How to Use OBC for Additional Gratuities

[alwaysfrantic]

I would like to use OBC credit to tip the Neptune Lounge concierge (who would not be in the regular pool) and to give extra to cabin stewards.  
 

Do I ask the concierge for a form to sign? It isn’t like there is a bill as from a bar where I can add additional. 

[Sea42]

If you have refundable OBC you can cash it out and tip them directly. But otherwise I'm not sure how it could be done.

I hope someone else can offer a better suggestion!

[Haljo1935]

Cashing out the extra OBC to pay cash is an option - they'll provide envelopes if you ask.

I have read of people saying they put the additional tips on the adjustment form, but I have not personally done it, so cannot confirm it would work.

[houstonheels]

How do you figure out whether OBC is refundable?  

[VMax1700]

8 minutes ago, houstonheels said:

How do you figure out whether OBC is refundable?  

Your onboard folio will show it.  Either on the stateroom TV or on the Navigator app or indeed you could ask at guest services or concierge would let you know.

[Sea42]

13 minutes ago, houstonheels said:

How do you figure out whether OBC is refundable?  

The only OBC I know for sure that is refundable is that which is given to us by our travel agent.

[PigsCanFly]

I hope that OBC purchased pre-cruise is also refundable if not used.  I have no proof of it since We always have used it up during our cruise.

[Banditswife]

I have tried to use OBC to tip specific crew members extra, but was told by guest services that it would go into the general tipping pool, no way to tip a specific crew member- but our OBC was most likely non refundable.

[DaveOKC]

If you are a gambler, you can cash out some money in the casino obviously.

[kazu]

2 hours ago, PigsCanFly said:

I hope that OBC purchased pre-cruise is also refundable if not used.  I have no proof of it since We always have used it up during our cruise.

 

If you bought it - yes, it’s refundable.  No problem at all 🙂 

 

 

2 hours ago, Banditswife said:

I have tried to use OBC to tip specific crew members extra, but was told by guest services that it would go into the general tipping pool, no way to tip a specific crew member- but our OBC was most likely non refundable.

 

The last time I tried, I was told that it had to go to the general pool too.  No tipping extra to specific people.  Cash is needed for that.  I haven’t asked since though and yes, my OBC was refundable.

 

so I just went to the casino to play some more and got some cash at the end 😉 

[Torquer]

6 hours ago, alwaysfrantic said:

I would like to use OBC credit to tip the Neptune Lounge concierge (who would not be in the regular pool)...

Why do you say the Neptune Lounge concierge does not get tips from the normal pool?  We always heard that they did just like the entire crew (except for beverage staff who get the explicit 18% beverage gratuities).

[kazu]

8 minutes ago, Torquer said:

Why do you say the Neptune Lounge concierge does not get tips from the normal pool?  We always heard that they did just like the entire crew (except for beverage staff who get the explicit 18% beverage gratuities).

 

front desk staff are included in the pool?  That is news to me.  Not doubting you just news.  

[Banditswife]

I have always assumed that front desk people were either part of the tipping pool or they are given a  salary, otherwise why would they work for the cruise line.  It would be nice to know this for sure.  Lots of times the guest service people have gone above their normal duties to help me with something, so it would be nice to know if tipping was part of their pay.

[alwaysfrantic]

I’ve never heard of tipping guest services so I assumed they were salary and paid a fare wage.  Just an assumption on my part.  In any case I’d like to use OBC for concierge and additional for a few people and don’t know how to do so. 

[kazu]

2 hours ago, Banditswife said:

I have always assumed that front desk people were either part of the tipping pool or they are given a  salary, otherwise why would they work for the cruise line.  It would be nice to know this for sure.  Lots of times the guest service people have gone above their normal duties to help me with something, so it would be nice to know if tipping was part of their pay.

 

It was my understanding they were salaried - similar to the officers.  I could be incorrect, of course.

Although the concierges come from the front desk there is usually one (if not both) that do a wonderful job making life easy.  So DD DH and I usually tipped and did LUK to show appreciation.  Although my NS days are over, it’s still nice to keep the good ones in the lounge if we can 😉 

[Banditswife]

I have never had the privilege of staying in a suite, but I am sure those folks do a superb job.  I have used the "let us Know" feature through the app, when guest services or any crew member has done something special for us.  I also assume they are salaried, but don't know for sure.

[BackNow]

There are several threads here about tipping.  I don't know if it applies to Holland America, the cash tips received are required to be turned in.  Cameras are everywhere.  I do my extra tipping inside my handshake.

 

Someone here had asked several times how the daily tips are shared.  He never got an answer.

 

We were on a land tour several years ago.  We were required to tip so much per day per person and give it to the tour guide on the first day. When we were at a particular city, the guide said he had to leave us on our own for a couple of hours.  In chatting with him, he said he had to go to the office to turn in the money.  He doesn't get to keep all of it.  Didn't ask him how much is his share.  Does the company keep the rest??  What about cruise lines??

 

Remember when the Red Cross ask you to donate for a current crisis, they keep 30% or more for themselves.  The CEO salary of major charities, with the exception of the Salvation Army, is more then $350,000 a year [info from yrs ago].

 

 

[Laminator]

4 minutes ago, BackNow said:

There are several threads here about tipping.  I don't know if it applies to Holland America, the cash tips received are required to be turned in.  Cameras are everywhere.  I do my extra tipping inside my handshake.

 

Someone here had asked several times how the daily tips are shared.  He never got an answer.

 

We were on a land tour several years ago.  We were required to tip so much per day per person and give it to the tour guide on the first day. When we were at a particular city, the guide said he had to leave us on our own for a couple of hours.  In chatting with him, he said he had to go to the office to turn in the money.  He doesn't get to keep all of it.  Didn't ask him how much is his share.  Does the company keep the rest??  What about cruise lines??

 

Remember when the Red Cross ask you to donate for a current crisis, they keep 30% or more for themselves.  The CEO salary of major charities, with the exception of the Salvation Army, is more then $350,000 a year [info from yrs ago].

 

 

On HAL the cash tips are only required to be turned in if you remove the daily service charges. 

[alwaysfrantic]

I found my own answer.  
 

you can fill out a form to give X dolllard additional to the tip pool.  You can not just give extra to the teams if folks of your choosing.   
 

I just got more cash from an ATM to give extra to the 6 i intended.