Cheers program and tips

[JulieMcCoy]

If I purchase the Cheers program, is the 15% gratuity included right up front on the total billed? I would think that would be the only way to do it, but then is that gratuity amount simply shared among all bartenders? What about at dinner - does your server or assistant server share in that tip money?

 

Do you typically add an extra tip for the bartender who serves you? If so, can I sign for that or do I need to have cash on hand? I normally tip at least 20% for good service, so I would expect to tip more. If there is no way to sign for it, I would find it odd to hand over cash tips at dinner.

 

If you have used the Cheers program, do you find that service is the same as when you have not used it? For me, there won't be a huge savings in using Cheers, so if I am likely to have more attentive service without it, I would just pay per drink.

 

Thanks for any info!

[JAGR]

We've had a positive experience with Cheers the last three times. To answer your questions:

1. The 15% is added to your total when you sign-up.

2. The tip money is supposed to be spread over all bar personnel. In MDR, I think that may only be the drinks only servers. Normal wait staff is included in the suggested per diem tip, but of course you usually give extra to MDR personnel on last night (as well as cabin steward, of course).

3. We usually tip extra to our bartender, particularly ones we see regularly (Lido aft bar and Casino bar in our case). I bring a roll of $1 bills and use those for the most part. If they get cash, they can keep it themselves or share with other staff as desired. In my mind, I am tipping the individual for their service. If you charge it to S&S (which you can, of course; you are given a bill to sign with each drink) some of the bartenders pool tips (Alchemy almost always, as an example), others my not. That being said, a number of bartenders say that charged tips are distributed, no matter what. Giving cash seems to work best, and tips are appreciated.

4. We've not been ignored or treated poorly on Cheers at all. In fact, in many cases, I think we are treated better. With us, they know they'll get a tip. Those that just sign and leave the automatic 15% are remembered, and I think it can and has worked against them in a crowded bar, like the Casino.

 

Have a great cruise!

[JulieMcCoy]

Clarifying one of my questions...when I asked if you typically add an extra tip for the bartender who serves you, I meant when you use the Cheers program. Thanks!

[JdoggCruiser]

Clarifying one of my questions...when I asked if you typically add an extra tip for the bartender who serves you, I meant when you use the Cheers program. Thanks!

 

We have used cheers on last 4 cruises and yes I do tip the servers. Usually its the ones that get to know me and what I drink.

[JulieMcCoy]

Thanks for the info - very helpful!

[JAGR]

Yes, I meant on Cheers when I talked about the dollars. And, as JdoggCruiser said, we make special effort to take care of our "regular" bartenders or servers (in our case, we almost always go to the bar).

[ItsAllAboutTheSass]

Our group has been know to tip a $20 to the server in the Piano Bar on the first round. As it gets crowded in there, it sometimes helps to stand out to them.

[Laurie S.]

We had Cheers in February and never tipped extra yet had outstanding service from all the bartenders.

[Rosesgt]

We used the Cheers program on the Dream last Nov and we always gave an extra tip for each round to the servers that became our regulars. We probably got the same awesome service, maybe better pours. I tried to make sure the servers knew how much I appreciated them.

[tracyvansmith]

when you order you get the bill and sign for it. On the bill you can add your tip if you want to tip extra. For us we do not tip extra until the end of the cruise. Then we go back to the ones who we feel went over and above their jobs and we tip them in cash usually the last night of the cruise. I do not like to tip as I go because I like to know I am getting good service because they want to not because they are working for the tip.