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pre paid tips ? Why do some not pay

dramaqueenjan

By dramaqueenjan,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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goober1102

goober1102

Posted
Posted

Little confused here....Isn't it my choice to tip anyone, everyone or no one? I TOTALLY get the fact that the employees are working their butts off and should be tipped based on the level of service they provide. Just because they do not get paid well, does not ever mean that I should tip someone. If they provide a service that is expected, then absolutely they will get a tip, and not the "don't eat yellow snow" kind, I mean a average tip. If the service that is provided is above and beyond, well then so is the tip!

If I have to ask for ice in my cabin twice a day every day, then, at least to me, that is average service and it will get an average tip. If there is always ice in my cabin and I asked for it only on the first day, then that is above and beyond.

I prefer to take off the auto tip for the simple fact I have NO idea what the level of service will be for that week. I for one always pay tips in cash in the little envelopes that you get at guest services, this way I know my "fill in the blank" person is getting everything I want them to have / what they deserve.

A few years ago my family went on a cruise and my 5 year old LOVES shrimp cocktails, well after the second day our waiter Eduardo started bringing my son 2 and 3 shrimp cocktails because he was observant and saw how much my son enjoyed shrimp cocktails. Eduardo went well above and beyond and he was tipped accordingly. My son's face lit up at dinner every night in anticipation of whether or not Eduardo remembered that he likes shrimp cocktails....and that cruise was 8 years ago and we ALL remember him and the incredible service that he provided.

 

The bottom line is "cheap" or not tipping is 100% at the discretion to the cruiser....just remember you can make everyone happy all the time!

 

I'm ready....go ahead and flame me......

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cj_one2000

cj_one2000

Posted
Posted
I agree, it's Carnival job to fix. These threads put some good posters in such bad light with the name calling. At some point we have to try and respect the fact that if an option is given then people have the right to take it. Some of the cruises are priced with the intent to get bodies on board knowing the crew might be SOL.

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app

 

Wishing CC had a "like" button for great posts like this one. Agree!

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jimbo5544 "Live from...." Rare

jimbo5544

Posted
Posted
Little confused here....Isn't it my choice to tip anyone, everyone or no one? I TOTALLY get the fact that the employees are working their butts off and should be tipped based on the level of service they provide. Just because they do not get paid well, does not ever mean that I should tip someone. If they provide a service that is expected, then absolutely they will get a tip, and not the "don't eat yellow snow" kind, I mean a average tip. If the service that is provided is above and beyond, well then so is the tip!

If I have to ask for ice in my cabin twice a day every day, then, at least to me, that is average service and it will get an average tip. If there is always ice in my cabin and I asked for it only on the first day, then that is above and beyond.

I prefer to take off the auto tip for the simple fact I have NO idea what the level of service will be for that week. I for one always pay tips in cash in the little envelopes that you get at guest services, this way I know my "fill in the blank" person is getting everything I want them to have / what they deserve.

A few years ago my family went on a cruise and my 5 year old LOVES shrimp cocktails, well after the second day our waiter Eduardo started bringing my son 2 and 3 shrimp cocktails because he was observant and saw how much my son enjoyed shrimp cocktails. Eduardo went well above and beyond and he was tipped accordingly. My son's face lit up at dinner every night in anticipation of whether or not Eduardo remembered that he likes shrimp cocktails....and that cruise was 8 years ago and we ALL remember him and the incredible service that he provided.

 

The bottom line is "cheap" or not tipping is 100% at the discretion to the cruiser....just remember you can make everyone happy all the time!

 

I'm ready....go ahead and flame me......

I don't think you are confused at all. It is your choice.
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jimbo5544 "Live from...." Rare

jimbo5544

Posted
Posted
I always have good service so i think alot has to do with the cruisers attitude......i always tip above and beyond....i cruised once with my SIL and she pulled all the tips for no real reason....some people are just cheap and complain about every little thing. (SIL)

You said it so much better than me....I knew I liked you for a good reason;)

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ShellLoves2cruise

ShellLoves2cruise

Posted
Posted
IM CHEAP!!! (otherwise i wouldnt be cruising with carnival:D) that said

I AGREE with this post ... I have never cruised before and was SHOCKED at the low price i paid for an eight day cruise... so although I have been advised by more experienced cruisers that i can remove the gratuity I WILL NOT!! i dont care who its goin to (coal burners or staff in restaurants i did not visit) if the boat stayed afloat... 12 bux a day aint much to ask for so all you OTHER cheapskates should stay home if you dont want to pay the ppl in charge of your life and limbs a living wage

 

Like!!

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SUSIEK

SUSIEK

Posted
Posted
No...no....people who cruise on Carnival are poor, not cheap. They can't afford anything better. (joking)

 

And poor people don't have money to tip.....

 

But, IMHO....I think that the people aren't necessarily cheap (I mean, they pay for their drinks & stuff)....but lack empathy. They simply don't care about anyone other than themselves. And the fact that they are allowed to "not tip" lets think think of some reason (waiter did not know the name, there was dust in the corner etc) to withhold the money.

 

I'd say it's greed...rather than cheap.

 

 

Agree!!!!

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Blk_Amish

Blk_Amish

Posted
Posted (edited)
Maybe when they add service charges that cannot be removed and have a happy crew :)

 

Like a 'real' vacation that factors in the interest of the crew not just their own bottom line. They sail on the sweat of cheap labor, so what happens to them is secondary, shameful!

 

The next cruise I book I am going to call customer service right after final payment to say I can't afford the tip on this 'cheapcation' due to my underestimation of overnight hotel stay and airport transfer. I am going to request to cancel without penalty, so someone of better means might book the cabin. I can cancel within days of a land vacation if this happens. I am sure they will act in the best interest of the staff and allow me to cancel and stay home, where I belong in the sun by the pool. Do you know of all the crap that can happen 60-75 days before a vacation, yet on a cruise you can't cancel without penalty? It's a conspiracy to get you on board no matter what so I am on to them:D Why can't you cancel within a reasonable period of time without penalty and if they don't rebook the room then you are SOL?

 

How many people budget has actually changed months before going on a vacation that could possible affect their ability to tip, but still unable to cancel without penalty? This is why I love land vacations/resorts because I can make adjustment sometimes up to the last minute. Also ALL required fees are included in the quoted rate at booking.

Edited by Blk_Amish
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luddite

luddite

Posted
Posted
Little confused here....Isn't it my choice to tip anyone, everyone or no one? I TOTALLY get the fact that the employees are working their butts off and should be tipped based on the level of service they provide. Just because they do not get paid well, does not ever mean that I should tip someone. If they provide a service that is expected, then absolutely they will get a tip, and not the "don't eat yellow snow" kind, I mean a average tip. If the service that is provided is above and beyond, well then so is the tip!

If I have to ask for ice in my cabin twice a day every day, then, at least to me, that is average service and it will get an average tip. If there is always ice in my cabin and I asked for it only on the first day, then that is above and beyond.

I prefer to take off the auto tip for the simple fact I have NO idea what the level of service will be for that week. I for one always pay tips in cash in the little envelopes that you get at guest services, this way I know my "fill in the blank" person is getting everything I want them to have / what they deserve.

A few years ago my family went on a cruise and my 5 year old LOVES shrimp cocktails, well after the second day our waiter Eduardo started bringing my son 2 and 3 shrimp cocktails because he was observant and saw how much my son enjoyed shrimp cocktails. Eduardo went well above and beyond and he was tipped accordingly. My son's face lit up at dinner every night in anticipation of whether or not Eduardo remembered that he likes shrimp cocktails....and that cruise was 8 years ago and we ALL remember him and the incredible service that he provided.

 

The bottom line is "cheap" or not tipping is 100% at the discretion to the cruiser....just remember you can make everyone happy all the time!

 

I'm ready....go ahead and flame me......

 

You don't understand how the system works. The daily charge isn't a tip. It is how the crew gets paid. Without it, they are essentially working for nothing. Tips are what you what you give them after paying the company's 'suggested' fee. Whether it is a system that you are used to or disagree with really has no bearing. The daily charge isn't for 'exceptional' service, rather it is the charge for service.

 

Not paying is unconscionable. And cheap.

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Blk_Amish

Blk_Amish

Posted
Posted (edited)
You don't understand how the system works. The daily charge isn't a tip. It is how the crew gets paid. Without it, they are essentially working for nothing. Tips are what you what you give them after paying the company's 'suggested' fee. Whether it is a system that you are used to or disagree with really has no bearing. The daily charge isn't for 'exceptional' service, rather it is the charge for service.

 

Not paying is unconscionable. And cheap.

 

Isn't that borderline modern day (pretty boat) slavery if people exercise the right granted not to tip? If not paying is unconscionable and cheap, what do you call a system that allows it, oh Carnival or cruising! Maybe modern day indentured servants because they do get room and board below the waterline. Having someone's bread and butter to be taken care of by others discretion is wrong in my book. It's a system we should be fighting to change but NO, too many rates might change and staff truly get taken care of, no matter what...smh!

Edited by Blk_Amish
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iconoclast

iconoclast

Posted
Posted
Isn't that borde line modern day slavery if no one tips

 

The crew members earn something like three bucks an hour. It's a pittance but they are also fed and lodged for the course of their contract. But of course the reason they are doing this job is to earn money, three bucks an hour is pretty luxe in Pakistan or Indonesia.

 

You can read more here: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1059

 

CC: Can you talk a little about what a crewmember earns and how tips play into it?

BDB: Tipping is serious stuff. It represents well over 95% of what the crew makes. Carnival gave me something around $60 a month or so when it was all said and done. "Salary" also included the cabin you share, plenty of food and two crew parties a month. There was also an unfulfilled promise of medical care, but I knew several waiters who either got sick or had some sort of chronic condition who were immediately sent home indefinitely without pay. A few women who became pregnant while working onboard were immediately sent home without pay, as well. I don't remember the exact amount, but it was less than $80 for sure.

 

Tips were everything. Auto-tips were a Godsend, because anyone who thinks he/she tips enough voluntarily is usually wrong. The auto-tips were figured by how many guests are assigned to your dinner section. If you had a small section, say only 18, you were constrained by that number. The biggest sections were 22 or 24, which are a whopper of a section. But there is a lot more money to be had for that extra strain during dinner. Thus, even if the guests don't go to dinner, you get those auto-tips. They are automatically split between you and your assistant waiter for the cruise. Since you work breakfast, lunch, midnight buffet, and room service without any specific pay, those tips are well earned even if the guest opts out of the dining room constantly (by going to the supper club, for example, or eating in port).

 

I am not aware of Carnival ever taking a slice of this particular pie. And the timeclocks the waiters use nowadays? You don't get paid by the hour, they are just there to prove that they are not slaves.

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kylenyc

kylenyc

Posted
Posted (edited)
You don't understand how the system works. The daily charge isn't a tip. It is how the crew gets paid. Without it, they are essentially working for nothing. Tips are what you what you give them after paying the company's 'suggested' fee. Whether it is a system that you are used to or disagree with really has no bearing. The daily charge isn't for 'exceptional' service, rather it is the charge for service.

 

Not paying is unconscionable. And cheap.

Ethics aside. Carnival in fact charges a daily tip/gratuity and not a service charge. It is Norwegian that has the daily service change, not Carnival.

 

Carnival specifically refers to it as a tip/gratuity

http://www.carnivalmeetings.com/faq.phtml#q10

"What is the tipping policy onboard?"

For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account...

 

And then goes on to exactly how the gratuiti is paid out to employee in specific departments.

 

Tip/Gratuities - Paid out completely to staff (Carnival/Royal)

Service Charge - Paid out or withheld at the employer's discretion (Norwegian) in order to pay for other things such as incentive and "crew welfare programs".

Edited by kylenyc
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ccruisequeen

ccruisequeen

Posted
Posted

I forgot to put enough money on my SS Card for my solo cruise and got a note from Guest Services to come down. Luckily I had enough money from my casino winnings to cover the tips on the second to last day of the cruise (when they take out the tips) now I start out with enough cash plus extra for drinks and gift shop items,

 

l Copyofth_Carnival-VIFP-Platinum_zps41db4d4e1_zps02e438c7.jpg "I can see Carnival Miracle, Inspiration, and Imaginaton (after 1/26/14) from my porch" (to paraphrase Tina Fey as S. Palin) I still cruise for Warm Chocolate Melting Cake (with 2 sugar-free vanilla ice-creams!)

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luddite

luddite

Posted
Posted
Isn't that borderline modern day (pretty boat) slavery if people exercise the right granted not to tip? If not paying is unconscionable and cheap, what do you call a system that allows it, oh Carnival or cruising! Maybe modern day indentured servants because they do get room and board below the waterline. Having someone's bread and butter to be taken care of by others discretion is wrong in my book. It's a system we should be fighting to change but NO, too many rates might change and staff truly get taken care of, no matter what...smh!

 

They aren't tips. That's the point. Which you miss. A lot.

They are expecting the money. If you are not paying it you are not pulling your load.

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luddite

luddite

Posted
Posted
Ethics aside. Carnival in fact charges a daily tip/gratuity and not a service charge. It is Norwegian that has the daily service change, not Carnival.

 

Carnival specifically refers to it as a tip/gratuity

http://www.carnivalmeetings.com/faq.phtml#q10

"What is the tipping policy onboard?"

For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account...

 

And then goes on to exactly how the gratuiti is paid out to employee in specific departments.

 

Tip/Gratuities - Paid out completely to staff (Carnival/Royal)

Service Charge - Paid out or withheld at the employer's discretion (Norwegian) in order to pay for other things such as incentive and "crew welfare programs".

 

Yes, it's semantics. It doesn't matter. They are NOT tips. It IS how the crew gets paid.

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kylenyc

kylenyc

Posted
Posted (edited)
Yes, it's semantics. It doesn't matter. They are NOT tips. It IS how the crew gets paid.

Yes it is semantics because words have meaning. They ARE tips AND it is how the crew gets paid.

Edited by kylenyc
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iconoclast

iconoclast

Posted
Posted

This is how EVERYONE in the service industry (at least, based in the US) get paid. The legal minimum wage in most places, for food servers to bartenders, is less than half the legal minimum wage. My partner used to work in a VERY upscale restaurant, one that a few people might know the name of (it's very close to the White House and the guests were frequently governors and heads of state) and he was so little that I would have been shocked if he hadn't come with a nice wad of cash every night that represented his share of the tips. Two people would be hard-pressed to dine in this establishment for less than a couple of hundred dollars, but the assumption is, if you can drop a hundred bucks on your meal, you should be able to tip a simple 15%. Booking a vacation that costs thousands of dollars, then stiffing the staff, is in very poor taste.

 

If people want to complain that Carnival is a "budget" cruise line that lowballs the price in order to pay low wages, well, welcome to an entire land-and-sea based industry called "hospitality." The fact is, if you can budget for a vacation months and in advance and submit your final payment 75 days out, you can spring for $11.50 a day. But I have seen dozens of different justifications for not doing so on here which are basically hypothetical or speculative. Just pay the dang staff. They are to make your cruise luxurious. If the tap water is clearly unclean, if the elevators don't work, if the food they offer you is subpar compared to what you'd have at home--then you have an excuse to remove tips. If not you're just cheap.

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