Should you tip waitstaff for non-complimentary restaurants?

[mistyPA]

Given that gratuities are added to your account daily, is it customary to give an additional tip for fee restaurants? If the service is exceptional I usually offer additional tip regardless of whether it is a complimentary/for fee restaurant, but I question the idea that it is a must because it is a for fee restaurant.

 

Personally, I don't think that should matter.

[LMaxwell]

Part of the fee is a gratuity for the servers. If service is truly outstanding we leave extra cash. If service is average, we don't; still knowing the wait staff is compensated.

 

As you said, it is not a must and it doesn't really matter.

[steamboats]

Actually the cover charge is supposed to include the tip already. Anyway most people do tip extra.

 

The daily gratuity covers the wait staff in the main dining room (including Windjammer and other included restaurants) and your stateroom attendant (plus additional housekeeping). Again, many people chose to tip a little cash extra.

 

steamboats

[Deck_Diva]

Absolutely, 20% is the norm. Years ago, we ever told by RC that the fee for the specialty venues was for gratuity and didn't have to leave a tip but we still do.

[mistyPA]

Information is very helpful. We were debating it and wanted some help in clarifying the issue.

 

Thanks.

[spookwife]

Given that gratuities are added to your account daily, is it customary to give an additional tip for fee restaurants? If the service is exceptional I usually offer additional tip regardless of whether it is a complimentary/for fee restaurant, but I question the idea that it is a must because it is a for fee restaurant.

 

Personally, I don't think that should matter.

 

part of the fee is the gratuity. many, if not most, will tip additionally on top of that. we usually find we get that little extra.. prompter topping off of the water glasses, maybe an extra desert or side dish bought out, more attentive wine service.

[peteukmcr]

No additional from me in an extra fee dining venue. The cover charge includes it, so end of as far as I'm concerned.

[Rdytogo2]

we usually find we get that little extra.. prompter topping off of the water glasses, maybe an extra desert or side dish bought out, more attentive wine service.

 

So you add a little extra cash tip.

 

Curious, how does the wait staff know you are going to tip extra at the end of the meal?

[ARCruisinNana]

A small portion is a gratuity. I usually leave a $5pp cash tip unless the service has not been good.

[Theredofshaw]

We did for our Sabor waitstaff both times as they were OUTSTANDING. we also opted to use a WOW envelope for one girl at the promenade cafe who was always polite and smiling and took the time and remembered our names throughout the course of the week.

[Wilson]

Tip included, but we add 10-20% more if we receive very good or exceptional service.

[barbon2]

Always tip in Specialty restaurants.

The service is always excellent.

Have found this to be true on All of the lines we have sailed.

 

Barb

[gerif]

While a small gratuity is added, service is usually very good so we add $5 or so per person.

[dplusd]

Even though the fee includes a portion for gratuity, we usually leave another $10 - $20 in cash (for the two of us), depending on how superior the service/experience was. On only one occasion did we have mediocre service and we did not leave an additional tip.

[Philly Steve]

We always tip extra at CHOPS. Maybe it's the "food buzz" talking. :D

[cb at sea]

It is the "food buzz"..you've already paid a substantial tip in the "fee" they charge....and if you order any alcohol, you're paying 18% on each drink....you've tipped plenty!

[PhoenixCruiser]

We usually leave $10 per person.

 

###

[sauvichick]

We have left $5pp and sometimes a bit more because gratuity is also included, but it's up to you to decide.

Edited July 27, 2015 by sauvichick

[MicCanberra]

Short answer is -"If you want to.":D