Tipping--Just Off Connie and How We Fought It & Feel This is Right

[moondoggie]

Just off Connie on Monday--wonderful trip. However, we refuse to 'autotip'. So, when I visited the Guest Relations desk to get the autotips removed, they were not happy. And, my name was added to a long list of cruisers who did the same thing.

 

We did NOT tip the nebulous 'other staff, and tipped the Asst Headwaiter a bit less than suggested--he only schmoozed at our dinner table, and we preferred to put more $$ in our Waiter's and Asst Waiter's packets.

 

So, we overtipped (in cash, of course) our Waiter, Asst Waiter, and Stateroom Attendants--and felt very good about it.

 

However, I did hand over the cash tips along with a handwritten note (bring your own stationery) to each of the three individuals above--and they were pleased as punch, BECAUSE they send these 'notes' to the head office, and these help to determine their future assignments.

 

A CAVEAT: if you have an onboard credit, and do not plan or drinking or putting charges on your seapass, you CANNOT get this credited back to you. I think that Celebrity figures people will want to use the OBC to cover part of the tips, and, thus will be forced to keep their 'recommended' amounts in place. You CANNOT delete any of the recipients on the 'recommended' list--you can only INCREASE amounts to any that you choose.

 

Fight this system along with us--and perhaps C will get the message.

[shipshape sam]

Just off Connie on Monday--wonderful trip. However, we refuse to 'autotip'. So, when I visited the Guest Relations desk to get the autotips removed, they were not happy. And, my name was added to a long list of cruisers who did the same thing.

 

We did NOT tip the nebulous 'other staff, and tipped the Asst Headwaiter a bit less than suggested--he only schmoozed at our dinner table, and we preferred to put more $$ in our Waiter's and Asst Waiter's packets.

 

So, we overtipped (in cash, of course) our Waiter, Asst Waiter, and Stateroom Attendants--and felt very good about it.

 

However, I did hand over the cash tips along with a handwritten note (bring your own stationery) to each of the three individuals above--and they were pleased as punch, BECAUSE they send these 'notes' to the head office, and these help to determine their future assignments.

 

A CAVEAT: if you have an onboard credit, and do not plan or drinking or putting charges on your seapass, you CANNOT get this credited back to you. I think that Celebrity figures people will want to use the OBC to cover part of the tips, and, thus will be forced to keep their 'recommended' amounts in place. You CANNOT delete any of the recipients on the 'recommended' list--you can only INCREASE amounts to any that you choose.

 

Fight this system along with us--and perhaps C will get the message.

 

I like autotips, but as you mention, not sure who is 'other' and why am I tipping 'other'!? I too would like Celebrity to be flexible in this. It should be available that I can autotip and adjust the amount of the autotip and even exlcude a person. It would not be too hard to administer. Does not make sense to me that it is all or nothing. I think that policy ultimately hurts the staff. I like the ability to have the tips on my folio and pay them with my credit card.

 

I also like your idea of a written note when appropriate.

[Arwenmark]

I hope ALL the cruiselines Keep or institute Auto Service charges and NOT remove them for any reason other than for cause. and then only adjust them.

 

I really wish they would just put them in the cruise fare so there was NO WAY you could remove them.

 

You can still Tip extra if you so choose with any Line.

Why do you feel it is necessary to start yet another FLAMABLE thread on this way overworked subject?

 

So since you are calling for passengers to join you in complaining and trying to remove tips I call on passengers to tell the front desk and fill in those survey forms telling them how much you appreciate the auto tips so they don't get a one sided story.

[Solstice23]

there is nothing wrong for auto tipping...Celebrity should just include it in the cruise price then!

 

its not like NCL or Princess when you change servers???? I realize why Celebirty is doing it, so many people do not tip the last day, and I mean SO MANY!! and they will track the staff better who are not serving correctly..and perfomance manage better!

 

Good ideas though on comprimise options

[Rick-cruiser]

ut oh, moondoggie (isn't that name from the Annette/Frankie movies from the 60s?...) get ready for some SERIOUS flaming...

 

On another thread I mentioned my support of maintaining the control (and tradition) of tipping with envelopes - and the reasons why cruiselines have relegated to this autotipping policy.... and it generated LOTS of flak from offended CCers passionate for autotipping.

 

So get ready for the onslaught...... :)

 

- Rick

[CruisingChick]

Moondoggie, I agree you - I don't like auto tipping. Why should tipping be part of the cruise cost?

 

Tipping is defined as: A favor or gift, usually in the form of money, given in return for service.

 

Anyway, how was the trip otherwise? Who were your servers in the dining room? Did you visit the Martini Bar?

[CruisingChick]

ut oh, moondoggie (isn't that name from the Annette/Frankie movies from the 60s?...)

 

Rick

 

No it's from the Gidget movies. I loved Moondoggie (James Darren).

[Rick-cruiser]

No it's from the Gidget movies. I loved Moondoggie (James Darren).

 

heh....I knew it was from one of those-type movies.... they were all classics.

 

Thanks! :)

 

- Rick

[moondoggie]

Thanks for the warning, but I firmly believe in taking the licks in order to support my position! Besides, CC'ers are a pretty fair group...

 

The cruise was great. There is a cute younger captain (Nicholas Pagonis) who is absolutely charming, mingles with the passengers, and even participated in the 'cruise life' Q & A program on one of the sea days.

 

The MDR dinners have slipped some, but there never was a time that we couldn't find something good on the menu. One of our companions is a 'fish junkie', and she said that the fish quality had suffered. HOWEVER, the breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and expanded evening pizza and stir fry were terrific. And of course, there were the **WAFFLES**!! But I found out from the F & B director that his top selling items are...DANISH, not waffles!!!

 

Service was excellent, and we rewarded the providers as such.

 

And, if you are counting on some good library books during the cruise, better bring yours from home--the library is now open 24 hours and is a total joke. I can't believe people are stealing books!

 

We liked most of the entertainers, but do not care for the 'Celebrity singers and dancers' production shows. There was a veterinarian aboard who lectured several times, and he was good. And, we had the misfortune to need the services of the medical staff, and I must say, they were wonderful--hope you won't need them! I'm open to questions if anyone wants more...

[moondoggie]

ok, several people have asked previously...

 

I have a love affair with the moon, the sun, and the ocean. Moondoggie is just a natural handle! Yes, I'm old enough to remember Gidget and Moondoggie, but didn't much care for either of them!

[FinelyCruising]

Thanks for the warning, but I firmly believe in taking the licks in order to support my position! Besides, CC'ers are a pretty fair group...

 

 

One Question: Did you ask the guest relations staff who the Alternative Staff was? Perhaps there would be a sensible reply that might bear some consideration for the $25.00 you held back should you have been on a 10 day cruise.

 

I beleive in being fair too.

[hylasgirl]

Just off Connie on Monday--wonderful trip. However, we refuse to 'autotip'. So, when I visited the Guest Relations desk to get the autotips removed, they were not happy. And, my name was added to a long list of cruisers who did the same thing.

 

We did NOT tip the nebulous 'other staff, and tipped the Asst Headwaiter a bit less than suggested--he only schmoozed at our dinner table, and we preferred to put more $$ in our Waiter's and Asst Waiter's packets.

 

So, we overtipped (in cash, of course) our Waiter, Asst Waiter, and Stateroom Attendants--and felt very good about it.

 

However, I did hand over the cash tips along with a handwritten note (bring your own stationery) to each of the three individuals above--and they were pleased as punch, BECAUSE they send these 'notes' to the head office, and these help to determine their future assignments.

 

A CAVEAT: if you have an onboard credit, and do not plan or drinking or putting charges on your seapass, you CANNOT get this credited back to you. I think that Celebrity figures people will want to use the OBC to cover part of the tips, and, thus will be forced to keep their 'recommended' amounts in place. You CANNOT delete any of the recipients on the 'recommended' list--you can only INCREASE amounts to any that you choose.

 

Fight this system along with us--and perhaps C will get the message.

 

So, tell me how you insisted they do this. I would really like to know, as I think this is crap!!! We tip and we tip well, but I do NOT like someone telling me WHO and how much every little bit goes to. I really don't care who agrees with me on this. The people who do like the auto tip can have it... no one is taking anything away from these people. BUT these same people have A LOT of nerve saying it's THEE only way it should be and that it should never be adjusted. Whatever!!!

 

Anyway... I would appreciate the help in what I can say or do to make them remove mine. I know I am not the only one that thinks this is a load of BS.

 

Flame away... I couldn't care less!

[CruisingChick]

Like I stated before I agree with Moondoggie. On one of our Celebrity cruises we had an awful and I mean awful Assistant Maitre'D. There was no way were were giving this guy the recommended amount, he definitely didn't deserve it. Why should I be forced to reward people for bad service?

 

We do tip generously when the service warrants it and hold back when service is bad.

 

As far as people not tipping at all....well that is a problem I grant you that, but you should have the option of auto tipping or not and not be FORCED to do it.

[woodofpine]

Fighting auto-tipping isn't exactly a pursuit I'd want to interject into MY cruise, but to each their own...

 

I don't really understand why people get so amped up about $1.25 per day for 'other staff'; after all, there are other staff and we all know that... but since X opened the can of worms its up to them to live with the results...

 

I too feel that the concept of auto tipping is enhanced by the passenger being able to control the gratuity amounts per service group/recipient (adjust-delete etc.) which is more typical of the several lines that have auto tip. Sometimes X is less intricate and more brusk in doing things (like this policy) than you'd expect from a line that propogates a sophisticated service oriented image.

[FinelyCruising]

Like I stated before I agree with Moondoggie. On one of our Celebrity cruises we had an awful and I mean awful Assistant Maitre'D. There was no way were were giving this guy the recommended amount, he definitely didn't deserve it. Why should I be forced to reward people for bad service?

 

We do tip generously when the service warrants it and hold back when service is bad.

 

As far as people not tipping at all....well that is a problem I grant you that, but you should have the option of auto tipping or not and not be FORCED to do it.

 

But you are doing each and every time you order a drink!!!

[CruisingChick]

But you are doing each and every time you order a drink!!!

 

Yes, I know but I think the bar servers do a pretty good job. Usually we will find one we like and seek them out for the entire cruise. My husband actually gave the Martini Bar bartender an extra $20 at the end of our last cruise for taking such good care of me.

[FinelyCruising]

Yes, I know but I think the bar servers do a pretty good job. Usually we will find one we like and seek them out for the entire cruise. My husband actually gave the Martini Bar bartender an extra $20 at the end of our last cruise for taking such good care of me.

 

If you already know you are auto tipping then what's the stink about? You do already do it, and have had no issue with it, and to all the dozens out there that complain about auto tipping, you have been auto tipping all along too!!!:rolleyes:

[C-Dragons]

We have no problem with the auto-tipping syetem. We just make sure that those who provide excellent service (waiter, asst. waiter, butler, cabin steward, etc.) are rewarded by increasing the amount of their tips on the paperwork provided. Celebrity lets them know how much they have received, and who gave it, because they always express their gratitude for the "bonus" prior to our departure from the ship.

[moondoggie]

In response to your question, a few days before the end of the cruise I just went to GR and told them that I wished to 'adjust' my tip amount and remove the 'auto tip' from my account. She said that I could only 'adjust upwards' for someone, and could not delete or lower any of the auto tips.

 

I then told her I would pay cash, and she asked me to sign a list/form, and that was the end of it. No, she wasn't happy, but what could she do? So I came back five minutes later and wrote a check (NOTE--there is a limit of $200 per cruise per passenger to write a check at the bank--using the casino ATM results in a fee).

 

(we generally tip well whenever we go out, wherever we are, but I also refuse to put $$ in a 'tip jar' which is at just about every other kind of store...)

[Longboysfan]

Tips - either way no problem.

 

Most times we did the packets.

 

This past time we were all set for auto tips - even though we did not ask for it.

I added a lot extra to the three who worked for us - waiter, room attendent, assistant waiter. Nothing extra for the others.

But I would have liked to add in something - which i did on drinks - to the bar staff as they were very nice when i used the plastic glasses off the bar areas when not buying drinks from them.

[cruzeluver]

Guess I'm just lazy......but I hated the stuffing of envelopes (and making sure I had adequate cash) on the last night. So for us, the auto tips are heaven sent. Have not had a situation where I felt any tips were undeserved. Guess we'll cross that bridge when/if we come to it.

[Shami]

We used to always tip in cash but now I like the autotips. We had a stateroom attendant that told us that he preferred the autotip because that way the money went right in the bank and the assistant attendant would be less likely to spend it on something wasteful. I also think that in this way the staff gets at least a minimum amount of salary per cruise. On our first cruise years ago we did not realize that the tip was most of their salary and even though we had good service we didn't give the suggested amount (thinking it was high at the time). I still feel badly about that. There are probably a lot of first time cruisers that think the same way. I agree that we should be able to adjust down or delete those that provide poor or no service to us. In regards to tipping up, I instead also get envelopes and tip those that I want extra in cash.

[mylove]

I was told by the staff they prefer we personally give it to them,because sometimes it takes two weeks to get in their account and also it gets mixed up sometimes and they get short changed or don't get it at all.I guess I'll be one of the ones that sign the list and I will personally give it to them.

[woodofpine]

Yes, I know but I think the bar servers do a pretty good job. Usually we will find one we like and seek them out for the entire cruise. My husband actually gave the Martini Bar bartender an extra $20 at the end of our last cruise for taking such good care of me.

 

That's nice...

 

And I think that's the standard that should be expected of all crew man for getting the suggested tip - 'a pretty good job' - not exceptional service just 'pretty good'... otherwise the insanity of subjectivity and sense interest kicks in.

[woodofpine]

I was told by the staff they prefer we personally give it to them,because sometimes it takes two weeks to get in their account and also it gets mixed up sometimes and they get short changed or don't get it at all.I guess I'll be one of the ones that sign the list and I will personally give it to them.

 

I imagine that it takes staff, pursers, everybody a bit of time to get used to auto-tip. On my last Princess cruise we had a big family reunion over 20 people at three tables. Everyone had been indoctrinated pretty well as to the auto-tip and half the group were experienced cruisers (I'm pretty confident that there were no account deletions). The head waiter serving our group really knocked himself out so we all discussed giving extra money on the last night. He didn't want to accept it initially! We really had to force it on him. He was doing very well in total since everyone was in good group spirits and pulling bills right and left. The impression I got there was that they preferred the account over cash, but different lines have different operational cultures and X is clearly evolving.

 

[unfortunately, IMHO and I think that of many, X pursers desk is one of the line's weak links; they better get up to speed in dealing with crew or there will be unpleasant fall out.]