as two separate cruises. Some would advocate such in order for a better 2nd week experience, but is not the reason we do so. We find no discernible improvement in YC service between weeks, as the vast majority of crew members there have a service ethos.

[JAGR]

4 minutes ago, hamrag said:

On a B2B we treat tipping as two separate cruises. Some would advocate such in order for a better 2nd week experience, but is not the reason we do so. We find no discernible improvement in YC service between weeks, as the vast majority of crew members there have a service ethos.

Agree wholeheartedly with you on the service level.  I don't tip to enhance service.  I tip in appreciation of proper service.  It makes it cleaner to do it weekly, especially if service personnel change.  I appreciate your response!