Tipping question

[coffee39]

We are new to the board and are wondering if Sapphire princess automatically takes the 10.00/person/day for tips.

[Stevesan]

We are new to the board and are wondering if Sapphire princess automatically takes the 10.00/person/day for tips.

 

Yes they do, unless you present yourself to the front desk and remove all or part.

 

Here we go!!:p

[spongerob]

This is standard on all Princess ships. The amounts are going up a little bit next spring, for the higher cabin categories anyway. You can elect to have the charges removed. Please don't tell us if you intend to do so, lest the heavy artillery start up again. :rolleyes:

[coffee39]

My personal opinion,(first time cruise so I am by no means an expert) I think it is a wonderful idea. I don't have to be concerned about continually having small bills in my pockets....heck I don't have to have pockets. LOL

[mnmarkne]

Since a tip charge is added to our bill at the end, does this mean we shouldn't tip anyone during the cruise? Is it customary to still tip for things such as room service, dinner-on-balcony, spa, etc?? Thanks.

[LARGIN]

Since a tip charge is added to our bill at the end, does this mean we shouldn't tip anyone during the cruise? Is it customary to still tip for things such as room service, dinner-on-balcony, spa, etc?? Thanks.

You should tip extra to anyone who you think deserves it including bartenders, room service, dinner on balcony, etc. If your room steward and waiters are exceptional, you might want to give them a little extra also over and above the "tip" charge.

[Times Prince]

Since a tip charge is added to our bill at the end, does this mean we shouldn't tip anyone during the cruise? Is it customary to still tip for things such as room service, dinner-on-balcony, spa, etc?? Thanks.

The standard tip was made to cover all the employees both seen and behind the scenes.

 

We've found that some services deserve a little extra, and try to plan ahead if we are using that service (e.g. beauty salon) just in case. Whenever we've tipped a room service person, we've found they add it to the pool. Just a reminder - if you've had a single room service person, reward them during the cruise as they have other duties on the last day or two.

 

Our cabin stewards and an onboard hotel manager said that all tips are pooled, and are returned if the standard tip is left in place, so the person giving outstanding service reaps the rewards.

[English Tim]

The standard tip was made to cover all the employees both seen and behind the scenes.

 

 

I have just returned from CP and the CD stated that the auto-tip covers the busboy, waiter, table capt, Maitre'D and cabin steward, no-one else.

 

Every person, apart from my wife and I, on our table removed the auto-tip and tipped in cash. I noticed all the employees taking their envelopes to the table captains and opening them. The amounts were listed on a chart. Each cruiser that handed over an envelope was asked for their cabin number.

 

Apparently, many staff don't like working on the CP, because so many Brits either tip below the recommended amount or not at all.

[dforeigner]

Question: What are the tipping guidelines for my cruise?

Answer: During your cruise, you will meet many members of our staff in a variety of locations as they provide you with excellent service. Additionally, many more crew behind the scenes support those who serve you directly. For your convenience a Hotel and Dining charge of $10 per passenger per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The Hotel and Dining charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards and accommodations staff, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others.

 

Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.

 

A 15% charge is automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff.

[Stevesan]

I have just returned from CP and the CD stated that the auto-tip covers the busboy, waiter, table capt, Maitre'D and cabin steward, no-one else.

 

Every person, apart from my wife and I, on our table removed the auto-tip and tipped in cash. I noticed all the employees taking their envelopes to the table captains and opening them. The amounts were listed on a chart. Each cruiser that handed over an envelope was asked for their cabin number.

 

Apparently, many staff don't like working on the CP, because so many Brits either tip below the recommended amount or not at all.

 

 

Either the CD was incorrect or Princess is lying.

 

From the Princess web site (emphasis mine):

 

Question: What are the tipping guidelines for my cruise?

Answer: During your cruise, you will meet many members of our staff in a variety of locations as they provide you with excellent service. Additionally, many more crew behind the scenes support those who serve you directly. For your convenience a Hotel and Dining charge of $10 per passenger per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The Hotel and Dining charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards and accommodations staff, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others.

Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilize these services.

 

A 15% charge is automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff.

[English Tim]

I assume the CD was incorrect, but it was broadcast on the ship's tv.

 

It's certainly a thorny and unclear subject.

 

The level of tipping is so low, on CP, that Princess tops up the fund.