Automatic Tipping

[ladyjane550]

Can you request NO automatic tipping and do you OWN tipping?

[KKB]

Yes, you simple got to guest relations and request that auto tips be removed from your bill. Just be sure to do it earlier in the week before the lines get long!

Happy cruising.

Kris

Star Princess (W) 10/24/04

Disney Magin (E) 12/24/05

Star Princess (W) 3/10/07

[Lynda90]

Here is a link to a recent thread that should give you all the info you need on the auto tip:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=417767&highlight=tipping

[Pam in CA]

Can you request NO automatic tipping and do you OWN tipping?

Yes, you can remove the auto-tip and dip directly. There are envelopes at the Pursar's Desk for this option.

 

HOWEVER, if you remove the auto-tip, any individual tip you make MUST be turned in by the recipient into the tipping pool or else they risk being fired and sent home. So, you're tipping the pool anyway. And yes, Princess does follow-up and know who has removed auto-tipping.

 

If you remove the auto-tip, don't forget to tip the waiter(s) in the buffet, deck area, and dining room (breakfast and lunch) since you're stiffing them if you don't tip individually. Personally, I think it would be a hassle to constantly carry money and envelopes around to pass out all day and evening every day.

[Host Caroline]

Agree w/ Pam.. auto tipping eliminates a lot of hassle.. we tip extra to our steward or if we are in dining room a lot with same waiter (do PC dining on Caribbean Princess so not often do we get the same one). Some cruise lines allow you to prepay gratuities ahead of time ...

[CalTravelers]

Thanks ladyjane550 and host Caroline. I too discovered the background on tipping through this website. We spoke to many people on our Star cruise that did not understand what removing the automated tipping does to the general staff. We leave auto on and give extra to those who provide extra service - our room steward and dining room staff, depedning upon our seating arrngements. I feel that Princess should explain this process - although I am sure that some people feel that their cruise fare takes care of everything! It is not the staff's fault that you pay for water, coffee, etc!!! We are not the demanding types and have always been impresssed with the service we received.

[chasetf]

When you take the auto tip off, and tip extra, they will have to pool the entire amount. So you end up penalizing them because you took it off.

 

We always put our cabin number on the envelop when tipping extra so they can cross check to make sure we have left the auto tip on. :)