cruising diva Posted October 29, 2013 #1 Share Posted October 29, 2013 This will be our first O cruise. Is it normal to tip for service at specialty restaurants and if so what is the appropriate amount? Thank you in advance. We are looking forward to our cruise on Riviera in December. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted October 29, 2013 #2 Share Posted October 29, 2013 I have never done so but I guess you could The waitstaff work in all the dining venues so are covered by the daily tip We are low maintenance people so only tip extra to a few that really go out of their way to make our cruise special Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted October 29, 2013 #3 Share Posted October 29, 2013 It would not be "normal" to tip in the specialty restaurant - in fact, it would be the exception, IMO. We have never done it but I suppose you could if you felt it was appropriate for some truly outstanding service or a special request. It is certainly not required nor expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jancruz Posted October 29, 2013 #4 Share Posted October 29, 2013 definitely not expected.. Jancruz1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lola911 Posted October 30, 2013 #5 Share Posted October 30, 2013 OMG can we please not start tipping in the restaurants/lounges. It is not expected nor accepted. We once saw someone tipping the maitre'd (sp) in Polo and he was very embarrassed. They thought they would get a better table and he sat them near the entryway and when it was our turn to be seated he took us to a prime table for two. Only tip extra, if you want to, by leaving addressed envelopes for staff on last day. Staff very much appreciate you writing their name down and leaving in suggestion box at Reception. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoHoHo Posted October 30, 2013 #6 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I think this is a reasonable question especially for a new to O cruiser. As others have posted an additional tip is not expected. Three times have we received service in a specialty restaurant that we felt was above our expectations. On one occasion we did give a tip after the fact. The other two occasions we would have have happily added a gratuity for our server(s) but was not practical (no cash). We did mention them in the mid and final comment cards. In fact, while usually adequate in the specialty, we have often had better service in the GDR. We have also had poor service in the specialty restaurants. That comment excludes the Maitre'd / manager of the specialty restaurants who have been, save one experience when he should have noticed the poor service, absolutely outstanding. They take take 'ownership' of their venue and welcome you as if it was their own. No need for a tip unless you want to . And if you want to, it will be gratefully and professionally received. Do not feel obligated to tip beyond O's suggested level (i.e. the automatic grats) but if you want to that is aok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruising diva Posted October 30, 2013 Author #7 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Thank you for your comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted October 30, 2013 #8 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Better than a tip . . . Make a big deal about your excellent server in the comment cards! They get a greater benefit than a few extra dollars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickey 88 Posted October 30, 2013 #9 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Thank you for your comments. Unlike other cruise lines, tipping aboard Oceania is somewhat different. Tips are automatically added to your room account - amount varies according to length of the cruise. Those tips are then distributed to all crew members according to an agreed percentage. Then there is no need for passengers to go around with little envelopes trying to get everyone (but missing some). That does not mean you are prevented to making some gesture to a special waiter, room attendant, etc. if so you wish. Do so on the last day or so, by handing an envelope to them privately. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ronrick1943 Posted October 30, 2013 #10 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I can't think of any reason to tip at the specialty restaurant unless they didn't something extra very special for you. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted October 30, 2013 #11 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Better than a tip . . . Make a big deal about your excellent server in the comment cards! They get a greater benefit than a few extra dollars. No reason why you can not do both. We will tip extra when we are getting extra special service. :):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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