Tips and gratuities and drinks packages on Princess cruises

[antsp]

On 8/25/2024 at 6:16 PM, JF - retired RRT said:

Many think the daily gratuity goes to the steward and waiters...that is incorrect.

It is split out to laundry workers, cooks, dishwashers and probably many others. If you DIY your tips, you are cutting into the $$ that other unseen workers share.

There's also a rumor (not completely substantiated) that when you zero your gratuities at Guest Services, it's viewed as you are/were unhappy with the provided services.

This is incorrect, the crew don't even know anymore. The used to find out, but only a few days after that particular cruise ended. No they are on a fixed salary, it no longer the case.

[nasa1974]

3 hours ago, WaterBuckeyes said:

Princess Sapphire, Alaska, Sept 2024, 7 nights southbound

Updated beverage info:

OK, this is what I found out today. On the website, log in...

On the PACKAGES TAB if you purchase the "Princess Plus Package" for $60pp which includes the $16/day, everyone in the cabin has to buy for 2 people that's $840 total.

 

If you click on the BEVERAGE TAB the "Plus Beverage Package" is all in $76.69/day and MAY be purchased for a single person and includes soda, coffees, teas, hot chocolate, bottled water, juices, smoothies and cocktails up to $15, limit 15 / day. All in is $536.83. On this tab, you may also order the canned soda $11.80 for 6 cans or week package for $17.69/day or $123.83 for week.

 

If you go to the EXTRAS TAB, find Wine & Spirits to order the bottles to your room. These are 375 ml (12 oz) Bacardi, Crown, and Skyy, etc for $18 - $25 / bottle.

 

If you buy from the duty free shop, it will be delivered to your room the last night of the cruise.

 

You may take as carry on, 1 bottle of wine or 12 cans per person. They request you don't put in your luggage, carry it on. I think we will stick to our carry on allowance.

The "Plus Beverage Package" does not include Wi-Fi or gratuities. As well as some of the other perks that the "Princess Plus" offers.

[Arizona Wildcat]

4 hours ago, antsp said:

This is incorrect, the crew don't even know anymore. The used to find out, but only a few days after that particular cruise ended. No they are on a fixed salary, it no matter 

As of last year the tips were 100% pooled and allocated to each ship.  The reason is if allocated on each cruise staff would refuse to work UK or Australia cruises where tipping is not part of your culture.  The tip pool is allocated on a trailing 6 month basis and included in theor salary. 

If everyone stopped tips, salaries would decline in a few months.  

[Yorkshire Lad 2]

So, we are 6 days into our cruise to Scandinavia and NOT buying the drinks package was the right decision. I did forget to mention that we had $200.00 on board spend and this is covering us at the moment for all our drinks as we don’t drink much at all; plus, we brought the 2 bottles of wine on board that you are allowed to do and some fresh orange juice so this is all working well. Regarding the WiFi, you are in port for 5 consecutive days with only 2 days at sea so if you don’t really need it 24/7, just use your own data as most of the major phone companies recognise Europe as a place where your data can be used without any consequences. So, all in all, it’s working fine for us but thanks to everyone for your constructive comments and feedback. As a side issue, we have really enjoyed the Princess cruising experience and would certainly book again in the future if a suitable itinerary were available.