Pre-Paid Gratuities?

[Tangocherie]

In Europe, the tip is usually included in the bill. In North America, it isn't. I don't know what the practice is in Oceania but if you are sailing on a RCI ship, chances are that the "suggested gratuities" will be added to your final account. This amount, per person, is a usually expected price to the total cost of your cruise. If however, your service was not up to par, you may want to reduce these charges accordingly. I would also add that the pre-paid charges are regarded as a "normal" minimum amount for all service charges. It is not uncommon, at least in North America, for guests to pay those deserving members of the crew an extra amount depending on the quality of services rendered.

 

Hope this helps.

[livingstone]

One Thing I will say about Americans is that they are very generous with their hard earned cash, and that is to be commended. If I follow this line of thinking I would end up paying over 1000 dollars in gratuites for a family of four on a 14 night cruise. I have to say most Australians would have a lot of trouble getting their heads around spending that amount on tip, the figure of over 1000 dollars comes from 850 AUD in pre-paid then a little more, because the 850 is the minimum for me and just the stating point for the tips. So if I was kind of tight (which it has been confirmed that I am) then again I am being tight by only tipping 150 extra. Do I have right?

[PS90]

Thanks for the interesting discussion, everyone.

 

One more question that seems ridiculous to me - are you really expected to tip the guy who brings down your room service?:confused:

 

I guess that the pizza guy who brings a pizza to your house gets a tip, but just what IS included in a cruise vacation anymore? The most basic of food, and nothing else, it seems...

 

I would assume that tipping the room-service delivery guy is NOT included in the pre-paid gratuities, but I have never tipped those guys before, and had no idea people thought that this was expected.

 

Thanks.

[smeyer418]

Thanks for the interesting discussion, everyone.

 

One more question that seems ridiculous to me - are you really expected to tip the guy who brings down your room service?:confused:

 

I guess that the pizza guy who brings a pizza to your house gets a tip, but just what IS included in a cruise vacation anymore? The most basic of food, and nothing else, it seems...

 

I would assume that tipping the room-service delivery guy is NOT included in the pre-paid gratuities, but I have never tipped those guys before, and had no idea people thought that this was expected.

 

Thanks.

 

This too varies by cruise line. On princess and cunard(to name a couple) they say its included in the DSC/Auto-tip- when they say behind the scene people they are including these mostly as well. on some cruise lines its been my room steward or asst whom I already tipping. But mostly personally I give a couple of extra dollars(less for just coffee - more for a complete meal)...

[smeyer418]

One Thing I will say about Americans is that they are very generous with their hard earned cash, and that is to be commended. If I follow this line of thinking I would end up paying over 1000 dollars in gratuites for a family of four on a 14 night cruise. I have to say most Australians would have a lot of trouble getting their heads around spending that amount on tip, the figure of over 1000 dollars comes from 850 AUD in pre-paid then a little more, because the 850 is the minimum for me and just the stating point for the tips. So if I was kind of tight (which it has been confirmed that I am) then again I am being tight by only tipping 150 extra. Do I have right?

yes. Once you have paid the minimum anything above that is really beyond what convention require you do so even $150 beyond the minimum is fair and generous. again this is my opinion others may vary...

 

remember this is a thread on a posting for first time cruisers...

 

BTW I have been on over 10 cruises. I have had problems with staff a couple of times(on one day each of two cruises) but nothing that would imo means I should reduce the minimum. It depends on how much groveling you require. No one has been surly. I only reported one staff member for being truly incompetent....

but I have on a couple of cruises left just the minimum because the service was ok. I have given out on one cruise twice the minimum amounts as well....

[PS90]

yes. Once you have paid the minimum anything above that is really beyond what convention require you do so even $150 beyond the minimum is fair and generous. again this is my opinion others may vary...

 

remember this is a thread on a posting for first time cruisers...

 

BTW I have been on over 10 cruises. I have had problems with staff a couple of times(on one day each of two cruises) but nothing that would imo means I should reduce the minimum. It depends on how much groveling you require. No one has been surly. I only reported one staff member for being truly incompetent....

but I have on a couple of cruises left just the minimum because the service was ok. I have given out on one cruise twice the minimum amounts as well....

 

That's all well and good, but for some of us, myself included - who haven't cruised AND am on fairly limited resources, I have to agree with Livingstone. I am an American, but the gratuities seems to be getting out of hand. I am almost considering an "all-inclusive" resort, rather than a cruise, because of this. It seems so "superfluous" to be throwing money around at people, after already laying down a few grand to get on the boat.

 

Again, as a "not rich" guy, I kind of resent having to budget a cruise, airline fare, excursions, etc, AND THEN have to squeeze in a few hundred MORE dollars to tip anyone and everyone I interact with on the boat.

 

Call me a cheap-skate, I guess.

[smeyer418]

That's all well and good, but for some of us, myself included - who haven't cruised AND am on fairly limited resources, I have to agree with Livingstone. I am an American, but the gratuities seems to be getting out of hand. I am almost considering an "all-inclusive" resort, rather than a cruise, because of this. It seems so "superfluous" to be throwing money around at people, after already laying down a few grand to get on the boat.

 

Again, as a "not rich" guy, I kind of resent having to budget a cruise, airline fare, excursions, etc, AND THEN have to squeeze in a few hundred MORE dollars to tip anyone and everyone I interact with on the boat.

 

Call me a cheap-skate, I guess.

what does this have to do with what is right or wrong? If you can't afford the dsc/or suggested amount you really shouldn't cruise.

Its really that simple.

Yes you should know the whole cost before you purchase a cruise. As I said I would prefer if they just added it in upfront but if they do I promise you as I suggested above you will pay more for the same service and privilege.

It right to leave an appropriate tip. Its really not that much per day if you consider the services you are provided. Yes you can go to an "all exclusive" some places which cost less...but most have a suggested tipping amount as well or have a hotel charge or something that is exactly the same thing. But for the most part you get what you pay for. The tip is your payment to the employees for their service provided to you. You don't want to pay for it because you can't afford it? Than you shouldn't go at all. That doesn't make it right.

 

BTW for the most part its not the people on the edge of affording it who stiff the staff, in general those who stiff can more than afford it.

 

and frankly, you dost protest too much about your inability to pay for it..

 

"what IS included in a cruise vacation anymore? The most basic of food, and nothing else, it seems..." is from your quote above Tipping has ALWAYS been expected.

The basics in cruising have not changed to all. you get your room and board. Liquor has always been extra. Entertainment is included-mostly for free- except for the casino which never was. What has been added are specialty restaurants but also in real dollars basic cruising is less than it was 20 years ago. In fact many times it actually is less than inflated dollars today than it was 20 years! and on the Titanic the first class dining room was al a carte and extra(not that I was on it)

[livingstone]

hey smeyer418, I have to say I like the way you repond to to the post's you put across some good arguments for tipping. I find your posts informative, thanks. yes and I am not a first time crusier I did not see that heading, I only saw the gratuites post, and then like a dog with a bone I got carried away with myself, it has been and will always be a hot topic on any international forum. so many cultures so many ideas, but as they say "'when in rome"'.

[Gairy Fodmother]

NOW call me tight, call me cheap even call me ignorant, but the good thing we can put forward our position on the CC forum with out fear of being judged. CC's you guys rock

Lol fell off chair laughing at the not being judged bit.

[Gairy Fodmother]

if RCI asked me to pay a fair amount in pre paid tips I would gladly do it, BUT is it just me or is 850 AUD per cabin for 14 nights a little outragious or am i just being tight. feel free to tell me what you really think, remembering that I am Australian.

Lol can I call you Skippy? (you can call me fatty!)

[dunsberrys]

there has been lots of discussion about tipping, what nationality tips the most , who tips the least....... and so it goes on. Hey but that is ok because it is an interesting topic. Me personaly, I object strongly to pre paid tips. I consider it an insult for RCI to ask me for $850 AUD in tips for a family of four on a 14 night cruise. I have actually refused to pay the tips in advance and i will be tipping on board what I think the service is worth. But I will tell you one thing it will not be a 850 dollar tip. NOW call me tight, call me cheap even call me ignorant, but the good thing we can put forward our position on the CC forum with out fear of being judged. CC's you guys rock

 

I agree with you wholeheartedly. We have just booked a 10 night Alaskan cruise sailing on the Sea Princess, and it was only when we went on their website, that we found that they charge you $10.50 per person, per day !!

I am English (and yes..we are tight and wordlwidely known as not being the best tippers) but I find it disgusting that a cruise company can pre determine the amount of money that they expect you to tip.

Is there any way of opting out of this, as it does say discretionary gratuties ?

I believe in tipping and have spent my early years as a waitress and in the service industry, but I would much rather tip as I go, and only when the service is good.

[livingstone]

The good news is that, when you pay for your cruise you can tell them that you will pay your own gratuites on board, if they are included. You have to also go to the pursers desk and tell them not to auto tip on your on board account. if you don't go to the purser (reception) on the first day they will deduct the amount they require. You will need to bring US dollars for tipping as they give you envelopes on the last night of the cruise to put your tips in, and then you give them out. On many lines you are given vouchers to put in the envelopes if you have pre paid your tips. If on board you are not sure what to do ask some one at the pursers desk or a seasoned cruiser. Never tell any one how much you plan to tip, because everyone has an opinion and you could find yourself at odds with other passenger if they think you are tipping to little or even if you tip to much people have thoughts on that. Best to keep it private.

[dunsberrys]

Many thanks for that advice. We will make sure that we follow it. I do not like to be told how much I should tip. It is surely a personal thing and very much depends on the level of service that you get.

[livingstone]

yeah, look as it has been said tipping is a personal thing, but if you compare the prices of those ships that include the tips in their price and the ones where it is expected that you will tip, the price overalll will generaly be around the same price after you pay the tips. this is very easy to do on cruises from Australia because all ships go to the same ports and are camparable in quality and ship facilites. When the radiance of the seas from RCI come for the 2011 season that will sure shake up the market.

[livingstone]

Lol can I call you Skippy? (you can call me fatty!)

 

Ta, yeah I guess that is a great nickname for an Aussie, Just a note on my screen name which is also a nickname. I aquired it while on a two week African safari out of South Africa about 15 years ago. While on the safari I developed a bad habbit of stalking the wildlife (Animals) to get some close up action photos, well the action started when an elephant began to get upset at my actions an looked like charging, I was rescued by our guide a white south african bloke, well after that he just started calling me Doctor livingstione (after the famous explorer). I was also dressed in safari gear with a indiana jones type hat, big camera, big lenses and complained about the poor living conditions on the tours and the lack of creature comforts. I also complained about how hard the floor of the tents were. I don't know what i expected, I think the guide thought that I had a colonial english view on Africa, and that I expected the best even thouh the tour catch phrase was " roughing it and loving it" , I guess I missed that part of the brouchure and just saw the mercidies benz van in the advertising and I was sold. Not sure if we tipped the guide or not . besides it was to long ago to remember.

Customer from hell? yeah I think I might have been.

[belgica]

As a british traveller from a culture of tipping for good service it seems strange to prepay tips, will the service be good if the staff know the money is already in the ships lockers for them. where is the incentive for them to provide good service. also livingston 850 aus dollars would have paid for a few trips from the ship so i don't think it is mean to be careful with your money. of course tip for good service but you have to decide if it is worth it.

[livingstone]

found this information on the RCI website, it clearly sets out what the expectation is in regards to tips. Then it is up to each passenger to decide how they will tip.

 

Q: What are gratuity guidelines for cruises?

 

A: So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, we've developed these gratuity guidelines:

 

Suite attendant:$5.75 USDa day per guest

Stateroom attendant:$3.50 USD a day per guest

Dining Room Waiter:$3.50 USDa day per guest

Assistant Waiter:$2.00 USD a day per guest

Headwaiter:$.75 USDa day per guest

 

Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages.

Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.

 

Notice to Guests: Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.

 

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise.

 

Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:

Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.Added to your onboard SeaPass account. Paid in cash at the end of the cruise

[livingstone]

as discussed in my previous posts on my next cruises it looks like RCI me to expect 9.75 USD per day per person in tips, according to the RCI website. given the current exchange rate I should be paying no more than 640 AUD for the family for the entire cruise, but if I had pre pay my tips they expect me to pay 850 AUD, clearly somthing is not right here.

[sparky-elpaso]

as discussed in my previous posts on my next cruises it looks like RCI me to expect 9.75 USD per day per person in tips, according to the RCI website. given the current exchange rate I should be paying no more than 640 AUD for the family for the entire cruise, but if I had pre pay my tips they expect me to pay 850 AUD, clearly somthing is not right here.

 

The difference may be that for the $640 AUD you're probably looking at the current exchange rate and for the $850 AUD pre-pay RCI is using a generic, average type of exchange rate. There's probably no way they could constantly change the amount according to the current exchange.

 

Sort of like my trying to figure out how much cash I'll need for our cruise down-under in Feb and March 2012 - I'm using the current exchange rate and just doing an estimate at this point. I'll have to adjust things as the time gets closer.

[smeyer418]

The difference may be that for the $640 AUD you're probably looking at the current exchange rate and for the $850 AUD pre-pay RCI is using a generic, average type of exchange rate. There's probably no way they could constantly change the amount according to the current exchange.

 

Sort of like my trying to figure out how much cash I'll need for our cruise down-under in Feb and March 2012 - I'm using the current exchange rate and just doing an estimate at this point. I'll have to adjust things as the time gets closer.

 

 

I think they deliberately do this to make up for the Australians who leave less than the suggested amounts even when they have no complaints... :)

[nsentz]

Thanks smeyer418, for the detailed reply, and thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your frank and well explained coments in regard to tipping, and if i did not want to hear what other had to say I would not post on the forum. you are right that the tipping culture of Australia is changing in the big cities, as for tipping in Australia, I would tip in the city resturants, and also the concierge at hotels, but i would not tip taxi drivers etc. As a rule in the outer suburbs of sydney tipping is not really big, but most resturants have a tip jar at the cashier with a few coins in it at most. I guess there is a real problem with many Australians not tipping at all when the ships sail from our ports, hense the pre paid tips that are added to the fare by RCI. i AM AUSTRALIAN and I can tell you now that tipping is not something we do a lot off at home. I just thought that the amount that RCI asked me to pay was was a excessive but from what you have said it may be a resonable amount. it is interesting to note that P&O Australia will be doing away with tipping from October and no doubt the price of the fare will increase to include tips. but the fact that P&O is doing away with tipping just shows what Australia as a population think about tipping in general.

OK, I'm begnning to suspect that I was seriously over-tipping when I was in Australia last year! I'm American (San Diego) and in my distant past relied on tips for my living as a food server. In the US, restaurant owners are allowed to pay practically nothing in wages because tips are expected -- and really form the base pay for the worker. So, if you're cruising in that sort of environment, the "suggested gratutuity" really is part of the cost of your cruise. Travel is fun and we all learn so much about customs in other parts of the world as we go! Happy sailing.

[john_mccosker65]

Poor old Livingstone :(, you seem to have copped a bit of a hiding about being 'tight' and even 'niggardly'.

 

The bottom line for me is that in Australia we pay decent wages; we do not allow our employers to be 'tight' and 'niggardly'. Many people choose to add a modest tip (yes this is more common in Australia than some seem to suggest), and this is often for service and meals that are ‘above’ the normal standard.

 

As a result, service is genuine and friendly :), rather than the fake and cheesy "Have a nice day" :D that irked me no end when I travelled to see our American cousins.

 

We are not the tightest nation on the planet, I think we are one of the friendliest and fairest of nations - and I would rather that, than be a society based on 'incentivising' everything. Contrary to the belief of many, money is not what motivates behaviour - doing what is right, treating your fellow human being with dignity and smiling regardless of the 'what's in it for me' factor, is what is important.

 

The culture of tipping has encouraged insincere service, not better service. I encourage Americans to do away with tipping and see what real service really looks and feels like. I know it will be hard for many of them to accept such a change, but I guess it is like :rolleyes:... gun laws - they just have a different mind set to us and it is ingrained in them from birth…. I’m sure that last low blow will stir some of the tea party red-necks - :eek:.

[smeyer418]

...

 

The bottom line for me is that in Australia we pay decent wages; we do not allow our employers to be 'tight' and 'niggardly'. Many people choose to add a modest tip (yes this is more common in Australia than some seem to suggest), and this is often for service and meals that are ‘above’ the normal standard.

 

...

We are not the tightest nation on the planet, I think we are one of the friendliest and fairest of nations - and I would rather that, than be a society based on 'incentivising' everything. Contrary to the belief of many, money is not what motivates behaviour - doing what is right, treating your fellow human being with dignity and smiling regardless of the 'what's in it for me' factor, is what is important.

 

The culture of tipping has encouraged insincere service, not better service. I encourage Americans to do away with tipping and see what real service really looks and feels like. I know it will be hard for many of them to accept such a change, but I guess it is like :rolleyes:... gun laws - they just have a different mind set to us and it is ingrained in them from birth…. I’m sure that last low blow will stir some of the tea party red-necks - :eek:.

 

As I said there was an attempt to do away with the tipping culture in the USearly 1900's, it failed. So is your solution not to tip because its not your way? So in order to teach the employer a lesson you won't tip?

 

that is exactly what niggardly means...

 

I understand its ingrained in birth in Australia(although it does seem to be changing), but its not the way its done here, and as I point out its not an American invention.

 

Also whether its in the cruise fare or as a tip you are still the one paying it anyway.

 

As I also said I don't particularly like it and would prefer it if the employee wouldn't have to rely on people like you....but until that is done you can either be cheap or follow the custom: but of course the choice is yours and between your conscious and you deliberate attempt to justify stiffing the hard working crew because its "not your way"....

[john_mccosker65]

So is your solution not to tip because its not your way? So in order to teach the employer a lesson you won't tip? Not my solution, nor my way to teach the employer a lesson - I will be crusing out of Sydney, into Perth, and remaining within my country's territorial waters, I am following 'our way' while in 'my' country. Is it your way that I should follow American practises in my own country because the company is American and cheats on its employees ? Is it my responsibility to pay for the fair wages a company from your country chooses to be 'niggardly' about ? I see nothing logical in that - sounds like you want me to feel guilty for the actions of their employer.

that is exactly what niggardly means...

Really ? I am 'niggardly' because I refuse to follow American customs in my own country. I call your charge imperial ethno-centricism

 

I understand its ingrained in birth in Australia(although it does seem to be changing), but its not the way its done here, and as I point out its not an American invention.

 

Also whether its in the cruise fare or as a tip you are still the one paying it anyway.

 

As I also said I don't particularly like it and would prefer it if the employee wouldn't have to rely on people like you....but until that is done you can either be cheap or follow the custom: but of course the choice is yours and between your conscious and you deliberate attempt to justify stiffing the hard working crew because its "not your way"....

 

My conscience is fine with this, and it is certainly not 'stiffing' - once again, I am not the employer.

I am sorry, but you are not going to win on this one - and by 'win', I mean you are not going to convince me.

As for me being niggardly and tight, I can assure you that I donate considerable sums to charity (both local and international) and I pay professional association dues to support myself and my colleagues who find themselves ripped off. I understand 'union' is a dirty word in the US, but then again, that is another cultural divide that is ingrain from a young age.

[smeyer418]

So is your solution not to tip because its not your way? So in order to teach the employer a lesson you won't tip? Not my solution, nor my way to teach the employer a lesson - I will be crusing out of Sydney, into Perth, and remaining within my country's territorial waters, I am following 'our way' while in 'my' country. Is it your way that I should follow American practises in my own country because the company is American and cheats on its employees ? Is it my responsibility to pay for the fair wages a company from your country chooses to be 'niggardly' about ? I see nothing logical in that - sounds like you want me to feel guilty for the actions of their employer.

that is exactly what niggardly means...

 

Really ? I am 'niggardly' because I refuse to follow American customs in my own country. I call your charge imperial ethno-centricism

 

I understand its ingrained in birth in Australia(although it does seem to be changing), but its not the way its done here, and as I point out its not an American invention.

 

Also whether its in the cruise fare or as a tip you are still the one paying it anyway.

 

As I also said I don't particularly like it and would prefer it if the employee wouldn't have to rely on people like you....but until that is done you can either be cheap or follow the custom: but of course the choice is yours and between your conscious and you deliberate attempt to justify stiffing the hard working crew because its "not your way"....

 

My conscience is fine with this, and it is certainly not 'stiffing' - once again, I am not the employer.

 

I am sorry, but you are not going to win on this one - and by 'win', I mean you are not going to convince me.

 

As for me being niggardly and tight, I can assure you that I donate considerable sums to charity (both local and international) and I pay professional association dues to support myself and my colleagues who find themselves ripped off. I understand 'union' is a dirty word in the US, but then again, that is another cultural divide that is ingrain from a young age.

 

 

I am a former general counsel for an teamsters Union. I am pro Union but your points really are logically inconsistent. But I am sure I won't convince you and I promise when in Australia I won't tip.

 

It is niggardly to deny people their basic compensation because you don't like the way it is set up. That is what you are saying. so if the shoe fits...

yes you also misunderstand(maybe deliberately) that whether its in the fare or in the tip its you who are paying it anyway. Different countries do things differently. You have national health insurance. You also have states(in Australia) that require that a TA be licensed in that state to sell to your citizens. That is why you have high prices sometimes. Its neither right nor wrong it just is. But when you decide not to follow the custom because you don't like it(because its not your way) that does make you...well you know....