Gratuities to be added to sea pass account daily.

[Fran&Tom]

SUITES*

New gratuity rate

(March 1

st

onwards)

STATEROOMS

New gratuity rate (March

1

st onwards)

 

SUITES*

$11.65 per person,

per day

$13.90 per person, per

day

$12.00 per person,

per day

$14.25 per person, per day



My question is- when they say more for suites does this also include a junior suite? Although the cabin is larger - there is no concerige service nor special seating at the pool os shows as higher that junior suites get. I have an upcoming TA cruise in a junior suite and don;t think I should pay more than any balcony cabin.

Fran

[cruisenfever]

$12.00 per person,per day

 

My question is- when they say more for suites does this also include a junior suite? Although the cabin is larger - there is no concerige service nor special seating at the pool os shows as higher that junior suites get. I have an upcoming TA cruise in a junior suite and don;t think I should pay more than any balcony cabin.

Fran

JS cabins are included in the $12pp per day rate. The $14.25pp per day rate is for GS cabins and above

[ARCruisinNana]

SUITES*

 

New gratuity rate

(March 1

 

st

 

onwards)

STATEROOMS

New gratuity rate (March

1

 

st onwards)

 

SUITES*

$11.65 per person,

My question is- when they say more for suites does this also include a junior suite? Although the cabin is larger - there is no concerige service nor special seating at the pool os shows as higher that junior suites get. I have an upcoming TA cruise in a junior suite and don;t think I should pay more than any balcony cabin.

Fran

per day

$13.90 per person, per

day

$12.00 per person,

per day

$14.25 per person, per day

 

 

 

 

JS pay the lower amount. GS and above are full suites and pay the increased amount.

[teajak]

I agree 100%. Just pay it and stop the whining, the suggested amount is the least amount you should be paying for these people that make your vacation enjoyable. It is about time RCCL did this.

Our thoughts exactly!!!

[TheMiz]

Our thoughts exactly!!!

 

Exactly , we are only talking about .35 a day.

[Fran&Tom]

JS pay the lower amount. GS and above are full suites and pay the increased amount.

 

Thanks Carolyn- that's what I figured- and the increase is not that much so doesn;t bother me at all either. I also don't mind if they do daily or together at end.

Fran

[steveru621]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtaakkly_qU

 

That was at least as clear as mud!

 

In the US, waitstaff typically share TIPS with their support staff, such as bus boys, and bartenders. The $1 doesn't seem to be any different. How $1 turns into $2.50 was not clear to my old brain.

 

It's picky, but I know 'TIP Staff' has a list of who has pre-paid or signed up for TIPS before the end of the cruise.

 

A big IF, Royal is taking away gratuities and giving it to shareholders that's bad. If they are forcing TIPS down the support chain, that happens all the time. If Royal were counting TIPS in their bottom line to the tune of $10 million dollars it would appear in their 10Q.

[cruisegirl1]

 

Not true. I have seen the list with my name on it.

That being so, it calls into question some of the other things that the video claimed.

 

I asked our B2B2B attendant in January how he wanted to receive (at the end of each segment) the tip, cash or pre-pay. He said that he preferred pre-pay therefore that is what we did and until an attendant tells me otherwise we will continue to do just that. We sail again on Feb.25th and will ask again and if that attendant also says pre-pay it will be what I will do.

 

Not knowing a particular passenger's true intentions, perhaps the attendant preferred the pre-pay as that is a guarantee that he/she will get the gratuity.

 

M

[ARCruisinNana]

Thanks Carolyn- that's what I figured- and the increase is not that much so doesn;t bother me at all either. I also don't mind if they do daily or together at end.

Fran

 

You're welcome, Fran. I just noticed your TA is on Vision. I've also done a TA on Vision. We've had 8546, very convenient and 8088, awesome balcony and view:) Enjoy!

[Cotswold Eagle]

In November on Indy our stateroom attendant showed us his list so this is wrong - sorry :-(

 

I also saw a list last year, although one that had (perhaps accidentally) been left on a cart in the corridor on the final evening (and dated that day). I don't know how many staterooms that attendant had to look after, but I assume it was at least 10, as the numbers in his list started at xx11 and went to xx20 (only those paying tips were shown).

 

Four cabins had paid. On the list were handwritten notes indicating what I assume were extra cash amounts received from three cabins, two of whom had already paid, so were adding extra. The other was for the recommended amount for one person (could have been solo, of course).

 

There and then I became in favour of auto-adding tips :)

[ckfred]

What if you want to tip beyond the suggested rate? I have always pre-paid gratuities, and then used the envelope to give crew who are exceptional in their service an additional amount in cash.

 

If RC is getting rid of envelopes, then how would a guest go about handing out cash above what it prepaid?

[Clarea]

What if you want to tip beyond the suggested rate? I have always pre-paid gratuities, and then used the envelope to give crew who are exceptional in their service an additional amount in cash.

 

If RC is getting rid of envelopes, then how would a guest go about handing out cash above what it prepaid?

You will still be able to get envelopes from Guest Services.

[cruisenfever]

What if you want to tip beyond the suggested rate? I have always pre-paid gratuities, and then used the envelope to give crew who are exceptional in their service an additional amount in cash.

 

If RC is getting rid of envelopes, then how would a guest go about handing out cash above what it prepaid?

I always bring a few small envelopes with me just in case. I also bring Thank You Notes.

[caddie1]

This is on the UK FAQ. It would be interesting to see if there are differences between answers in US and Australian websites.

 

 

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.

How does the Royal Caribbean suggested daily tip compare to their competitors?

Our recommendations put us in line with our competitors. Our suggested daily totals are in the middle range when compared to competitors' suggestions.

 

What are the benefits of Pre-Paid Gratuities/Service Charges?

The benefits of pre-paying service charges:

 

When you pre-pay the gratuities as part of your booking, it is normally cheaper than paying in USD when you are onboard

 

Pre-paying service charges gives you peace of mind making the process seamless for when you get on board.

 

Avoid fluctuating exchange rates onboard

 

Helps the guest plan their holiday budget in advance

 

Gratuities are payable in US dollars on board. If you pre-pay you don’t have to take extra cash on board or any additional foreign currency.

 

Please note, as of June 2012, we no longer provide the pre-paid gratuity vouchers for the guest to give to the appropriate crew member on the last evening of the cruise. Please be assured though that the crew will be aware that you have paid your gratuities.

 

Pre paying your service charge allows you to take advantage of our flexible dining option; My Time Dining. Please see the link below for further details of this option.

http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/why-cruise/onboard-experience/food-for-all-tastes/

 

Will you be adjusting the tips for bar, wine and beverage services?

No. The tip will still be 15 %, automatically added to your bar/beverage bill.

What are the guidelines for tipping onboard?

The guidelines for tipping on board are: For guests in a Grand suite or above it is advised to be $14.25 per guest per day. For guests in a Junior suite or a Stateroom it is advised to be $12.00 per guest per day.

 

Tips are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest. These guidelines serve as suggestions to help guests express their gratitude for the outstanding service they experience on their Royal Caribbean cruise holiday. Tips for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15 % gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine bill when you are served and for services in the Spa or Salon.

[poncho1973]

What if you want to tip beyond the suggested rate? I have always pre-paid gratuities, and then used the envelope to give crew who are exceptional in their service an additional amount in cash.

 

If RC is getting rid of envelopes, then how would a guest go about handing out cash above what it prepaid?

 

They still have hands. I have always prepaid my tips. I usually wind up giving a bit extra to several folks along the way.

 

I walk up. Look them in the eye. Smile. Say what I appreciated (briefly as possible) and hand them the tip.

 

They look at me in the eye. They smile. They extend their hand and take the tip. They say their thanks.

 

 

 

This sort of feels like the instructions on shampoo at this point.

[sarahrosetraveler]

We just got back from our second cruise with RCC (Oasis) and we have done "my-time" dining on both cruises, so tips were pre-paid automatically; however, both times, we gave much more cash to our statesman, and waiters in the dining room on the last day. We felt for the OUTSTANDING service we received on both of our cruises, that the "pre-paid" tips were just not enough. And of course, we would leave tips on the table in the Windjammer and other dining venues, and also to our servers for any drinks we purchased.

 

I believe the reason RCC is adding the tips automatically is probably because many people don't tip at all, which I think is shameful.

 

I just don't understand how people can be so stingy and cheap and complain about tipping these hard-working people if they are providing such wonderful service that we experienced. And yet, some people wouldn't think TWICE about paying $8 for a glass of wine, etc., or blow a bunch of money in the casino. And that is fine if that's where you want to spend your money, but it shouldn't be at the expense of rewarding servers for their excellent service!

[sarahc78]

Am a little confused. So they will automatically will be adding the gratuity to your account and you WONT be able to have that removed? For say poor service or some other issue?

[cruisenfever]

Am a little confused. So they will automatically will be adding the gratuity to your account and you WONT be able to have that removed? For say poor service or some other issue?

From the RCI website when searching "gratuities"

 

"In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services during their cruise".

 

 

[caddie1]

Am a little confused. So they will automatically will be adding the gratuity to your account and you WONT be able to have that removed? For say poor service or some other issue?

 

 

A piece from thread 1043 above.

Please read carefully.

 

(increase, decrease or remove) the daily amount by visiting Guest Services during their cruise.

[Markanddonna]

From the RCI website when searching "gratuities"

 

"In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services during their cruise".

 

 

 

So, the person who refuses to pay tips has to throw the staff under the bus and declare that service was not satisfactory. I sure hope that doesn't happen. I personally like the automatic tipping. Also, my statesroom attendant and waitstaff knew that I prepaid on my TA last fall. They are given the list the day of traditional tipping. Once again, I sure hope this eliminates the dancing and singing waiter routines- painful for EVERYONE including waiters.

[caddie1]

From the RCI website when searching "gratuities"

 

"In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services during their cruise".

 

 

 

Looking at this statement it looks as though the US website on gratuities is different to the UK. No wonder there is so much confusion.

[cruisenfever]

Looking at this statement it looks as though the US website on gratuities is different to the UK. No wonder there is so much confusion.

Here are all the links to the RCI US site when you do a search on "gratuities"

 

Gratuities

 

 

• What is the Automatic Gratuity Program?
  
• Does the automatic gratuity apply to all guests?
  
• How does my gratuity help the crew and who does it go to?
  
• What if I'm totally WOW'ed and want to provide special recognition for a crew member?
  
• Are there other gratuities to be expected during my cruise?
  
• Why would I need to modify my gratuity amounts?
  
• How do I pay for gratuities?
  
• I booked my cruise before the Automatic Gratuity Program went into effect. How does this impact my cruise?
  
• Why is the gratuity automatic?
  
• Is the gratuity required?
  
• Is the amount of the automatic daily gratuity different than the previously recommended gratuity amounts?
  

[caddie1]

If i click on any of those links it sends me to the UK website. This is what i have been saying, it looks like they do not want us to see what is on the US site or the Australian site.

Are they trying to hide something?

Please paste and copy so we can all read each others site.

[caribbean sailor]

We just got back from our second cruise with RCC (Oasis) and we have done "my-time" dining on both cruises, so tips were pre-paid automatically; however, both times, we gave much more cash to our statesman, and waiters in the dining room on the last day. We felt for the OUTSTANDING service we received on both of our cruises, that the "pre-paid" tips were just not enough. And of course, we would leave tips on the table in the Windjammer and other dining venues, and also to our servers for any drinks we purchased.

 

I believe the reason RCC is adding the tips automatically is probably because many people don't tip at all, which I think is shameful.

 

I just don't understand how people can be so stingy and cheap and complain about tipping these hard-working people if they are providing such wonderful service that we experienced. And yet, some people wouldn't think TWICE about paying $8 for a glass of wine, etc., or blow a bunch of money in the casino. And that is fine if that's where you want to spend your money, but it shouldn't be at the expense of rewarding servers for their excellent service!

 

 

I think people should tip what they want.The shame is Royal Caribbean paying their employees fifty dollars a month.And expecting cruisers to pay their salary.How about Royal paying a them a better salary.WHEN THEY RAISE THE TIPS THEY DON'T RAISE WHAT THEY PAY THEM.You pay them better and i will continue to tip them.:eek: :confused: :mad:

[beachnative]

So, the person who refuses to pay tips has to throw the staff under the bus and declare that service was not satisfactory. I sure hope that doesn't happen. I personally like the automatic tipping. Also, my statesroom attendant and waitstaff knew that I prepaid on my TA last fall. They are given the list the day of traditional tipping. Once again, I sure hope this eliminates the dancing and singing waiter routines- painful for EVERYONE including waiters.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

Royal Caribbean keeps details on each of us that sail with them.

In going to Guest Services to remove tips you risking a note recorded in the computer. Think about this being it, "Guest removes auto tips because they claim that service was subpar."

 

Those of you who are too cheap to pay the tips should own up to that fact at Guest Services and at least protect the crew members that you stiff on tips.

 

Your tipping or not tipping does not effect me, but please don't risk throwing a crew member under the bus.