Gratuities Question

[Overtyme]

We have a trip booked for Summer 2016 on Anthem, and just received the following notification (hardly what I would consider my "upcoming" cruise :rolleyes:)

 

Dear Friend,

 

We look forward to welcoming you onboard soon for your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise vacation!

 

As you prepare to set sail, we wanted to notify you of an update to our daily service charges. As of June 1, 2015, Royal Caribbean will be adjusting the automatic daily service charge from $12.00 to $12.95 per day for regular staterooms and $14.25 to $15.95 per day for suite. This service charge is shared by dining & culinary services personnel, stateroom attendants and other housekeeping and guest services personnel.

 

We want to extend the opportunity to prepay your service charge now at the current rate, before it adjusts on June 1. After this date, any service charge applied will be at the new rate.

 

Other onboard gratuity policies remain the same: an 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar service beverages, specialty dining reservations, spa services and mini bar items, and will be itemized on your receipt.

 

Call 1-866-504-3941, log onto RoyalCaribbean.com or contact your travel agent by May 31, 2015, to prepay the daily service charge at the current rate.

 

Thank you for choosing to cruise with us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Royal Caribbean International®

 

 

SO.... here's my issue/question...

We understand that staff work extremely hard to make money, and a lot of them send money home to their families.

We tend to overtip when it comes to service, because we recognize that.

However, the idea that they are automatically going to tack 18% gratuity onto our meal bills and drinks, really ticks me off!

I have no problem tipping 20% on the bottom line, but I like to be able to tip less if I have lousy service (hasn't happened to us yet). But still, a tip is something that is a reward for good service, which as everyone who reads the board knows, is not always). What incentive is there for staff to provide exceptional service if they know that they get 18% regardless (Please don't get into the semantics of not all of that 18% goes to them).

I've heard from others that have been to the specialty restaurants that they're almost shamed into tipping more above the 18% by the staff, when they bring you the check.

 

Do you tip more than the 18% for specialty restaurants when they hand you the check or are you comfortable signing and leaving the restaurant? If so, do you do it out of pressure?

 

I don't have any issues with the increase for state rooms at all, but I do wish that we could just put cash in an envelope. We tend to leave them much more than what they were allocated, simply because they really do go above and beyond...

 

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

[CoopColbie]

I'm interested to see this post. I have an 'upcoming' cruise (about the same time as yours) and I haven't been given the option to prepay my gratuities. I booked with a TA ... Do you think they would know anything about it?

[BekkaW]

I might be going crazy, but I don't remember having 18% added to the cover charge for specialties. Is this a new thing or does it apply to a la carte pricing restaurants?

 

I have only eaten at Chops, Giovanni, Portofino and 150 CP where it is not a la carte. I did tip extra in cash at 150 CP because the service was outstanding.

[Ashland]

This has been of much discussion on the board the last two days.

 

To avoid the increased gratuity..you only need to either book MTD or add automatic gratuities to your booking (s) before June 1st to lock in the old rate...very easy to do ... call your TA if you used one or RCI directly if you booked your cruise yourself.

[minn0315]

In the specialty restaurants that we experienced on Navigator recently, the printed check states "the serving staff receive a small portion of this check, your additional gratuity would be greatly appreciated." They did not add 18% automatically.

 

In perspective, I am now visiting New York City, at a very well known hotel chain. They automatically add 15% to every service, dining, room service, bartender, etc. No questions, no prior warning, no reduction at my request for crappy service, just automatic.

 

I complained, but the standard answers is "that is our policy", if you don't like it don't stay in a New York Hotel.

[Overtyme]

They may have rolled some of this out on Quantum class ships earlier then.

One of our friends had this on their sailing a few months ago, when he ate at the specialty restaurants.

He said that it was really uncomfortable to not add additional tips over the 18% gratuity already there.

I'm sure everyone's experience is different, but it certainly seems plausible and if even close to half are made to feel pressured into lead on a tip, there's something wrong.

I really wish they would just bake these charges into the costs around the ship.

[tinkerme1]

There is an article going around on FB and other social media from a very interesting source that the new tipping increase is not going to the crew, but rather to RCCL's bottom line.

 

Personally, that doesn't speak well of how the Cruise Line is looking at this increase in automatic tips. If I were crew, I would be extremely offended!

 

What this increase may actually do is force people to go to Guest Services and remove their tips in favor of tipping the crew in cash.

 

What do you think?

[Barbiegator]

There is an article going around on FB and other social media from a very interesting source that the new tipping increase is not going to the crew, but rather to RCCL's bottom line.

 

Personally, that doesn't speak well of how the Cruise Line is looking at this increase in automatic tips. If I were crew, I would be extremely offended!

 

What this increase may actually do is force people to go to Guest Services and remove their tips in favor of tipping the crew in cash.

 

What do you think?

 

MTD so went to Guest Services and asked to remove tips. We always tip crew that serve us. They said no problem.When we received credit card bill it was not refunded.Too late to handle a month later when bill is received.

[steveru621]

There is an article going around on FB and other social media from a very interesting source that the new tipping increase is not going to the crew, but rather to RCCL's bottom line.

 

Personally, that doesn't speak well of how the Cruise Line is looking at this increase in automatic tips. If I were crew, I would be extremely offended!

 

What this increase may actually do is force people to go to Guest Services and remove their tips in favor of tipping the crew in cash.

 

What do you think?

 

I think the article is pure B.S., the source is a lawyer that makes a living suing cruise lines and has been caught bending the truth before.

 

Every cruise we have been on we meet wonderful crew that sign up for multiple contracts. Some for many years. If people believe RCI is a big bad corporation out to screw their employees, it's not likely I will change their point-of-view.

 

I'm making the decision to pre-pay or not. Have not decided yet.

[susancruzs]

I received the same email today for my Oct. 19th Med cruise on the Vision. I book with a TA not direct with the cruise line.

 

I haven't decided yet whether I'm going to prepay, although being onboard for 25 days, I might. I generally leave extra for the room steward, dining room servers, too.

[phoenix1181]

They may have rolled some of this out on Quantum class ships earlier then.

One of our friends had this on their sailing a few months ago, when he ate at the specialty restaurants.

He said that it was really uncomfortable to not add additional tips over the 18% gratuity already there.

I'm sure everyone's experience is different, but it certainly seems plausible and if even close to half are made to feel pressured into lead on a tip, there's something wrong.

I really wish they would just bake these charges into the costs around the ship.

 

This was not the case our recent Legend cruise. We ate @ Chops twice & there was no gratuity added to our check.

[Match Game 72]

We are booked on a cruise for 2016. I'm thinking of prepaying the gratuities. If I need to cancel the cruise, will it be fully refundable? Thanks

[Clarea]

We are booked on a cruise for 2016. I'm thinking of prepaying the gratuities. If I need to cancel the cruise, will it be fully refundable? Thanks

Yes.

 

However, you won't actually pay for the gratuities until final payment date. You just need to add them to your booking now.

[Overtyme]

One other thing that's of interest is the choice of words that are used:

They don't suggest pre-paying "gratuities", but rather pre-paying your "service charge".

Also, as indicated some of that charge goes to other staff around the ship, not just to those that service your room.

It's really not clear, what the breakdown is, but it is clear in that the money that you think that you're leaving for the cabin staff is not all going to them.

Royal definitely takes a percentage of this, then the rest is distributed.

Some of the rest that bothers me personally, which has nothing to do with the pre-payment of service charges is the fact that you're going to be automatically charged 18% with no option to pay less, only more.

What if you have a night where your waiter is having a bad day, or just isn't providing good service?

You're forced to pay him or her 18%. If service is good, I'd gladly pay 20+%, but a tip is something that is paid for good service.

I wonder if the quality of service will go down since they staff is getting that money weather they provide good service or not. So, what's their incentive?

That part of the policy really pisses me off!

The possibility that they may pull Bermuda from my cruise, and that we're taking a family vacation and despite advertisements for Anthem and Dreamworks, all indications are that the Dreamworks experience will not be available on Anthem of the Seas.

I'm a Diamond Plus member, but i'm getting tired of getting 'The Royal Treatment'.

This may be our last Royal Cruise for a long time.

With rumors of Virgin jumping into the market, NCL (while not there yet) is making the market more competitive, and Disney offers a nice family cruise opttion, where the Mouse isn't in your face 24/7 :-)

Royal.....Grrrrrr:rolleyes:

[Ashland]

Yes.

 

However, you won't actually pay for the gratuities until final payment date. You just need to add them to your booking now.

Oh Bob...how many times are we going to have to put into simple terms what RCI should have done from the get go...so confusing to so many on this gratuity change ;):)

[Cuizer2]

It appears that Royal Caribbean has decided to follow the NCL business model.

[cincicruisers]

There has been a flurry of postings regarding the new tip policy. I have no problem tipping, but I don't like having 18% gratuities added automatically. We never step foot in the MDR, but still pay tips there. We each in specialty restaurants and tip there. (Did not have auto tips when I cruised last and was only $20 pp. YIKES $35 pp now + 18%)

 

We would just like to have more freedom to reward those who provide good/great service on the cruise.

[ColoradoGurl]

This topic has been debated/argued/discussed to DEATH on this board. A quick scan of the first few pages, or all 500+ (which I've done) and you will find them, and they will have the same answers you're likely to get. I recommend looking at the 18% as a service charge, because while I hear what you're saying and I understand why people get upset about being forced to "tip," in this instance, it really isn't an optional charge (although if you really want to you can remove your tips). Therefore, you really just need to factor that 18% into the total cost of your trip and pay it.

 

You could write a letter to Royal, but other than refusing to cruise, or refusing to pay the tips (which I think would be awful but I've gotten into that debate before and don't care to again so I'll leave it alone even if someone responds and starts an argument about it), you can complain and debate all you want, it won't change a thing. As for the increase in tip amount from $12 to $12.95. It's less than $7 a person. Is anyone who takes a cruise really so hard up for money that $7 (or $28 for a family of 4), is really going to break you? I doubt it. Count me in as one of the people who always tips more anyway because I think the minimum tip requirement is way too low.

Edited May 16, 2015 by ColoradoGurl

[BekkaW]

This topic has been debated/argued/discussed to DEATH on this board. A quick scan of the first few pages, or all 500+ (which I've done) and you will find them, and they will have the same answers you're likely to get. I recommend looking at the 18% as a service charge, because while I hear what you're saying and I understand why people get upset about being forced to "tip," in this instance, it really isn't an optional charge (although if you really want to you can remove your tips). Therefore, you really just need to factor that 18% into the total cost of your trip and pay it.

 

You could write a letter to Royal, but other than refusing to cruise, or refusing to pay the tips (which I think would be awful but I've gotten into that debate before and don't care to again so I'll leave it alone even if someone responds and starts an argument about it), you can complain and debate all you want, it won't change a thing. As for the increase in tip amount from $12 to $12.95. It's less than $7 a person. Is anyone who takes a cruise really so hard up for money that $7 (or $28 for a family of 4), is really going to break you? I doubt it. Count me in as one of the people who always tips more anyway because I think the minimum tip requirement is way too low.

 

I have seen a lot about the increase to $12.95 daily, which I have no problem with (we typically tip additional to dining and room staff anyway) but I'm surprised/confused about the reference to 18% at specialty restaurants.

[papaflamingo]

This topic has been debated/argued/discussed to DEATH on this board. A quick scan of the first few pages, or all 500+ (which I've done) and you will find them, and they will have the same answers you're likely to get. I recommend looking at the 18% as a service charge, because while I hear what you're saying and I understand why people get upset about being forced to "tip," in this instance, it really isn't an optional charge (although if you really want to you can remove your tips). Therefore, you really just need to factor that 18% into the total cost of your trip and pay it.

 

You could write a letter to Royal, but other than refusing to cruise, or refusing to pay the tips (which I think would be awful but I've gotten into that debate before and don't care to again so I'll leave it alone even if someone responds and starts an argument about it), you can complain and debate all you want, it won't change a thing. As for the increase in tip amount from $12 to $12.95. It's less than $7 a person. Is anyone who takes a cruise really so hard up for money that $7 (or $28 for a family of 4), is really going to break you? I doubt it. Count me in as one of the people who always tips more anyway because I think the minimum tip requirement is way too low.

 

At great risk of being royally flamed, I agree wholeheartedly. I get tired of "automatic tips mean bad service" b.s. Never had service so bad that I wouldn't tip. So why all the fear? Have the crew not lived up to expectations (other than on rare occasion)?

Seaborne and other luxury lines don't allow tipping, and their service is impeccable. So how does one explain that?

Get over it people. I agree about the 18% for specialty dining as supposedly the fee covered the tip. So not happy about that change. But, so be it.

As for those who don't use the MDR and don't want to tip, do you not eat breakfast and lunch on board? Do you not use the Park Cafe, Sorrento's, etc.? If you do, part of your tip to the wait staff goes to those workers too.

You are right Coloradogirl, it's part of the cruise cost. Only way to avoid it is to stop cruising. Switching cruiselines? Go for it. Cost is the same. And to the person who is going on NCL, enjoy the $7.95 charge for Room Service. Have fun on Disney with no casino (and MUCH more expensive cabins).

Before anyone goes into "attack mode," I am not happy with the changes either. I like the old Royal Caribbean. But that isn't an option anymore. When I no longer find cruising to be of value to me, I'll go elsewhere. But it won't be because of an increase in gratuities. Now $12 drinks.....THAT got my attention.

[tserface]

On the Adventure they've started listing it as a Service Charge and always have a second line for "Additional Tip" if there's a receipt involved. I wouldn't be surprised if soon all "service charges", except for those actually incurred while on the ship, become prepaid.

 

Tom

 

This topic has been debated/argued/discussed to DEATH on this board. A quick scan of the first few pages, or all 500+ (which I've done) and you will find them, and they will have the same answers you're likely to get. I recommend looking at the 18% as a service charge, because while I hear what you're saying and I understand why people get upset about being forced to "tip," in this instance, it really isn't an optional charge (although if you really want to you can remove your tips). Therefore, you really just need to factor that 18% into the total cost of your trip and pay it.

[Debde]

Simple

You don't like it-don't do it.

Remove your auto daily tips. Tip those you choose to in cash, don't worry about what anyone says on CC and enjoy your vacation with a clear conscious.

I've been doing this since this daily auto gratuity thing has been added. I tip well, make sure those who serve me our tipped and life is good and I sleep very well at night. also know-don't listen to the hoo rah-it is very easy to stop it and or remove it!

I'll also keep sleeping well when some will skew this into A-I don't tip at all, and B-I'm cheap. My stateroom attended smiles when I give him cash as do all others.

Stop worrying about what some bunny, kitty cat or cruise lover4eva from Brighton lake says about you on CC!! .:D:p Do what you feel is right for you.

[Paul65]

There is an article going around on FB and other social media from a very interesting source that the new tipping increase is not going to the crew, but rather to RCCL's bottom line.

 

Personally, that doesn't speak well of how the Cruise Line is looking at this increase in automatic tips. If I were crew, I would be extremely offended!

 

What this increase may actually do is force people to go to Guest Services and remove their tips in favor of tipping the crew in cash.

 

What do you think?

 

I think that articles going around on social media are extremely unreliable.

[ColoradoGurl]

I have seen a lot about the increase to $12.95 daily, which I have no problem with (we typically tip additional to dining and room staff anyway) but I'm surprised/confused about the reference to 18% at specialty restaurants.

 

I'm not sure about the 18% for specialty dining being new or not. I always assumed everything purchased onboard had 18% added to it. I'm pretty sure that even if you buy alcohol or souvenirs on board from their store they add 18%. I could be wrong about that, but I thought that's been the case always, or at least for a few years anyway. Someone above mentioned being pressured by waiters to add even more than the 18% onto their tab when they got the check, so I don't think it's new.

[Jaimel134]

With our cruise in June I plan to remove the automatic daily gratuity charge as we are sailing with small children and will eat once or twice most in the main restaurant. The rest will be in windjammer etc

So will tip in cash at the end.

As we also have the drinks package though how does this work?

Do they add 18% on top of each bar visit on what the cost would have been even though there will be no cost as it's the package?

Would or could I remove the 18% automatic and tip in cash each bar visit??