Why tip the Assistant Chief Housekeeper?

[Nancyquilts]

I've always considered the chief housekeeper, assistant chief, or whatever to be a salaried position, not requiring a tip. That said, we always make sure to tip the room steward more than enough in case he has to share his tips. Nancy

[hermang]

I used to consider the Fire officers in our town as Management yet they get overtime by contract and pull down six figure income.

 

Seriously though - on the Royal Caribbean boards people are arguing endlessly about the $3.95 charge for Johnnie Rockets while they willingly spend thousands for a suite. Here the carp about an extra $21.00 in tips and complain about how Celebrity is now a

mass market cruise line and how they are in CC or have butlers and wonder what is wrong with Celebrity that they have to have their SERVANTS work for tips. Aren't there more important topics like where are the new ships or what itineraries should they be sailing

[negc]

Who is the assistant chief housekeeper? Why does this person need a tip if we never even met him/her, and certainly can't put a finger on what he/she might have done for us?

QUOTE]

One of the things the Asisitant Chief Housekeeper does:

Passenger baggage handling and distribution to and from cabins at the beginning and end of the cruise.

Let's get real. Do you really think that no other line handles passenger baggage, or that one individual handles it all for the thousands of passengers on each cruise (when he or she is not inspecting all the cabins to make sure that no one skips the lifeboat muster, or fixing broken safes) Of course the other lines have a system for handling and distributing passenger luggage and staff to check up on missing muster attendees. The difference is that only Celebrity suggests you provide a separate tip to some anonymous individual whose duties are a matter more of rumor than fact. All other lines seem to recognize the difference between service positions and supervisory positions, and on those lines they suggest that you tip service personnel who come into direct contact with their guests.

[mari10]

 

Let's get real. Do you really think that no other line handles passenger baggage, or that one individual handles it all for the thousands of passengers on each cruise (when he or she is not inspecting all the cabins to make sure that no one skips the lifeboat muster, or fixing broken safes) Of course the other lines have a system for handling and distributing passenger luggage and staff to check up on missing muster attendees. The difference is that only Celebrity suggests you provide a separate tip to some anonymous individual whose duties are a matter more of rumor than fact. All other lines seem to recognize the difference between service positions and supervisory positions, and on those lines they suggest that you tip service personnel who come into direct contact with their guests.

 

Bill thank you for getting me real. The OP asked what does a ACH do, and I said was that the assistant chief housekeeper assists with baggage. Since I personally saw the ACH and the assistant cabin steward hauling baggage at 1:00A for disembarking; it’s more fact than rumor. As far as direct contact, we did have the ACH knock on our cabin door once to inquire about our cabin. I really don't care about the policies of other cruise lines. When I'm on Celebrity I tip the ACH, but since it is not mandatory and only a suggestion; the choice is yours

 

Mari

[BigPaul26]

Let's get real. Do you really think that no other line handles passenger baggage, or that one individual handles it all for the thousands of passengers on each cruise (when he or she is not inspecting all the cabins to make sure that no one skips the lifeboat muster, or fixing broken safes) Of course the other lines have a system for handling and distributing passenger luggage and staff to check up on missing muster attendees. The difference is that only Celebrity suggests you provide a separate tip to some anonymous individual whose duties are a matter more of rumor than fact. All other lines seem to recognize the difference between service positions and supervisory positions, and on those lines they suggest that you tip service personnel who come into direct contact with their guests.

This is a depressing subject. I have worked in the service industry as a bartender. With the setup of most bars allowing for the waitresses to dole out most of the drinks, tips are much easier for them to come by. It is long standing tradition for each waitress to "buy out" and contribute a small percentage of her tips to the bartender. Applying this model to the service your room receives easily explains the request, especially since it seems fairly obvious that this person has to deal a great deal of coordination to make sure all of our finicky needs are met.

 

Paul

will be booking any day now, if I can make up my mind.

[brigittetom]

Paul, Good point. Does anyone actually know what the Assistant Chief Housekeeper makes per cruise? I'm guessing that would be a decideing factor on tipping. If he makes way more than I do per week I'm guessing I'd rather overtip the cabin steward because he is the one that made my cruise memorable.

 

The Maitre'd has been mentioned so many times also. I'm sorry but I'm really tired of having that second to the last night attention that isn't wanted at the end of the cruise too many times. Obviously asking if everything is satisfactory at the end of the cruise is of no value to us. We have also had the Maitre'd that stopped by the table every evening that was so obviously not interested that we wished he just wouldn't stop by. On our last cruise on the Horizon we had the Maitre'd stop by the table every evening and he seemed genuinely interested that we were enjoying our dinner. That was worth tipping for. I'm sorry but I don't care what the customs are, unless there is service provided, I'm not tipping.

 

We tipped the cabin attendant who misunderstood my instructions on skipping our cabin if I'm not out in a timely manner because we got great service in the evening , but we didn't tip the ACH because afterall, what exactly would we be tipping for.

[LMKohler]

I agree with Brigettetom -- on our last cruise the Maitre'd came by our table every evening and asked how we were doing. He even helped the wine steward when she was backed up by opening bottles etc. I'm not sure I have ever seen an ACH. Anyway, we have talked about withholding tips from these two positions, but never have.

 

I don't think we are ugly Americans. Do you know that most British citizens don't tip at all? We have travelled three times with friends from England and at the end of each cruise they just get up and leave the dining room. We found that to be true in England when we visited there as well.

 

Just a thought.

[slomotion]

Who was that masked man on that horse?

 

Here’s my take.

 

We're about to take a 7 day Alaska cruise with a one day pre-cruise and 4 day post cruise. This will cost a little over $10k including airfare and transfers.

 

We’re doing a helicopter on a glacier, a train to the top of something, and a couple of other side tours for another $600 or so.

 

Our house sitter will get about $300 for watching the place and taking care of the animals and plants while we're gone.

 

My wife will find some stuff that she just can’t live without and beside it will look great in the family next to that other thing and that purchase will be some where between a couple of hundred to a lot more than a couple of hundred.

 

The casino will grab a buck or two and the coffee joint will extract a few green backs as well.

 

 

The martini bar will also slurp up some moola.

 

 

So by the time we’re done we will have (as will most) have spent more than $11k.

 

Whew! The tips will add $200 (of which about $10 is for the ACH) to the $11k. Not a really big deal, all things considered.

 

The US mint prints money so we can spend it. Let’s just do it, and do it with a smile on our face.

 

 

Damn! I just fell off my soap box and stepped where the horse was!

 

 

a

[cgehrke]

British and other Europeans do not tip because tips are included in the cost of food in restaurants in Europe. sometimes they might leave a nominal tip if the service is extraordinary. when they travel to the U.S., they carry that custom with them. a restaurateur from South Beach, Florida, told me that because many Europeans vacation in Florida, he includes tips on his bills now, which was a warning to Americans to check their bills to make sure that tip isn't already included.

[cruising with marti]

slomo

 

my kind of thinking and my kind of guy, but could you float me the ten spot for the ACH? I wil get it back to you on payday.;)

 

 

 

phil

[slomotion]

Phil,

 

If you swing west to 101 and then south to SLO County, I'll meet you at McClintocks for ribs and spot you the $10.

 

It's best to do that on the second Wed of the month as that's when the SS check hits the bank.

 

I've enjoyed reading your posts.

 

take care

 

Al

[Blazerboy]

Slomo- still like your dog, and agree with your post!:D

[cruising with marti]

Thanks Al, we will be going to Pismo in july and will swing by for the ten and some great ribs, oh wait a minuet, you will be in Alaska, Oh well i do appreciate the thought, just give the 10 to the ACH and count your self lucky, it cost me 20 on our recent 14 day Alaska cruise:D

 

 

phil

[boltnut55]

See, I was wondering the same thing too. I know this is the person who trains and ensures all is well, and all was well. This is also the person who grants special requests because I had asked for an extension cord for my sleep machine, and my stateroom attendant said that his "supervisor" would give it to him, and he would plug it in and run the cord to where I needed it.

 

My justification for tipping him was that he got me an extension cord (I brought a surge protector because I couldn't find our extension cord, but the only outlet was across the room). I wished I saw this person at least once in 12 nights though.

 

In contrast, I totally loved my assistant maitre'd (also in a "management" position in charge of training and making sure things run smoothly) who stopped by our table EVERY night, acknowledged us when she saw us elsewhere, folded a napkin into a mouse for my daughter (which took a few minutes), told us about upcoming events, and "authorized" my special requests. I probably should have thought to tip her more than I did [i had already tipped beyond suggested, which is a big deal for those who know me! :-)].

 

Oh... had a great time. Disembarkation, the event that leaves the lasting impression, didn't go well at all, but I patiently waited through it anyway. I doubt the folks getting on got on anytime before 2:00 p.m. though <sigh>.

[ladyandchristian]

I'm confused.....now we should tip because the promotion of their job doesnt pay enough and we should feel badly for that? Hmmm....I got a promotion, more responsibility, more work, more stress, and $1.00 an hour more......such is life. So, according to some people here that entitles me in some way to money......send your cheques and money orders to:

 

I wish it were that easy!

[brigittetom]

Lady, According to some of these nice posters I'm being cheap. I'll also freely admit that I don't tip the hostess in a resturant for seating us because that's her job. I guess it's just a difference of opinion. I just don't understand the rational of tipping management for training their employees and making sure everything is going smoothly. That's what they were hired to do. We don't tip these people in the real world. In the few cases where the Maitre'd or the ACH actually provided a personal service, we tipped accordingly.

 

The fact that we are spending alot of money for a cruise and should spread the wealth around doesn't make alot of sense to me. I shop carefully for the best price for the cruise, I look for the best hotel deals, I shop wisely while on the cruise and try to watch my spending. I'm very happy to tip those that give me service.

 

Not all of us can afford to travel in suites and even the upper cabins. Some of us are on a budget and think we are truly lucky to be able to afford to cruise. Handing out money left and right because those with more money to spend think it should be so doesn't make it so for the rest of us.

 

I know most of you don't agree with me but having had so many Maitre d's that did nothing but come around the second to the last night so we would remember them the last night just makes us think they aren't worth tipping. If your expierience was different, that's great and you should tip as I would if I had a different experince. Same with the ACH. If there is a service provided, we tip. :)

[ladyandchristian]

my thoughts exactly.

[cruising with marti]

Brigittee

 

 

I don't think you are cheap, just doing things that are right for you.

 

 

 

Phil

[brigittetom]

Phil, I know your sense of humor and I know what you are implying. Honestly, we are an attractive couple that dresses well for all occasions. We take b/b cruises because we no longer think 7 day cruises are enough. We have given up outside cabins and balconys for most cruises because it means we can cruise more often. Tom has had a quintuple bypass which means he had to leave his job. Now we are cruising on a buget. We can still afford it but we still watch what we spend and actually, it does make us look a little closer. If the Asst/Maitre'd makes $5. pp. He is doing pretty well. The same with the bartenders, who we always tip. Actually, tip the head of Housekeeping $10.00. per couple. That pretty much means that he's making way more than the rest of us. Your choice.

 

Actually, I used to cruise single and have talked to many of the employees. Trust me, their goal is not to make you have a wonderful cruise, their goal is to earn their money and get off the ship. Yes they will do their time and please you but their goal is to get off the ship and get on with their lives. Nothing physical mind you.

[GordyPordy]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to all this and taking my first cruise this year on the Infinity to Alaska.

I will probably follow the reccommended route to tipping. However, on a broader plain, this is typically an American/Canadian thing. Everyone should be advocating that employers in these countries pay a decent wage. In the Uk, apart from the odd occupation like cab drivers, waiters and hairdressers, tipping is seen as an extra given for service beyond what is expected.

I expect my waiter to bring my meals to my table, I expect my barperson to pour my drinks etc etc. However , if they do it in a friendly and very efficient way then I am dispopsed to show my appreciation by leaving a gratuity.

If I am served by a sullen barman or have to wait a long time for my meal to be served then I won't tip, regardless of the custom.

This has nothing to do with wrongly perceived Scottish meanness but simply a belief in that if someone employs a person they should pay their wages. Given the varying prices that are available for these cruises and the massive discounts some travel companies can give there is scope for the cruise lines to pay their staff decent wages. It would also remove the uncertainty and potential for embarrasment of passengers that exists at the moment.

Regards from bonnie Scotland,

gordy.

[justfor411]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to all this and taking my first cruise this year on the Infinity to Alaska.

I will probably follow the reccommended route to tipping. However, on a broader plain, this is typically an American/Canadian thing. Everyone should be advocating that employers in these countries pay a decent wage. In the Uk, apart from the odd occupation like cab drivers, waiters and hairdressers, tipping is seen as an extra given for service beyond what is expected.

I expect my waiter to bring my meals to my table, I expect my barperson to pour my drinks etc etc. However , if they do it in a friendly and very efficient way then I am dispopsed to show my appreciation by leaving a gratuity.

If I am served by a sullen barman or have to wait a long time for my meal to be served then I won't tip, regardless of the custom.

This has nothing to do with wrongly perceived Scottish meanness but simply a belief in that if someone employs a person they should pay their wages. Given the varying prices that are available for these cruises and the massive discounts some travel companies can give there is scope for the cruise lines to pay their staff decent wages. It would also remove the uncertainty and potential for embarrasment of passengers that exists at the moment.

Regards from bonnie Scotland,

gordy.

 

 

Actually, this isn't at all a "American/Canadian thing" at all -- the mainline cruise companies are not American or Canadian businesses, nor are the vast majority of their employees American or Canadian, with the sole exception at the moment (to my knowledge) being one US flagged vessel operated by a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Lines. In the long run, all that your approach would do is raise cruise prices overall (of course, with a built in margin above and beyond the increased wage expenses) -- the cruise lines aren't going to simply absorb the extra costs. The current system allows some flexibility on the part of the guests, and affords most wait and hotel staff a better income than they might get if their employer directly paid them -- my son waits tables at a local establishment, and most weekends he brings home more than some professionals make in the same amount of hours worked. I guarantee his employer wouldn't directly pay him as much, in today's job market. In the US, most occupations are subject to the federal minimum wage laws, with lower minimums allowed for certain traditionally tip-based jobs, such as wait staff. Of course, as I stated initially, the cruise ship employees are not subject to these laws, being employed by a non-US company outside of the US.

 

There should be no "uncertainty and potential for embarrassment" on the part of guests under the current system -- all it takes is a few moments reading the suggested guidelines, and a tiny bit of common sense. Quite frankly, anyone who is able to cruise and yet is complaining over the incredibly small amounts of tips suggested per a day really needs to reexamine just how fortunate they truly are, in my humble opinion.

 

By the way, just so you don't punish the wrong person, the wait-staff have absolutely no control over how long you wait for your meal to be served -- they are completely at the mercy of the kitchen staff.

[ladyandchristian]

regardless of opinion, at the end of the day everyone is still entitled to do what they feel is sufficient and/or necessary, and what they feel they can afford, knowing their own unique situation. Generalizations dont change these facts. As well, I dont think I need to "reconsider" how "fortunate" I am to have been allowed to cruise because, as I said, no-one knows my unique situation, nor do I know the situation of my fellow passengers. The "little bit of money" that some tips may add up to, in my case for my husband and I it would have been $294 (US, so actually about 362). Now, I was "fortunate" enough to save for three years for that cruise. We didnt go go because my husband got run over by a dump truck and could not work for two years. Needless to say the kindhearted cruise company wasnt quite willing to give us back all of our money. Some wonderful family members scrimped and saved to help us make up for that lost trip, and essentially paid for it all since we could not afford to at the time on my income. We had five hundred dollars Canadian for that trip, that took me five months to save, so less then $400 US. Yes, I was a selfish b*tch, and decided that my husband and I would spend that on ourselves, instead of tipping money to certain staff members. I doubt that I was the only person on that cruise, or any other, that is able to flippantly decide to cruise at will, or who spends the their cruise scrimping literal pennies to get the most. I think that everyone can decide on their own, and strongly dislike anyone telling me how fortunate I am, I am well aware of that fact on my own thank you.

[hermang]

Let me throw my three cents in ( extra penny for inflation). We budget tips as part of our cruise expense from the get go. In general we plan a cruise about a year in advance - or more appropriately plan to cruise a year in advance so we'll throw spare change into a bucket for things like tips and what ever. If the service is good we tip the recommended amount - if it is great we tip more. I don't mind forgoing a drink or two if I have to keep expenses down because I know what these guys and gals go through to try to make our cruise enjoyable. Being away from their families for six months is not fun but it is the only way they can make a decent living. Sure it would be great if the cruiseline paid better but as many of you said - that would result in much higher fares. My point again - is this - if you budget in advance - an extra couple of bucks for a service employee should not be a big deal.

[Trixsea]

I agree with what has already been stated by many people, but take out your complaints with the company who mandates the policy, not the employees stuck in the middle. These are management positions, but they are not paid accordingly.

[Andym]

Here is an interesting thought.

Celebrity has stopped TA's dicounting cruises now and you can only get the same price more or less that Celebrity is charging when shopping around. So it makes sense that X are now making a lot more money on each cruise per pax. So I bet they are going to use that money to pay the staff more.........oh dear I just woke up.