Thread: cumpulsory tipping

Originally Posted by nedstar2

. Show respect be polite and friendly, keep in mind someone can make a mistake and don’t blow it up.

Yes, we look at the totality of the service and don't let one little thing upset us. We don't expect perfection from others when we don't lead perfect lives.

I got off the Triumph on Thursday. A group of 161 cabins or more had their auto tips removed. $40 per person and it was not because of poor service. While I thought the cruise itself stunk, my cabin service and dining service was wonderful. I could not believe that some were so cheap. Why can't the cruise line add the tips in as the price? There is a non-commissionable part anyway as it is to the travel agents. Just make it part of that. People think that the travel agent gets a % of the full bill when in actuality we do not. We do not get a % of the taxes, fees, etc. or the non-commissionable part. It would make life easier for everyone. The people would be getting paid what they should be paid if they weren't depending on our tips. But then passengers would see the price of their cruise rise and so it's a big catch 22 situation.

Many people don't show up the last night to dinner because they're packing or other reasons. I never assume they are skipping out of tipping, why assume the worst in people that you don't know. The staff have been known to give sob stories in hopes you'll tip more and more. Why do people get so upset about a situation that is none of their business, just do what's right and let RCL and their employees work out their business arrangements.

Because I don't have a BS meter that works 100 per cent of the time, I'm going to assume that the cabin stewards and waitstaff really do come from economically depressed areas, that many are sending home much of their salary and tips for family members back home. I can't imagine anyone signing a six-month contract that would keep them from seeing their kids or spouses just for the fun of it.

So until tips are included in the price of my fare, I'm going to go on the idea that these crew members are doing something good with the money. And that they're not just giving us a sob story to gain our sympathy.

Before auto-tips became the norm on the cruises I've gone on, I have noticed many empty seats for dinner on the last night. Maybe a few have a reason other than "skipping out" on handing over an envelope, but I doubt if the majority of those are missing dinner just to pack.

Hello,

As some of you know, I am a newbie. I haven't actually gone on my cruise, although it is booked.

I am REALLY confused about the whole "Tipping" system.

I am booked on RC Explorer of the Seas. Can anyone tell me how this all works as I have yet to experience paying your accounts, tipping etc.

Is it done automatically and added onto your account.

Can you not just tip who and when you feel you should?

Thanks

Carly

How can we get free entry to the ship for the inaugural (no revenue making trip) week of the rccl oasis of the seas????

Originally Posted by littlemiss1t

Hello,

As some of you know, I am a newbie. I haven't actually gone on my cruise, although it is booked.

I am REALLY confused about the whole "Tipping" system.

I am booked on RC Explorer of the Seas. Can anyone tell me how this all works as I have yet to experience paying your accounts, tipping etc.

Is it done automatically and added onto your account.

Can you not just tip who and when you feel you should?

Thanks

Carly

Carly,

It is confusing, isn't it? On RC you can have the tips done in advance of your cruise and also you can do them yourselves when you sail. And you can tip who you want. But not on the advance thing. Only if you choose to do it while on board. They will give you some envelopes that are already addressed to each wait person. You can put it on your shipboard account, but if you do...then you will tip all of the wait staff ..you don't have a choice. But if you wish to just pay in cash, you can tip whomever you wish. Still confusing? Sorry

Originally Posted by GUTIERRC

How can we get free entry to the ship for the inaugural (no revenue making trip) week of the rccl oasis of the seas????

I have heard it is by invitation only. And I certainly didn't get one.

Originally Posted by GUTIERRC

How can we get free entry to the ship for the inaugural (no revenue making trip) week of the rccl oasis of the seas????

My understanding is that the pre-inaugurals are for media, VIP's and select travel agents.
I consider myself fortunate to have had an invitation for the Mariner and now the Oasis.

Originally Posted by littlemiss1t

Hello,

As some of you know, I am a newbie. I haven't actually gone on my cruise, although it is booked.

I am REALLY confused about the whole "Tipping" system.

I am booked on RC Explorer of the Seas. Can anyone tell me how this all works as I have yet to experience paying your accounts, tipping etc.

Is it done automatically and added onto your account.

Can you not just tip who and when you feel you should?

Thanks

Carly

Carly, I totally agree with you. I think there's a major flaw in the whole idea of pre-determined tipping amounts. I think choosing your own amounts is the perfect system, because it encourages great service!

If it's all about fairness for the crew and not about rewarding great service, then why doesn't the cruiseline just raise all passenger fares...then split it up among the crew...and then tell all passengers gratuities are included?

So much simpler than the whole envelope or 'opting out' methods!