Celebrity Prepaid Tipping Policy

[Fogtownrog]

Does anyone know the policies and procedures pertaining to Celebrity's prepaid tipping policy? Do they pass the tip directly to the Cabin Steward, Captain and waiter? Or do they put the money in a pool for all employees?

[sabookkeeper]

Gratuities are added to your on board account daily. Celebrity disperses the tips to the cabin stewards and wait people. I remember reading a breakdown of how much is given to each, but I don't remember where it was. Some people will give an additional cash tip at the end of the cruise if they feel their cabin steward or wait staff has gone above and beyond, but this is not compulsory and strictly up to each person sailing.

[gimletgal]

Q: How are gratuities handled on board?A: For your convenience, we automatically add gratuities for your restaurant and stateroom services to your onboard SeaPass® account on a daily basis in the following amounts, which may be adjusted at your discretion:

• • $12 per person per day in staterooms
  
• • $12.50 per person per day in Concierge Class and AquaClass® staterooms
  
• • $15.50 per person per day in suites
  

This gratuity is shared by your stateroom attendant, dining services staff, and housekeeping staff members who help enhance your vacation experience.

At your discretion, the gratuity payments may be adjusted onboard at Guest Relations, in which case they will not automatically be added to your onboard SeaPass® account.

A 15% gratuity will be automatically added to all beverages, mini bar purchases, spa and salon services. Additional gratuities may be added at your discretion.

The breakdown is as follows:

Waiter - $3.65 pp/per day

Ass't. Waiter - $2.10 pp/per day

DR Mgm't. - $1.00 pp/per day

Stateroom Service - Suite Butler $3.50 pp/per day; Aqua - $4.00 pp/per day; Concierge Class - $4.00 pp/per day; Regular Stateroom - $3.50 pp/per day.

Other service personnel: $1.25 pp/per day

 

If you elect to have Select Dining, you will pay your gratuities "up front" as part of your invoice total.

[CaroleSS]

This gratuity is broken down based upon a calculation. I found this online, the breakdown should be similar for all cruise lines.

 

Restaurant Service* Per Person Per Day

Waiter $3.65

Assistant Waiter $2.10

Dining Room Management $1.00

 

Stateroom Service* Per Person Per Day

Butler (Suites Only) $3.50

Stateroom Service $3.50 ($4.00 for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms)

 

Alternative Service*

Other Service Personnel $1.25

 

*Please note that gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.

 

The * means that some of your food gratuities are shared with the buffet people and others behind the scenes that you might not see.

[diesel1973]

Can someone go a step further and figure how the $12.50 per/day p/p is calculated?:confused:

[gimletgal]

Can someone go a step further and figure how the $12.50 per/day p/p is calculated?:confused:

 

You'll have to ask Celebrity. It's on their "wonderfully accurate" website...........:eek:

Edited November 17, 2013 by gimletgal

[dkjretired]

Can someone go a step further and figure how the $12.50 per/day p/p is calculated?:confused:

 

If you add up the numbers from post #4 it equals $12.50.

 

Waiter 3.65

Asst, Waiter 2.10

Dining Room Management 1.00

 

Stateroom Service 3.50

Other Service Personnel 1.25

 

Add them up and they are $12.50

[ghstudio]

Does anyone know the policies and procedures pertaining to Celebrity's prepaid tipping policy? Do they pass the tip directly to the Cabin Steward, Captain and waiter? Or do they put the money in a pool for all employees?

 

I don't believe the captain receives part of the prepaid tips.....

[rwr235]

if you add up the numbers from post #4 it equals $12.50.

 

Waiter 3.65

asst, waiter 2.10

dining room management 1.00

 

stateroom service 3.50

other service personnel 1.25

 

add them up and they are $12.50

 

$11.50 :)

Edited November 17, 2013 by rwr235

[dkjretired]

$11.50 :)

 

You are right, sorry about that but looking at it, nothing on the web site adds up to what its supposed to be. They used to break it down and it was correct.

[A Sixth?]

$11.50 :)

 

$ 1.00 web site administration fee. :eek::p:rolleyes:

[rwr235]

You are right, sorry about that but looking at it, nothing on the web site adds up to what its supposed to be. They used to break it down and it was correct.

 

Yep, all the break-down totals are .50cents less than the actual charged gratuity...maybe the Captain is getting that extra .50cents :D:D Haha !!

Edited November 17, 2013 by rwr235

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Yep, all the break-down totals are .50cents less than the actual charged gratuity...maybe the Captain is getting that extra .50cents :D:D Haha !!

 

Obviously they neglected to update their always accurate :eek: website when they increased the gratuities by 50 cents/day. What a surprise.

[AlkiRagdoll]

I am select dining, so tips are already paid. This sounds like not enough. What extra would you suggest: excellent waiter? Excellent cabin attendant? Just ok waiter/attendant? Who is often ignored? Suggestions, particularly for a holiday cruise?

[miched]

The FAQ section on Celebriity's website gives the breakdown for how much the tips are and how they are distributed.

 

I pay the gratuities and don't worry about it. I feel that the employees sign up to work on the ship and agree to the policy whatever it is. If they deserve more I give them more I a envelop at the end of the cruise.

 

I worked as a dealer in a casino for a short time. All tips were shared between the dealers on a 24 hour base. The tips were pooled and then divided by total hours worked. It was fair as many factors determine how tips are given. A "hot" young female will always get more no matter how bad her service or attitude is as opposed to someone that is busting their butt only to get stiffed. There were times that I dealt all day at the same table and tips amounted to nothing, everyone was having a great time and winning. There were people waitng for a open seat. I would go for a break and the players would tell me how great it was to get me back. That still didn't influence them to tip me. The same players would order a drink that were not free. They would pay for the drink and then hold up a $20 and look at her with bedroom eyes and say in a suggestive voice "This is for you sweetly".

 

Just pay the tips and don't worry about how they are distributed. If you want to give more that is great. If they have to share with others it doesn't matter as it all works out.

 

 

.🎅🎄

[dkjretired]

The FAQ section on Celebriity's website gives the breakdown for how much the tips are and how they are distributed.

 

I pay the gratuities and don't worry about it. I feel that the employees sign up to work on the ship and agree to the policy whatever it is. If they deserve more I give them more I a envelop at the end of the cruise.

 

I worked as a dealer in a casino for a short time. All tips were shared between the dealers on a 24 hour base. The tips were pooled and then divided by total hours worked. It was fair as many factors determine how tips are given. A "hot" young female will always get more no matter how bad her service or attitude is as opposed to someone that is busting their butt only to get stiffed. There were times that I dealt all day at the same table and tips amounted to nothing, everyone was having a great time and winning. There were people waitng for a open seat. I would go for a break and the players would tell me how great it was to get me back. That still didn't influence them to tip me. The same players would order a drink that were not free. They would pay for the drink and then hold up a $20 and look at her with bedroom eyes and say in a suggestive voice "This is for you sweetly".

 

Just pay the tips and don't worry about how they are distributed. If you want to give more that is great. If they have to share with others it doesn't matter as it all works out.

 

 

.

 

Yes, the Faq section gives the breakdown but they don't add up....

[CaroleSS]

My kids waited tables in High School, so I know all too well about sharing tips and what happens when a customer stiffs the waiter.

 

It isn't a perfect system and until the gratuities are included in the price (so you CAN'T remove them), the best thing to do is pay them and not worry about it. I know that sounds harsh, but that is the way the system is set up and there's not much (if anything) you can do about it.

[swsfrail]

My kids waited tables in High School, so I know all too well about sharing tips and what happens when a customer stiffs the waiter.

 

It isn't a perfect system and until the gratuities are included in the price (so you CAN'T remove them), the best thing to do is pay them and not worry about it. I know that sounds harsh, but that is the way the system is set up and there's not much (if anything) you can do about it.

 

Nothing "harsh" about your statement. Any decent person would pay the recommended gratuities without complaint.

[CaroleSS]

Thanks swsfrail!!!

 

It has never crossed my mind to ever remove the gratuities. We are blessed to be able to afford a cruise or two and appreciate those that help make our vacation great.

 

Ya can't take it with ya.....so be happy and help your fellow man whenever you can.....(and woman for those who are PC).

Edited November 18, 2013 by CaroleSS

[mickey89]

Nothing "harsh" about your statement. Any decent person would pay the recommended gratuities without complaint.

 

Decent person ! that's a very condescending remark. Many people say one thing and do another. The sooner the cruiselines call it what it is the better - a SERVICE CHARGE. It is not a Gratuity, as that is freely given without obligation.

[ccruisequeen]

If you order Anytime Dining you are automatically charged Auto tipping. Other than that its an option.

 

 

[cruisestitch]

If you order Anytime Dining, you're on a different cruise line :)

[SantaFeFan]

Decent person ! that's a very condescending remark. .

 

Would "not a cheap person" be better?

[boogs]

Decent person ! that's a very condescending remark. Many people say one thing and do another. The sooner the cruiselines call it what it is the better - a SERVICE CHARGE. It is not a Gratuity, as that is freely given without obligation.

 

They can call it whatever they want to, I will still gladly give the suggested amount for the service provided, and often even more. I have never been disappointed in that service, have always gotten my money's worth, and would never consider complaining about paying it (unlike some on these forums). Not sure if that makes me a "decent" person or a gullible old fool. I really don't care, just as long as I am able to show my gratitude to the people who are taking care of me.

 

It amazes me how much bitching goes on over $12.00 per day! :rolleyes:

Edited November 18, 2013 by boogs

[travelingmom37]

Given excellent service we usually tip the stateroom attendants and MDR servers DOUBLE the suggested amount. The " head housekeeper", dining room management ,gets the minimum.

I also tip individual venues we frequent: Café B., Elite event servers ( daily), certain bars, usually at the end of the cruise or just leave $5 on occasion.

 

While I know they need to do these automatically to insure staff gets paid

I plan to have the auto tips removed next month when I sail. Because I often tip extra I think some of the staff was confused that the cash was their complete tip. When there was a language barrier ( assistants) some

looked understandably disappointed.

BTW, the tips are in closed envelopes so I am not seeking public gratitude,

I just want staff to know they were appreciated.