Should I bring a fistful of $1's?

[BigMattT]

Yes, we usually encounter lots of reasons to tip crew going beyond normal expectations throughout a trip. But it’s more like $5’s and $10’s these days, not $1’s.

 

The Navigator compliments thing is really great now, too. Anyone we tip extra usually gets a mention there too.

[cavecreekguy]

Before one cruise I read a post on here that mentioned giving a tip after every cocktail showed more immediate appreciation than a tip at the end of the cruise. Since I tip after every cocktail at a land-based bar, this made sense to me, so I did that. But it didn't seem like anyone else did.

 

As I went on subsequent cruises, I found that I quickly developed a ship-board routine, visiting the same bars around the same times, and therefore had the same bartenders each time. Since the HAL bartenders are so great about remembering my preferences, I would even seek specific bartenders out for that personalized service.

Now I bring envelopes for tipping at the end of the cruise. There are about 6-8 bartenders who I know will provide me with that personalized service that makes my trip *extra special*, so that's what I plan on.

[Taleena]

We do a combination: we bring "fistfuls of $1s & $5s" and tip drink runners, room service, & anyone who has completed an oddball special request for us, etc out of that at the time of service. But we also give an extra thank you envelope with larger bills to the staff that we've especially liked & interacted with frequently at the end of the cruise. Usually that's our room stewards, MDR serving staff, and a bartender or two (we tend to drink primarily in the same locations for the duration of a cruise). If we have leftover small bills, we typically add them to the envelopes other than a few for tipping porters & shuttle drivers on our way back home. And yes, we still leave the automatic gratuities on our final bill.

[TXCruiser78660]

On 4/26/2022 at 11:57 PM, zgscl said:

There is one other thing you can do to make a huge impact and it does not cost you anything at all. HAL puts huge stock in guest comments. Take 15-30 seconds to submit feedback in the navigator app and mention the crew by name. This goes directly to their manager and counts a lot for promotions, etc. You can do it throughout the cruise or submit at the end while still onboard. I usually keep a running list and submit a bunch on the last night. I also always save this list so I can add it to the survey. The surveys go to corporate and are then forwarded to the ship. The Navigator feedback goes directly to onboard management. 

 

I have been told by many crew that this helps them out a ton (possibly more than an extra gratuity even). After every comment I have always received a personal call from some manager in guest services or F&B, and in many cases was personally thanked by the crew member later if I saw them. I wrote a particularly good one for one of my Neptune Lounge concierges and he told me that he was called down to the office and thanked/recognized by his bosses there and he was extremely appreciative. 

 

A lot of people don't know about this feature but it really seems to make a difference. Also if you have a problem and need it solved, this is a good way to get the attention of someone higher up to get it fixed while you are onboard. 

I also do this in addition to an extra tip to those who work so hard to make my cruise special.  I've also gotten calls thanking me from their managers.  When I see those I have mentioned they have told me it helps them get recognized by their manager as well.  I was told by several they got an extra hour off and also it helps them when contract renewal time comes.  It only take a few minutes of my time and it is so appreciated.

 

[MountainsAndRivers]

Is the tip not included when you purchase a drink or get one through a package?  Does that money not pass through to the staff???

 

Certainly anyone who makes you happy or goes above and beyond should get extra.

[DaveOKC]

6 minutes ago, MountainsAndRivers said:

Is the tip not included when you purchase a drink or get one through a package?  Does that money not pass through to the staff???

 

Certainly anyone who makes you happy or goes above and beyond should get extra.

Yes, it is included.  However a bit extra (even a $1 or $2) is appreciated.

 

[zgscl]

12 hours ago, MountainsAndRivers said:

Is the tip not included when you purchase a drink or get one through a package?  Does that money not pass through to the staff???

 

Certainly anyone who makes you happy or goes above and beyond should get extra.

It is included, anything left would be additional. 

[projecthandbag]

I have been trying to also tip those who are working hard, but maybe not receiving extra tips, like the ladies who clean the public bathrooms, workers wiping down door handles, glass and railings, etc.  They are always quite surprised and appreciative.  The crew all over the ship is always outstanding.

[rkacruiser]

3 hours ago, projecthandbag said:

I have been trying to also tip those who are working hard, but maybe not receiving extra tips,

 

2002, Asia Pacific Cruise on the Volendam:  on days at sea, I was a usual occupant (when the weather allowed), of a padded deck chair on the Lower Promenade Deck.  Second sitting diner, there was no reason for me to leave my cozy/scenic spot so early.  The Deck Steward began collecting the pads on the chairs around me.  Left me alone each time.  The day before the cruise ended in Los Angeles, I waited until he made his usual "rounds" before I returned to my stateroom.  With many thanks, I gave him a gratuity.  He was so surprised!  The appreciation from him that I received verbally and non-verbally sticks in my memory.  

[PigsCanFly]

We always carry a bunch of $1s and tip for each drink we are served.  We drink 'free" in the casino due to tier status and 5 per day for D+ status.  $1 per drink is a way to thank the server for their hard work.  After a few days, the servers seem more attentive to our level in our glass. We are happy to make it worth their while.  Between the 3 of us, 15 or 20 $/day are distributed to some amazing hard-working folks.

[twodjs]

On 4/28/2022 at 9:51 AM, TXCruiser78660 said:

I also do this in addition to an extra tip to those who work so hard to make my cruise special.  I've also gotten calls thanking me from their managers.  When I see those I have mentioned they have told me it helps them get recognized by their manager as well.  I was told by several they got an extra hour off and also it helps them when contract renewal time comes.  It only take a few minutes of my time and it is so appreciated.

 

One crew member recently shared with us that as a direct result of a comment card we had filled out about his exemplary service to us on a previous cruise, he actually received a promotion! Wow! We never knew such a small effort on our part could make such a big impact on someone's life!  

[JRG]

I don't think it is necessary to bring a 'fistfull of dollars' unless you are headed to a Chippendale's or heaven forbid,  a strip joint.      I know for a fact that educatators (teachers) like to play that drinking game that involves dice and singles (dollar bills) and alot of laughing and whooping it up and when that happens look out because anything can happen.  

 

You can write your tip in on your drink slip and it works just as well.

 

 

[BigMattT]

26 minutes ago, JRG said:

I don't think it is necessary to bring a 'fistfull of dollars' unless you are headed to a Chippendale's or heaven forbid,  a strip joint.      I know for a fact that educatators (teachers) like to play that drinking game that involves dice and singles (dollar bills) and alot of laughing and whooping it up and when that happens look out because anything can happen.  

 

You can write your tip in on your drink slip and it works just as well.

 

 

 

 

Heavens to betsy! A strip joint?! Ohh my I feel another wave of the vapors coming on! What’s next? Ragtime? — shameless music! We’ve got to keep the young ones moral after school! Our children’s children are going to have trouble! Terrible terrible trouble!

 

Oh, and there aren’t drink slips now.

[*Miss G*]

1 hour ago, JRG said:

 

 I know for a fact that educatators (teachers) like to play that drinking game

 

 

Oh, did you have Mr. Potato Head in high school too?  He was our facili-tator.  🤪

[DaveOKC]

1 hour ago, BigMattT said:

 

 

Heavens to betsy! A strip joint?! Ohh my I feel another wave of the vapors coming on! What’s next? Ragtime? — shameless music! We’ve got to keep the young ones moral after school! Our children’s children are going to have trouble! Terrible terrible trouble!

 

Oh, and there aren’t drink slips now.

Good point - with so many people on the drink packages now, they are not giving you slips of paper receipts so you cannot add an additional tip to it.  Also, the servers do seem to appreciate a $1 or $2 additional tip - as they can add up given all the people they serve.

 

[bluesplayer]

Thanks for sharing the advice to use the Navigator app for comments.  In the past I have written thank you notes and added a tip.  Also pay crew gratuities.  Will now provide feedback on the app.  The HA crew is amazing!!  Makes me happy I am able to cruise and afford to tip as well.  A happy tipper here.

[Rcriley34]

We always try to be as generous as we can be for good service.  TIPS. “To insure Personal body fluids are absent”. Is always important to me.  😜   JK, the bartender on HAL are professionals!!  Or are they ?   

 

Don’t be cheap, tip your bartenders!!!  🤩

[*Miss G*]

16 minutes ago, Rcriley34 said:

 

Don’t be cheap, tip your bartenders!!!  🤩

 

 

Just to be clear, there is already an 18% service charge added to the cost of the beverage so absolutely no one is being cheap.

[DaveOKC]

6 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Just to be clear, there is already an 18% service charge added to the cost of the beverage so absolutely no one is being cheap.

True.  But some people do tip over 18% in normal life, so an extra $1 or $2 should work out to about the same,

 

[fatcat04]

On 4/27/2022 at 6:39 PM, cavecreekguy said:

Before one cruise I read a post on here that mentioned giving a tip after every cocktail showed more immediate appreciation than a tip at the end of the cruise. Since I tip after every cocktail at a land-based bar, this made sense to me, so I did that. But it didn't seem like anyone else did.

 

As I went on subsequent cruises, I found that I quickly developed a ship-board routine, visiting the same bars around the same times, and therefore had the same bartenders each time. Since the HAL bartenders are so great about remembering my preferences, I would even seek specific bartenders out for that personalized service.

Now I bring envelopes for tipping at the end of the cruise. There are about 6-8 bartenders who I know will provide me with that personalized service that makes my trip *extra special*, so that's what I plan on.

We were on the same HAL ship a few months apart and we found "our" bartender, a real pro. He remembered we like our top shelf Sidecars with Armagnac (a bit beefier) instead of Cognac without us telling him. Love that extra touch from a bartender. I so hope to meet up with him again now post-Covid. He did the Mixology Class both cruises too, which is loads of fun for those that haven't done it. Bring a good toast with you for a surprise, preferably slightly bawdy. 

Edited May 1, 2022 by fatcat04

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Just to be clear, there is already an 18% service charge added to the cost of the beverage so absolutely no one is being cheap.

Exactly.  I rarely sit at a bar on the last several cruises.  I feel 18 percent is fine.  I do tip cabana stewards, my room stewards and at specialty restaurants if warranted after the 18 percent.  It ridiculous to call that cheap.

[fatcat04]

I think it is important not to judge actual tipping protocol from differing cultures and nationalities. Having been all over I know some of us do tip extra and some of us don't, simply because of the tipping culture common in our country. And then again some do tip a little, some do a lot, again, it's cultural. This is a silly fight since we are all paying the required daily gratuities (unless we remove them which I don't ever understand as the crew works so hard) and the 18% if we buy a drink. 

Edited May 1, 2022 by fatcat04

[Rcriley34]

LOL, love the excuses.  Just one thing to say,  cheap, cheap, cheap.    Sorry for sounding like a baby chick.  

[albingirl]

30 minutes ago, Rcriley34 said:

LOL, love the excuses.  Just one thing to say,  cheap, cheap, cheap.    Sorry for sounding like a baby chick.  

No reason to call people cheap.  There is already 18% in place and most of us give some more.  No reason for name calling.  Totally unecessary.

[RynoWally]

30 minutes ago, Rcriley34 said:

LOL, love the excuses.  Just one thing to say,  cheap, cheap, cheap.    Sorry for sounding like a baby chick.  

I don't know, having bartended my way through college, so i dont shy away from tipping anyone in the service industry, believe me, but to call someone cheap for not tipping over 18% is pretty sad. Sometimes I worked 40 hour weeks, I know for a fact there would be some nights that I would be serving tables or individual customers on busy nights, concerts, or sporting events busting my hump and I would push the $4000 mark in sales under my employee number, I don't think I ever brought home more than $200 + 8 hr wage on a great night. This of course was about 25 years ago though. So your telling me the same person on a cruise ship would only have to have $1200 which for them probably equals out to be a $10 drink every 5 minutes on an 10 hour shift in sales to equal the tips I made back then? LOL, My math has to be off somewhere.