Carnival Now Requires Gratuities to be Prepaid With Good To Go Promo

[famof4togo]

1 minute ago, cheer25mom said:

So you tip in cash if you have cheers? It appears from reading here that you don't get a receipt when you order a drink on the cheers package? Is there a way to tip with cheers and have it added to the room folio? 

They will usually still give you a receipt even with Cheers and you can add it to the receipt, but personally I tip in cash to both bartenders and room service attendants.... never took a survey or anything but I believe that to be their preference.  And while we are on the debated hot topic I also do feel I get better service from doing so.  I find they remember your name, your drink preferences and get to you a bit quicker then without...but that's just my opinion.

[cruisingguy007]

1 hour ago, Stick93 said:

If you do something to entertain me or pour something a bit heavier I will give you an extra tip but throwing a paper in my face means sorry I paid already -

No other cruise line gives you a paper receipt to sign with every drink 

 

I tend to agree with this for the most part. A heavier pour is one I'd tip extra for and I'll always tip a bit more if they bring something to me (ie pool/deck bar runners) since that is pure service, the further away or up flight(s) of stairs, the more inclined I am to tip even more. If I have to go fetch every drink myself, the 18% is fine for à la carte items and I have no qualms about slashing through the gratuity and leaving it there. If I have cheers and a particular bartender "looks out for me" by providing prompt service while busy, I'm more inclined to tip a bit extra for the personalized service and extra attention, even if I have to fetch it myself. 

 

I actually plan to skip cheers on my next one since they closed down the casino bar. That was a great place to hang late night, the craps table too, but it's yet another covid casualty that will make the evenings a little less social and enjoyable. Everything I order will be 18% on top pretty much. Definitely OK in my book, unless something extra is provided. Hopefully, enjoy more breakfast too, instead of staying up way too late, sleeping in and only eating lunch and dinner lol.   

Edited March 8, 2022 by cruisingguy007

[Bgcruising]

1 hour ago, Stick93 said:

If you do something to entertain me or pour something a bit heavier I will give you an extra tip but throwing a paper in my face means sorry I paid already -

No other cruise line gives you a paper receipt to sign with every drink 

They could have done away with that paper instead of the straws. Environmentally friendly or??

[TNcruising02]

6 hours ago, mz-s said:

And now we are getting tipping threads again. It's good to see that Cruise Critic is getting back to normal. Hopefully soon we'll get another "shorts in MDR" thread.

We will know pandemic fears are actually over when we start debating butter crocks again.  Those were the days!

When I booked my free cabin on the Mardi Gras, they did automatically add gratuities, port fees and taxes.  I actually paid $38 for the cabin since I preferred one on the Lido deck.  We never remove gratuities.  The crew members were all working so hard on the cruise I went on last week.  I feel very fortunate to even be able to go on cruises right now.  I think it's a great idea for Carnival to include gratuities in their promo rates.

[rellersi]

Although we either prepay or let the cruise lines take the tips anyway and never opt-out, I hate that they do this. We seldom use the dining room, or any of the entertainment venues, I would rather spend that money tipping more to our room steward and other people we interact with. Having said that we always tip the room steward additional unless he is horrible and have in close to 100 cruises never had that issue. But it would be more than what we give him now if we were not funnelling money to people we never see or use and the higher ups get a bigger percentage than the ones who do all the work anyway.. Dont like anyplace where tips are shared

 

[Elaine5715]

2 hours ago, Stick93 said:

Can we add to this that if you have a package you don't need a paper receipt to sign for every drink?

You do sign for every drink under CHEERS and Bubbles.  

[Elaine5715]

4 minutes ago, rellersi said:

Although we either prepay or let the cruise lines take the tips anyway and never opt-out, I hate that they do this. We seldom use the dining room, or any of the entertainment venues, I would rather spend that money tipping more to our room steward and other people we interact with. Having said that we always tip the room steward additional unless he is horrible and have in close to 100 cruises never had that issue. But it would be more than what we give him now if we were not funnelling money to people we never see or use and the higher ups get a bigger percentage than the ones who do all the work anyway.. Dont like anyplace where tips are shared

 

You eat in Lido?  Dining room wait staff work Lido. Part of gratuities go to Lido crew who don't have main dining assignments yet.  

There are no "higher ups" that are in the grats pool. 

You use laundry? Room stewards tip out laundry.  Out of their own pocket.  

The nicer the place, the more likely employees work as a team and are required to tip out.  

[momin05]

1 hour ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

I tend to agree with this for the most part. A heavier pour is one I'd tip extra for and I'll always tip a bit more if they bring something to me (ie pool/deck bar runners) since that is pure service, the further away or up flight(s) of stairs, the more inclined I am to tip even more. If I have to go fetch every drink myself, the 18% is fine for à la carte items and I have no qualms about slashing through the gratuity and leaving it there. If I have cheers and a particular bartender "looks out for me" by providing prompt service while busy, I'm more inclined to tip a bit extra for the personalized service and extra attention, even if I have to fetch it myself. 

 

I actually plan to skip cheers on my next one since they closed down the casino bar. That was a great place to hang late night, the craps table too, but it's yet another covid casualty that will make the evenings a little less social and enjoyable. Everything I order will be 18% on top pretty much. Definitely OK in my book, unless something extra is provided. Hopefully, enjoy more breakfast too, instead of staying up way too late, sleeping in and only eating lunch and dinner lol.   

Wait, what?  Did they close the craps tables for Covid concerns? (Or am I misreading your sentence? Please tell me I am mis-reading your sentence!)

[mz-s]

5 minutes ago, momin05 said:

Wait, what?  Did they close the craps tables for Covid concerns? (Or am I misreading your sentence? Please tell me I am mis-reading your sentence!)

 

The Casino bar was closed (and actually removed) on some of the ships, used only for the roaming waiters in the casino.

[cruisingguy007]

14 minutes ago, momin05 said:

Wait, what?  Did they close the craps tables for Covid concerns? (Or am I misreading your sentence? Please tell me I am mis-reading your sentence!)

 

Craps is still good, it's just that I like to bounce around from Casino bar, craps table, hit a few one arm bandits and the night club. Removing the casino bar really kind of ruins the area as a hangout entertainment late night spot for me. Between 11pm-3-am it was the premiere spot on the ship and a great place to use up your cheers package and socialize will lots of people. The outdoor smoking venues get cold/sad/dark at night and they have no bar or nearby gaming or nightclub action. It's inconvenient hoofing everywhere (and up and down stairs). I like floating around and having the casino bar as a sort of home-base that all other activities revolved around and all in one area. Premier place on the ship.  

Edited March 8, 2022 by cruisingguy007

[mz-s]

Just now, cruisingguy007 said:

 

Craps is still good, it's just that I like to bounce around from Casino bar, craps table, hit a few one arm bandits and the night club. Removing the casino bar really kind of ruins the area as a hangout entertainment late night spot for me. Between 11pm-3-am it was the premiere spot on the ship and a great place to use up your cheers package and socialize will lots of people. The outdoor smoking venues get cold/sad/dark at night and they have no bar or nearby gaming or nightclub action. It's inconvenient hoofing everywhere. I like floating around and having the casino bar as a sort of home-base that all other activities revolved around and all in one area. Premier place on the ship.  

 

I agree actually, especially on ships like Ecstasy that have a little dance floor and bandstand at the Casino bar. It really is a "night club" during the cruise.

[famof4togo]

2 minutes ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

Craps is still good, it's just that I like to bounce around from Casino bar, craps table, hit a few one arm bandits and the night club. Removing the casino bar really kind of ruins the area as a hangout entertainment late night spot for me. Between 11pm-3-am it was the premiere spot on the ship and a great place to use up your cheers package and socialize will lots of people. The outdoor smoking venues get cold/sad/dark at night and they have no bar or nearby gaming or nightclub action. It's inconvenient hoofing everywhere. I like floating around and having the casino bar as a sort of home-base that all other activities revolved around and all in one area. Premier place on the ship.  

I agree and now the only REALLY LATE NIGHT bar to get a drink will be the "club" and I am WAY TOO old for the "club"...I will miss it too.

[momin05]

2 minutes ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

Craps is still good, it's just that I like to bounce around from Casino bar, craps table, hit a few one arm bandits and the night club. Removing the casino bar really kind of ruins the area as a hangout entertainment late night spot for me. Between 11pm-3-am it was the premiere spot on the ship and a great place to use up your cheers package and socialize will lots of people. The outdoor smoking venues get cold/sad/dark at night and they have no bar or nearby gaming or nightclub action. It's inconvenient hoofing everywhere. I like floating around and having the casino bar as a sort of home-base that all other activities revolved around and all in one area. Premier place on the ship.  

Whew. Glad to hear about craps. I knew about casino bars on some ships. That is sad. They are a cool place to hang out. 

[Brkintx]

I honestly didn't know reducing the crew's compensation was a thing you can do while on board until I started reading threads here... Let alone that some people wait in line to do so.

I cannot even fathom of reducing the auto-tip amount, let alone removing it entirely.  And I'm far too impatient to wait in a line just to worsen someone else's situation.

I actually don't care how gratuities were handled historically - it doesn't matter in the slightest. The portion of your overall cost for cruising that is allocated to staff compensation ($15.99 or $13.99/p/day) is clearly identified pre-booking.

 

On topic, I haven't seen that promo, but would support making all staff compensation consideration (gratuities) mandatory.

 

Edited March 8, 2022 by Brkintx

[cruisingguy007]

6 minutes ago, famof4togo said:

I agree and now the only REALLY LATE NIGHT bar to get a drink will be the "club" and I am WAY TOO old for the "club"...I will miss it too.

 

Plus the drinks are limited on some ships as they use a push cart type deal. You could walk to the casino bar for more selections and a smoke and even hit some machines real quick and head back to the nightclub again to enjoy music. Floating in and out and having it all in one area without stairs and up and down and all around was nice. Whoever decided to get rid of the casino bars simply didn't understand its value to the overall cruise experience. Seems like a bean counter move, not sure who they were trying to appease with that boneheaded move. 

Edited March 8, 2022 by cruisingguy007

[Elaine5715]

2 hours ago, momin05 said:

Wait, what?  Did they close the craps tables for Covid concerns? (Or am I misreading your sentence? Please tell me I am mis-reading your sentence!)

Craps tables are NOT closed

[cruisingguy007]

2 hours ago, famof4togo said:

I agree and now the only REALLY LATE NIGHT bar to get a drink will be the "club" and I am WAY TOO old for the "club"...I will miss it too.

 

Never too old for the club on a cruise! Shake your tail-feather if you're so inclined. I don't really dance or anything, I just like the music and the energy. The people watching can be fun too. 

[Elaine5715]

5 hours ago, famof4togo said:

They will usually still give you a receipt even with Cheers and you can add it to the receipt, but personally I tip in cash to both bartenders and room service attendants.... never took a survey or anything but I believe that to be their preference.  And while we are on the debated hot topic I also do feel I get better service from doing so.  I find they remember your name, your drink preferences and get to you a bit quicker then without...but that's just my opinion.

Of course you get better service when you add a tip with CHEERS.  The CHEERS tip is minimal and from my observations, few guests add anything with their CHEERS drink. 

[Stick93]

6 hours ago, cheer25mom said:

I had to sign for every drink I ordered on every Disney cruise I have been on. 

Never been on Disney - 

never signed on NCL, Royal/Celebrity. 

[Stick93]

1 hour ago, Elaine5715 said:

Of course you get better service when you add a tip with CHEERS.  The CHEERS tip is minimal and from my observations, few guests add anything with their CHEERS drink. 

You get the best service with cash. But the point that they keep coming with those papers if you sit for a while at a bar is ridiculous to me. 

[BlerkOne]

Cheap people never run out of excuses.

[Elaine5715]

1 hour ago, Stick93 said:

You get the best service with cash. But the point that they keep coming with those papers if you sit for a while at a bar is ridiculous to me. 

Cash or added to the receipts.  I spent alot of time watching drinks getting served last week and saw 1 person (besides myself) add a tip to a CHEERS tab, no one else, not even at the coffee bar..   Got to keep the books somehow and it keeps them from having to put guns on all the bottles to count inventory.  

[icft]

10 hours ago, cheer25mom said:

So you tip in cash if you have cheers? It appears from reading here that you don't get a receipt when you order a drink on the cheers package? Is there a way to tip with cheers and have it added to the room folio? 

You do get a receipt for cheers drinks eve though they are free. The receipt will have the charge for the drink and a credit for that amount and show a net due of zero. There is a line for additional tips and you have to sign even if you don't add a tip. No need to tip cash, just put it on the receipt and sign and it is charged to your room. And the amount of tip you put goes directly to that server only.

[KmomChicago]

On 3/8/2022 at 2:19 AM, CruiseLoverFromNorCal said:

When I booked with the Good to Go promo, it forced me to prepay the gratuities. There was no way to opt out. Anyone else notice this? I prefer to tip individual workers in cash. 

I’m sure this system will gradually take over as it’s not designed around people thinking it’s acceptable to opt out. Especially at certain fare levels. 
 

There’s hardly any such thing anymore as full brochure/posted rate. Everything is a discount and all they have to do is say this or that discount requires prepaid grats. 
 

You don’t want to do that? Okay you can pay non-discounted price. 

[KmomChicago]

36 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

I’m sure this system will gradually take over as it’s not designed around people thinking it’s acceptable to opt out. Especially at certain fare levels. 
 

There’s hardly any such thing anymore as full brochure/posted rate. Everything is a discount and all they have to do is say this or that discount requires prepaid grats. 
 

You don’t want to do that? Okay you can pay non-discounted price. 

 

Furthermore, eventually they will build into the fare rules that if you get a grat-included rate and then try to remove at GS, you have to forfeit your discounted fare and pay full price. Which, guess what, will be more than you already paid. 

 

Alternatively, the system may not absolutely prohibit getting out of gratuities, but likely will not allow it by Guest Services on board the ship. "Sorry but based on your discount fare you are not eligible for an onboard gratuity credit / refund. You can contact home office. We are not authorized to adjust this charge onboard."

 

They'll hand you an instruction sheet on how to write a paper letter after the cruise and submit it in triplicate via snail mail to a Florida PO Box, home of Da Keeper of Da Refunds who will consider your case and possibly send back a letter 'splaining why your case is not good enough, though they could indeed convert you to a non-discounted cruise that does not include gratuities in which case you would owe us $150 over your original fare. 

 

And by then you will have forgotten the whole thing and maybe you are done with Carnival or cruising in general because: GRATUITIES. You won't be the first. People leave Carnival all the time. They leave all the cruise lines all the time, all the vacation options. People are never-againing Walt Disney World as well, right now, and yet Disney is doing what they are doing. People change brands and products all the time.