Tipping Before Service

[cb at sea]

There is no need to tip BEFORE a service is rendered. Ask nicely for what you need, and it will be done. Tipping on cruises is traditionally done on the last evening. No need to mess with cash during the cruise at all...unless you're gambling in the casino!

[Biker19]

I sure am glad its not like this on the actual cruises.

Sure it is, you just don't hear it - unless you eavesdrop on some conversations.

[cruisegirl1]

I gave the steward $10 and asked for a lounger. I got a lounger.

 

And that is not something I was entitled to.

 

Here's a question.

 

Do you give the extra tip in the middle of a B2B?

 

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I usually tip at the end of a back to back because I have the same cabin attendant. On my last back to back, I had the same cabin but the cabin attendant was reassigned to a different area for the second week. I did not know that until late in the day of turnaround. I learned where she was assigned, went to see her to give her an extra tip for the first week.

 

M

[Ashland]

Never...insulting to them to assume they wouldn't do a good job. I don't know many people that tipping is part of their income that expect it up front ahead of the service they render.

[ObstructedView2]

In regards to the stateroom steward, yes I tip $20 on the 1st day. I also tip the stateroom steward & assistant both $20 in the middle of the cruise and on the last evening I tip both the steward & assistant. Not expecting anything, simply tipping.

 

For those that say a stateroom steward will be or is insulted by tipping them on day one, prior to service; this is soley your opinion, certainly not fact. I'd be more concerned mentioning Cruise Critic to my steward.

 

Concerning my waiter/wait staff in the MDR, I tip something during every meal. Typically $10. Speciality restaurants typically $20.

 

I tip bartenders or drink server runners $1 for every drink. Often I will tip my favorite bartender or server $10 or $20, once or twice, in the middle of the cruise & again at the end.

 

Room service typically $3 to $5 per order, depending on size of order.

 

I tip the porter when arriving at a cruise terminal $10 to $20

 

When disembarking I tip a porter $20, as I know we will be bypassing the long line at customs & using the porter line, along with many pieces of luggage.

 

I also tip my speciality coffee server.

 

In all of my decades of cruising I only see this as an issue here. Not in the real world. Does it make or break your own cruise in regards to what someone else is tipping? Do you really care that much? Will you be losing sleep over what someone else will be tipping or not tipping? Will you cancel your currently booked cruise because of this?

 

These tipping threads, for many years, over & over, are quite embarrassing here. It gives this website a black eye, along with what others will be wearing or not wearing on formal evenings, if the dress code is enforced or not. Sheesh.....

 

 

 

 

:cool:

Edited June 28, 2018 by ObstructedView2

[Toofarfromthesea]

Does any one tip their stateroom attendant, head waiter or assistant waiter on the first day of the cruise when asking for specific things like and fresh ice bucket, robes in the room , getting out for dinner by a certain time frame? Does anyone do this and do you thing it encourages better service?

 

This is a subject that brings out the worst of the 'if you don't cruise the way I do you are wrong, and probably evil' folks.

 

As you have already seen, some love to call it a bribe, in order to ratchet up the emotion factor. But they have no problem 'bribing' the porter's who take their luggage at embarkation. Giving a tip before the service is performed is giving a tip before the service is performed. Are they afraid that if they don't tip the porter they won't do their job? What if they tip the porter and their bag doesn't get onboard? Yet that is the kind of reasoning they use to criticize steward pre-tippers. US longshoremen who make excellent money shouldn't need to be tipped to just do their job, but they (and I and virtually everyone) tip them anyway.

 

And then we have the people who give a dollar or two to the bartender so they will get served faster next time. Same thing. Won't the bartenders do their job without the tip? Is it fair to the other pax to have to wait for THEIR drink because some guy has been 'bribing' the bartender?

 

Hypocrisy and illogic abound. Cruise the way YOU want to cruise. Don't pay attention to the critics.

[John&LaLa]

In regards to the stateroom steward, yes I tip $20 on the 1st day. I also tip the stateroom steward & assistant both $20 in the middle of the cruise and on the last evening I tip both the steward & assistant. Not expecting anything, simply tipping.

 

For those that say a stateroom steward will be or is insulted by tipping them on day one, prior to service; this is soley your opinion, certainly not fact. I'd be more concerned mentioning Cruise Critic to my steward.

 

Concerning my waiter/wait staff in the MDR, I tip something during every meal. Typically $10. Speciality restaurants typically $20.

 

I tip bartenders or drink server runners $1 for every drink. Often I will tip my favorite bartender or server $10 or $20, once or twice, in the middle of the cruise & again at the end.

 

Room service typically $3 to $5 per order, depending on size of order.

 

I tip the porter when arriving at a cruise terminal $10 to $20

 

When disembarking I tip a porter $20, as I know we will be bypassing the long line at customs & using the porter line, along with many pieces of luggage.

 

I also tip my speciality coffee server.

 

In all of my decades of cruising I only see this as an issue here. Not in the real world. Does it make or break your own cruise in regards to what someone else is tipping? Do you really care that much? Will you be losing sleep over what someone else will be tipping or not tipping? Will you cancel your currently booked cruise because of this?

 

These tipping threads, for many years, over & over, are quite embarrassing here. It gives this website a black eye, along with what others will be wearing or not wearing on formal evenings, if the dress code is enforced or not. Sheesh.....

 

 

 

 

:cool:

You forgot Loyalty Ambassador, pool towel attendant, pizza cook, concierges, etc..

 

I haven't seen stateroom assistant in years. Do they still exist?

 

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[AnnaDarel]

The difference is, we didn't have to pay to make sure he did his job, so I don't really understand what you are trying to say.

 

I'm just being snarky. I don't require ice at all in my room. I'm very low maintenance. To me, the tip to the steward communicates that I'm friendly and generous. It's a good first impression.

 

I don't pretip the waiters, but I'm pretty demanding. Extra entrees, Indian food, lots of wine service. Hmm.

 

Being able to go on a cruise instead of having to work on a cruise means a lot to me.

[Iamcruzin]

I'm not compelled to be condescending or to bribe the staff before the time of service I treat them with respect, I'm not demanding, I remember to say please and thank you. If all goes well they will receive a tip at the end of the cruise. The only exception is if someone outside of my room steward or waiter happen to do something extra I will tip them at that time.

[Merion_Mom]

In regards to the stateroom steward, yes I tip $20 on the 1st day. I also tip the stateroom steward & assistant both $20 in the middle of the cruise and on the last evening I tip both the steward & assistant. Not expecting anything, simply tipping.

 

For those that say a stateroom steward will be or is insulted by tipping them on day one, prior to service; this is soley your opinion, certainly not fact. I'd be more concerned mentioning Cruise Critic to my steward.

 

Concerning my waiter/wait staff in the MDR, I tip something during every meal. Typically $10. Speciality restaurants typically $20.

 

I tip bartenders or drink server runners $1 for every drink. Often I will tip my favorite bartender or server $10 or $20, once or twice, in the middle of the cruise & again at the end.

 

Room service typically $3 to $5 per order, depending on size of order.

 

I tip the porter when arriving at a cruise terminal $10 to $20

 

When disembarking I tip a porter $20, as I know we will be bypassing the long line at customs & using the porter line, along with many pieces of luggage.

 

I also tip my speciality coffee server.

 

In all of my decades of cruising I only see this as an issue here. Not in the real world. Does it make or break your own cruise in regards to what someone else is tipping? Do you really care that much? Will you be losing sleep over what someone else will be tipping or not tipping? Will you cancel your currently booked cruise because of this?

 

These tipping threads, for many years, over & over, are quite embarrassing here. It gives this website a black eye, along with what others will be wearing or not wearing on formal evenings, if the dress code is enforced or not. Sheesh.....

 

 

 

 

:cool:

 

May I come work for you? :eek:

[sparks1093]

This is a subject that brings out the worst of the 'if you don't cruise the way I do you are wrong, and probably evil' folks.

 

As you have already seen, some love to call it a bribe, in order to ratchet up the emotion factor. But they have no problem 'bribing' the porter's who take their luggage at embarkation. Giving a tip before the service is performed is giving a tip before the service is performed. Are they afraid that if they don't tip the porter they won't do their job? What if they tip the porter and their bag doesn't get onboard? Yet that is the kind of reasoning they use to criticize steward pre-tippers. US longshoremen who make excellent money shouldn't need to be tipped to just do their job, but they (and I and virtually everyone) tip them anyway.

 

And then we have the people who give a dollar or two to the bartender so they will get served faster next time. Same thing. Won't the bartenders do their job without the tip? Is it fair to the other pax to have to wait for THEIR drink because some guy has been 'bribing' the bartender?

 

Hypocrisy and illogic abound. Cruise the way YOU want to cruise. Don't pay attention to the critics.

 

I don't know about anybody else but I tip the porter because I'm never going to see him again and have no other way to get the tip to him. And if I tip the bartender extra it's because that transaction is complete once the bill is rendered (and the service has been provided when I do leave the extra tip).

[95south]

Seriously? I've never seen a steward who didn't happily pocket the cash.

 

As for special, I don't feel like I need to tip for special service. I tip because I want to and as a way to say thanks. Special service just means a larger tip.

He'll pocket it true but what a weird moment at the begin of the cruise.."here ya go buddy that's for you, now I like my ice frozen and my robes free". Frankly, since you gave the guy cash up front he's got no real motivation to be extra anything to you!

[lenquixote66]

Does any one tip their stateroom attendant, head waiter or assistant waiter on the first day of the cruise when asking for specific things like and fresh ice bucket, robes in the room , getting out for dinner by a certain time frame? Does anyone do this and do you thing it encourages better service?

 

 

We never do and do not know anyone who does.We have had great service 90 % of the time.

[Cigar King]

He'll pocket it true but what a weird moment at the begin of the cruise.."here ya go buddy that's for you, now I like my ice frozen and my robes free". Frankly, since you gave the guy cash up front he's got no real motivation to be extra anything to you!

So what? It's my money, let me spend it the way I want. Why do you care what I tip?

 

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[Markmom18]

We tip too. My hubby & I both worked service jobs in our 20's. The experience stays with you .... and for us that has meant tipping extra and just being kind & respectful.

Bobbi

[sparks1093]

He'll pocket it true but what a weird moment at the begin of the cruise.."here ya go buddy that's for you, now I like my ice frozen and my robes free". Frankly, since you gave the guy cash up front he's got no real motivation to be extra anything to you!

 

Not really, he's got the motivation that there might be an additional tip if great service is rendered and there is always professional pride.

[sparks1093]

I don't know about anybody else but I tip the porter because I'm never going to see him again and have no other way to get the tip to him. And if I tip the bartender extra it's because that transaction is complete once the bill is rendered (and the service has been provided when I do leave the extra tip).

 

I should have added that if I do tip a bartender extra it's because of the great service that was rendered for that transaction, not through any expectation of different service for a future transaction.

[ChrisPBacon]

A tip is for good service rendered, not for an anticipated service. As a Brit, I get irritated in places like Vegas, where they have no problem not only telling me up front they want a tip, but quite often, how much they expect. It seems that in the US in particular, there is an expectation of a tip, just because they are there.....which then goes up if they happen to provide a good service. That doesn't work for me unfortunately. The better the service, the better the tip....but always AFTER the service is received.

[Slugsta]

Early in my cruising life, and having read these fora, I gave our cabin steward a tip on the first day. He looked at me as if I had gone mad! Other than extra pillows on day 1, I really don't ask for anything over and above the norm. Our service was no better, nor worse, than I would expect on any cruise.

 

I don't tip bar stewards, I PAYG for drinks as I don't take packages, so a gratuity is added to each tab anyway.

[lovescats5]

We were in Star Class and tipped out 2 room stewards half way thru the cruise and then at the end. They were wonderful keeping the ice, beer, and especially macroons stocked in the room. They also left little gifts in the refridgerator every day. Well worth the money we tipped them.

[Thorben-Hendrik]

Everybody gets the gifts, ice and mini-bar no tip needed!

:D

[LMaxwell]

So what? It's my money, let me spend it the way I want. Why do you care what I tip?

 

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Hey you are right, it's your money to spend as you choose. If you are comfortable and happy with your spending habits, that is all that really matters.

 

But let me ask you a fair question; let's say you go to a bar and hand someone $20 cash when you meet and I am sitting next to you and hand them $25 and get served before you from that point forward and for the remainder of the cruise. How would this make you feel? Would you still feel good about the $20 you spent, or would you think it was wasteful? Honest question, not badgering you.

[John&LaLa]

Everybody gets the gifts, ice and mini-bar no tip needed!

:D

I'll bet Star class gets better gifts and more frequent

 

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[papaflamingo]

Borrowing from those who hate Formal Night, "It's your money, tip what you want, when you want." Don't worry about what others do or don't do. If you want to tip your cabin steward on day one, do it. I'm willing to bet he or she won't be offended, but will actually be grateful.

[RocketMan275]

Hey you are right, it's your money to spend as you choose. If you are comfortable and happy with your spending habits, that is all that really matters.

 

But let me ask you a fair question; let's say you go to a bar and hand someone $20 cash when you meet and I am sitting next to you and hand them $25 and get served before you from that point forward and for the remainder of the cruise. How would this make you feel? Would you still feel good about the $20 you spent, or would you think it was wasteful? Honest question, not badgering you.

Why wouldn't I feel good about the $20? You might get served before I do, but I will get served before the guy who only gave nothing.