AxyP

Thank you for all of the information. I was glad they finally announced in the rooms, since I could not hear the hallway announcements.  It is disconcerting to see all the activity with the helicopter(s). It makes me sad for whoever is involved. This has been going on for a long time now.

Oh - I should say the alcohol included deluxe drink package.

Guess you can tell my lack of cruise expertise based on my poor terminology!

And I now think OP is original poster? 

Just to clarify:

I am not anything high on the loyalty list. My first cruise two years I had the drink package, and with every drink I was handed a receipt to sign, and the receipt included a tip line. I never had an error in billing.

Last year, same cruise, same boat, same lack of high loyalty level, and same drink package. I did not get a single receipt for any drinks. The only ones they gave out were for people ordering a la carte or over the $12 limit.

I apologize if I have created a lot of confusion. I just needed to see if anyone knew if this was now typical so that I could be prepared with cash, which I will be, so that no matter the situation for this cruise, I will be prepared.

I do agree it would be nice to not have the receipts, both for convenience and to be green, and I would like to be able to 'charge' the additional tips, beyond the percentage taken already. I realize it may not go straight to their pockets, but I have faith they would at least get something extra from it. Maybe I am being naïve. So cash it is.

I appreciate everyone's help.

BTW - for future reference, what is OP? I thought when first mentioned it was some code for bartender. Is it something else?

Thanks again.

Makes sense, but I wish they left it. I know how much they appreciate the tips and I appreciate them making my vacation better! I'll carry cash this time to be sure the right servers get their due for above and beyond service.

Thank you again for the advice!

I am talking regular drinks. Last June when I took the cruise, I was surprised there were no receipts. I even asked a couple bartenders thinking maybe it was one bar out of paper or something and they said they didn't do them anymore. Maybe it was a fluke? This was on the Liberty of the Seas from Galveston last June. I am doing the same cruise this year and want to plan accordingly.

So cash is the only option if I want to go above and beyond. Thank you for your advice!

Two years ago I was on Liberty of the Seas and gave additional dollar or two per drink by writing on my receipt. Last year I returned and was surprised not to be able to do this, and I did not bring cash/small bills with me and would not want to bother carrying them around all day. This year I am going again. Is there any way around this? I want to appreciate my bartenders. I am not a regular enough at any one bar either to pay a larger tip up front to encourage good service. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance!