Bar Drinks - Tip on Tip

[nycruise]

When we first started cruising, it was left to our discretion as to how much of a tip to give on bar drinks.

 

At some point in time they decided to add a 15% tip to all beverages purchased from the bar waiters. We thought this was a good idea, since it made the transaction a lot faster, particularly at the pool.

 

We noticed on our cruise last month (IOS) there was a space for an "Additional Tip" on top of the 15%. I have to admit that when we tipped for drinks it generally amount to more than 15%, but I guess I'm old fashioned and think the tip should either be automatic or left to the discretion of the guest. :rolleyes:

 

If they want bigger tips, why don't they just increase the automatic tip to 18% or 20%?:confused:

 

Just a pet peeve.

[ILoveScotland]

I share your thoughts and have not left the additional tip especially if I've walked up to the bar and ordered my drink.

[rclcruzer]

I only leave an additional tip at the casino bar, seeing as how it's always the same bartender pretty much every night, and he always remembers my name on the 2nd night as well. It's only .50 cents extra, but it's something I feel good about doing :)

[Reportress]

I almost always leave the additional tip, with the exception of very poor service - it averages 50 cents to a dollar. I usually would tip 20-25% for a drink when left to my own devices.

 

My sister's a bartender; I've had many friends work in the service kind of industry, and I understand what a difference a good tip makes to a person's ego and mood. The service I've received onboard has been outstanding. To me, its worth the extra money.

 

On the flip side, I know plenty of people (including the friend I cruise with) who are annoyed by the automatic tip and refuse to do the additional tip unless there is outstanding service.

[msmayor]

We'd always leave an extra tip on the first bill...usually double whatever the auto-tip was...and as a result that particular server never left us waiting when we needed more to drink.

[AnotherCruisingKid]

Personally I add $1 cash for each drink after buying the drink. I never add more onto the slip.

 

I just go to the bank before hand and get $50 in singles and then go cruise. To me its not a break amount and I know how much it can help some of those who are serving. Especially when its a soda or something and the %15 is 30 cents.

[Kurbanfan]

I never tip more then the auto 15%.......never had a problem getting a drink and service has always been awesome........

That 15% adds up real fast when they hustle;)

[cb at sea]

15% seems more than fair to me--unless the bartender is making some incredibly difficult foo-foo drink for you! We never add more to the bartab, but if we frequent one particular bar/bartender, we will give them something additional at the end of the cruise.

15% to open a can of beer is more than adequate. Same with pouring a glass of wine or mixing a regular cocktail!

[retnuh281]

Generally on the first day at a bar I will be returning to, I will be more than generous. I was a bartender way back when and I realize "one hand washes the other". Always had good service and good drinks.

[cruiserbryce]

we have left additional tips for bartenders at the end of the cruise if we have had them a lot and they add a lot to the experience, which happens quite often...but each time we get a drink we just sign with the standard amount

[dirtgirl]

I have gotten into the habit of tipping an extra $1 a drink. And I have to say, they do remember you, and the pours become more generous.:p

[Lynne95]

No matter how many times I tell my husband that the tip is included in the bill, he always add's a 15% to 25% additional tip. We almost fight over this!At the pool, in the dining room, at the casino, doesn't matter. He always leaves $2 or $3 dollars daily for our room attendent too! This on top the of trip gratuities on the last night. I have tried to supply him with additional singles to leave but I can't get it thru his head. It makes him feel good to do it. And who wants to fight over a doller here and a doller there...I DO! Our last 4-night cruise on the Sovereign, he spent an additional $80 in tips, can you imagine what our 11 night on the Jewel will be? And when I point out that I've told him about the auto tipping, he says he forgot. But then he's always surprised at what our bar bill is.

 

I love his generousity, but at this rate, we will have to stop cruising all together, for the sake of our marriage! (only kidding!)

[Alexis]

This has been asked before on here and people will never agree on what others choose to do. :D

I have always given an extra $1.00 in cash to the servers whenever they bring my drinks.

As I always sit in the same areas, the servers remember me the next time I enter the venues and come right over to me. My Kahlua has more added to the glass, plus it is the real stuff and not a house brand.

This is my choice to do and I will continue to do it. ;)

[PhoenixCruiser]

We always add an additional tip unless the service is really poor.

 

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