Do direct extra tips get pooled, or can the person keep them, or does it depend?

[cruiseny4life]

39 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Sounds like it may go into a pool for the bartenders.

My personal preference is to give gratuities in cash to the person rendering the service to avoid this kind of issue.

Lots of reasons not to carry cash but I always ensure I have enough to cover any tips.

Agreed on all points! 

[vacation44]

When we were in the Vibe on the Joy this past September, on the last full day my husband asked one of the bartenders about the tip situation.   He was told that they did pool the tips and my husband left what we thought was a very generous tip when we left the final time.     Later that night while at the Cavern Club, one of the other bartenders that worked in the Vibe was working the bar there.  When he saw us, he came around the bar, walked over to us and thanked us for the generous tip we left the Vibe crew.    He even hugged me.    Since he was not in the Vibe that last afternoon, it was proof to us that they did pool their tips.