Gratuity Question

[splintz]

the tipping of maitre d' has changed in the last year or so. you used to get an envelope the last night of your cruise and you would hand deliver the envelope and tip the maitre d' the last night at dinner. but now they changed the maitre d' contract. you no longer tip them at all. i read up on it when the change happened but i can't remember if they got a raise to compensate for the tips they received before, or they get a cut of the pre paid tips.

[nissach]

We always leave the auto-tips in place - I think that to do otherwise is simply being cheap. On the last night we give something extra to our cabin steward and to our waitstaff (we use traditional dining and almost always eat in the MDR). Occasionally we tip during the cruise, such as if the Maitre 'd helps with a table change etc, a bartender has been particularly helpful (If they keep me supplied with water I tip them), and the rare situation that we use room service.

 

I guess I am 'cheap' then according to you.

We have had auto tips removed on a cruise.

However, we tipped our room steward $5.00 per day and $10.00 on Christmas Day.

We don't ever eat dinner in the MDR so no tipping there. Oops, we did have brunch on the last sea day and tipped waiter $5.00 .

We don't order many of the expensive drinks on board so very little tipping there.

Have only used room service one time, tipped a couple of bucks.

I know that people will 'attack' me for removing auto tips but I tip those people who provide a service for me. For those of you who like the auto tips great, I don't and I like to make my own decisions on who and how much to tip.

[bradboy]

I just got off the Breeze~ wonderful service but I take tips off and pay cash. I love giving them that envelope w/ a note and hug

 

 

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[smc0320]

I think it's great what you do. I think it shows the person receiving the extra tip that you took a moment to recognize & appreciate what they do for you.& your family on vacation. It reminds me of working in a hotel and restaurant and getting grumpy old businessmen (sp?) every day who either don't tip or just do the ordinary 15% and then you get someone who drops a lot more (and maybe even smiled at you) and kind of makes your day! I need to re-evaluate my tipping practices.

 

 

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[poison7fl]

I leave the auto tips on, and nothing else. Tipping at the buffet, pizza, tandoor is not fairly distributed to the rest of the employees who work those stations like the auto tips are.

 

There is no need to tip extra unless you have a rock star of an employee.....

 

I can't imagine tipping $5 for someone to throw a piece of pizza at you, or getting your own items on a buffet line.

 

Now, if they are serving me, that would be different. I also don't go to the dining room at all anymore, but still leave the tips in place.

Edited January 11, 2015 by poison7fl

[mmckm]

This is what we do, Auto tips left on.

Room Steward, $7 to $10 a day his helper $20 for a 7 day cruise

We do anytime dinning and leave $5 for dinner, usually have a different waiter every night

I never tip the Maitre'd or head waiter Thats management and they are well paid for there jobs.

If we hang out at a bar and like the service, we have the package for free drinks, we will tip $1 every few drinks.

We don't eat in the buffet.

Room service $1 or $2 depending on what we order.

Specialty restaurant around $10 to $15 .

Tour guide $5 usually

Edited January 11, 2015 by mmckm

[kc13]

Are the tips covered in the fare on MSC? If they are that is probably why they said don't tip.

 

 

You pay gratuities just like any other line but normally, atleast we always have, tipped additional to who we personally felt did a great job. MSC doesn't want you to do that. They are a European Cruiseline so maybe that's why but I always thought tips were a big part of their income.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

I would never ask for the auto tipping to be taken off, even if I don't use all of the services. The reason is that Carnival, and most every other cruise line, has figured that money into their employees pay. The auto tipping is never going away, but if enough people start to opt out then cruise fares will go up to pay the crew a decent wage. I never use the MDR, but I do tip extra at specialty restaurants. I always get the drink package, but I still add an extra buck or two per drink. I give the cabin steward 50 on the first day. That typically makes him more attentive, and if he does a great job then I give him another 50 at the end of the week. I don't tip extra at the buffet. Frankly, I've never seen that before. I look at the auto-tip as part of my fare. The same way I look at taxes and port fees. I really wish the cruise lines would just automatically take them upfront instead of tacking them onto your bill at the end. If I have to seriously budget my tipping while on vacation, then I probably shouldn't be on vacation. The extra tipping I do certainly adds to my experience. If I go to a bar, the bartender brings me my drink before I order it. My room stewards seem to go above and beyond. My last Carnival cruise I asked the room steward in the hall if I could borrow a pen. I made a comment along the lines that I surprisingly liked these Carnival pens. That night there were 20 of them on my bed with the fun times. These people probably work harder than most of us. They really don't make a ton of money and they spend most of the year away from their families. They deserve any gratuities they get.

[sparks1093]

You pay gratuities just like any other line but normally, atleast we always have, tipped additional to who we personally felt did a great job. MSC doesn't want you to do that. They are a European Cruiseline so maybe that's why but I always thought tips were a big part of their income.

 

Okay, I guess that makes sense. I am not sure how MSC structures it's wages but on the mainstream lines in North America the tips do represent a large part of their income.

[nissach]

I would never ask for the auto tipping to be taken off, even if I don't use all of the services. The reason is that Carnival, and most every other cruise line, has figured that money into their employees pay. The auto tipping is never going away, but if enough people start to opt out then cruise fares will go up to pay the crew a decent wage. I never use the MDR, but I do tip extra at specialty restaurants. I always get the drink package, but I still add an extra buck or two per drink. I give the cabin steward 50 on the first day. That typically makes him more attentive, and if he does a great job then I give him another 50 at the end of the week. I don't tip extra at the buffet. Frankly, I've never seen that before. I look at the auto-tip as part of my fare. The same way I look at taxes and port fees. I really wish the cruise lines would just automatically take them upfront instead of tacking them onto your bill at the end. If I have to seriously budget my tipping while on vacation, then I probably shouldn't be on vacation. The extra tipping I do certainly adds to my experience. If I go to a bar, the bartender brings me my drink before I order it. My room stewards seem to go above and beyond. My last Carnival cruise I asked the room steward in the hall if I could borrow a pen. I made a comment along the lines that I surprisingly liked these Carnival pens. That night there were 20 of them on my bed with the fun times. These people probably work harder than most of us. They really don't make a ton of money and they spend most of the year away from their families. They deserve any gratuities they get.

 

If the option of auto tips to be removed exists then people have that option.

I don't remove them to 'save' money, but I want to choose who I tip and how much, that simple. Tipping in any industry is optional, not mandatory. I am not anti-tipping either, but it is at my discretion.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

If the option of auto tips to be removed exists then people have that option.

I don't remove them to 'save' money, but I want to choose who I tip and how much, that simple. Tipping in any industry is optional, not mandatory. I am not anti-tipping either, but it is at my discretion.

 

Tipping is certainly optional, but businesses have adjusted their wages to the point that if too many people choose not to exercise the option that their employees won't make a living wage. That will cause them to charge everyone more for their services to make up for their employees lost wages. You say you aren't removing auto-tips to save money, but you are saving quite a bit. For a family of four you are looking at around 50 bucks a day with the auto tips. That's about 350 bucks for a 7 day cruise. Based on what you said you tip the few people whom you think serve you, you pay about 50 bucks for the whole cruise. The fact is that there are a lot of people behind the scenes that are helping make your cruise more enjoyable that rely on that tip pool. You also may be tipping those people that do serve you less than what they would normally get from you if you did leave the auto tipping on.

[KPtoronto]

I think it's great what you do. I think it shows the person receiving the extra tip that you took a moment to recognize & appreciate what they do for you.& your family on vacation. It reminds me of working in a hotel and restaurant and getting grumpy old businessmen (sp?) every day who either don't tip or just do the ordinary 15% and then you get someone who drops a lot more (and maybe even smiled at you) and kind of makes your day! I need to re-evaluate my tipping practices.

 

 

Thanks for reminding me of my days when I worked in the service industry and Tips were very important during my schooling years.

 

I am going to keep doing what I was doing so far but I never tipped the counsellors for some reason they never appeared on my Radar, I will make sure to include them in my cash tipping.

 

The inputs I have gotten so far from the esteemed members of this board are exemplary. Thanks Guys

[IDcruising]

We do the pre paid tips and cash tips. I think it is good policy to cash tip the crew, that goes out of their way. They probably only get a small percentage of the pool of tips. We usually give an extra of $100 to $150 in cash tips per cruise.

Edited January 11, 2015 by IDcruising

[nissach]

Tipping is certainly optional, but businesses have adjusted their wages to the point that if too many people choose not to exercise the option that their employees won't make a living wage. That will cause them to charge everyone more for their services to make up for their employees lost wages. You say you aren't removing auto-tips to save money, but you are saving quite a bit. For a family of four you are looking at around 50 bucks a day with the auto tips. That's about 350 bucks for a 7 day cruise. Based on what you said you tip the few people whom you think serve you, you pay about 50 bucks for the whole cruise. The fact is that there are a lot of people behind the scenes that are helping make your cruise more enjoyable that rely on that tip pool. You also may be tipping those people that do serve you less than what they would normally get from you if you did leave the auto tipping on.

 

We are not a family of four, only 2.

I cannot control how a company chooses to pay their employees, whether it be a wage, tips, a combination of both or otherwise. I am not trying to be rude or cruel, but everyone has a choice in the job they choose just as I have a choice to tip or not. IMO, the cruise lines should pay their employees an adequate wage so they do make a decent living.

I actually have no idea what any cruise line employee makes. Does anyone really know??

[lola61]

I am going on my Sixth cruise , 5th on Carnival, Gratuities are usually added to my Sail and Sign account @ $11 or 12 something dollars per person per night. I travel with wife and kids usually 5 of us. (2 cabins). average cruise id 7 nights. so I pay around 400$ in prepaid gratuities PLUS

 

I also tip cash to our room steward about $70-$80 in increments of 10 0r 20 $ whenever I see him or her. In the dining room same thing $100 to $120 in increments of 10 0r 20 $. I also tip cash to waitstaff in casino where I always have Drink on Us card a buck or 2 for every drink I order . If we are dining in The buffet during lunch or breakfast hours I live a 5$ bill on the table for servers who clean the table and pick our plates behind us.

 

If we go to Pizza station late at night again I tip the order taker $5 everytime I order Pizza,s . Same thing at the Tandoor restaurant I tip the attendents $ 5 everytime I dine from tandoor.

I was wondering If I should stop prepaying my gratuities and increase the Cash tips to the dining room staff and Room steward, am I going overboard or am I am undertipping .

 

How much do you guys normally tip what is the average. your input will be highly appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Good for you, we try and tip also. The crew works so hard. Never have had a bad experience:D

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

We are not a family of four, only 2.

I cannot control how a company chooses to pay their employees, whether it be a wage, tips, a combination of both or otherwise. I am not trying to be rude or cruel, but everyone has a choice in the job they choose just as I have a choice to tip or not. IMO, the cruise lines should pay their employees an adequate wage so they do make a decent living.

I actually have no idea what any cruise line employee makes. Does anyone really know??

 

While everything you say is true, you seem to enjoy cruising. You should be happy that many people choose to work on cruise ships, and many do because they can make a decent living compared to others in their home country. That's because of our tips. If you want cruise lines to just pay them more and cut out the tipping then prepare to pay A LOT more for your cruise. There are luxury lines that do just that.

[momof3cruisers]

Tipping is certainly optional, but businesses have adjusted their wages to the point that if too many people choose not to exercise the option that their employees won't make a living wage. That will cause them to charge everyone more for their services to make up for their employees lost wages. You say you aren't removing auto-tips to save money, but you are saving quite a bit. For a family of four you are looking at around 50 bucks a day with the auto tips. That's about 350 bucks for a 7 day cruise. Based on what you said you tip the few people whom you think serve you, you pay about 50 bucks for the whole cruise. The fact is that there are a lot of people behind the scenes that are helping make your cruise more enjoyable that rely on that tip pool. You also may be tipping those people that do serve you less than what they would normally get from you if you did leave the auto tipping on.

They may indeed increase fares in the future, but I doubt it will be to increase employee compensation. Even if it is, the fact remains that tipping and how much to tip are a personal choice. Other than for bar staff which I personally find rediculous. 15% for handing me a bottle of water? Seriously? I think $1.25 per drink is a bit over the top too.

Edited January 12, 2015 by momof3cruisers

[sparks1093]

We are not a family of four, only 2.

I cannot control how a company chooses to pay their employees, whether it be a wage, tips, a combination of both or otherwise. I am not trying to be rude or cruel, but everyone has a choice in the job they choose just as I have a choice to tip or not. IMO, the cruise lines should pay their employees an adequate wage so they do make a decent living.

I actually have no idea what any cruise line employee makes. Does anyone really know??

 

Whether it's paid in tips or through the cruise line their wages are still paid by you, the passenger. This is really no different than an server in a restaurant in the US who are paid less than minimum wage with the remainder being made up from tips (with some exceptions due to state law). Leaving the auto-tips in place ensures that everyone that is working to make your cruise special gets their share and you do have the option to increase the amount if someone provides excellent service. From my research a waiter will start anywhere between $1500 and $2000 a month with similar amounts for stewards. You also need to consider, when talking "adequate wage", that many cruise line employees are making 2 to 4 times more working on a cruise ship than they could earn working in their native country. The system may not be perfect but it does work, especially if everyone is doing their part.

[nissach]

They may indeed increase fares in the future, but I doubt it will be to increase employee compensation. Even if it is, the fact remains that tipping and how much to tip are a personal choice. Other than for bar staff which I personally find rediculous. 15% for handing me a bottle of water? Seriously? I think $1.25 per drink is a bit over the top too.

 

I agree, any future potential increases in prices will not be to compensate the employee wages, but for sheer profit for the cruise line.

[nissach]

Whether it's paid in tips or through the cruise line their wages are still paid by you, the passenger. This is really no different than an server in a restaurant in the US who are paid less than minimum wage with the remainder being made up from tips (with some exceptions due to state law). Leaving the auto-tips in place ensures that everyone that is working to make your cruise special gets their share and you do have the option to increase the amount if someone provides excellent service. From my research a waiter will start anywhere between $1500 and $2000 a month with similar amounts for stewards. You also need to consider, when talking "adequate wage", that many cruise line employees are making 2 to 4 times more working on a cruise ship than they could earn working in their native country. The system may not be perfect but it does work, especially if everyone is doing their part.

 

When something is considered a tip or gratuity it is optional, that is the only point I am trying to make. I have the option to pay it or not.

Restaurants in the US for what ever reason do seem to pay their employees poorly making them depend on tips. That is unfortunate.

Here in Canada that is not the case. Do restaurant employee still want tips, yes, but they are paid minimum wage like everyone else, so I don't feel obligated to tip. Do I usually tip, yes, but probably not as much as most. My choice.

If the wages you state are accurate, that wage is not too shabby, but if it is calculated mostly on the gratuities, then that is wrong IMO.

[meatloafsfan]

I agree with most people here that the pre-paid gratuities are enough with an added $20 or $40 for the wait staff and room steward each for exceptional service.

 

But I also agree with you on the casino bar staff. I usually tip a $5 chip each time when I get drink in the casino with the Drinks On Us card. That's about half price of the cost of a drink and I have never had to wait to get another drink. The little girl I had on the Conquest a year ago never bothered to ask me if I wanted another drink, she just made sure my glass never got empty.

 

Besides, if you don't tip them, I don't think they get anything out of the drink as usual because the casino pays for the drink and it doesn't show an automatic tip for the staff.

 

Casino bar staff receive a tip on the beverage you order with the DOU card. I asked when I was in the casino and didn't have any more $1 bills on me.

[sparks1093]

When something is considered a tip or gratuity it is optional, that is the only point I am trying to make. I have the option to pay it or not.

Restaurants in the US for what ever reason do seem to pay their employees poorly making them depend on tips. That is unfortunate.

Here in Canada that is not the case. Do restaurant employee still want tips, yes, but they are paid minimum wage like everyone else, so I don't feel obligated to tip. Do I usually tip, yes, but probably not as much as most. My choice.

If the wages you state are accurate, that wage is not too shabby, but if it is calculated mostly on the gratuities, then that is wrong IMO.

 

Yes, you do have the option to pay it and from what you are saying you do. I only point out that there are other people that are covered by the auto-tips that you don't see that you aren't tipping when you remove them (it's not a large amount or a large number of people but they still pay for your decision). I don't understand why the source of the income matters- if you consider $2000 not too shabby it doesn't really matter whether it's paid by the cruise line or by the passenger directly, it's still not too shabby.

[near the beach]

We always pre pay tips. At the end we may tip in cash our cabin steward extra depending on their service. We also may tip all three of our wait staff in the main dining room in cash. Sometime the assistant waiter gets more than the head waiter depending on service. We do not us envelopes. We just hand each of them cash. We also tip for room service.

 

All of the 15% tips that get added to drinks go into a pool that gets distributed to all the bar tenders and bar waiters. Any cash you give then they keep for themselves.

 

I usually don’t carry any cash on the ship unless I am going to the casino.

Edited January 12, 2015 by near the beach

[rlkubi]

Nissach, you say you don't eat in the MDR. But you do eat on Lido. People are still waiting on you, cooking, cleaning up, etc. I agree people should keep the auto tips on. We also tip extra the end of the cruise for the wait staff, room steward and asst. room steward, drink person (hubby gets soda card) and pizza/deli guy if we spend time there :). Everyone works so hard and I truly appreciate them.

 

Several years ago I had a friend go on a cruise with us. She met with me before and I mentioned the tips. She said "I don't believe in tipping". I couldn't believe it. I had coordinated tours off the ship so gave her amounts for the tour. The first tour we had a fantastic time and she gave me exactly the cost of the tour. I put in extra for her. The rest of the cruise I gave her amounts including tips.

 

IMO if you can't afford to tip don't go to restaurants - go to fastfood. Tips are included in my vacation.

[nissach]

Nissach, you say you don't eat in the MDR. But you do eat on Lido. People are still waiting on you, cooking, cleaning up, etc. I agree people should keep the auto tips on. We also tip extra the end of the cruise for the wait staff, room steward and asst. room steward, drink person (hubby gets soda card) and pizza/deli guy if we spend time there :). Everyone works so hard and I truly appreciate them.

 

Several years ago I had a friend go on a cruise with us. She met with me before and I mentioned the tips. She said "I don't believe in tipping". I couldn't believe it. I had coordinated tours off the ship so gave her amounts for the tour. The first tour we had a fantastic time and she gave me exactly the cost of the tour. I put in extra for her. The rest of the cruise I gave her amounts including tips.

 

IMO if you can't afford to tip don't go to restaurants - go to fastfood. Tips are included in my vacation.

 

When at a restaurant and the server gets tipped by the customer, does that go to all the other staff, not usually, just to the waiter or waitress. There are people behind the scenes everywhere. Everyone works hard (or I would hope so) that does not mean they are entitled to tips or that I have to tip them at all.

Your friend has the choice to not tip, it is her choice. It does not make her a bad person, maybe she just feels she pays a price for tour and that is all she is required to do.

It is not a matter of affording it, I have the option. Tipping is included in my vacations as well, just at my discretion not what others think I should tip.