Tipping guides, please

[Pashapug]

My family of four is sailing on the Royal on June 25 for a 12-day cruise (in two cabins). I've read here that tipping will be added to our onboard account in the amount of $10 per person per day. That comes to $480. Not complaining, I just want to make sure I budget correctly. And...does that amount include tips for all staff? ...maids, porters, waiters, etc?

 

If we add additional tips, such as for waiters, should we give them the extra money on the last evening? For maids, do we just leave it in the room on the last morning? And should we also tip bartenders? :-)

 

Thanks for any guidance!

[NthernLgts]

My family of four is sailing on the Royal on June 25 for a 12-day cruise (in two cabins). I've read here that tipping will be added to our onboard account in the amount of $10 per person per day. That comes to $480. Not complaining, I just want to make sure I budget correctly. And...does that amount include tips for all staff? ...maids, porters, waiters, etc?

 

If we add additional tips, such as for waiters, should we give them the extra money on the last evening? For maids, do we just leave it in the room on the last morning? And should we also tip bartenders? :-)

 

Thanks for any guidance!

 

It is meant to be nearly all inclusive. The only exceptions are for the bartenders & lounge workers which get a 15% gratuity added automatically to your bar tab. Gratuity will also be added to your coke sticker price if you go that route. Also, I do not believe the casino workers are included in tipping, and that is discretionary (as in Vegas). Some will personally slip a little something extra for a job exceptionally well done here or there, but that is up to you & not necessary. Also remember that you can adjust your auto tipping at the pursers desk for either a job very well done, or a job poorly done.

[Pam in CA]

The $10/day/pp includes your cabin steward and all dining waitstaff, including those in the buffet and dining room for breakfast and lunch. It also includes the Maitre D and the dining room managers. If you "adjust" the auto-tip downwards and then tip extra to some people, that extra MUST be turned into the tipping pool by that person or else they risk losing their jobs and be sent home. This is also a red flag to the managers that someone isn't doing a good job and could wind up on their employment record. If someone is not doing their job, you should first notify their supervisor immediately so that they can correct whatever the problem is.

 

If you order a soda, soda card or a drink, an automatic 15% tip is added to the cost.

 

Technically, you do not need to tip the longshoremen or dock porters when you board but many people tip $2/bag.

 

If someone onboard the ship has given what I consider exceptional service, I do tip extra. For instance, if you've made special requests of your cabin steward and they've responded quickly and with a smile.

[dforeigner]

My family of four is sailing on the Royal on June 25 for a 12-day cruise (in two cabins). I've read here that tipping will be added to our onboard account in the amount of $10 per person per day. That comes to $480. Not complaining, I just want to make sure I budget correctly. And...does that amount include tips for all staff? ...maids, porters, waiters, etc?

 

If we add additional tips, such as for waiters, should we give them the extra money on the last evening? For maids, do we just leave it in the room on the last morning? And should we also tip bartenders? :-)

 

Thanks for any guidance!

 

Porters do not work for the cruise line. They are not part of the auto-tip program.

 

http://www.princess.com/faq/onboard_experience.html

 

Question: What are the tipping guidelines for my cruise?

Answer: During your cruise, you will meet many members of our staff in a variety of locations as they provide you with excellent service. Additionally, many more crew behind the scenes support those who serve you directly. For your convenience a Hotel and Dining charge of $10 per passenger per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The Hotel and Dining charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards and accommodations staff, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others.

 

Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.

 

A 15% charge is automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff.