Tipping for a 2 Year Old?

[sas80]

No thanks...I've done my time "gestating"...LOL. It wasn't fun and I don't wanna go there again. ;)

 

I'll take my chances with Hanna, Ike and Josephine. :p

 

Eh....a hurricane, a new baby....not much of a difference there!!! :D

[kr1st1nm]

As the original poster of this "question" and that's what it was, a general question, I have to say that I am amazed by the responses I received. I have been a member of these boards for years, this will be my 11th cruise (and my son's 2nd) and I have NEVER received such negative posts after posing a question.

 

I tip above and beyond for well received service and was in no way looking to "avoid tipping". I was simply unfamiliar with Carnival's policies and was looking for some information.

 

As for the difference between the services a 2 year old requires vs an adult, I do not think my son will be using the services of the guest service desk, shore excursion desk or bothering the ship's crew. He will also not be using the casino, the spa, the gym, the main pools, playing bingo, ordering drinks or attending the midnight buffet. He will not have a bed that needs to be made up, will use minimal towels and his diapers will be wrapped in plastic bags and disposed of in the garbage can. And we ALWAYS pick up after him at meals. That said, I do still think it's a bit extreme to charge him the same as an adult. This is just my OPINION. And on this board I thought I was free to express that.

 

We love to cruise and will continue to do so. I have not cruised with Carnival in some time and the nature of my post was to find out their POLICIES. As one pp mentioned, NCL does charge only $5 per day for kids so I wanted to see what Carnival charged. And I wanted to know if they put it directly on your account or not - just a question that I did not know the answer to.

 

When we sailed NCL last year, everyone was very friendly to my son, however I don't feel anyone went out of their way (and I didn't expect them to). Maybe Carnival is different and if that's the case, you can be sure that we will tip accordingly.

 

I read a recent post that mentioned many "anti-children" threads lately, I sure hope that's not the case. This is the "family cruising" board, right?

 

It's unfortunate that my thread may have been misunderstood. I will continue to use these awesome boards as always, to gather and to share information, as they were meant to be used.

[sas80]

My son will have just turned 2 when we sail on Carnival the end of October. My question is whether it's customary to tip the full $10 per day for a child this age. It's bad enough that you get charged the full 3rd passenger price but I'm curious about the tipping. Also, does anyone know if Carnival automatically puts it on your bill or do you still hand the money out personally?

 

Thanks!

 

Regarding your mispost in that other thread, and your last post here....

 

Keeping in mind that I am stating that I am not trying to "take sides".

 

This is just my perception of how this thread played out.....

 

I hope to offer some reassurance that I dont feel as if anyone was beating up on you or attacking you.

 

I think your phrase "is it customary to tip the full $10" led people to believe that you were asking if you should tip the full $10/do people usually tip the full $10.

 

I think the responses you got to the original post assumed that this was the context of your question. Not if Carnival's policy stated one thing or another.

 

Again, this is my sole interpretation of the original post. My real hope here is to alleviate any bad feelings you might have gotten from the responses.

(please dont hurt me!:o)

[Julienatul]

My son will have just turned 2 when we sail on Carnival the end of October. My question is whether it's customary to tip the full $10 per day for a child this age. It's bad enough that you get charged the full 3rd passenger price but I'm curious about the tipping. Also, does anyone know if Carnival automatically puts it on your bill or do you still hand the money out personally?

 

Thanks!

 

Age 2 and up, Carnival will automatically apply the full $10 per day to sail and sign. Under 2 they wont charge a tip. You can always go to the pursers desk and have it adjusted as you see fit. We always keep it on there because they do so much for DD. She just finished her 6th cruise yesterday at age 2yr11mo. The room steward will bring a special cookie to the cabin, clean up her toys and clothes and vacuum the dropped snacks from the floor. The dining room staff always makes sure her meals are kid friendly and come out before the regular meals so she is not hungry while waiting for us to finish appetizers and they will bring alternates if she isnt liking the first choice. They dote on her. In my opinion, they deserve the full tip. In fact, we usually give extra because of all the extras they do for us. I undertand your thinking that your child wont be using many of the facilities but you will probably be surprised at how much they do for your little one. Many of them miss their own kids back home so they make up for it by doting on the ones onboard.

[Cruisin Around]

Hello,

I definitely don't mean any ill will towards anyone or want to stir the pot, but I just have to voice my opinion. I really feel for the OP in this case because just a few short weeks ago, I posted an innocent question on the Royal Caribbean boards (mainly because it gets so much more traffic and that would be the specific line we would be traveling on) and I was bombarded with negative comments and remarks. It seems like so many people take things that you say about the cruise line personally and feel that they have to defend the policies and rules - even if they may not always seem fair to everyone. You can search to find my posts if you want, but that's all in the past and I don't care about it now. However, at the time I felt like I was being blackballed because I said I don't think it's fair for a child under three who can't use all of the facilities and take advantage of programs like Adventure Ocean to pay a 3rd person rate. Once they are 3, all rules should be enforced. Yes, it says that there are special programs for children under 3, but if you read posts from moms who actually took their tots to them- they leave a lot to be desired. After reading this thread last night, I was actually tossing in bed thinking about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but as a mom of a 14 month old now, I still don't think they should be paying full price. Yes, 3rd person rate is a drastic rate cut if you are traveling in a suite or higher priced cabin. We always do interior cabins, so if I'm paying $690 and my son is paying $590, that's not so great. I understand the staff may go out of their way and tipping should go accordingly. I have to say that when I take my son to a restaurant, I don't feel that the waitress is doing the same things for him as she does for an adult. I bring his food, utensils, bib and wipes. I clean his utensils and take them with me, along with his glass baby food jars for recycling. Most high chairs are just pulled up to the table, so they don't have a tray to wipe off and most times, I've drug the high chair to the table myself. I don't like to be rude, so any food that he drops, I always make sure to pick up - and believe me - what I find under those tables include many a mess made by adults too. My point is, I'm sorry, I don't think that staff will be doing as much for him as mom will be. I used to be a waitress and I never really expected an extra tip because a baby was there. A few times if they made a huge mess, the parents would comment and tip accordingly and I appreciated that. Again, I cleaned many bigger messes from adults that "stiffed" me. I don't think that's right and I'm not standing up for them. I just don't think that parents of young children are treated fairly even by SOME (Not ALL!) people that claim they are not against babies on cruise ships - or anywhere in public for that matter. Raising kids is hard work and a lot of money and many people know that. I just think we should give people some slack and yes, I'm frugal - NOT CHEAP. We work hard for our money and have to stretch it. I am all for rewarding good service and paying a fair price, but no one will change my mind that an baby paying a 3rd person rate is fair. Some lines agree and charge different rates, just like amusement parks, restaurants, etc. I never said I wouldn't cruise with my young son or was against the cruise lines that don't have different rates. I said I don't agree with them. One person told me I should just wait until he's 3 to go then. Next year will be my husband's 40th birthday, my sister is graduating from a long academic program and we just really miss it.

In a nutshell, respect everyone's opinion and try to look at it from all sides. Sometimes a question is just that - a question. The people don't deserve to be attacked or treated like they are cheap and looking for a handout.

 

OP, I've felt your pain and quickly dismissed it. There are others who've felt the way you have now.

 

I still love this board and cruising and I hope to see everyone on the high seas!

[CC Help Michell]

To the OP, I'm sorry if I misinterpreted your original post. All I can say is that your comment about how "it's bad enough to pay a full 3rd person rate" implied (at least to me) that you also think it's "bad" to have to pay the $10 per day gratuity for your child, so when you asked if it was customary I pretty much read it the way SAS said -- "should I pay it? If it's not automatically added can I pay less?" If that's not what you meant, then I do apologize -- but since you have been around these boards for a while, I'm sure you know that tipping, and cutting tips and when it's appropriate to do is, always generates a lively discussion, if not a downright heated one, depending on the context.

 

As long as I've stuck my oar back in here, I will also add that I don't think whether and how much to tip should be connected to, or depend on, what the passenger paid for their cruise fare. The cruise fare goes to the corporation; the gratuities go to those hard-working individuals who furnish you with great service on your cruise.

 

Those in an inside cabin and those in a balcony pay different fares, but receive the same level of service from the crew, so the amount of the "customary" gratuity is the same. The 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin receive the same level of service as the 1st and 2nd passengers in the cabin, even though their fares may have been different, so the gratuity should be the same. In actual fact, as others on this thread have attested, the OP will likely find that her little one receives even BETTER service and attention from the crew -- regardless of his cabin class or being a "3rd passenger."

 

Note, I'm not talking about situations where service problems happen and aren't addressed after you report the issues. But where the service given is as expected, I just think the gratuity should be as well. We also tip extra when the service is MORE than expected.

 

PS I have no idea how this thread got connected to the "anti-kid" stuff that pops up here and there -- did I miss something?

[kr1st1nm]

To Cruisin Around: A sincere Thank You. I too spend a lot of extra effort being mindful of my son's behavior and mess and always clean up as best I can (whether at a restaurant, at someone else's house, etc). It will be no different on this cruise. If the staff goes above and beyond, that's great and we will tip accordingly, but I don't ever "expect" it.

 

Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised by the exceptional service my son receives on Carnival.

 

Sorry to spark such a controversy.

[Kerry's Girls]

To Cruisin Around: A sincere Thank You. I too spend a lot of extra effort being mindful of my son's behavior and mess and always clean up as best I can (whether at a restaurant, at someone else's house, etc). It will be no different on this cruise. If the staff goes above and beyond, that's great and we will tip accordingly, but I don't ever "expect" it.

 

Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised by the exceptional service my son receives on Carnival.

 

 

On our first cruise, I kept trying to clean under my table at meals, as I always do in a restaurant. The waiter or assistant waiter would stop me each time, but I still didn't want to create extra work for them, so I'd keep trying. Finally one of them told me they would get in trouble if they were seen allowing me to clean up, no matter how much I wanted to. It was actually embarassing sometimes to walk away, but they absolutely insisted that I was not allowed to do anything but enjoy myself.

 

Best,

Mia

[NoelsCat]

Hello,

I definitely don't mean any ill will towards anyone or want to stir the pot, but I just have to voice my opinion. I really feel for the OP in this case because just a few short weeks ago, I posted an innocent question on the Royal Caribbean boards (mainly because it gets so much more traffic and that would be the specific line we would be traveling on) and I was bombarded with negative comments and remarks. It seems like so many people take things that you say about the cruise line personally and feel that they have to defend the policies and rules - even if they may not always seem fair to everyone. You can search to find my posts if you want, but that's all in the past and I don't care about it now. However, at the time I felt like I was being blackballed because I said I don't think it's fair for a child under three who can't use all of the facilities and take advantage of programs like Adventure Ocean to pay a 3rd person rate. Once they are 3, all rules should be enforced. Yes, it says that there are special programs for children under 3, but if you read posts from moms who actually took their tots to them- they leave a lot to be desired. After reading this thread last night, I was actually tossing in bed thinking about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but as a mom of a 14 month old now, I still don't think they should be paying full price. Yes, 3rd person rate is a drastic rate cut if you are traveling in a suite or higher priced cabin. We always do interior cabins, so if I'm paying $690 and my son is paying $590, that's not so great. I understand the staff may go out of their way and tipping should go accordingly. I have to say that when I take my son to a restaurant, I don't feel that the waitress is doing the same things for him as she does for an adult. I bring his food, utensils, bib and wipes. I clean his utensils and take them with me, along with his glass baby food jars for recycling. Most high chairs are just pulled up to the table, so they don't have a tray to wipe off and most times, I've drug the high chair to the table myself. I don't like to be rude, so any food that he drops, I always make sure to pick up - and believe me - what I find under those tables include many a mess made by adults too. My point is, I'm sorry, I don't think that staff will be doing as much for him as mom will be. I used to be a waitress and I never really expected an extra tip because a baby was there. A few times if they made a huge mess, the parents would comment and tip accordingly and I appreciated that. Again, I cleaned many bigger messes from adults that "stiffed" me. I don't think that's right and I'm not standing up for them. I just don't think that parents of young children are treated fairly even by SOME (Not ALL!) people that claim they are not against babies on cruise ships - or anywhere in public for that matter. Raising kids is hard work and a lot of money and many people know that. I just think we should give people some slack and yes, I'm frugal - NOT CHEAP. We work hard for our money and have to stretch it. I am all for rewarding good service and paying a fair price, but no one will change my mind that an baby paying a 3rd person rate is fair. Some lines agree and charge different rates, just like amusement parks, restaurants, etc. I never said I wouldn't cruise with my young son or was against the cruise lines that don't have different rates. I said I don't agree with them. One person told me I should just wait until he's 3 to go then. Next year will be my husband's 40th birthday, my sister is graduating from a long academic program and we just really miss it.

In a nutshell, respect everyone's opinion and try to look at it from all sides. Sometimes a question is just that - a question. The people don't deserve to be attacked or treated like they are cheap and looking for a handout.

 

OP, I've felt your pain and quickly dismissed it. There are others who've felt the way you have now.

 

I still love this board and cruising and I hope to see everyone on the high seas!

 

You won't get an argument from me about the 3rd person fare for someone under 3 -- I totally agree. (Sorry to threadjack) -- I do think that it is unfair -- at least on RCI. I was very disappointed with aquababies/tots -- there are NO facilities for babies/toddlers (I understand that on some other cruise lines there are open times when they can play with the toys?) and they can't use the pools. Truly, there was nothing really geared for our under 3's. My son didn't even use a bed or a pack-n-play -- he slept with us. So, I happen to agree with you on the fare thing -- although I also see the point of the paying for the "soul" -- as in body count, too.

 

To be clear, however, I do tip the full amount because it feels like the right thing to do. The staff truly goes out of their way for my son -- and the tips have nothing to do with RCI's rates, IMHO.

 

OH, and I also understand the frustration with the anti-kid posts. I actually try to avoid anything about children on the main boards because it just hurts my feelings.

[Cruisin Around]

Thanks for your view. I really can't understand why they can come up with gigantic cruise ships with whole "neighborhoods" but can't come up with a few decent programs for babies/toddlers. Obviously someone very young can't be engaged constantly and sit for a program, but story telling with characters, little plays or skits, short cartoons or movies, a playground atmosphere, sprinkler spot where they can get wet without "contaminating" a pool. Are we asking too much??????

 

Oh and NoelsCat - I LOVE your end quote! It is 100% true!

[NoelsCat]

Thanks for your view. I really can't understand why they can come up with gigantic cruise ships with whole "neighborhoods" but can't come up with a few decent programs for babies/toddlers. Obviously someone very young can't be engaged constantly and sit for a program, but story telling with characters, little plays or skits, short cartoons or movies, a playground atmosphere, sprinkler spot where they can get wet without "contaminating" a pool. Are we asking too much??????

 

I really wished they had a play area for toddlers under 3 -- just an area with some slides and stuff to climb on -- maybe some busy-box type toys. We ended up using the vortex lounge for my then 2 year old son to blow off steam. It was completely empty during the day (its actually where the aqua tots is held, pathetically) -- so it was great for him to be able to run around without bothering anyone. A play area would have been a wonderful addition. I was pretty disappointed with aqua tots.

[Cruisin Around]

It would be nice if RCI actually read some of these threads and took a cue, huh? I can't imagine something like this, (a playground area), would cost that much or cause such a stir- I doubt they'd even have to build an addition!

 

One last comment: there will be a few peppered through, but did you ever notice that all the threads that deal with smuggling alcohol aboard (something I've never done, btw - not a big drinker at all) never seem to draw the harsh words and tongue lashings that the "children" posts due? Why is that?

 

Oh & Shhh...Don't tell anyone that I don't drink though because someone will be mad that I don't spend extra money on board for liquor. I'm taking up a space that a soul that might drink more and therefore give the company more money!! (LAUGH EVERYONE - THIS IS MEANT TO BE FUNNY!)

[kr1st1nm]

One of the main reasons I booked the Victory for this next cruise is because they appear to have a sprinkler type pool area in the kids section and some sort of playhouse. I've only seen it mentioned briefly, but if its what I think, my son will love it! And it will keep him away from all the adults, thus not making any messes or noise and bothering everyone :)

[sas80]

It would be nice if RCI actually read some of these threads and took a cue, huh? I can't imagine something like this, (a playground area), would cost that much or cause such a stir- I doubt they'd even have to build an addition!

 

One last comment: there will be a few peppered through, but did you ever notice that all the threads that deal with smuggling alcohol aboard (something I've never done, btw - not a big drinker at all) never seem to draw the harsh words and tongue lashings that the "children" posts due? Why is that?

 

Oh & Shhh...Don't tell anyone that I don't drink though because someone will be mad that I don't spend extra money on board for liquor. I'm taking up a space that a soul that might drink more and therefore give the company more money!! (LAUGH EVERYONE - THIS IS MEANT TO BE FUNNY!)

 

LOL, you've obviously missed some really juicy booze smuggling threads!

 

It's more that it's probably all relative. People whom are "anti kid" on cruise ships tend to cite medical reasons that you shouldnt bring your kid with you and then sum their post up by calling you a bad parent.

 

People whom are "ani smiggling" tend to call smugglers alcoholics for even thinking that they should smuggle.

 

Understanding what alcoholism is, it's not a label that should ever be thrown casually around. Same with blindly calling someone a bad parent fpor wanting to take their kid on vacation.

 

It can all be summed up as ignorance, being judgmental without warrant and all around just being tacky and rude.

 

In my view, people are just as harsh on both type of threads. It's just different contexts.

[sas80]

Thanks for your view. I really can't understand why they can come up with gigantic cruise ships with whole "neighborhoods" but can't come up with a few decent programs for babies/toddlers. Obviously someone very young can't be engaged constantly and sit for a program, but story telling with characters, little plays or skits, short cartoons or movies, a playground atmosphere, sprinkler spot where they can get wet without "contaminating" a pool. Are we asking too much??????

 

Oh and NoelsCat - I LOVE your end quote! It is 100% true!

 

I agree

How come they cant take a lounge with a view and turn it into a play area, like the ones in the mall? Offerin some bar service, so we could sit around while our kids played , enjoy the ocean as it drifts by, and have a drink, would be a really nice idea!

[NoelsCat]

Heck with the bar service -- we could bring our smuggled booze! (LOL - I am joking -- I don't even drink!)

 

I should post the play area idea on on the main boards adding that I am 36 weeks pregnant (I'm NOT!) -- let em all know that its my vacation and if you want to get drunk on your smuggled alcohol while watching your toddler climb on railings overlooking the sea that it's your business. Give em all something to really go ON AND ON ABOUT --

 

afterall, everyone knows that anyone that takes their children on vacation must be a lousy parent that doesn't give a crap about the child's health.

 

LOL. Thank god for this board. That's all I have to say.

[sas80]

Heck with the bar service -- we could bring our smuggled booze! (LOL - I am joking -- I don't even drink!)

 

I should post the play area idea on on the main boards adding that I am 36 weeks pregnant (I'm NOT!) -- let em all know that its my vacation and if you want to get drunk on your smuggled alcohol while watching your toddler climb on railings overlooking the sea that it's your business. Give em all something to really go ON AND ON ABOUT --

 

afterall, everyone knows that anyone that takes their children on vacation must be a lousy parent that doesn't give a crap about the child's health.

 

LOL. Thank god for this board. That's all I have to say.

 

 

LOL, be sure to also let them know that you plan to let your baby hang out in the hot tub, in a diaper, while smoking! :D

[NoelsCat]

LOL, be sure to also let them know that you plan to let your baby hang out in the hot tub, in a diaper, while smoking! :D

 

Well, that was a given. Geez, how am I supposed to calm him down after his screaming, dvd watching, food throwing time in Portofino?? After the hot tub we can take him to a show where he can guzzle smuggled gin and juice from a sippy cup!!

 

:)

[arcticnanuq]

We'll be cruising in January on Spirit and are planning to use Camp Carnival for our DD4. If it works out and she enjoys it I will be happy to tip. Do I just give one envelope and the Camp staff share all the tips or do I try to tip favourite staff individually? How much is appropriate to tip for one child (it's an 8 night cruise and we hope to use CC each day if she likes it)? I'd appreciate any advice :)

[wrp96]

Well, that was a given. Geez, how am I supposed to calm him down after his screaming, dvd watching, food throwing time in Portofino?? After the hot tub we can take him to a show where he can guzzle smuggled gin and juice from a sippy cup!!

 

:)

 

Let me know when you decide to start that thread so I can make sure I'm at a computer to watch!!:p