pjewell910 Posted July 30, 2017 #1 Share Posted July 30, 2017 Ok here is my question. We have the ultimate dinning packing which we already paid 18% gratuity on. Now with the being said when the bill come with the tip box in it whats the proper amount of tip without going overboard. I had a friend that told me 20 dollars a couple which I thought was a tad overboard but maybe I am wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted July 30, 2017 #2 Share Posted July 30, 2017 Ok here is my question. We have the ultimate dinning packing which we already paid 18% gratuity on. Now with the being said when the bill come with the tip box in it whats the proper amount of tip without going overboard. I had a friend that told me 20 dollars a couple which I thought was a tad overboard but maybe I am wrong. Well it seems to me you've already tipped twice, why not tip yet again. But it's up to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLH Arizona Posted July 30, 2017 #3 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I leave $5.00 per person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjbdtz Posted July 30, 2017 #4 Share Posted July 30, 2017 Conversely, unless there's something spectacular in the service (or something that's 'extra'), I sign the slip as-is. NCL's approach is that they take care of the gratuity, so you don't have to. That said, if you want to recognize somebody in particular, feel free. Stephen . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCA6ft5 Posted July 30, 2017 #5 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I think I understand the dilemma. To quote NCL, it's a: "18% gratuity and specialty service charge." So, how much does the server actually get as a gratuity vs the service charge that supposedly is distributed among various staff & crew? If you assume the server gets 10% (strictly a guess on my part) then on a 3 day UDP they're getting $3.30 per person. We usually figure how much we would be tipping for a similar meal on land and add the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Something fun! Posted July 30, 2017 #6 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I think I understand the dilemma. To quote NCL, it's a: "18% gratuity and specialty service charge." So, how much does the server actually get as a gratuity vs the service charge that supposedly is distributed among various staff & crew? If you assume the server gets 10% (strictly a guess on my part) then on a 3 day UDP they're getting $3.30 per person. We usually figure how much we would be tipping for a similar meal on land and add the difference. Even on land, the servers do not keep 100% of their tips. A portion is distributed to the hosts and cooks, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triptolemus Posted July 30, 2017 #7 Share Posted July 30, 2017 Even on land, the servers do not keep 100% of their tips. A portion is distributed to the hosts and cooks, etc. Not cooks, typically. Usually service bartenders, bussers, runners. Sometimes (but not typically) dishwashers and hosts. Minor point, I know. For OP, we, too, usually just sign dining package as $0 -- good service, fast drinks, etc, will see about $5 or so. This is one area where you really have already tipped twice (DSC and SDP 18%) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted July 30, 2017 #8 Share Posted July 30, 2017 We don't usually add a tip on the bill. If ever, $5 tops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted July 30, 2017 #9 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I think I understand the dilemma. To quote NCL, it's a: "18% gratuity and specialty service charge." So, how much does the server actually get as a gratuity vs the service charge that supposedly is distributed among various staff & crew? If you assume the server gets 10% (strictly a guess on my part) then on a 3 day UDP they're getting $3.30 per person. We usually figure how much we would be tipping for a similar meal on land and add the difference. If you are assuming that NCL takes a 44.4% rake (8% divided by the 18% service charge, shouldn't you assume that they're siphoning off 44.4% of your add-on tip on the slip? You'll need to give a 36% (20% divided by .556) tip so your servers get 20%. You'll need to tip 45% if you want to get to a 25% tip for the server. The only real way to circumvent this is to bring cash and make it rain. In all seriousness though, I believe that the 18% autograt is designed to take the worry out of the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triptolemus Posted July 30, 2017 #10 Share Posted July 30, 2017 If you are assuming that NCL takes a 44.4% rake (8% divided by the 18% service charge, shouldn't you assume that they're siphoning off 44.4% of your add-on tip on the slip? You'll need to give a 36% (20% divided by .556) tip so your servers get 20%. You'll need to tip 45% if you want to get to a 25% tip for the server. The only real way to circumvent this is to bring cash and make it rain. In all seriousness though, I believe that the 18% autograt is designed to take the worry out of the process. I sure hope so, because there's no way i'm going to be dividing percentages after 9 hours of day drinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted July 30, 2017 #11 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I'd give about 2% more...there are no "prices" to do a percentage.....just give $5 or so...that should be ample. Remember that the "fee" is for ambiance..the cost of the food is in your fare! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted July 31, 2017 #12 Share Posted July 31, 2017 I'd give about 2% more...there are no "prices" to do a percentage.....just give $5 or so...that should be ample. Remember that the "fee" is for ambiance..the cost of the food is in your fare! We don't take our first NCL cruise until the Escape in the fall, but all the specialty menus I've seen posted have prices. From a practical standpoint, I just figured that we'd give a certain number of dollars in cash so that we'd be giving our usual 20% - 25% tip. (More if service is amazing.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barb65 Posted July 31, 2017 #13 Share Posted July 31, 2017 We also tip $5 per person even though the gratuity is already included. The smile on their face when you leave them something extra is priceless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjewell910 Posted July 31, 2017 Author #14 Share Posted July 31, 2017 Thanks for all the responses. I always assumed that 5 dollars pp would be ok but just wasn't sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BostonGal35 Posted July 31, 2017 #15 Share Posted July 31, 2017 we usually will slip our favorite bartender some money either at the end, or sometimes periodically thruout the week. but tipping is completely optional. between teh 18% gratuity charge and the daily service charge, a cruise is designed to be completely cashless. the hardworking crew do appreciate it when they get extra, but it is not required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zqvol Posted July 31, 2017 #16 Share Posted July 31, 2017 Ok here is my question. We have the ultimate dinning packing which we already paid 18% gratuity on. Now with the being said when the bill come with the tip box in it whats the proper amount of tip without going overboard. I had a friend that told me 20 dollars a couple which I thought was a tad overboard but maybe I am wrong. There is not need to leave anything at all. NCL uses a different salary structure than most cruise lines and gratuities are neither expected nor required. If you want to leave something than $5 for a couple is more than enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zqvol Posted July 31, 2017 #17 Share Posted July 31, 2017 I think I understand the dilemma. To quote NCL, it's a: "18% gratuity and specialty service charge." So, how much does the server actually get as a gratuity vs the service charge that supposedly is distributed among various staff & crew? If you assume the server gets 10% (strictly a guess on my part) then on a 3 day UDP they're getting $3.30 per person. We usually figure how much we would be tipping for a similar meal on land and add the difference. They are paid a livable salary, it does not matter how much if any they get of the service charge. They likely get none of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Clay Clayton Posted July 31, 2017 #18 Share Posted July 31, 2017 FWIW, when I went to add something to the little tip box because of an incredible server who went out of her way, she said not to bother. She said anything added to the bill goes into the pool with the DSC and therefore she would see 1/985th of the amount I was gonna leave. In this case that would have been a penny. ($10/958 = $.0104). Thereafter, I have never used the tip box, instead we bring a stash of $1s and $5s and a couple of $10s and $20s. The $20s go to the cabin steward, the $10s are there just in case we get incredible service and the $1s to to bartenders and the $5s go to servers if the service is above the standard ....usually tip the bartender that is working my favorite bar a fiver the first time and last time there. as always, YMMV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missdenise Posted July 31, 2017 #19 Share Posted July 31, 2017 What is tip box? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Wheels Only Posted July 31, 2017 #20 Share Posted July 31, 2017 Bottom line is decide what YOU want to give and give that amount. Just my humble opinion.... I think that when UBP/SDP tipping threads pop up, the OP usually already knows how much they plan on leaving for a tip. The OP is usually looking to see if that amount is considered low, average, or high. If everyone answered "...leave $200 per person per day...", the OP would ignore the posts and give whatever amount that they had originally planned, anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missdenise Posted July 31, 2017 #21 Share Posted July 31, 2017 I would still like to know what is a tip box? I have never seen nor been given a tip box at a Specialty Restaurant?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLH Arizona Posted July 31, 2017 #22 Share Posted July 31, 2017 I would still like to know what is a tip box? I have never seen nor been given a tip box at a Specialty Restaurant??I believe the poster was speaking about at the bottom of the receipt, where you can add a tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missdenise Posted July 31, 2017 #23 Share Posted July 31, 2017 I believe the poster was speaking about at the bottom of the receipt, where you can add a tip. Ohhhh, I had no clue what the OP was talking about. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoznuff2 Posted July 31, 2017 #24 Share Posted July 31, 2017 DH and I did the British isle cruise this past May. We were given the drink package as a perk (paid the "tip) and we purchased separate the dining package paid the "tip" After much debate we felt for the food package we had tipped enough and did not leave extra but we did tip the bartender/ servers of the were prompt and attentive. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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