How do free tips actually work?

[iloveholidays]

A Fred Olson ship we have already booked on has just announced free tips, presumably just for new bookings. This made me wonder how do ship employees get tips if their clients are ‘tips free’? Does the cruise line ‘pay’ money to the ship to boost the pay for the crew or do they just dip out. Anyone know the answer?

[Eglesbrech]

It will only apply to booking made during the period it is advertised.

 

I have no idea how they do it but we have had tips (and drinks)  included cruises and the staff seem happy enough so I presume it is covered somhow but no idea how.

[SausPud]

I had it on my last cruise and the daily tip charge had increased since booking so I phoned Fred to see if I would be charged the extra difference and how the tips are done. 

Simply, the tip charge is added to your onboard account and then credited by Fred. The tips are still paid to the staff as if you paid them. The staff know no difference and you can always give a little extra for the ones you love.