Retreat Tipping question

[Jim_Iain]

13 hours ago, laslomas said:

 

I am confused by your post. It seems the Sommelier was just doing his job, but not very well, and you still tipped him extra! I assume this was over and above the regular included gratuities? 

 

I am an easily confused Brit trying to understand the extra tipping subject.

 

We did give him a bit of extra tip but not up to what we would normally.   Since we normally take multiple cruises if you don't tip at all there is a perception the next cruise may be lacking further in service.  

 

Iain forbid me from talking to the Maitre 'd -   I did that once about a Sommelier and that night the Restaurant Manager called to apologize and the next night the Beverage manager was at our table with a nice bottle of wine and insisted on serving us every night for the remainder of the cruise.   Yikes that was way over kill.... I was just hoping the Maitre'd would just ask him to be more attentive. 

[jmdlv1]

2 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

Actually, some people who can afford the Retreat did get there by sharing with others less fortunate.  The last time I did not choose a suite, the experience was not good.  Getting waited on in the MDR was an impossibility.  So if I'm going to cruise, I'm going to do it in a way that is relaxing and provides a good experience.  And I factor large extra tips to those who serve me in the Retreat into the cost of the trip.  These people work insanely long hours for very little pay and I'm willing to share my good fortune with them if they help make my cruise an excellent experience.

Well said and I agree 100%

I have not always taken the traditional approach of tipping on the last day.

Usually tip butler and room steward on emabarkation day with a partial tip and then again later in the cruise. 

I use the $20 ,$50 ,etc.handshake.

Last couple cruises I tipped staff in Luminae not realizing the pooled tips.

I did tip the host and sommelier .Maybe did not need to tip them.

I spend a lot of time, perhaps too much,  in the casino and tip the dealers well.

It's all positive karma.

.

 

 

 

[HMR74]

54 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

We did give him a bit of extra tip but not up to what we would normally.   Since we normally take multiple cruises if you don't tip at all there is a perception the next cruise may be lacking further in service.  

 

Iain forbid me from talking to the Maitre 'd -   I did that once about a Sommelier and that night the Restaurant Manager called to apologize and the next night the Beverage manager was at our table with a nice bottle of wine and insisted on serving us every night for the remainder of the cruise.   Yikes that was way over kill.... I was just hoping the Maitre'd would just ask him to be more attentive. 

Our last cruise before pandemic--lobster nite in Blu--we orderd our dinners  and a lobster dinner to share.

 

Never got the lobster,; the next morning the Maiter'd (who was tipped off by one of the tables next to us as we latr learned), came up to me and apologized profusely, that he ans server were truy sorry. I tried telling him it did not bother me at all as if it did I woudl have said something the night before.

 

Some people act as if this is The Last Supper , or meal. Most likely it's not and anyway there are more important things in life. Yeah, we pay good money for these trips but I reall ydo not want to dwell on what went wrong.

 

We have "friends" who aways complain about something wrong with their meal and treat the waitstaff like crap.  Drives   us  nuts, so we see less and less of them each year.

 

In 1975, I believe, we , being young, went to UK for a 3 week trip, but used apple Vacations which had charter flights on 707's with no leg room, but the problem was going home the fod was so bas we both covered it with napkins and could not stot giggling for an hours. Each time we looked at each other the laughter. Its not the last meal.

 

In 1974 we went to Jamaica   and with 5 days to go workers went on strike. Dinners at hotel becane  buffett. We still laugh, and since air Jamaica workers were on strike the airline chartered, United 707s and watched our suitcases beng loaded on a plane going to Philadelphia. Saved us time going thru customs and  thesuitcases were dropped off the next morning.

The food on board was a small sandwhich on white bread, cut in 3 and each person got two little slices. Another problem and laughter.

 

 I guess I was used to army food. A typical  brown bag lunch (I was an MP) was a slice of bologna on white bread with mayo.

 

It was nothing compared to what our parents generation went thru with WW2.

 

if it takes 5-10 minutes more to get a drink at a bar on board, just order one early next time. Quick fix for the problem.

 

Just putting food service and tipping "problems"  in perspectivve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 20, 2022 by HMR74

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

1 hour ago, jmdlv1 said:

Well said and I agree 100%

I have not always taken the traditional approach of tipping on the last day.

Usually tip butler and room steward on emabarkation day with a partial tip and then again later in the cruise. 

I use the $20 ,$50 ,etc.handshake.

Last couple cruises I tipped staff in Luminae not realizing the pooled tips.

I did tip the host and sommelier .Maybe did not need to tip them.

I spend a lot of time, perhaps too much,  in the casino and tip the dealers well.

It's all positive karma.

.

 

 

 

 

Yes, it's all positive karma.  FYI, I learned on my last cruise that the sommelier is not included in the pooled tips in Luminae, so he/she should be tipped separately.  The maitre d' told me he was included in the pool.  So, tipping your staff in Luminae is fine, they will just add it to the pool.

[LGW59]

22 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

Yes, it's all positive karma.  FYI, I learned on my last cruise that the sommelier is not included in the pooled tips in Luminae, so he/she should be tipped separately.  The maitre d' told me he was included in the pool.  So, tipping your staff in Luminae is fine, they will just add it to the pool.

I was not aware that all staff in Luminae pooled the tips, of course I also never asked.  Good to know though, so thank you!

[Jim_Iain]

Talking about pooled tips.    I had a discussion of with the Maitre 'd in a specialty restaurant.     He indicated that if you leave a tip in cash it is shared to the pool in the specialty only but if left as a room charge it goes into the pool of all the restaurant works throughout the ship.

[dlh015]

7 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Talking about pooled tips.    I had a discussion of with the Maitre 'd in a specialty restaurant.     He indicated that if you leave a tip in cash it is shared to the pool in the specialty only but if left as a room charge it goes into the pool of all the restaurant works throughout the ship.

Thanks...didn't know that. I generally tip in cash in specialty restaurants. I'm glad about that right now. But it may actually allow a bit of fine-tuning of a sort...have to give it some thought. 

[miched]

On 9/17/2022 at 3:48 PM, ChefSha said:

Did you tip the butler as the cruise went or at the beginning/end? 

We always give the extra gratuity at the end of the cruise.   We gave them a envelope with the extra gratuity and a note thanking him for their great service and etc.    We also make  a comment on the attention to detail card 

 

We have sailed a lot, more than many but not as much as others.   Talking to the employees they say when they are given a tip upfront they feel as if it is a bribe.   Many don’t like it  because most that do it now expect (demand) special and extra attention for the rest of the cruise.     Notice that I mentioned most not all.   They take pride in their profession and give the same great service to all. 
 

We have always received great service doing to that way.   I think the personal feel better getting the extra at the end because they know that they were appreciated for their service instead of being paid for it upfront.   

Just my opinion and I know other will have their own and feel different.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

[RichYak]

32 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Talking about pooled tips.    I had a discussion of with the Maitre 'd in a specialty restaurant.     He indicated that if you leave a tip in cash it is shared to the pool in the specialty only but if left as a room charge it goes into the pool of all the restaurant works throughout the ship.

I have been told exactly the same thing. Now that the gratuity is automatic on specialty restaurant charges, I wonder how it's allocated. I hope, like cash, it stays with the particular specialty.

[miched]

5 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

Actually, some people who can afford the Retreat did get there by sharing with others less fortunate.  The last time I did not choose a suite, the experience was not good.  Getting waited on in the MDR was an impossibility.  So if I'm going to cruise, I'm going to do it in a way that is relaxing and provides a good experience.  And I factor large extra tips to those who serve me in the Retreat into the cost of the trip.  These people work insanely long hours for very little pay and I'm willing to share my good fortune with them if they help make my cruise an excellent experience.

I totally agree 

 

I worked 7 days a week 10 to 12 hours a day doing physical labor in very poor working conditions.  Extremely hot or cold,  outside , inside,  foundry cast iron dust,  breathing very toxic fumes from chrome plating.  I still feel that I was fortunate to have the opportunity to do that and  earn a great income, and still have good health.     Many others work just as hard or harder in worse conditions and more hours and hardly survive.  
 

I feel very fortunate to be able to now enjoy taking a few cruises in either AQ or a suite and enjoy my efforts.  I also like to share my good fortune with others to help make their life better. 
 

I love your attitude.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[wineoclock]

4 hours ago, LGW59 said:

I was not aware that all staff in Luminae pooled the tips, of course I also never asked.  Good to know though, so thank you!

When we gave individual envelopes on our last cruise in Luminae we saw the staff hand the envelopes to the Maitre D. 

[Mark_K]

10 hours ago, LGW59 said:

I was not aware that all staff in Luminae pooled the tips, of course I also never asked.  Good to know though, so thank you!

On our cruise this past April, I asked the Maitre’d and he said they didn’t. So who knows, or maybe it varies.

[LGW59]

49 minutes ago, Mark_K said:

On our cruise this past April, I asked the Maitre’d and he said they didn’t. So who knows, or maybe it varies.

Interesting, perhaps the manager for each cruise is allowed to make the decision per individual cruise.  Guess I’ll soon find out.

[miched]

Ask at Guest Relations.   They will tell you and also give a breakdown for the automatic daily gratuities.  
 

If you use ship board credit for the bar and dining rooms it is pooled.

 

SBC for the Butler, and cabin attendant is theirs.  
 

I was told that the servers and BTs get paid out of the  gratuity  from the drink pack for each drink served.   A BT told me that he compares his paycheck with others and it may amount to a few dollars different between them. 
 

If anyone sells a drink pack or upgrade they get the gratuity from that sale.  That is why you see the hawks at the begging of the cruise trying to sell or upgrade the drink pack.   I never buy from them because if I need to upgrade I want my favorite BT to get rewarded not someone I may never see again.   Same with the wine steward selling a wine experience.  

 

Cash given to any of them is theirs

 

At some bars the BTs will share the cash tips with the others working at that bar.    You will see this at the Martini Bar where the money is put into a bucket.  Some do it at the WCB, and Eden. 
 

However it is shared the employees probably end up within a few dollars if shared or not as the more in the pool the more they all get.   The system must have been determined to be the fairest and best for all. 

 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

Edited September 21, 2022 by miched

[Gordoncruickshank]

26 minutes ago, miched said:

Ask at Guest Relations.   They will tell you and also give a breakdown for the automatic daily gratuities.  
 

If you use ship board credit for the bar and dining rooms it is pooled.

 

SBC for the Butler, and cabin attendant is theirs.  
 

I was told that the servers and BTs get paid out of the  gratuity  from the drink pack for each drink served.   A BT told me that he compares his paycheck with others and it may amount to a few dollars different between them. 
 

If anyone sells a drink pack or upgrade they get the gratuity from that sale.  That is why you see the hawks at the begging of the cruise trying to sell or upgrade the drink pack.   I never buy from them because if I need to upgrade I want my favorite BT to get rewarded not someone I may never see again.   Same with the wine steward selling a wine experience.  

 

Cash given to any of them is theirs

 

At some bars the BTs will share the cash tips with the others working at that bar.    You will see this at the Martini Bar where the money is put into a bucket.  Some do it at the WCB, and Eden. 
 

However it is shared the employees probably end up within a few dollars if shared or not as the more in the pool the more they all get.   The system must have been determined to be the fairest and best for all. 

 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

This ties up exactly to what I have been told over the years.

 

I would add that the Sommeliers are paid the same way as the BTs. 

[DCPIV]

2 hours ago, Gordoncruickshank said:

I would add that the Sommeliers are paid the same way as the BTs. 

 

That's why I like to buy tastings through the sommelier.  It's one way to get them some extra money.

[SusieAV8R]

10 hours ago, Gordoncruickshank said:

This ties up exactly to what I have been told over the years.

 

I would add that the Sommeliers are paid the same way as the BTs. 

We give $2 (the $2 USD bill) tips to waiters/waitress/bartenders.  In our lengthy experience, we get better service by doing this and those tips disappear into an individual's pocket.

[SusieAV8R]

19 hours ago, wineoclock said:

When we gave individual envelopes on our last cruise in Luminae we saw the staff hand the envelopes to the Maitre D. 

I am certainly learning a lot from your observations.  From my DECADES' old experience of working in. a bar to put self and first hubby through college, where tips were NOT pooled (thank goodness, since some of my fellow workers did not work very hard), I had assumed that extra tips put in envelopes with notes went only to the intended in Luminae.  Now we will re-think this.....

[LGW59]

2 hours ago, SusieAV8R said:

We give $2 (the $2 USD bill) tips to waiters/waitress/bartenders.  In our lengthy experience, we get better service by doing this and those tips disappear into an individual's pocket.

In the past here, I have pooh poohed the use of tipping with $2 bills.  Over the past few weeks I have read, not only here, but it several travel guides, $2 bills are very welcomed and liked by those receiving them.  My bad to you all, and I apologize and I am going to get some for my upcoming cruise and use them for some tips, I'm going to ask the crew for hopefully an honest opinion on their thoughts as well.

[cruiseerf]

Tips in the Retreat are "Pooled" between the hosts......And perhaps the head, not sure if they get a piece as well....There is a secret formula used, for dining rooms as well.  Bartender in Retreat only gets a piece of the pooled drink tips so you need to tip them separately if they have treated you well.  

 

Luminae is again pooled tips.....We give one envelope knowing that it goes for all the waitstaff who has have been so excellent.   Sommelier gets a separate envelope as they do not share in Luminae tips.  

 

Butler, and Room attendant also get some extra, with Room attendant and Luminae usually getting the most overall.   We also tip the guys a little ($20-50) at any of the bars we have frequented...It also depends how many days we eat at Luminae vs specialty restaurants etc.  Every cruise is different.  

 

It is our pleasure to reward extra the most excellent service which Celebrity employees at sea provide.  Safe sails to all.  

[Dolebludger]

Out of curiosity, are there any service personnel one encounters while cruising in The Retreat who do not receive a share of the tips included in the fare?

[SusieAV8R]

21 hours ago, LGW59 said:

In the past here, I have pooh poohed the use of tipping with $2 bills.  Over the past few weeks I have read, not only here, but it several travel guides, $2 bills are very welcomed and liked by those receiving them.  My bad to you all, and I apologize and I am going to get some for my upcoming cruise and use them for some tips, I'm going to ask the crew for hopefully an honest opinion on their thoughts as well.

We have been advised over the years (and as recently as our cruise a month ago) by individual crew members that $2 bills are "valuable" in negotiating for such things as special drinks, etc. in the crew area.  We will be interested in what you learn.  (it's all about asking the correct question 🙂. )

1 hour ago, Dolebludger said:

Out of curiosity, are there any service personnel one encounters while cruising in The Retreat who do not receive a share of the tips included in the fare?

 

[SusieAV8R]

21 hours ago, LGW59 said:

In the past here, I have pooh poohed the use of tipping with $2 bills.  Over the past few weeks I have read, not only here, but it several travel guides, $2 bills are very welcomed and liked by those receiving them.  My bad to you all, and I apologize and I am going to get some for my upcoming cruise and use them for some tips, I'm going to ask the crew for hopefully an honest opinion on their thoughts as well.

 

26 minutes ago, SusieAV8R said:

We have been advised over the years (and as recently as our cruise a month ago) by individual crew members that $2 bills are "valuable" in negotiating for such things as special drinks, etc. in the crew area.  We will be interested in what you learn.  (it's all about asking the correct question 🙂. )

 

Ask your bank for crisp "new" $2 bills.  They seem to be more appreciated.  (Not all U.S. banks keep these bills in their safe.)

[ChefSha]

On 9/21/2022 at 10:16 PM, LGW59 said:

In the past here, I have pooh poohed the use of tipping with $2 bills.  Over the past few weeks I have read, not only here, but it several travel guides, $2 bills are very welcomed and liked by those receiving them.  My bad to you all, and I apologize and I am going to get some for my upcoming cruise and use them for some tips, I'm going to ask the crew for hopefully an honest opinion on their thoughts as well.

As someone that worked retail for many years, there no place in the till for $2 bills. It was always a pain to get them. Just my 2 cents. Might be fun and double what they thought they would get but from a retail workers standpoint not the best thing to deal with. But then cash is cash so who am I to complain. 

[LGW59]

1 hour ago, ChefSha said:

As someone that worked retail for many years, there no place in the till for $2 bills. It was always a pain to get them. Just my 2 cents. Might be fun and double what they thought they would get but from a retail workers standpoint not the best thing to deal with. But then cash is cash so who am I to complain. 

Good point and this was mentioned in what I read.  Like I said, I’ll bring some with me and once I get to know a couple of the crew I will ask them for their honest feedback.  I’ll post here for anyone who might be interested.