Using OBC for tips

[ggo85]

We wanted to find out exactly how it works - so asked.  The below applies to Constellation - it’s entirely possible that other ships may operate differently 

 

You go to Guest Services and get a form. You can just check a box for crew such as stateroom attendant and fill in an amount.  If you want to tip someone not on the list, you write in their name.

 

Every 15 days (payday) the crew gets the extra amount in their pay.  It is given as a lump sum -  all tips received from everyone who provided them during that to,e period. They aren’t automatically told who gave how much. They can ask, in which case they will be told.  
 

We plan to write notes for each person for whom we’re using OBC letting them know.  

[jelayne]

Interesting thing about using OBC is it seems there is no consistency among ships.  
We only use the form for the Butler and Cabin Attendant.  I was filling it out one day at Guest Services and was adding$ for our sommelier when the GRM asked if I was aware that the $ would go into the sommelier pool not to the individual and that tips for Blu and Luminae via the form went into the dining pool.  
 

I always right a note telling the individuals how much they should see in their next pay.

[asnaleah]

We just did this on Silhouette. We wrote notes to each person and noted the amount. I hope it all works out.

[ggo85]

Our butler said that OBC tips provided to butler and stateroom attendant goes to them alone.  Those for dining go into the pool for your assigned restaurant.  We have the first world problem of far more OBC than we can use on “ourselves,” so want to use it for tips.  I too hope it works out. 
 

I guess I could try the casino thing to get it in cash.  Last night I used $30 to play slots.  3 spins later, I was up $30 and quit.  I guess I could/should have used the full OBC amount.  🙁

 

[Lastdance]

We were told by Retreat concierge/Butler and Guesst Services the same thing on Apex.  Make sure you have their first and last names, along with the amount clearly written and give to Guest Services.  We did this early before pay day and most of those we tipped thanked us before the end of our cruise.

Edited December 22, 2022 by Lastdance

[ggo85]

We only needed to provide first names.  That, along with position and cabin number seemed to be enough.  We told our butler what we planned to do (half cash and half OBC).   He seemed fine with it. I would hope that, if crew didn’t see the OBC, he would have said something.  So I believe they get it.  
 

Using OBC for tips is actually a good deal for the cruise line.  They don’t have to provide any good or service. And good deal for crew as they may get extra tips they wouldn’t get if people had to fork out “real” cash. 
 

However, if you do it, my suggestion is to put in writing for each crew member what you gave.  That way, if for some reason they don’t get it, they have “proof” it was provided.  

[dlh015]

On these boards, I swear I have seen every variation of where tips end up, of who gets them and who doesn't, of which pool they go in or don't go in, of which form you should or shouldn't fill out and how you should do so or not do so, on and on and on. Not to mention what tip is particular to what position in whatever venue. Or what ship in what country. 

 

So, I'll just continue to do what I always do...prepay grats, and hand my tip directly to the person(s) I want to...I tell them how happy I am with the service provided and mention them in the survey.

 

No stress whatsoever...

[ggo85]

We do the same.  However, I assume more than a few folks want to use OBC for tips.  For those folks, wanted to walk through the process.  If, after the explanation, some want to forego OBC for only cash, that’s fine. For us on this cruise, it was either buy crap we didn’t want or give it back to the crew.  We preferred the latter.  I just wanted to make sure they actually get it.  From all I can tell, they do.  

[dlh015]

8 minutes ago, ggo85 said:

We do the same.  However, I assume more than a few folks want to use OBC for tips.  For those folks, wanted to walk through the process.  If, after the explanation, some want to forego OBC for only cash, that’s fine. For us on this cruise, it was either buy crap we didn’t want or give it back to the crew.  We preferred the latter.  I just wanted to make sure they actually get it.  From all I can tell, they do.  

Please don't get me wrong! I didn't intend it to be a comment on your posts or I would have quoted it...I think it was great that you posted what you did in a clear, concise manner. It is bound to be helpful to others. 

I was merely making a general comment and in retrospect, I likely picked the wrong time and place to so it.

I can already see Rich reminding me that I am fulfilling my job lecturing...😆 

[ggo85]

No worries. 😀.  In the past we’d only done tips with cash. But, as noted, on this cruise we had more OBC than we could use.  So we wanted to give it back to the crew and didn’t really understand the process.  Assuming others might be in the same position, want to inform.  Cash is clearly and always the most reliable.  

[Lastdance]

Tipping for us was OBC this time because we had so much and did not want to carry that amount of cash onboard, especially in Europe with b2b cruises, one being a TA.  Both cabins were suites; one a Move-Up.  Also, we were in quarantine for five days, so our butler was very busy with us providing room service.  Remember, all circumstances are different.  If we were just in the Caribbean and not onboard for 26 days, cash would have been used, along with always providing lovely notes of appreciation to their superiors.  Just do what works best for you and your situation, at that time.  There is no "right" way to do it. Even though I too believe cash is king, the fact that you enjoyed the service of those individuals speaks for itself.  They are very happy to receive those tips!

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Edited December 23, 2022 by Lastdance