Tipping & The Supper Club

[G'ma]

I find the tipping in the supper club very strange.

 

Part of your $ 30 is the tip but they will not tell you how much.

 

They encourage you to tip extra if you want but since you do not know what the server is already getting kind of hard to know what to do.

 

Most people including myself add something to the bill as an extra tip but the more I think about it not sure if we will do so next time.

 

However the meal and the service are both excellent.

 

Lately if we like our tablemates in the MDR we have not been going to the supper club as we are fine with what we get and the service we receive in the MDR and you are already paying for the tip of that waiter.

 

Kind of double tipping by going to the supper club.

 

The tip is 15% - at least that was the information I recd from a former bigshot employee.... That amounts to 4.50 per person.

[G'ma]

Strange how the tip in the MDR is less than $2 PP per meal, the tip is included in the fee in the SC, yet people feel obligated to drop more.

 

 

Many of us also tip extra and the end of the cruise....

 

I tip to the wait staff who've waited on me hand and foot all week, the cabin steward and his assistant. I also tip a favorite bartender if there's been one during the week...and the dealers in the casino.

[zerooveride]

I usually tip 15-25% when I go out to a nice restaurant depending on service. As for the Supper club I will probably do about $5pp (more if they do something above and beyond). My reasoning for only $5 is that not only is the tip included in the $30, I am paying $30 ON TOP of what I am paying for dinner that night which is included in my fair. I always agree with paying for good service.

[sam1148]

There's a 30 PP charge in the supperclub/steak house.

 

That's a great deal, but the published ideal is that "tips are included".

 

We jump through hoops..trying to figuring out what the precentage of the 30 goes to the server.

 

When we purchase a drink..it's up front 15 precent is 'tip'. Right there..for us to see. for the cost of the drink.

 

In the supperclub/steak house. They will not tell you how much is going to tip. ( I don't care about the piddling autotips given staff those minimal).

 

The "tip" is left, as it should be, at your descreation. But without knowing how much of the surcharge is 'auto tipped' in the steakhouse, guests are either left feeling guilty, or feeling it's all taken care of via the charge.

 

It's even talked about that the 30 buck charge is in fact the "tip".

 

What's wrong with being honest about this minor issue..if I knew only 5 buck pp was going to the server..I'd pump it up. If I knew 25 bucks was going to the server, I'd adjust.

 

Who knows? It's the lack of info that bothers me.

 

Carnival should be more forthcoming in this issue so guests will have information to tip accordingly. The staff will not tell you, when questioned, they avoid the issue. Even with our 'internet' power, we haven't had a firm answer for this question.

[sam1148]

The tip is 15% - at least that was the information I recd from a former bigshot employee.... That amounts to 4.50 per person.

 

 

That does make sense.

 

But why does Carnival apparently instruct their staff to obscure that?

 

When you purchase a drink..the 'tip' for the purchase is published.

Some people think that entire 30 is the tip...and now you're saying only 15 percent of the 30 is the tip. Who knows? Where is it written..has it changed? Will it change..too many unanswered questions.

 

I hate to screw the wonderful staff in the SC....but I also find it disconcerting that that the 'tips' in the supper club remain a mystery to even a seasoned traveler like yourself. Depending on information from a 'former' employee..and not having that info revealed up front for all to see by the corporation, such as we'd have for purchasing a drink at the bars.

[Duncarob]

It has always been my understanding that most, if not all, of the $30 is the tip. Totally OPTIONAL to leave an additional tip, at your discretion. And you are not stiffing anyone or being a cheapskate if you choose not to. Sheesh, some people!

[sam1148]

It has always been my understanding that most, if not all, of the $30 is the tip. Totally OPTIONAL to leave an additional tip, at your discretion. And you are not stiffing anyone or being a cheapskate if you choose not to. Sheesh, some people!

 

That's exactly what I'm speaking about. They aren't forthcoming about the tip going the server for the 30. Even you admit that with language "most if not all"..that's rather fuzzy. Which is it? Does "most" or "All" of the 30 go to the server?

 

All tips are "optional" except for tips added to the drinks..which are plainly revealed.

 

I'd think I'm being a cheapskate if I only tipped 15 percent of 30 bucks for the wonderful staff in the supperclub.

 

When in doubt..I over tip. 20 bucks..pp at supperclub.

 

However, the mystery of how much 'tip' is given out of the 30 dollar charge at the supper/steak house/club. Is one that hasn't been cracked yet.

[MrPete]

But why does Carnival apparently instruct their staff to obscure that?

 

I don't think anyone had said that.

 

However, it is up to those individuals to get as much money out of your wallet and into theirs. If they make you think they are getting very little, the AWWWW factor kicks in, making some feel the need to fork over more money.

 

If people thought they were getting the $30, people would be less inclined to fork over the additional cash, so it's all HUSH HUSH. :rolleyes:

 

Therefore, there's a myriad of answers depending on who you ask.

[golfadj]

We just returned from our 5th Carnival cruise, with as always one special meal in the super club (named David's on the Pride).

 

Meal and service........as always......memorable, and beyond belief at a NOMINAL fee of $30.00.

 

As usual, $10 each on the tip......and ZERO complaints on the service.

 

How sad that there are cheapskates in an elegant restaurant treat who enjoy STIFFING the hard working staff.

 

Having worked in my (much) younger years in a service job, would like to advise the tightwads that when stiffed......the servers are personally insulted. And we also wondered each time if there was something we did/didn't do properly.

 

If a waiter, cab driver, doorman, etc do a decent job.......let them know you appreciate it ! Thank 'em with a reasonable tip ! It ain't gonna kill you!

 

First of all the tip (apparently a large part of the $ 30) is included in the $ 30 service charge and this is up from the very good meal and automatic tip we are already paying.

 

Why in the world would you say that people who do not add extra are tightwads and cheapskates?

 

Seems like a very foolish thing to say IMHO.

[cathyoo]

I don't think anyone had said that.

 

However, it is up to those individuals to get as much money out of your wallet and into theirs. If they make you think they are getting very little, the AWWWW factor kicks in, making some feel the need to fork over more money.

 

If people thought they were getting the $30, people would be less inclined to fork over the additional cash, so it's all HUSH HUSH. :rolleyes:

 

Therefore, there's a myriad of answers depending on who you ask.

 

I'm sure that the majority of servers do not want your PITY and that the goal is not to get the money out of your wallet and into theirs.

 

My mother was a single mother who raised three children on tips. She worked in a truck stop restaurant and had steady customers. She gave the same service to those who never tipped as she did to her more generous customers. Most people take pride in the job they do, regardless of the pay.

 

How many servers do you think partcipate in your meal at the Supper Club? I hope everyone knows that your server tips others out of the tip you leave. Even if the entire $30 is a tip it is shared between so many people that no one is getting rich off of it.

 

My extra tip is to say "thank you for helping to make my experience memorable."

[pnjkeith]

+1 I can't believe people can be such tightwads. I mean tipping anything less than $20 per person is just being a cheapskate

 

Tipping is included in the $30 charge. NO need to leave any extra!

[MrPete]

I'm sure that the majority of servers do not want your PITY and that the goal is not to get the money out of your wallet and into theirs.

 

My mother was a single mother who raised three children on tips. She worked in a truck stop restaurant and had steady customers. She gave the same service to those who never tipped as she did to her more generous customers. Most people take pride in the job they do, regardless of the pay.

 

 

Sorry to disagree, but I'm sure your mother learned what it took to get people to tip the maximum. And I'm sure those that would stiff would still stiff if so went so far as doing cartwheels for the guests.

 

How often are you inclined to tip a maximum if you are rushed, or plates just dropped with little or no contact.

 

But again, please tip as you like, and I will do the same.

 

If and when Carnival feels they want to put more money in the servers hands, they may raise the price another $5, but they risk exceeding price elasticity.

[sharecruises]

No, obviously, I am not leaving a tip on the kitchen counter. But who cares? On your room rate you're tipping your cabin steward, bartenders, waiters, etc. I can't believe these people are getting all that much. So if you want to tip more, just do it. Why all the second guessing???

 

A normal tip at a restaurant back home is about 20%. On the $30 supper club fee for 2 IF we choose to tip extra that's only $12! If I can't afford $12 to be kind to a wonderful waiter I can't afford to cruise in the first place.

 

DH and I are doing anytime dining this time and we fully expect to have different waiters each night. I am sure there is some rule/understanding about tips for this situation. I couldn't care less what it is. I intend to treat each night like a night out at a restaurant at home and a tip to an outstanding waiter is part of that. If the service is acceptable, the auto tip will suffice. If the service is what I feel is over and above, I'll tip extra. Same goes for my room steward and my bartender.

 

Again, not a judgement on what other people do. It's just me.

 

Well a couple other people here don't feel that you are tipping enough

 

they tip $20

 

Maybe Mr and Mrs Thurston Howell III tipped $50 or $100...so where does it end??

 

IMHO the tip is supposed to be included....if people want to leave a $5 or $10, then so be it..

 

but yes you are making judgments when you say "I shouldn't cruise in the first place" if they can't afford to leave $10 or $12

 

according to a few people here you should leave $20 per person...so will you change your ways to suit them??

[salty dingo]

according to a few people here you should leave $20 per person...so will you change your ways to suit them??

That's funny! There is no "appropriate" amount. It is totally up to the individual.

 

Personally, I think a $20 tip on a $30 charge is ludicrous. But to each their own.

 

I won't knock the person who leaves a $20, nor would I knock the person leaving nothing. I will probably leave a $5 and I do think that is more than adequate.

[Kurbanfan]

+1 I can't believe people can be such tightwads. I mean tipping anything less than $20 per person is just being a cheapskate

 

If you are computing a $30 meal and giving a tip of $20 that comes out to about 67% tip......now we all know that part if not all of the $30 dollars is also a tip for the server.........so that 67% is an additional tip......plus you are paying a tip in the main dining room which you are not even taking a part in......

 

LMAO!!! Some of you people crack me up:p

[FabFourLover]

Well a couple other people here don't feel that you are tipping enough

 

they tip $20

 

Maybe Mr and Mrs Thurston Howell III tipped $50 or $100...so where does it end??

 

IMHO the tip is supposed to be included....if people want to leave a $5 or $10, then so be it..

 

but yes you are making judgments when you say "I shouldn't cruise in the first place" if they can't afford to leave $10 or $12

 

according to a few people here you should leave $20 per person...so will you change your ways to suit them??

 

Wow. I never said you shouldn't cruise at all if you can't afford a $12 tip. What I said (or tried to say) is that cruising or any vacation for that matter is costing plenty so why get your nickers in a twist over another $10 or $12 bucks! If $10 is so crucial to your pocketbook you probably shouldn't be spending the $3000.

 

The point I was trying to make, and obviously didn't, has nothing to do with the amount of tip people choose to leave or not leave but the constant questioning of whether tips are necessary at all. I agree with most of you that if you want to tip extra you should do so and if you don't, then don't. The amount itself isn't my point.

 

Once I get there, I may not leave anything at all if I feel the service didn't warrant it and I may leave a lot more if I think the service was outstanding. Isn't that the point?

[MrPete]

 

Once I get there, I may not leave anything at all if I feel the service didn't warrant it and I may leave a lot more if I think the service was outstanding. Isn't that the point?

 

Just like when I go to Dunkin' Donuts and there's a TIP JAR! staring me in the face. Service or none, nothin' goes in.

[FabFourLover]

Just like when I go to Dunkin' Donuts and there's a TIP JAR! staring me in the face. Service or none, nothin' goes in.

 

I'm with you on that one! :)

[dan40]

Wow. I never said you shouldn't cruise at all if you can't afford a $12 tip. What I said (or tried to say) is that cruising or any vacation for that matter is costing plenty so why get your nickers in a twist over another $10 or $12 bucks! If $10 is so crucial to your pocketbook you probably shouldn't be spending the $3000.

 

The point I was trying to make, and obviously didn't, has nothing to do with the amount of tip people choose to leave or not leave but the constant questioning of whether tips are necessary at all. I agree with most of you that if you want to tip extra you should do so and if you don't, then don't. The amount itself isn't my point.

 

Once I get there, I may not leave anything at all if I feel the service didn't warrant it and I may leave a lot more if I think the service was outstanding. Isn't that the point?

 

 

IF you find the service to be professional and efficient and unobtrusive, as it normally is, and you KNOW that the tip IS included in the $30.pp, what do you leave? I leave $0.00.

[Perfect Stranger]

Look how many times you can say it's "just" $5.00 or $10.00 more dollars.

 

-- To the porter...so he doesn't "lose" your luggage :rolleyes:

 

-- To the bartender...for quicker service/stronger drinks

 

-- Extra to the cabin steward for great service (which I find to be standard)

 

-- Extra to your dining room team for great service (ditto)

 

-- To the bus drivers/tour guides

 

ETC....

 

Sure, by itself one of those is "only" $5.00-$10.00, but they all add up!

[nycruise]

We haven't used the supper club on Carnival, but I would think an extra tip of between $6 and $10 per person would be appropriate.

 

People who over tip ($20 per person) do it for there own phychological reasons. Makes them feel good.;)

[cathyoo]

Sorry to disagree, but I'm sure your mother learned what it took to get people to tip the maximum. And I'm sure those that would stiff would still stiff if so went so far as doing cartwheels for the guests.

 

.

 

Nope, my mom learned how to do her job well. It had nothing to do with trying to increase her tips. That's why those who stiffed still received the same cheery hello, how are you, and what can I do for you even though she knew they weren't going to tip. She took great pride in doing a good job.

 

I'm in management and I've learned that the amount of pay has very little to do with the work ethic of the employee.

 

Doing your job well can have monetary rewards but I don't think most people work any differently for the cash. It is nice when a job well done is rewarded but I truly don't believe that is the motive for most people.

 

This year my company is probably not giving bonuses. Will that change how hard I work? Nope.. I will continue to do the best job that I can do. I'm sure that 90% of my co-workers will do the same.

 

I just think it is very cynical to think that the crew only wants to get your money from your wallet into their pocket. Maybe they like to feel that they helped create a memorable moment for you.

[halos]

It's because the employees are so smiley, which invokes feelings of guilt if we don't dip into our wallets again. They're gooood......

 

 

LOL.

How true :)

 

 

yes, we are people who tip additional in the supper club. It's well worth it to us. :) The service has always warranted it, imo.

[Heirloom]

Just like when I go to Dunkin' Donuts and there's a TIP JAR! staring me in the face. Service or none, nothin' goes in.

 

Hi again.

 

Yea......that one really bugs me too......getting me coffee from 4 feet away and putting on the lid......that's not really a tippable service job, IMHO.

 

But for what has been considered quite normal, for so long, in the good old US of A..... tipping good servers in fine RESTAURANTS that deliver 5-6 courses separately to each patron.....my belief is that we sure are different types of individuals if you bypass showing your thank-yous with a tip.

 

And hooray for those that DO overtip......hopefully they make up for the

less-than-generous diners who make waiters wonder what they did wrong for the Carnival passengers at the other table.

[TheDINGOateMyBaybay!]

The reason the I leave a 20 is simple. I do not calculate it on the $30 SC nominal charge. I calculate it on what I estimate this meal would cost in a land based restaurant and tip approx 25% on top of my estimation. I would never go to a restaurant in Chicago and order a $30 meal and tip $20 on that. I would tip $20 on a meal that cost $75. That is of course, if the service is outstanding. I would adjust accordingly if not.

 

Again, there is no written right or wrong here. I do what I think is best, you do what you think. This is how it works EVERYWHERE. No harm, no foul.

 

I also consider myself a pretty generous tipper due to my experience working in the restaurant industry. That's right, I waited tables to get myself through school, and YES, I would definitely agree that my goal was to get the money out of YOUR pocket and into mine as I was a poor kid in school. So if I felt someone was looking to be a generous tipper I would for sure lay on the extra charm:D.

 

That's funny! There is no "appropriate" amount. It is totally up to the individual.

 

Personally, I think a $20 tip on a $30 charge is ludicrous. But to each their own.

 

I won't knock the person who leaves a $20, nor would I knock the person leaving nothing. I will probably leave a $5 and I do think that is more than adequate.