Cheers Program - Add'l Tipping?

[Cruiseaholichal]

With the tight wads on this-- it's their job ! I'm already forced to tip, which I don't think should ever be the case.

[Wilgr]

With the tight wads on this-- it's their job ! I'm already forced to tip, which I don't think should ever be the case.

 

I agree, they should just add $20 per person/per day to the base cruise price, raise the employees base pay and eliminate tips altogether.

Edited March 6, 2015 by Wilgr

[Mommabear2Five]

We tipped occasionally a few extra bucks when they service was very good. For our favorite bartenders, we usually find them the last night and give them a cash tip.

[Elaine5715]

Don't waste your time. Those tips are pooled.

 

What is your source confirming this?

[fuddrules]

What is your source confirming this?

 

The source is already listed in this thread.

[elliair]

The cost includes a 15% tip but do you think it is customary to tip on top of that (assuming the service is good), especially for the poolside drink service?

 

Speaking for myself, I wouldn't tip any more than the 15%. You might find yourself going to the bar and getting your own drink.

[elliair]

What is your source confirming this?

 

This is true, just ask the waiter. Also the tips for the buffet area (the waiters), those tips are pooled as well--and your cabin steward. Just ask them and they'll tell you.

[elliair]

How did you tip?

 

Cash tips are not pooled. Anything on the receipt is pooled. Source: John Heald

 

Want to make sure the server/bartender gets the whole tip? Remove it from the slip and pay it all in cash.

 

This is true and the same applies to room service. We always tip in cash and where it says tip, we write "paid in cash." DH 2 cruises ago paid our room steward $20 extra in cash. He did not have to share that.

[cccer]

I typically don't tip extra for drinks. I spend a lot of time in the casino and usually I will tip my favorite servers 20 or so at the end of the week but they are the only drink servers that I have tipped extra.

[nissach]

With the tight wads on this-- it's their job ! I'm already forced to tip, which I don't think should ever be the case.

 

Totally agree!!

[Rochesterboatingdotcom]

Bartenders, occaisionally. Anyone who has to walk over to me, take my order, then deliver it to me, always.

[MCFTJCH2V]

This is true and the same applies to room service. We always tip in cash and where it says tip, we write "paid in cash." DH 2 cruises ago paid our room steward $20 extra in cash. He did not have to share that.

 

Stewards don't share tips regardless of cash or S&S.

 

The bartender set up is different, as outlined above.

 

As far as room service, NO ONE has addressed that since they started taking first one, the two, dollars a day per person for alternative dining. Room service certain falls under alternative dining to me.

[bigdog1958]

With the tight wads on this-- it's their job ! I'm already forced to tip, which I don't think should ever be the case.

 

You can go to guest services and have your tips removed, if you don't want to tip the people that are serving you.

The cheers program adds 15% onto the cheers package price, that comes to about 15% tip on approx. 6 drinks a day. If you drink more then 6, you are not tipping as much as you would if you purchased individiually, if you drink less then 6 a day, you are giving more then 15%.

[Havingfun2010]

The cost includes a 15% tip but do you think it is customary to tip on top of that (assuming the service is good), especially for the poolside drink service?

 

I is customary to tip 15%-20% for service. Depending on the service, you would tip higher. For example, bartenders who spend a minute making your drink, is fine at 15%. A waiter/waitress at a restaurant that is spending an hour serving you should get more.

 

So if you tip extra for you drink, you are basically giving them a 30% tip. No, it's not customary to give out 30% tips. Are they happy? Sure they are, but it is not customary to give that much.

[ray98]

Nope...15% is customary for someone going the extra mile and serving a meal. It is more than adequate for a simple drink.

[RHilla619]

I've never tipped more on the spot at the bar since I'm pretty sure it gets pooled anyway, I don't feel cheap since the 15% is already there. Now if I was too lazy to pull myself out of the hot tub or off my lounge chair and one of the runners hand delivered me a drink I would feel inclined to tip him/her extra for sure since they are waiting/serving you. What I have always done is at the end of the week slip my favorite pool and night time bar tender a $20, that way it's their cash and ends up in their pocket for sure.

[LostPuppy]

With the tight wads on this-- it's their job ! I'm already forced to tip, which I don't think should ever be the case.

 

No you are not. Go to Guest Services, they will remove your auto-tip.

 

I must say though, I am surprised by the number of "tightwads" there are. I wonder if Carnival passengers exceed the average of other cruise lines in that area...

[TerReuv]

No you are not. Go to Guest Services, they will remove your auto-tip.

 

I must say though, I am surprised by the number of "tightwads" there are. I wonder if Carnival passengers exceed the average of other cruise lines in that area...

 

I believe that the poster was referring to the Cheers program. In that one, they automatically add 15%. No way to remove that one.

 

I also don't think it is a matter of being a tightwad. If there is already a 15% additional added to the program then the tipping has been taken care of.

 

This thread has been a really nice thread with various opinions but not one poster has gotten snippy about tipping. Let's keep it that way!

[nissach]

I believe that the poster was referring to the Cheers program. In that one, they automatically add 15%. No way to remove that one.

 

I also don't think it is a matter of being a tightwad. If there is already a 15% additional added to the program then the tipping has been taken care of.

 

This thread has been a really nice thread with various opinions but not one poster has gotten snippy about tipping. Let's keep it that way!

 

Agreed, only auto tips can be removed. Tipping for service is personal choice and if Carnival is already adding a 15% gratuity, then it is a choice to tip or not tip more.

[katiel53]

Stewards don't share tips regardless of cash or S&S.

 

The bartender set up is different, as outlined above.

 

As far as room service, NO ONE has addressed that since they started taking first one, the two, dollars a day per person for alternative dining. Room service certain falls under alternative dining to me.

 

I think that Carnival HAS addressed the extra $2. Although I don't feel I should have to tip those mentioned, I still do it. From the Carnival website this is the explanation of the extra $2. Note, nowhere does it say room service and I don't think that just because it says Galley, that means the servers for room service.

 

 

For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account.

Voyages departing October 9, 2014 onward; the total amount is $12.00 per guest, per day and breakdown as follows:

• Stateroom service team $3.90 per day

• Dining room service team $6.10 per day

• Alternative services team* $2.00 per day

(*galley, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members)

 

 

I know it won't make any difference to you, but whenJohn Heald talks about room service, he has asked repeatedly for people to consider the room service employees by tipping them which, to me, is another indication that they are not part of the tipping system. He doesn't say that about the wait staff in the MDR as an example.

 

I am posting this as some may or may not really know the tipping policy, but there are those of you who won't tip the full amount no matter what. I do believe that at some point, the tips will become a mandatory service charge just as hotels charge in some locations. Then, it will be fair to everyone. JMO and I know many will disagree with me.

[nissach]

I think that Carnival HAS addressed the extra $2. Although I don't feel I should have to tip those mentioned, I still do it. From the Carnival website this is the explanation of the extra $2. Note, nowhere does it say room service and I don't think that just because it says Galley, that means the servers for room service.

 

 

For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account.

Voyages departing October 9, 2014 onward; the total amount is $12.00 per guest, per day and breakdown as follows:

• Stateroom service team $3.90 per day

• Dining room service team $6.10 per day

• Alternative services team* $2.00 per day

(*galley, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members)

 

 

I know it won't make any difference to you, but whenJohn Heald talks about room service, he has asked repeatedly for people to consider the room service employees by tipping them which, to me, is another indication that they are not part of the tipping system. He doesn't say that about the wait staff in the MDR as an example.

 

I am posting this as some may or may not really know the tipping policy, but there are those of you who won't tip the full amount no matter what. I do believe that at some point, the tips will become a mandatory service charge just as hotels charge in some locations. Then, it will be fair to everyone. JMO and I know many will disagree with me.

 

For me, what would be fair is to pay the employees their wage and to allow me to tip what I feel the employee deserves, if they deserve anything at all.

[LibratPDX]

I always tip an extra dollar more per drink.

 

I've done that on my last few cruises, mostly in the piano bar. They know my name and my preferences from minute one and they didn't need my card every time; and I was able to use my cheers program to purchase drinks for the performer......