Gratuities - Avantages to pay in advance

[Alex81]

Hello all! ;)

 

What are the advantages to pay for the gratuities in advance... is it cheaper than paying daily?

 

I will dine in Blu, so the changes in regards to the MDR would not impact us.

 

Of course... I also plan to give extra tips for good service form stewart, etc.

 

Thank you!

[neverbeenhere]

no advantage to pay early.

[NLH Arizona]

No advantages, other than it won't show up on your final bill.

[maxsales]

Hello all! ;)

 

What are the advantages to pay for the gratuities in advance... is it cheaper than paying daily?

 

I will dine in Blu, so the changes in regards to the MDR would not impact us.

 

Of course... I also plan to give extra tips for good service form stewart, etc.

 

Thank you!

 

Not one single thing.

[Phxazzcruisers]

The only advantage is that you will not have a bill for tips at the end of your cruise. No other benefits. Enjoy your cruise

[Alex81]

Ok... thank you for the info! :)

[mickey89]

When you pay before you even take the cruise it should NOT be called a gratuity, it is a SERVICE CHARGE!!!!!

[Redtravel]

I like Select dining. Celebrity insists that the gratuities be paid in advance if you choose this option. I prefer to pay tips at the end of the cruise. I would prefer a policy of tips included like Azamara. You will pay them one way or the other. In the days when everyone extended tips at the end of the cruise, I usually gave larger tips.

[cruisegirl1]

It is a disadvantage for our upcoming Eclipse cruise as we have nearly $600 in cabin credit and would have preferred to use the cabin credit for gratuities. We booked late ( just 6 weeks out) and all that was left was select dining, requiring the gratuities up front.

 

We don't buy much on board anymore, don't use the ship spa much, generally use private vendors for excursions, and even with some wine or drinks, $600 is a lot to use up. Since the credit was "free" it is not a huge problem to pay the 5% and get it from the casino.

 

 

M

[bahrain_not_dubai!]

I suppose the one potential advantage for paying them in advance is the fact that the price you see on the Celebrity Cruises website is the final price you pay for the cruise. Gratuities is a subject matter that can inflame some passions around here, and many think it should be a fundamental part of the fare (not added on ala British Airways' 'fuel surcharge' of £700 on 'free' redemption bookings.)

 

On the other hand, I personally like to adjust the gratuities as per the service I happen to have had received. While I never remove them, in certain situations I may add a bit here or a bit there. On a personal basis, I like to pay for them on a day-to-day basis, potentially using some of the onboard credit I receive to cover them. Ultimately, there is nothing you gain other than not paying what arguably should be a part of the fare later on on a daily basis on your onboard bill. I suppose it also allows one to 'lux' up their cruise with 'included gratuities'.

Edited December 2, 2013 by bahrain_not_dubai!

[dkjretired]

It is a disadvantage for our upcoming Eclipse cruise as we have nearly $600 in cabin credit and would have preferred to use the cabin credit for gratuities. We booked late ( just 6 weeks out) and all that was left was select dining, requiring the gratuities up front.

 

We don't buy much on board anymore, don't use the ship spa much, generally use private vendors for excursions, and even with some wine or drinks, $600 is a lot to use up. Since the credit was "free" it is not a huge problem to pay the 5% and get it from the casino.

 

 

M

 

Just a suggestion but keep checking and see if the other dining choices open up prior to sailing. If you are able to change and still want Select, just book it when on board and it will taken out of your OBC.