Thread: Cruise ships' built-in tipping fee rubs passenger the wrong way

Maybe, but honestly I do what I want to do. The crew makes my week on every cruise. I leave the tip on and give extra and I will continue to do that as long as I cruise

Sue - and what you say makes my academic "argument" trivial, of course. THAT is the crux of the problem. It IS the crew who make or break the cruise and no matter how we justify tipping, we should all show appreciation to these hard working individuals. There is nothing wrong with tipping for any of the three reasons that humans tip - as long as the tipper is HAPPY about giving the tip.

If the tipper is disgruntled about forced tipping, then he or she NEEDS to demand private tipping on every cruise they take. If a cruise line refuses, simply let them know you will book with a more lenient cruise line.

It is unfortunate but the fact of this matter is simple (and easily researched). Forced tipping does NOT increase good service. It only increases cost.

The BEST service I have ever received was at an All-Inclusive resort in Jamaica called Co****s (edited out by me) that ABSOLUTELY forbids tipping. They simply pay their employees well and pass the cost onto the customer. This is what the cruise lines will eventually do when they see that forced tipping does not work and is not, for the most part, appreciated by the paying guest. (And, yes, I DO "glad-hand" a few employees for exceptional service when I visit that resort)

It should be called a "service charge" and be done with it. Some have already started calling it that.

Built in tipping, service charge, etc, doesn't make any difference to me. I will still always tip my cabin stewert and waiter. They deserve the extra.

Originally Posted by Papa Smoke

Sue - and what you say makes my academic "argument" trivial, of course. THAT is the crux of the problem. It IS the crew who make or break the cruise and no matter how we justify tipping, we should all show appreciation to these hard working individuals. There is nothing wrong with tipping for any of the three reasons that humans tip - as long as the tipper is HAPPY about giving the tip.

If the tipper is disgruntled about forced tipping, then he or she NEEDS to demand private tipping on every cruise they take. If a cruise line refuses, simply let them know you will book with a more lenient cruise line.

It is unfortunate but the fact of this matter is simple (and easily researched). Forced tipping does NOT increase good service. It only increases cost.

The BEST service I have ever received was at an All-Inclusive resort in Jamaica called Co****s (edited out by me) that ABSOLUTELY forbids tipping. They simply pay their employees well and pass the cost onto the customer. This is what the cruise lines will eventually do when they see that forced tipping does not work and is not, for the most part, appreciated by the paying guest. (And, yes, I DO "glad-hand" a few employees for exceptional service when I visit that resort)

I do understand what you are saying and would go far enough to say that some cruisers are so angry they do not tip at all and that sucks, also wish it could be included in the cost of the cruise then the crew would be sure to get their tip and cruisers could still tip extra if we choose

I agree with all of the above sentiments, but then I have been saying that for quite a while!

Exactly!!!

That said, many of us will continue to keep the autotip on as that is customary. If someone feels the current system is wrong, they need to take this up with the cruiselines by booking with a line that builds the tip into the fare or just go with the fare. Don't take it out on the crew members.

I still feel that most of this thread is one rationalization after another for stiffing the crew.

Sorry, Jemingway. Scientific inquiry always trumps blind acceptance of cultural norms. Automatic tipping LOWERS good service and increases costs. An employee should ONLY be tipped for providing excellent service and they need to know that they will be operating under this system. That is the only way to insure that tips are appropriate.

The next time you go to a store, be sure to give the cashier a 15% tip for stocking the shelves and keeping the store clean. (They do this as well as their regular job duties.)

The next time you use a gas station restroom that happens to be filthy, be sure to give the attendant $7.50 per person per use since they are SUPPOSED to keep it clean.

The ONLY way to "stiff" the crew is to fail to tip if they provide excellent service. If they don't and you have chosen the automatic route, YOU are the one getting stiffed!

Nope, give ME the envelopes. I will tip appropriately and not out of a sense of guilt, a sense of duty, or because it is a custom.