Extra Tipping, what is your preferred method?

[ECP]

While the normal way to give that extra tip is to hand out envelopes with money in them, I prefer to do the hidden handshake method. It always gives me a little trill when I do it, and I think the handshake is more personal. Usually, I extend my hand while say "I must thank you for the excellent service." and the money vanishes from my hand during the shaking. Never meet a crew member who did not understand what to do, and on my last trip the girls with were surprised that I had already tipped as they had not noticed a thing. What is you preferred method?

[DarthGrady]

The hidden handshake tip is the classy way to do it. It stays between you and the crewman, and it seems more personal.

[GottaLuvCruising]

I use the envelopes, with a brief note on each. Either my husband or I hand them to the recipient with a gracious "Thank you".

[gail811]

My DH uses the "hidden handshake" as well....works great for us.

[Name Of The Game]

Eh, the waiters are always busy with stuff in their hands and I don't care to shake hands with the steward who's always cleaning messes. We put the money in an envelope and write thank you.

[PaulMedik]

I've done, and guess I will continue to do, both the hidden handshake and the envelope. I've used the envelopes at the end of the cruise for greater amounts. And YES, I leave the auto tips in place. ;)

 

Tipping extra always brings out the best in folks.......well, most of the time. I had one steward who didn't do the basics a few years ago and extra tips didn't improve him, but that's another story and I don't wanna 'hijack' the thread. :o

[luckycruzer]

with a hug. the last 2 years or so, I seem to be the only one at my table to do this. In those 18 cruzes, I've seen 3 pax do it . I'm always the last to finish coffe, wine and cheese. Not mandatory of course, but I've just always done it