Room Attendants - Do you tip extra?

[newmexicoNita]

OK' date=' so here's a new question. Do you leave a tip for your room attendant(s) at the end of the cruise, and if so how much? I did not on our first cruise, as I was new to the process, and frankly never saw them. Nor was the service special. But on our last cruise, we did leave $40.00 for each of them (there were two). They did a great job, and I felt deserved something extra.

 

But that was a couple years ago, and I was wondering what the norm is now. So let's hear what you do/will do, whether the service is poor, ordinary, or special.

 

Thanks,[/quote']

 

There is no set rule and your cabin stewards should not expect a tip. That being said, we have judged it by service. Like you, on a few cruises we have not even known or hardly known who the cabin stewards were. Normally this corresponds with service, but not always. If the service has been barely acceptable or below par, we leave nothing. For good or outstanding service we leave extra. Our last cruise we gave both stewards $20.00. On other cruises we have left $20 to $30 for them to share. Others leave much more and some less or nothing.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

I always ask how many cabins they have to do. Last cruise--34--HOW do they do it??? Yes--we always tip extra--amount depends on how special, but never less than 5.00 per day each. I do admit I have never had a bad steward on NCL. If I ever had a steward who was as bad as some I have read about on these boards, I would have to re-think that!!

 

wow, I will clean your cabin and bring you ice anyday.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

Wait, wait, wait...this is saying that your cabin steward is making between 21,600 and 26,400 a year BEFORE tips? That can't be right, can it?? :confused:

 

CABIN STEWARD No experience required.

Salary: $1,800 - $2,200 US per month (approx £900 - £1,100 per month) with possible percentage of tips.

 

I don't know where that info came from, but you are right: no way do they make anything like that. They barely make anything except for a few bucks a week and room and board. Tips are their livelihood.

 

Nita

[sjbdtz]

Wow. Someone comes in, first post...on a thread 2 years old....

 

 

Gotta love it.

 

 

 

Such an informative post, too.

 

 

 

 

.

[Jo in AZ]

We have not sailed NCL since 1993, last cruises were on Princess with only one steward -- do all NCL ships have two stewards per room?

 

Anyway, we always give the steward $20.00 the first day with our request that our ice bucket will always have ice. Most times this has been followed and then we give another $20.00 at the end of the cruise over and above the tip amount added to the room account. One cruise it was not always filled and several times we had to track down someone to give us ice and therefore no extra tip at the end of the cruise.

 

Now, if we have two stewards do we meet them at the same time, do they work in pairs or ??????. Maybe we will just have to leave a note with our request addressed to both with two $10.00 bills.

[halos]

NCL will automaticlly charge each person in the cabin $12 each per day that will cover things. You are welcome to tip above and beyond that as you feel appropriate, but most do not.

 

 

Why would you assume that??

It bothers me when people post things as if they are facts.

 

I wouldn't know if most do or don't. I don't take polls or interview people as they exit the ship, but I can say that every person I know and cruise with does tip extra.

 

OP: You should do what your heart (and your pocketbook) tell you to do. :)

[WinterSky]

When the subject of tipping the stewards comes up, there are always those who mention that they never saw him/her until the 3rd day or not at all.

 

I'm curious as to why some think seeing their steward has anything to do with the actual tipping. If the cabin has been cleaned and tidied up as well as the bathroom being clean, the steward has done their job.Not seeing them is, in fact, a good thing. They were not in your way, you were not in theirs and the job was done unobtrusively.

 

If there's something that you need and want to speak to them, it is very easy to get a hold of them.

 

I agree! I love stewards who slip in and out when I am away from the cabin. In fact, I consider this an indicator of a particularly experienced and professional steward. A great steward will leave their 'special touches' in your cabin so that you know they were there. Besides taking care that everything that should be done is done, they will also leave special touches like ensuring the ice bucket is filled, a towel animal or chocolates on your pillow. In my experience, these attentive room stewards that you never see, are actually always nearby and if you need them, they arrive promptly.

 

For us, these room stewards have a very positive impact on our cruise and we have left $80 for one week cruises. However, since we last cruised in December 2008 and feel an increase is warranted, for our next cruise which is ten days, we intend to tip $120. Of course, that will be dependent on receiving the same high level of service we have previously enjoyed.

[Sam The Cat]

Hi ZonePH Have not see you post anything lately If you do you remember you joined us me and my GF and a couple of other couples in our owners suite on the Spirit i do have photos We are going on the Jewel with my DS her DH and our mom for her 85th birthday to Canada She does not know that MY GF and I will be on the ship

[monteman]

Hi ZonePH Have not see you post anything lately If you do you remember you joined us me and my GF and a couple of other couples in our owners suite on the Spirit i do have photos We are going on the Jewel with my DS her DH and our mom for her 85th birthday to Canada She does not know that MY GF and I will be on the ship

 

Hi Sam, from Greenie! :)

[VideoTech]

Here's another thought (apologies if it's been mentioned already in this lengthy discussion; I haven't read all the responses): Many of the cabin attendants have families and small children, whom they are supporting and whom they leave behind and do not see again for the length of their contract (often six months or more).

 

They work very, very hard for the money they make, with long days and few days off. I'd defy any of us who can afford to cruise to do what they do, day after day after day, almost always with a smile, a word of greeting, and a wonderful attitude, all while they are wishing they could find a decent job at home, so they could be with their families and children.

 

Regardless of what their salary is, they are most likely the lowest paid employees on the ship. I think if *anyone* deserves something extra in the way of appreciation, they do. If they do the job particularly well, then it's even more impressive.

[WinterSky]

Here's another thought (apologies if it's been mentioned already in this lengthy discussion; I haven't read all the responses): Many of the cabin attendants have families and small children, whom they are supporting and whom they leave behind and do not see again for the length of their contract (often six months or more).

 

They work very, very hard for the money they make, with long days and few days off. I'd defy any of us who can afford to cruise to do what they do, day after day after day, almost always with a smile, a word of greeting, and a wonderful attitude, all while they are wishing they could find a decent job at home, so they could be with their families and children.

 

Regardless of what their salary is, they are most likely the lowest paid employees on the ship. I think if *anyone* deserves something extra in the way of appreciation, they do. If they do the job particularly well, then it's even more impressive.

 

Exactly! I don't know why the staff person's salary even comes up in this discussion. I met staff on our cruises who were away from their families for ten months at a time who worked 16 hours a day. I know that they make a modest wage. However, I tip them because they deserve recognition for the high quality service they provide us while we are on vacation.

 

I tip to at least the same level as I would for service providers I encounter in our local community. Frequently, I am inclined to tip more than I would locally. For example... On one cruise, I was struggling through the crowds in the buffet with my walker and had waited patiently at the the omelete station for my turn when a rude young man cut in front of me. I had been on my feet for some time and was very tired, so I turned to leave. A young NCL buffet attendant stepped up and asked me what I would like in my omelete and then called that order across to the person preparing them. She then escorted me through the crowd, slipping in and out to get things from various stations and add them to my tray. She then escorted me to a table. I was so exhausted and so appreciative of her service that I gave her a $20 tip. I didn't stop to evaluate what the value of the tip would be to her in relation to her wages. I gave her a tip based on how much I valued the service I received. Most times, when I have received assistance in the buffet from attendants, I would tip $2 - $5 depending on service received. On that particular day, the service that I received was definitely worth $20 to me.

[Fishbait17]

Exactly! I don't know why the staff person's salary even comes up in this discussion. I met staff on our cruises who were away from their families for ten months at a time who worked 16 hours a day. I know that they make a modest wage. However, I tip them because they deserve recognition for the high quality service they provide us while we are on vacation.

 

I tip to at least the same level as I would for service providers I encounter in our local community. Frequently, I am inclined to tip more than I would locally. For example... On one cruise, I was struggling through the crowds in the buffet with my walker and had waited patiently at the the omelete station for my turn when a rude young man cut in front of me. I had been on my feet for some time and was very tired, so I turned to leave. A young NCL buffet attendant stepped up and asked me what I would like in my omelete and then called that order across to the person preparing them. She then escorted me

through the crowd, slipping in and out to get things from various stations and add them to my tray. She then escorted me to a table. I was so exhausted and so appreciative of her service that I gave her a $20 tip. I didn't stop to evaluate what the value of the tip would be to her in relation to her wages. I gave her a tip based on how much I valued the service I received. Most times, when I have received assistance in the buffet from attendants, I would tip $2 - $5 depending on service received. On that particular day, the service that I received was definitely worth $20 to me.

 

Beautifully said...

 

Robin

[Minoushka]

When I first started cruising I always gave extra because the tips were not that much Now we pay 12$ per day per person .I PAY for my son and I and 24$ per day does add up so I do not .I only tip extra in any restaurant If the service is Exceptional as was in Modernos and Cagneys ..I am getting the feeling MORE is expected I do not feel that is right ...24$ a day should cover it all ....

I do feel a LITTLE SQUEEZED

I also feel some specialty restaurants should be free because truthfully they are NOT that special I wish NCL would make Cucina and soup restaurant and suchi free After all it is on other ships!!

I cannot say if QUALITY in MDR is not as good as I only had time to go once and it was OK ...a little hectic but fine

I really feel we paid a substantial amount for a 1 week cruise and more dining options should be includedI do nOT drink and my bill really added up with all the EXTRAS

 

Michele

[che5904]

When I first started cruising I always gave extra because the tips were not that much Now we pay 12$ per day per person .I PAY for my son and I and 24$ per day does add up so I do not .I only tip extra in any restaurant If the service is Exceptional as was in Modernos and Cagneys ..I am getting the feeling MORE is expected I do not feel that is right ...24$ a day should cover it all ....

I do feel a LITTLE SQUEEZED

I also feel some specialty restaurants should be free because truthfully they are NOT that special I wish NCL would make Cucina and soup restaurant and suchi free After all it is on other ships!!

I cannot say if QUALITY in MDR is not as good as I only had time to go once and it was OK ...a little hectic but fine

I really feel we paid a substantial amount for a 1 week cruise and more dining options should be includedI do nOT drink and my bill really added up with all the EXTRAS

 

Michele

 

I won’t get into the semantics of tipping as I am in a minority of thinking when it comes to how, when and why you leave a tip for someone. Let’s just say my thinking is very old fashioned. I also won’t get into whether the $12 is a tipping charge or service charge.

But as far back as I can recall (if you tipped someone) tipping in Canada and the U.S. was a percentage of a bill and especially in a restaurant where most people always tip. So I will use this scenario and hopefully make you feel better about the $12 you have to pay.

If you go on a holiday and go to equivalent to ship restaurants for your 3 meals a day (not a mcdonalds but also not the ritz). Your average cost per person for meals would be the following + a 15% - 18% tip depending on what you believe to be appropriate.

Breakfast $15 – tip 2.25

Lunch $18 – tip 2.70

Dinner $25 – tip 3.75

Total just for restaurants alone per person $8.70 - $10.45

It really doesn’t look like such a large amount when you consider how many people apparently are included in NCL’s DSC, when I’ve only used restaurants above.

[halos]

Exactly! I don't know why the staff person's salary even comes up in this discussion. I met staff on our cruises who were away from their families for ten months at a time who worked 16 hours a day. I know that they make a modest wage. However, I tip them because they deserve recognition for the high quality service they provide us while we are on vacation.

 

I tip to at least the same level as I would for service providers I encounter in our local community. Frequently, I am inclined to tip more than I would locally. For example... On one cruise, I was struggling through the crowds in the buffet with my walker and had waited patiently at the the omelete station for my turn when a rude young man cut in front of me. I had been on my feet for some time and was very tired, so I turned to leave. A young NCL buffet attendant stepped up and asked me what I would like in my omelete and then called that order across to the person preparing them. She then escorted me through the crowd, slipping in and out to get things from various stations and add them to my tray. She then escorted me to a table. I was so exhausted and so appreciative of her service that I gave her a $20 tip. I didn't stop to evaluate what the value of the tip would be to her in relation to her wages. I gave her a tip based on how much I valued the service I received. Most times, when I have received assistance in the buffet from attendants, I would tip $2 - $5 depending on service received. On that particular day, the service that I received was definitely worth $20 to me.

 

YES!!!!!! Bravo.

It is nobody's business what anyone makes for goodness sake and why that even comes into play is beyond me.

I really think in many cases (after seeing it over and over after many years on this board) that a good portion of the people who sit and 'do the math' to figure out what they believe a crew member makes, are just pissed off at the possibility that the 'service employee' may wind up raking in more than they do and it does not sit well with them.

That's sad.

 

. Your average cost per person for meals would be the following + a 15% - 18% tip depending on what you believe to be appropriate.

 

Breakfast $15 – tip 2.25

 

Lunch $18 – tip 2.70

 

Dinner $25 – tip 3.75

 

Total just for restaurants alone per person $8.70 - $10.45

 

 

 

It really doesn’t look like such a large amount when you consider how many people apparently are included in NCL’s DSC, when I’ve only used restaurants above.

 

I agree totally.

[che5904]

YES!!!!!! Bravo.

It is nobody's business what anyone makes for goodness sake and why that even comes into play is beyond me.

I really think in many cases (after seeing it over and over after many years on this board) that a good portion of the people who sit and 'do the math' to figure out what they believe a crew member makes, are just pissed off at the possibility that the 'service employee' may wind up raking in more than they do and it does not sit well with them.

That's sad.

 

 

 

I agree totally.

 

I agree as well.

Halos this is easy to respond to. This comes up time and time again because, if anyone dares to question the DSC or does not want to throw a couple hundred dollars to their room steward, the consensus on these threads are that these workers need their salaries subsidized by the traveler and it is your duty and obligation to do this. And therefore that leads all back to on both sides how much the worker makes that requires the subsidy.

And Lord help the person that even suggests an extra and above tip be based on actual service given.

[AllBoys2002]

Thanks' date=' everyone, for all the replies. Yes, I know it is not required, but I have the same opinion as expressed by many; they often deserve more. It is just nice to know what the ballpark is and if I am in it! I, too have them empty the fridge at the start of the week, and DH usually needs an extension cord to reach his c-pap, (though that requires the electrician to come to the room, go figure!)

 

We also tip good bar & drink people extra if they are particularly good. Our last cruise we did the martini tasting, and the bartender, I'm struggling to remember her name, was so good, funny and amicable that we would seek her out for our afternoon drink, too. She always got over and above the automatic % on the tab.

 

But I will say that I have never tipped the dining room waiters. I guess if I had felt I had gotten particularly good service I would have, but tho it was not bad, it was not "special". :o

 

 

I travel with 2 who use CPAP (DH and 8yo DS) and on our last trip I just threw a power strip with long cord into the carry on (in case it was not allowed) and was good to go. No electrician needed. Just in case the cord needs to stretch across the room dont forget the duct tape so nobody trips in the night.

[DMH15]

When I first started cruising I always gave extra because the tips were not that much Now we pay 12$ per day per person .I PAY for my son and I and 24$ per day does add up so I do not .I only tip extra in any restaurant If the service is Exceptional as was in Modernos and Cagneys ..I am getting the feeling MORE is expected I do not feel that is right ...24$ a day should cover it all ....

I do feel a LITTLE SQUEEZED

I also feel some specialty restaurants should be free because truthfully they are NOT that special I wish NCL would make Cucina and soup restaurant and suchi free After all it is on other ships!!

I cannot say if QUALITY in MDR is not as good as I only had time to go once and it was OK ...a little hectic but fine

I really feel we paid a substantial amount for a 1 week cruise and more dining options should be includedI do nOT drink and my bill really added up with all the EXTRAS

 

Michele

The other restaurants ARE that special. If free, good luck getting in there. It's not just the food but the ambience. I just got off Carnival and they basically just had a sushi kiosk. They handed you a plate with 2-3 items on it. On NCL they make the sushi to order and you have a multitude of choices. It was a BARGAIN at $15. I was able to try things that I wouldn't at home, in case I didn't like them.

 

Also, as I said I just got off Canival and NCL already offers MUCH more in free dining options than I saw on Carnival.

 

I agree Sushi was free on Celebrity, but their only "surcharge" restaurant was $25, more than some of NCL's. NCL cannot be ALL things to ALL people. I think they do it pretty darn good though.

[halos]

I agree as well.

 

Halos this is easy to respond to. This comes up time and time again because, if anyone dares to question the DSC or does not want to throw a couple hundred dollars to their room steward, the consensus on these threads are that these workers need their salaries subsidized by the traveler and it is your duty and obligation to do this. And therefore that leads all back to on both sides how much the worker makes that requires the subsidy.

 

And Lord help the person that even suggests an extra and above tip be based on actual service given.

 

 

I and my DH are extremely generous tippers, for a couple reasons

1) we can be

2) I worked as a hairdresser and understand how difficult it is to be a service employee and I also understand how tips make up the majority of a service employees wages. My DH's mother raised 5 kids on her own waitressing...we both have a deep respect for people who work their butts off for tips.

 

We would never even consider removing the dsc....because I think of that as a service charge and part of the cruise fare. BUT, as for extra tips, that is always based on the service I get.

So far, everyone who has taken care of us (with the exception of one lone cruise on RCI) has been fabulous enough to get that extra money. I don't sit and ponder what the crew member makes, I judge the extra tip on the service I get.

The service is always amazing...so there is never a question....but to wonder how they feed their families, or to the other end, wonder if they make more than I do....either way it's just not right to base giving them extra or not based on these things. It's not anyone's business what they make, what they're family situation is or how sad they are to be away from home. They chose their job...and if they do it well, they can do VERY well for themselves.

Isn't that what every human being wants from their job?

 

I wonder how awful some crew would feel that people tip them out of pity??

That's horrible.

I bet the ones that make fabulous tips feel proud they earned it by working hard, not because people feel sorry for them. That's just awful.

 

--------------

DMH15....Having been a long time CCL fan I can only agree with you. NCL offers so much more. If CCL offered pay options to passengers to make their cruise experience better like NCL does, I would still be a fan, but they don't, so I am no longer a CCL cruiser. I have one booked for next year and I'll see how it goes, but lately CCL just does not impress me nearly as much as my NCL cruises have.

The difference between the two lines is huge these days and it's because NCL is improving and CCL is on a decline.

It's sad.

[AllBoys2002]

I also just wanted to drop a few numbers here about the DSC that breaks down the $12.....

 

based on numbers DIRECTLY from NCL (using the Gem as an example)

 

Passenger Capacity: 2,394 X 12 DSC = 28,728 X 7 days = 201,096

 

Crew: 1,092 (assuming ALL crew are included in DSC, which they are not)

 

201,096/1,092 = 184.15/7 = 26.30 per day, per crew member

 

26.30 +/- depending on how many crew are excluded....

 

Now as a previos post stated their steward had 34 cabins, that breaks down to approximately .77 a day per cabin tip.

[che5904]

I also just wanted to drop a few numbers here about the DSC that breaks down the $12.....

 

based on numbers DIRECTLY from NCL (using the Gem as an example)

 

Passenger Capacity: 2,394 X 12 DSC = 28,728 X 7 days = 201,096

 

Crew: 1,092 (assuming ALL crew are included in DSC, which they are not)

 

201,096/1,092 = 184.15/7 = 26.30 per day, per crew member

 

26.30 +/- depending on how many crew are excluded....

 

Now as a previos post stated their steward had 34 cabins, that breaks down to approximately .77 a day per cabin tip.

 

I’m a little confused by this post and what the point of it is. My breakdown above for the poster was to point out that no matter what holiday she/he went on, they would probably spend the DSC in tips without much thought, but in smaller amounts at a time. All NCL was doing was giving you an amount in a lump sum making it appear more than the average traveler would normally spend on any other vacation but in hind sight the bottom dollar would be the about same. So NCL was not “squeezing her/him”

Since in the real world I would not be tipping anyone beyond the direct service I was getting (your figures are inclusive of workers that would not normally be in a tipped based job). For example on a tour I may tip the driver and the tour guide but I don’t pay them extra so they can make sure the person who filled the bus with gas received a tip. It’s NCL’s decision on where this money goes, not mine, therefore to justify this amount in my own mind, I believe I would spend this and probably more on any other vacation so I don’t mind paying the $12 because the bottom line would be the same to me.

[AllBoys2002]

I’m a little confused by this post and what the point of it is. My breakdown above for the poster was to point out that no matter what holiday she/he went on, they would probably spend the DSC in tips without much thought, but in smaller amounts at a time.

 

Completely agree here.

 

All NCL was doing was giving you an amount in a lump sum making it appear more than the average traveler would normally spend on any other vacation but in hind sight the bottom dollar would be the about same. So NCL was not “squeezing her/him”

Since in the real world I would not be tipping anyone beyond the direct service I was getting (your figures are inclusive of workers that would not normally be in a tipped based job). For example on a tour I may tip the driver and the tour guide but I don’t pay them extra so they can make sure the person who filled the bus with gas received a tip. It’s NCL’s decision on where this money goes, not mine, therefore to justify this amount in my own mind, I believe I would spend this and probably more on any other vacation so I don’t mind paying the $12 because the bottom line would be the same to me.

 

My above post was not directed at you or anyone for that matter. Just a thinking process thats all.

 

To me the way those numbers work out is that the 48.00 DSC I incur (myself, DH and 2 DC) which is 336 for the week, is exactly that one lum sum as opposed to 5 here 10 there which all in all would probably add up to more than NCL's DSC except for that you see it straight forward with NCL so it seems huge, when in reality broken down in any number of ways, it is quite reasonable.

[Hikini]

We have always tipped the room stewards over and above, because we felt the service was that great.

 

Even on our first NCL cruise when we knew the DSC was automatic ($10pd/pp at that time) we tipped the room stewards extra because they did go above and beyond, even without being asked to.

 

On subsequent cruises we did the same, as well as tipping a few other staff along the way who made things extra special.

 

I like to know that the person I am intending the tip for has received it, so I usually hand it to them myself (or my DH does). That is often accepted and greeted with a huge smile and thank you, a handshake or even a hug.

 

This past cruise we were especially generous with the room stewards and butler, and the staff in Cagney's. My elderly parents cruise with us and we were in a suite. My father was hardly mobile at all due to severe spinal stenosis, and without being asked to, the staff treated Dad as if he were a king. They fussed over him, watched out for him, served him and did it all with a smile, a few giggles and lots of genuine care.

 

They always take good care of us, and many of them seem like just kids. If I had 'kids' working on these ships in foreign countries, I would love to think that other folks are taking care of them, and appreciating them for all of their hard work. But if they aren't doing a good job, then I would expect someone to spank them, not give them more money!:D

[Planmaam]

I was surprised to see this thread resurrected after such a long time, seems the subject still produces a lot of opinions.

 

We recently sailed on the Star to the MR, and again had a really wonderful time, and our room attendant truly earned the extra tip we left. It is nice to be recognized by name in the hallways when you see them, and with such respect.

 

We took advantage of the 2-4-1 martinis in the Star Bar on several occasions, and had a very friendly, attentive waiter there, who also called us by name after our first visit. How do some of them do it? I have to admit that I have a difficult time remembering names, so I can't imagine continually remembering names of so many passengers when they change every week!

 

My son-in-law is in the army, and they live on post. The way they handle the "rent" is they give them a housing allowance, then charge the rent back to them. Then they have to pay their utility bills over and above a certain dollar amount, which is an average of the costs for all units on base divided by the number of units total. I went to the link posted that gave average pay for working on the cruise ship, and it makes me wonder if they have room and board deducted from the pay? Just another thought.

 

On our last cruise, we did take an extension cord so as not to have to involve the electrician, by the way!

[NMLady]

Salary is wholey relevant. If salary is $50 per month, then additional tipping for average or even below average service may be in order. If salary is "well above U.S. minimum wage" as an earlier poster asserted, then additional tipping for average or below average service is probably not in order.

 

It would be nice if one of us can find a job-posting for a cruise line cabin attendant or waiter, and see what the salary is and perhaps average tip income. It may be that these jobs are in such high demand, the cruise lines don't have to advertise via job postings? Worth a look, but unfortunately I have to get back to work.

 

You do realize don't you that you're replying to posts and a thread that is almost two years old???