How much do you tip?

[sirclean]

I have not cruised on Princess since COVID. However, I would get a lot of the Consummate Host cards and fill them out frequently.  For those that were deserving of several, I would note their name in my notes and make sure that I add them to the end of cruise survey with details of how they were special!

 

I understand that Princess uses both the Consummate Host and end of cruise survey comments for additional awards. 

[texasgirl29]

I was really happy when they began auto gratuities several years ago. Paid up and done with, as I thought was the whole purpose of auto gratuities.  

 

Now we are planning a cruise in September, after many years, and after reading all the threads about tipping on top of the auto gratuities, I feel like we're being pressured to add tips or risk being a cheapskate. 

 

We've been saving up for this cruise for 3 years, it's not like we're flush with cash. I just hate the feeling that I'm NOT doing our expected tipping when we are including what was asked. We will, of course, tip porters and independent tour guides, taxi drivers, etc. 

[wowzz]

15 minutes ago, texasgirl29 said:

I was really happy when they began auto gratuities several years ago. Paid up and done with, as I thought was the whole purpose of auto gratuities.  

 

Now we are planning a cruise in September, after many years, and after reading all the threads about tipping on top of the auto gratuities, I feel like we're being pressured to add tips or risk being a cheapskate. 

 

We've been saving up for this cruise for 3 years, it's not like we're flush with cash. I just hate the feeling that I'm NOT doing our expected tipping when we are including what was asked. We will, of course, tip porters and independent tour guides, taxi drivers, etc. 

We, like you, and many others, consider that once the autotips are paid, there is absolutely no  reason to tip again, unless the service given is extra special. We do normally leave something for the steward, but it is more a token of appreciation, rather than an enormous cash payment.

So, you will not be thought of as a cheapskate. You have paid what is required, and there is no pressure on you to pay again.   

[wineforhealth]

2 hours ago, voljeep said:

with Princess Plus package, yes

 

I drink single malt scotch and wine ( cab ) - I get 'full' pours - even if not needed due to the '15'

Shhhh, don’t give away one the of secrets

 

 

[Doug R.]

How can one tell that cruising is getting back to normal? Endless tipping threads!!!!! 

[Ombud]

12 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

bring Macadamia Nuts

I'm thinking of bringing these instead of chips when flying to a cruise.  Still bringing dove (or Ghirardelli) chocolates. Need about 4 per day of those .... 

[cr8tiv1]

2 hours ago, sirclean said:

I have not cruised on Princess since COVID. However, I would get a lot of the Consummate Host cards and fill them out frequently.  For those that were deserving of several, I would note their name in my notes and make sure that I add them to the end of cruise survey with details of how they were special!

 

I understand that Princess uses both the Consummate Host and end of cruise survey comments for additional awards. 

 

These valuable Consummate Host Cards are now a casualty of Princess’ bean counters.  Change is not always for the better. Bring some note cards for individual crew.  Bring some stationary to write a summary of your cruise (crew) and leave it with the General Hotel Manager.  I was surprised to hear that my waiter from an earlier cruise post pandemic, kept my note.  

[Kiran]

2 hours ago, texasgirl29 said:

I was really happy when they began auto gratuities several years ago. Paid up and done with, as I thought was the whole purpose of auto gratuities.  

 

Now we are planning a cruise in September, after many years, and after reading all the threads about tipping on top of the auto gratuities, I feel like we're being pressured to add tips or risk being a cheapskate. 

 

We've been saving up for this cruise for 3 years, it's not like we're flush with cash. I just hate the feeling that I'm NOT doing our expected tipping when we are including what was asked. We will, of course, tip porters and independent tour guides, taxi drivers, etc. 

When my mom was  a cruiser of good health and little needs, she did not tip over and above.

 

But now she appreciates the extra effort and care of the crew since she is elderly and can barely walk. Everything takes effort. 

[Sunwanabe]

2 hours ago, texasgirl29 said:

I was really happy when they began auto gratuities several years ago. Paid up and done with, as I thought was the whole purpose of auto gratuities.  

 

Now we are planning a cruise in September, after many years, and after reading all the threads about tipping on top of the auto gratuities, I feel like we're being pressured to add tips or risk being a cheapskate. 

 

We've been saving up for this cruise for 3 years, it's not like we're flush with cash. I just hate the feeling that I'm NOT doing our expected tipping when we are including what was asked. We will, of course, tip porters and independent tour guides, taxi drivers, etc. 

Don't be pressured. We have an upcoming cruise with gratuities included. If we see some exceptional service we may give some tips but other than that it's all included. 

[BuckeyeMark]

52 minutes ago, Doug R. said:

How can one tell that cruising is getting back to normal? Endless tipping threads!!!!! 

And lots and lots of talk about what you should and should not wear in the MDR and on formal night.  We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccccck!  LOL

[travellingnana]

Thank you for all of your replies. I was talking about additional $ above the prepaid gratuities. I never know if I’m being cheap, but it seems like I’m doing ok. I love the Dove chocolates idea!  Thanks to all of you. 

[sirclean]

38 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

These valuable Consummate Host Cards are now a casualty of Princess’ bean counters.  Change is not always for the better. Bring some note cards for individual crew.  Bring some stationary to write a summary of your cruise (crew) and leave it with the General Hotel Manager.  I was surprised to hear that my waiter from an earlier cruise post pandemic, kept my note.  

that is terrible news!

 

The last post noted "We're BAAAAAAACK".  Well, we are not! 

So much has been lost, I truly wonder if I want to come back to Princess.  They have stripped the benefits of being elite to the point that there is little if any sure fire, hands down reason to cruise with them.  There are other lines that are now, just as inexpensive, and that are offering essentially the same benefits. 

 

yesterday, in another thread, there was a discussion of the elite/suite service desk line being eliminated. I could not tell if that was other (non elite) passengers telling the elite to get to the back of the line, or if it was not honored.

 

anyway, When/If I cruise Princess again, i will be sure to bring my own stationary an leave it with management thanking the crew members that are helpful! 

 

[cr8tiv1]

@sirclean I am not sure that incident was an outlier, but on all of my 4 post COVID cruises had an Elite/Suite line.  There were days that the lines were long (generally at the beginning and the end).  Sometimes the CSR did not follow protocol and just took the next person who walked up.  Often, there would be no line at all.  

 

Change happens.  Do I always like it?  No.  But I am comfortable sailing on Princess.  I am past the prime of my cruising life.  I am glad I was able to do so much when I was young enough to enjoy it all.  Now, I am happy to watch the  ocean go by.  The crew makes up for what Princess is lacking.  They deserve recognition in whatever form you are comfortable dispersing.

[sirclean]

2 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

@sirclean I am not sure that incident was an outlier, but on all of my 4 post COVID cruises had an Elite/Suite line.  There were days that the lines were long (generally at the beginning and the end).  Sometimes the CSR did not follow protocol and just took the next person who walked up.  Often, there would be no line at all.  

 

Change happens.  Do I always like it?  No.  But I am comfortable sailing on Princess.  I am past the prime of my cruising life.  I am glad I was able to do so much when I was young enough to enjoy it all.  Now, I am happy to watch the  ocean go by.  The crew makes up for what Princess is lacking.  They deserve recognition in whatever form you are comfortable dispersing.

You have a very happy attitude!  I hope to relax some more and be happy for what we have now and not what we had.  (though I may explore other lines to see if they are offering more bang for the buck without the feelings of having hard earned benefits removed... well, Im not where you are yet!!  )

[trbarton]

19 hours ago, travellingnana said:

Same waiters every night for 10 days…

If I don’t have the package I tip the Head Waiter $20, Assistant Waiter $10 & stateroom steward $20. If I was on a longer cruise, 14 days or longer than I may would increase my tip. 
 

Any special service I would give something extra. 
 

I was on a B2B cruise in February on the Majestic & I had a small thermometer that was stuck on the outside of my balcony sliding door. I noticed that they had all of the  doors btw the balconies opened & someone was hosing everything down. Later I noticed that the thermometer was missing. Luckily I had a photo of it & my steward was very helpful & the supervisor also came. It was found & I tipped the steward for all of his help. 
 

Tom😀

Edited May 10, 2022 by trbarton

[roxievegas]

we did a cruise before Christmas and we gave our room steward $100.

last two cruises (march and april) we gave $50

 

we did not tip in the dining room, we sat at a different table every time we went in there, never had the same staff waiting on us.

 

We give $5.00 to the guy that brings us room service, which we order once or twice during the cruise

 

We carry around $1.00 bills and give them if we are sitting some where and we order more than one drink.

 

We do not feel that we have to tip but the main person that we have the most contact with is our room steward.

[vegas-c]

Tipping is so personal and cultural.  When I first cruised 30+ years ago I believe it averaged about $10 a day. (Divided by room steward, waiter, assistant, head waiter, sommelier, etc.)  Considering 30 years later and its only $5. more a day?  I do tip extra, while we all have anytime dining, if we find a waiter we like we request that section and tip at the end of the cruise, though I have considered leaving a little each day. At this point I think I am middle of the road.  EXCEPT for my one area,  10% on a casino win???  Where are they all the days I leave losing?  Neither on land or sea has anyone said, Connie, having a rough day?  Let me put 50 on your account!!!!   LOL!!!   Leaving Saturday on another cruise, great sailings to you all!!! 

 

p.s. I like the chips/candy idea but too difficult to pack and either not crush or melt.

Edited May 10, 2022 by vegas-c

[pris993]

We don't go to MDR anymore.  When we did, we tipped the Maitre'd $50 because he was the one who authorized our special orders, the Head Waiter who brought the special order $50 and left the auto tip for the waiter and assistant.   Now we go to the buffet and Crown Grill, generally tip $20-30 a night in Crown Grill, tip on the spot for anyone who does something special for us at the buffet a few dollars.  Room Steward is tipped extra $40 to $75 depending on the length of the cruise.  Room Service generally $2 per service. 

[trbarton]

On my last year in December I brought 3 bags of See’s Candy in my carry on. One for the room steward & 2 for the wait staff. They were surprised & enjoyed the thought. 
 

Tom😀

[Potstech]

3 hours ago, trbarton said:

If I don’t have the package I tip the Head Waiter $20, Assistant Waiter $10 & stateroom steward $20. If I was on a longer cruise, 14 days or longer than I may would increase my tip. 
 

Any special service I would give something extra. 
 

I was on a B2B cruise in February on the Majestic & I had a small thermometer that was stuck on the outside of my balcony sliding door. I noticed that they had all of the  doors btw the balconies opened & someone was hosing everything down. Later I noticed that the thermometer was missing. Luckily I had a photo of it & my steward was very helpful & the supervisor also came. It was found & I tipped the steward for all of his help. 
 

Tom😀

You do not tip bribe them.

[cr8tiv1]

5 hours ago, trbarton said:

If I don’t have the package I tip the Head Waiter $20, Assistant Waiter $10 & stateroom steward $20. If I was on a longer cruise, 14 days or longer than I may would increase my tip. 
 

Any special service I would give something extra. 
 

I was on a B2B cruise in February on the Majestic & I had a small thermometer that was stuck on the outside of my balcony sliding door. I noticed that they had all of the  doors btw the balconies opened & someone was hosing everything down. Later I noticed that the thermometer was missing. Luckily I had a photo of it & my steward was very helpful & the supervisor also came. It was found & I tipped the steward for all of his help. 
 

Tom😀

Where was your thermometer found?  I live a good mystery. 

[trbarton]

29 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Where was your thermometer found?  I live a good mystery. 

It was found & I tipped the steward for all of his help.  My photo helped & I think it came off as they were hosing thinks down. My lesson learned, take if off on a B2B. 

 

Tom😀

[brisalta]

14 hours ago, c-boy said:

10% of what ever we win in the casino

 

So is that a big 0?

[Cuedon]

9 hours ago, vegas-c said:

 Neither on land or sea has anyone said, Connie, having a rough day?  Let me put 50 on your account!!!! 

Can't say for Vegas since they've been getting stingier year after year, but most of the places I frequent will give 5-10% of actual session losses back in promo chips, when in HL... if you ask.

[wowzz]

7 hours ago, trbarton said:

They were surprised

I'm sure they were !