Gratuities to be added to sea pass account daily.

[fishtaco]

And am I correct in thinking that it looks like you will have to claim that you received inadequate service? I hope so. There shouldn't be an easy work-around to this. I just hope that people don't start lying about the service they receive in order to avoid paying the gratuities.

 

No you will not have to claim bad service! But it does make the tip dodgers work for the dodge:D

 

Genuine cash tippers will have no fear of fronting GS to remove the daily Gratuity or do it at the end of the cruise but tip dodgers will be forever looking over their shoulder for the stare its called conscience :D:p

 

I favour Trad Dinning over MTD but so many like it, choose it, and have to pre pay Gratuities for it, so they must realise their pre paid is getting split between staff who it is meant to go to!

 

Some non MTD cruisers dislike it seems the idea of Auto Tips because they think the company may be short changing staff with the tip money:confused:

 

MTD and pre paid or MDR and daily Auto tips,what is the difference:confused:

 

The company may stiff all the staff or none of the staff!

Pre Paid or Auto Same same:)

 

Sorry forgot to add: you can remove daily gratuities by a simple cabin to desk phone call,this is not possible last night or morning because GS is so busy, Tip dodgers will not call every day through fear of being recognised so leave it till last and queue for it.!

[Charles4515]

Not received the e.mail yet but unusually for our next cruise we had pre paid the gratuities as it was a 'free' cruise and that was one of the conditions.

 

Last night DH went through all our bookings and pre-paid selecting MTD for each cruise as he went. We are just hoping service standards don't drop, time will tell.

 

Royal Caribbean was the last hold out on collecting gratuities this way. Since I don't cruise Royal Caribbean exclusively I have been paying gratuities this way on most of my cruises for years. Crew and passengers will get used to this. This thread is really much ado about nothing for those who pay gratuites. It is a technical change.

 

For those who stiff the crew, they will still have that option. They will have to explain, but I don't think that is a bad thing. If there really was some service lack it will make the management aware. The others who are just cheap it might just make them have a second thought about it....

 

Personally I am in the camp of they should make it a service charge and say no tipping required but this does leave the folks that are truly worried about or recieve bad service an option.

 

If I get bad service I prefer to go straight to management and get it fixed onboard instead of suffering with a bad server or cabin attendant a whole sailing.

[BND]

I really don't think this is a "cheap" issue. We never eat in the MDR. I can't stand it in there. And no I have not walked in there on the last night of a cruise and found some service team that I have never laid eyes on and handed them a tip. However, I have always taken care of the people who have provided service to, and taken care of, my family and me. But if RCI is now going to collect and destribute my funds as they see fit then I am going to have to give some thought about how I am going to handle this issue on our up coming cruise.

 

But, they all do rotations in the WJ as well as other jobs that they don't get tipped for. Dinner wait staff has other wait jobs besides the MDR. Our waiter on our last cruise was one of the staff that gets up early and helps coordinate the breakfast room service which he doesn't get directly tipped for and it's just part of his job. Others work in the WJ for breakfast and lunch because the MDR is either not open, or is only open on one floor. I've always wondered why people who eat in the WJ think they don't have to tip anyone (and there are plenty who feel that way). My feeling is by prepaying we are in essence tipping many who we never see, but who work just as hard. We then, tip extra for those that actually wait on us everyday.

[NMLady]

:eek: I just received an email from RCCL indicating that they have just changed their tipping policy. Come on Royal Caribbean, quit insulting our intelligence. RCCL calls it a tip, this is a fee. Build it into your prices...Pay your staff...let us decide who gets a REAL TIP.

I quote:

:p "As of March 1, 2013, Royal Caribbean will add an automatic daily gratuity of $12.00 USD ($14.25 USD for Suite guests) to the onboard account of each guest to be shared by Dining Services Staff, Stateroom Attendants and Other Housekeeping Services Personnel that work to enhance your cruise. This gratuity replaces our previously recommended gratuity guidelines.

 

:p And so start adding an extra $24.00 to $28.50 per day for all your future trips. Thats an additional $168.00 to $200.00 more for a 7 Day cruise.

 

:confused: How is that for a Rip Off? So if you get lousy service, you are now forced to encourage it. Don't use the formal dining? Too bad, you tip anyway. Isn't it bad enough that they build tips into the over priced spa and ship shape services. So cruisers don't have a say in the service?

 

Here is a Tip Royal Caribbean.... Quit ripping us off. Put your prices up front and pay your staff. We'll decide how much to tip service staff. Princess Cruise Lines is really starting to look pretty good lately. ;) And I'm a Diamond Plus C & A Member.:rolleyes:

 

It is not a rip off. Most of the mass market cruise lines already do this.

It is rare that you would get lousy service, but if you do, go to the Front Desk and have it taken care of. On most cruise lines you could reduce the fee for lousy service, but that is unfair to those in that pool who are giving you excellent service.

 

How would you tip the 'behind the scenes' staff who also help to make your cruise enjoyable? They share in that daily charge.

 

I know it sounds as if the daily charge could just be added to the fare, but then that gets into being taxed on it, TA's getting commission on it, etc.

Just as the Govt fees are addititional to the basic fare, so is the Daily Service Charge.

 

I guess you've never been to a hotel on land that charges a "resort" fee.

[fishtaco]

But, they all do rotations in the WJ as well as other jobs that they don't get tipped for. Dinner wait staff has other wait jobs besides the MDR. Our waiter on our last cruise was one of the staff that gets up early and helps coordinate the breakfast room service which he doesn't get directly tipped for and it's just part of his job. Others work in the WJ for breakfast and lunch because the MDR is either not open, or is only open on one floor. I've always wondered why people who eat in the WJ think they don't have to tip anyone (and there are plenty who feel that way). My feeling is by prepaying we are in essence tipping many who we never see, but who work just as hard. We then, tip extra for those that actually wait on us everyday.

 

And for this reason I have always thought "Auto Tips" to be the best and fairest way to tip on a cruise:p

[Ocean Boy]

But, they all do rotations in the WJ as well as other jobs that they don't get tipped for. Dinner wait staff has other wait jobs besides the MDR. Our waiter on our last cruise was one of the staff that gets up early and helps coordinate the breakfast room service which he doesn't get directly tipped for and it's just part of his job. Others work in the WJ for breakfast and lunch because the MDR is either not open, or is only open on one floor. I've always wondered why people who eat in the WJ think they don't have to tip anyone (and there are plenty who feel that way). My feeling is by prepaying we are in essence tipping many who we never see, but who work just as hard. We then, tip extra for those that actually wait on us everyday.

 

I understand your point and I also understand the system. We tend to use the Windjammer as others use the MDR. And at the end of the cruise we have tipped the staff in there with what we would have used in the MDR. I can tell you that the folks in the Windjammer have always been very appreciative and sometimes a bit surprised. Yes, I understand that the people working the MDR come up a bit short the week I'm aboard but the folks in the Windjammer come out a bit ahead. I break even. Sometimes it cost me more. When we were on Serenade I tipped the greeter at the door pretty well because she took the time to learn my name and every time that I walked in there she made me feel so welcome. Another time the staff at the dessert counter learned what I liked and would start getting it ready when she saw me walking toward the counter.

 

I know this can, and has been, debated forever. And I very much understand both sides. However, now RCI has changed their strategy and I am just not sure how I am going to handle things this time.

[reney313]

I welcome this change. The prepaid added daily service charge is one thing I really liked about sailing Princess. It eliminates the need to have all that "cash" for the envelopes or the hassle of going to guest services to have it all added at one time (or dropping off the form and wondering if it has been applied yet, etc). I once had an issue where they still had the "vouchers". I didn't receive them last night and it wasn't showing on my account so I paid in cash. Then the next morning, sure enough, the charges were there. Standing in line for over an hour before departing and all they did was give me a stateside # to call when I left the ship. I ended up double paying with no way of knowing if the staff got the double tips.

 

I do prefer MTD, but for larger groups, we use traditional. I don't necessarily like paying my gratuities before the cruise (included in final payment) for cash flow reasons, but it's not going to make or break me as I'm paying them at some point. I haven't done the prepaid traditional before boarding though, which probably would have resolved some of my issues. I just didn't always trust it would be there.

 

For all those that don't like it and would go elsewhere--well, that can be debated, but this is a policy going standard on many mass market cruiselines. We have those that stiffed the staff to thank for it....

 

And even if you only use the CL, specialty restaurants, etc. you are STILL using some bit of other pooled service, even if you like to convince yourself you don't. WJ, Promenade Cafe, Hot Dog place, Donut Place, Park Cafe, etc etc etc.

 

I would prefer the service charge/tip added daily rather than have it added onto my cruise fare and then still feel the need to tip. this is a better solution. If I want to tip extra, I can still do that.

[ibyte2eat]

Not looking for sympathy. Its this exact sheeple attitude that perpetuates these practices. Pay more so that anyone can brag about how caring you are? Have the stones to stand up to someone whos taking $ from you like a gypsy preteen.

 

TIPS ARE EARNED, NOT AN ENTITLEMENT

 

I don't like any business that builds tips into service and acts like they are doing you a favor. You are being ripped of, you don't know it, and they are laughing all the way to the bank. I don't like it and I'm letting every know. I'm glad to see others have the testicular fortitude to do the same here. Man up.

 

I have no problem tipping and if anything, I over tip. I don't like being hoodwinked by RCL. I want to determine where my tip money goes. Sorry, its how we Americans Think.

[fishtaco]

I understand your point and I also understand the system. We tend to use the Windjammer as others use the MDR. And at the end of the cruise we have tipped the staff in there with what we would have used in the MDR. I can tell you that the folks in the Windjammer have always been very appreciative and sometimes a bit surprised. Yes, I understand that the people working the MDR come up a bit short the week I'm aboard but the folks in the Windjammer come out a bit ahead. I break even.

 

I know this can, and has been, debated forever. And I very much understand both sides. However, now RCI has changed their strategy and I am just not sure how I am going to handle things this time.

 

It is so simple! RCI have taken away the guess work:)

 

You eat in WJ and tip WJ staff not MDR staff. Now RCI charges you a daily "Auto Tip" and WJ staff get their share! TA DAAA so easy:D

[beachdiamonds]

I really don't think this is a "cheap" issue. We never eat in the MDR. I can't stand it in there. And no I have not walked in there on the last night of a cruise and found some service team that I have never laid eyes on and handed them a tip. However, I have always taken care of the people who have provided service to, and taken care of, my family and me. But if RCI is now going to collect and destribute my funds as they see fit then I am going to have to give some thought about how I am going to handle this issue on our up coming cruise.

 

On our next cruise we are planning to eat in Speciality restaurants 4 or 5 days. The remaining days either Johnny Rockets or room service. At all of these venues we always tip them extra for great service although we are already charged a fee for going and tips are already included. I do not have plans to go to the MDR. I have no problem prepaying for my room steward but I will be visiting guest services to have the gratuity adjusted. Not because I'm cheap or stiffing anyone but because I will be providing tips to those who provide us service at those speciality areas. If asked why I will gladly explain and provide them with my dinner reservation information.

[purescottish]

Originally Posted by niko40

Everyone calm down if you still want to pay the old fashioned way good service good tip you can

 

 

 

 

Onboard Gratuities

 

How can I pay tips?For the convenience of guests, pre-paid tips may be arranged online or added to your booking by your travel agent or Personal Cruise Specialist, before your sailing date. If you have opted not to pre-pay your Service Charge before your cruise, then for all sailings that commence after 1st March 2013, for your convenience we will automatically add a $12.00 per guest per day* service charge to each guest's SeaPass account on a daily basis. * For Grand Suites and above the daily charge will be $14.25c. Alternatively, you may pay in cash at the end of your cruise directly to the crew members you wish to recognise for their service (If you require an envelope for the crew member concerned, please see the Guest Relations Desk).

Please note, we no longer provide the pre-paid gratuity vouchers at the end of the cruise.

 

Please note gratuities are discretionary so in the unlikely event that a guest on board being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, our guests may request to modify (increase, decrease or remove) the daily amount by visiting Guest Services during their cruise.

nico40

can I ask where you found this info.. I am locked out of the .com site and can't find this exact wording on the .co.uk site

thanks in advance

wendy

[cruzeluver]

Sorry, its how we Americans Think.

 

Please do not include all Americans in your nonsensical thinking.

 

Royal is just getting in line with nearly all the rest of the industry.

 

I believe eventually the language will be changed to calling them "service charges" and there will be no option to have them removed.

[Fydlstyx]

Yes, it has to be paid for everyone in the cabin. And like everyone has said if you pay in cash the crew has to turn it in so what's the difference?

 

I did not know there were any lines that did not auto add gratuity. I am one who is against automatic tipping because I am someone who tips based on service. If I get outstanding service, I leave an excellent tip. I do not understand how a forced fee (yes, I know you can remove it) can ever be considered a tip.

 

I agree with those who feel this should be called a fee, should be built in to the fare, etc. It is NOT a tip. Tips are discretionary.

 

I tip my cabin steward cash despite the fee; however, if I got lousy service, I would not do this.

[jamessemaj]

I've always opted for automatic tips anyway, so I paid little attention to the RCI e-mail. Big deal. Those displeased seem to call it a rip-off based on semantics, language. Who cares.

 

Now if it were the miserable airline industry and the battle ax attendants we were talking about, I'd light a torch and join a mob.

[Fydlstyx]

I agree. We cruised RCCL for the first time last March. I found it to be a pain to have to go add the charges to our account instead of doing it in cash, so I think this is a good thing. We gave out our over and above tips in cash.

 

And to those of you who think you are receiving inferior service - you need to go find the people that are over that area and tell them what your issues are. Then if they aren't corrected, go have the charges removed - but you're screwing the ones who were doing their jobs as well. I know on NCL, where this charge has been added to your on board account since we've been cruising with them (2009), we've never had inferior service. If we had, I would have contacted the HD because I know they want to hear about it while you're on board so it can be corrected instead of corporate reading about it here.

 

Honestly, I think people are on the hunt for things to complain about!

 

No, the people who do a crappy job are screwing their coworkers. If they didn't do a crappy job, the tips would not get removed.

[Ocean Boy]

It is so simple! RCI have taken away the guess work:)

 

You eat in WJ and tip WJ staff not MDR staff. Now RCI charges you a daily "Auto Tip" and WJ staff get their share! TA DAAA so easy:D

 

Reallly? I have much more confidence in me getting my money to those who I want it to go to than I do in RCI getting it there. And it is just as easy.;)

[cruzeluver]

Why are some so hung up on what they call it? A tip, a gratuity, a service charge, a ham sandwich? Who cares? Quit making excuses for being cheap and pay it! If you are paying cash just to those who you "think deserve it or provide me with good service" you are taking money away from people behind the scenes who get a portion of the auto-gratuities.

[ibyte2eat]

The resorts call it as it is, "Resort Fee". Even the FDA finally stepped in and is now making the airlines show total costs because they were hiding all the hidden fees. Cruise lines need the same. By the time you finish all the port fees, mandatory fees etc. it adds up and since it does, lets do some math. In the past we've paid $5 pp ($10) a nite which would be $100 per cabin for 10 days. How many cabins does an attendant have? Say 10. thats $1000 (10 days) $3,000 (month) Cash. Plus they make their regular salary, and all room and board is paid. They usually live in a country RCL exploits (low cost of living). Trust me, they make lots of Money and so I don't accept the sheeple argument to grin and bear it. The argument about non tippers, you don't think that this is built into this equation? If you don't then you don't know anything about business. Americans don't like being told what and how to do things and tipping is not and expectation, its earned. Dont be so naive.

 

We tip everyone we receive service from. My gripe here is that we don't eat in formal dining, why would we be forced to tip dining staff. We eat in the windjammer and use the envelopes to give tips to the staff in the windjammer where it is earned.

[Debde]

However, I am not seeing the same wording on the US RCI website that our British friends have supplied. This is the section of the website that my e-mail points to. Is there a different section that contains the other wording?

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/subject.do?faqSubjectName=Gratuities&faqSubjectId=415&faqType=faq&et_lid=clickhere&et_cid=em_3625655&et_rid=228533790

 

I tried the same thing and I got exactly what you got .

Being it says what it does on the UK site, I will sway this one in my favor this time!!;)

[Clarksfan1]

It's been said already but I'll beat the dead horse.....I trust that the money I give to those who provide the services for me and my family are going to the correct person. I do not trust companies to do as good of a job.

 

And.....I do eat in the WJ instead of the DR and have always tipped them as if they were my DR waiters. I will be adjusting my tips and still tipping these people.

 

 

I'm Clarksfan1 and I approve this message.

[cruzeluver]

The charges for gratuities are not hidden. Anyone who misses them is not looking very hard.

 

Americans don't like being told what and how to do things and tipping is not and expectation, its earned. Dont be so naive.

 

 

Again, please quit with the gross generalizations. All Americans obviously do not agree with you. If you do not like being told what to do, then why do you want the government to step in and tell the cruise lines how to do things? Hhhmmm???

[icedzz]

We received our email yesterday informing us that for our forth coming cruise on April 7, our gratuities will be added daily on our Sea Pass account. Ask any Cabin Steward or Waiter what percentage of guests actually tip the recommended amount.......you will be shocked!!!

A few years ago during the widespread flu outbreak, our cruise was re-routed from the Mexican Riveria to the Northern Costal states of Oregon and Washington. We were given a generous onboard credit, yet Carnival gave their guests $75.00 each, and it had to be used for tips!!

I am very happy that the hardworking and dedicated RCI employees will finally get what they deserve.

[jamessemaj]

No individual receives all of the tip, it is shared with others you don't see. I have never, ever seen anybody tip any buffet staff and seriously doubt it occurs much at all.

[fishtaco]

On our next cruise we are planning to eat in Speciality restaurants 4 or 5 days. The remaining days either Johnny Rockets or room service. At all of these venues we always tip them extra for great service although we are already charged a fee for going and tips are already included. I do not have plans to go to the MDR. I have no problem prepaying for my room steward but I will be visiting guest services to have the gratuity adjusted. Not because I'm cheap or stiffing anyone but because I will be providing tips to those who provide us service at those speciality areas. If asked why I will gladly explain and provide them with my dinner reservation information.

 

This makes no sense to me whatsoever?

 

Speciality restaurant tip included in the extra charge, got it!

 

Waiter waiting a table with specific places set out for "you" each night and available for dinning should you choose as after all it part of the cruise fare but you dont want to tip him so he looses out?

 

Auto tips share your tip around the staff who are in the tipping pool.

A Speciality Restaurants charge includes a tip for waiters that goes to the same tipping pool:p

 

RCI sets out this tipping pool with who gets what and are quite open with it!

 

If your thoughts are correct then those choosing MTD should claim back the dinner tip if they choose to dine in a speciality restaurant instead?

 

This was never a problem when MDR was the only option for dinner.

[Big_G]

Who cares???

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