How do Brits tip in dollars???

[Cloudyrain]

It might sound silly but how do I tip when I don't have access to dollars? I live in the UK and am going on the Epic out of Barcelona, and therefore don't have the opportunity to obtain single dollars needed for tipping. Will the staff accept euros (not that i know how to get loads of single euros, but im sure i could pop into a shop on the way to the ship). Is there a "dollar machine" on board?

 

I'm sure it's a really obvious answer, but for the life of me I can't think of what it is! I have read so much during my research and don't recall any mention of this!

 

Thanks in advance!

[SadieN]

Might also post on the NCL board.

 

I would tip in Euros. It should be easier for the crew to spend.

As you probably know it's easier to lug around dollar bills (paper) than the e1 coins.

 

I am sure the Pursers Desk (Guest Services) or the casino cashier can break larger $US bills, possibly even Euros. FYI the exchange rate onboard is usually not as good as you can get onshore.

 

I would go to a Euro-zone bank to exchange Euro notes for Euro coin.

Make sure to spend most of the coin as coin cannot not be exchanged for another currency.

[paul929207]

The staff will take anything you give them. They will prefer dollars or euros. You can simplify things greatly, by leaving on the autotip. Then there will be minimal tipping onboard. In most of the ports, you will need Euros.

[Kamloops50]

Leave the auto tip on and use euro's when ashore.

[helpthejuggler]

NCL apply a daily service charge which you might have already prepaid. The need for extra tips is thereby minimised.

 

Because the epic will be in europe for some time, staff will be happy to accept the euro currency. Near the end of the european season they may prefer dollars.

 

If you have no dollars do not worry, I would not go out if your way to obtain dollars just for this purpose.

 

The only other reason to obtain dollars would be for the casino.

[Hlitner]

Most of the mass market cruise lines (including NCL) now use what they call an "auto tipping" policy (whch arguably is not a tip at all). In the case of NCL they currently will add $12 per person/day to your shipboard account. Although you can go to Guest Relations and have this amount adjusted, most folks just go alone with the policy. In addition, they add a gratuity to every drink you buy. So there is no need for you to tip with cash unless you fell that somebody deserves an extra gratuity. About the only time we tip onboard is if we order room service. When we have breakfast or other food delivered to our cabin we will tip the waiter $2 -$3. They would certainly be very happy to accept 1 or 2 Euros instead of dollars.

 

Hank

[soccerref]

As previous posters have stated, it would be easier for you to leave the ‘auto-tip’ in place so you would only really need to tip the room service waiter which you can do in US$ or Euros. There is no need to tip anyone else unless they give absolutely outstanding service a’bove and beyond’

 

I have never had any problems getting a supply of 1$ bills from either the Tesco’s, M&S or Thomas Cook currency exchange shops or from my bank. Sometimes they have them available immediately but I have also had to order them a few days in advance.

Enjoy your cruise

[ducklite]

FYI--You should be able to order any currency you need from your bank. Before I left the US I ordered euros and kuna for my recent trip. I'll be ordering GPB for our trip next year. I imagine you'll also be ordering or exchanging for euros, you should be able to get some dollars at the same time. Have a great cruise!

[Cloudyrain]

Thank you! I didn't know that they did 1$ notes anymore, but if they takes euros then that's brill. We have pre-paid the tips, but thought we should have some change for room service and things. We will be getting euros before we go for when we go to ports so that should keep us topped up with change, plus I have a pot of change from previous holidays that i always forget to take with me when we go!

 

Thanks!

[Jetdriver787]

Obtaining low denomination dollar bills is very easy. You should be able to do this at any high street travel agent offering an exchange facility. Likewise larger M&S branches offer similar facilities. Paper bills of $1 and $5 are more convenient than lugging pound and euro coins with you.

 

Sometimes currency exchange facilities can be protective of their low denomination stocks, but if you explain that you need them for tipping they should oblige if they have sufficient stock. In any event, if you obtain higher denomination bills you can always "break" them into lower denominations at the casino or at the customer relations desk on-board.

[wikkle jan]

The best rates are usually from M&S and im sure you can pick up quite a few $1 notes... Most banks charge so dont get them there (and the rates are bad)...:(

[Sea rabbit]

We are off on 14th July on Ios. I went to M and S bureau and requested one and five dollar bills. They had them immediately available. As someone else said they are useful for room service and casino. :)

[iancal]

I would much prefer a one euro tip to a one dollar tip......it currently has more value. I think about 1.26

[Jana60]

It might sound silly but how do I tip when I don't have access to dollars? I live in the UK and am going on the Epic out of Barcelona, and therefore don't have the opportunity to obtain single dollars needed for tipping. Will the staff accept euros (not that i know how to get loads of single euros, but im sure i could pop into a shop on the way to the ship). Is there a "dollar machine" on board?

I'm sure it's a really obvious answer, but for the life of me I can't think of what it is! I have read so much during my research and don't recall any mention of this!

Thanks in advance!

 

You only need to tip for luggage handlers, room service and a little extra (above autotip) for the room steward (if you feel it is deserved) but we tip in Euros when in Europe and dollars when in USA.

[MsJaydee]

Thank you! I didn't know that they did 1$ notes anymore, but if they takes euros then that's brill. We have pre-paid the tips, but thought we should have some change for room service and things. We will be getting euros before we go for when we go to ports so that should keep us topped up with change, plus I have a pot of change from previous holidays that i always forget to take with me when we go!

 

Thanks!

 

Hi Cloudyrain

I have prepaid tips but wanted some $ for room service, M&S had loads and I bought 50$ in single $ notes there and then over the counter no need to order

Have a good trip

[Single Cruiser]

I prepaid the DSG but tipped in Euros. When in European waters the staff prefer euros as when they get the odd half day in 2weeks off to go ashore they can buy things such as mobile top-up cards etc..

 

My cabin Steward said any dollar tips they have to bank/convert and they have to pay a fee for the crew equivalent reception to convert to Euros!

[Cloudyrain]

I prepaid the DSG but tipped in Euros. When in European waters the staff prefer euros as when they get the odd half day in 2weeks off to go ashore they can buy things such as mobile top-up cards etc..

 

My cabin Steward said any dollar tips they have to bank/convert and they have to pay a fee for the crew equivalent reception to convert to Euros!

 

Very excellent point, never thought of it like that! Sticking to euros is going to be soooooo much easier as we go away a few times a year so will be able to spend any leftovers on our next short break, rather than being stuck with left over $ that would get eaten away in exchange rates!