pdsgt

I have been cruising for over 50 years (my parents got me hooked on cruising when I was a kid)! In the "early" days of cruising, you tipped the room steward, his assistant, your waiter and his assistant. Many of the others who they say that you are tipping now, are paid more and don't need to receive tips. In the past, the norm was $5/day/person for the room steward and waiter and $2/day/person for the assistants. Service Staff that I have talked to recently say that they made more money this way then they receive now. In addition, I've been told that the Service Employees used to tip others, behind the scenes, that assisted them in completing their jobs. Kind of sad to see the amounts for gratuities that the cruise lines charge keep going up, but several of the cruise lines clean your room only once a day, instead of twice! Anybody experience going to dinner using "Anytime Dinning" (or an equivelent) and receiving poor service, as if the waiter knows that you've already paid your gratuities and that they'll never see you again? I have no problem at all going to the Purser's Desk, or Customer Service Desk, after boarding and cancelling my "auto gratuities" and tipping the people that provide me with excellent service! And remember, there is nothing stopping you from providing an additional tip for someone who goes above and beyond! Good Luck!!