Room service tipping question...

[serena_17]

Hi,

 

We're cruising out of Sydney in November and I have a question about tipping...

 

Our gratuities are pre-paid (plus I'm allowing extra because I just know the service will be THAT great!), but I have a question about room service tipping and the etiquette.

 

Given that room service is included, how do I work out what to tip the waiter? Is it a) $1 per plate (ie: per item on the tray); or b) $1 per tray?

 

Sorry if this seems a silly question, but the tipping thing is new to me.

[Coralc]

I think most people around $2 (average) for room service to bring your food to your room. We have tipped as much as $5, for a large order and drinks (or when we were out of $1's :D )

[bruce-r]

Given that room service is included, how do I work out what to tip the waiter? Is it a) $1 per plate (ie: per item on the tray); or b) $1 per tray?

 

Sorry if this seems a silly question, but the tipping thing is new to me.

No, not a silly question as you are coming from a country with different tipping customs.

 

The amount I tip depends on how much I order, but I don't have a guideline for it. At least $1 or two for a small order like a simple breakfast and probably more for a larger order like a full dinner.

[Host Kewlguy]

We tip $2.00 for a basic order.

[NoelsCat]

I tend to tip $2 or $1 per person (whichever is more)...

[cb at sea]

The more they carry, the more you should tip. Between $1-2 for coffee and danish. $3-5 for a full evening meal.

[BillfromWV]

Ditto for what CB at Sea said!

[Shelli]

We only order morning coffee from room service to serve both as our "wake-up call" (in more ways than one!) and to enjoy while we dress for the day. Since it's only coffee, I tip $1.

[98Charlie]

We order coffe & danish every morning. $2 works for us.

 

Charlie

[honeywell]

$2 (my average) and more, depending upon the load

[katiel53]

We've only ever ordered coffee and juice and we usually tip $2. We would tip more if we ordered a full meal.

 

When we cruise I take about $50 in $1 bills. We use them for tips. When we put the room service card on the door at night, I get the $2 for the tip and put the money on the dressing table/desk so that when the server gets there in the morning, he/she doesn't have to wait while I get out the tip. They are quite busy.

 

Enjoy!

[PSCruiser]

If its easy to carry in, then $2. If it requires a balancing act, then go higher. Top of the scale can be "I can't believe it was all on one tray" at $5.

[rjh8115]

It's been a while since we last cruised on RCI. Disney has made a change to room service where as they present you with a bill for $0.00 and room for a tip. This way the tip is charged to your account and you don't need any cash. Does RCI do this as well?

[NoelsCat]

No, but I wish they did!! I hate carrying a wad of ones.

[cruisePRN]

Food service is included in your prepaid tips although I give the delivery person of my morning tray a dollar. It is not mandatory or necessary, go with what you feel comfortable with. How any poster can state "most people" do anything is ludicrous since we don't know what anybody does. Cruise critic posters are a very -very small percentage of people, we don't really represent the greater population.

[Coralc]

Ludicrous? My goodness. I disagree with that statement. While Cruise Critic represents only a small percentage of the total cruising population, I think it is very much a representative sample of the cruising poulation. :D

[serena_17]

Hi,

 

Thank you all for your input. I'll make sure that we have lots of $1 dollar notes (I'll have to keep checking which ones they are - we have $1 and $2 coins).

 

I didn't know that the room service was included in the pre-paid. I'll still give cash, however - I'd feel a little uneasy saying 'thanks for the service, by the way, it's already covered' :eek:

 

Can't wait...

[RollieUK]

When we are cruising in Europe, would it be ok to tip in Euros?

 

I do not want to have to get USD as well as Euros before I travel. I will not be using the casino and I do not see I will need dollars (cash) for anything else.

[Sugar*Magnolia]

It is ludicrous to think that a majority of people who cruise do not, would not or should not tip.

 

IMHO I think there are many many people that tip. I think many, many cruising pax are aware how hard the crew works to please guests. I think many pax DO genuinely want to tip for services, and good service at that. When I read some posts, it makes me sad to think there are folks that take people for granted. If you cant throw (not literally folks lol) at least a dollar to someone who is carrying a tray of food to your cabin for your enjoyment WITH a pleasant attitude and friendly smile, maybe those that are sour just shouldnt order room service!!!!!!!!!! It is called 'appreciation'. True story= not everything is included in your cruisefare.

 

Oops....

To the OP: $1-$2 USD for small order, more for larger. Just as most have already mentioned.

[cruisePRN]

I did not say to tip or not to tip. I did say I tip the delivery person.

 

What I said it is ludicrous to say what everybody else does because you can only speak for yourself. When asked a question I think it diminishes the answer when you start by saying "everyone" does this or that. State what you do and don't embellish with facts you don't know for a FACT! :D

[Gonzo70]

 

I didn't know that the room service was included in the pre-paid.

 

Room service tips are not included in the pre-paid. Pre-paid tips go to your dining room server, assistant waiter in the dining room, head waiter, and your room steward. Your pre-paid tips do not go to the people delivering your room service food. There is no obligation to tip them, but from all accounts I have heard most (but certainly not all) people do tip them $1 to $2 for a small order and $3 to $5 for a large order as most people have stated in this thread.