Why tip for room service?

[Pudgesmom]

I must admit being mystified over the room service tipping.

I always, always tip at restaurants, cab drivers, and at the end of every cruise, auto or otherwise.

If the automatic tips include the wait staff, why would I want or need to tip extra for this particular service?

Beth :confused:

[kryos]

If the automatic tips include the wait staff, why would I want or need to tip extra for this particular service?

Maybe the room service waiters are not included in the regular auto-tip? I think the folks in that pool are the regular dining room/Lido waiters only. So, if you didn't tip room service on your own, the room service stewards would get nothing. I guess they are sort of like the bar staff. They too get nothing from the auto tip pool, but rather tack on a 15% gratuity on each bar order to cover their tips. Since room service orders (non-bar items) are free, there is no way for them to tack on a gratuity, and thus must depend upon your generousity to tip them.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[RuthC]

I can only say why I tip room service---because it's an extra service, and I think it's appropriate to say "Thank you" in that fashion.
An extra added bonus to that is the next time I sail I'm remembered. :) And I'm treated very, very well.

[SANDY BEACH]

Since most of the time my room service is delivered by someone other than my cabin or dining steward, I choose to tip a few dollars depending on what I have ordered. It is definitely not mandatory; however, for me it is the right thing to do. I feel this is an extra service I have requested and should be compensated accordingly. I know many will argue it is included in your cruise and they are right. For us, we still want to tip.

[ger_77]

Because it makes me feel good about being waited on whenever I want! It's a nice way to say thank you. :) I tip room service whether it's on a ship or in a hotel.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[Pudgesmom]

Does anyone here know whether the room service delivery people are included in the autotips?

Beth

[beijobeijo]

I do , just because ive been brought up to do it, I have never questioned it- If im to lazy to go and get my own breakfast and coffee in the morning, and some one will go and bring it to me, then I think they deserve a little tip.

[sail7seas]

I cannot imagine requesting this special service and not tipping.
Room Service is an individual special service being rendered 'over and above' for my comfort and convenience. It is my pleasure to thank the smiling steward who brings us 'our treats'.
Personally, I would feel very uncomfortable to NOT tip.

[bruceh4]

Does anyone here know whether the room service delivery people are included in the autotips?

BethYes they are, all the people that work in the hotel department with the exception of the officers are included in the autotip. If they interface with the paying customer they are in the autotip plan.

[maxiesmommie]

I cannot imagine requesting this special service and not tipping.
Room Service is an individual special service being rendered 'over and above' for my comfort and convenience. It is my pleasure to thank the smiling steward who brings us 'our treats'.
Personally, I would feel very uncomfortable to NOT tip.




As usual Sail, you said it perfectly and my thoughts exactly.:)

[Pudgesmom]

Thank you, Bruce, for your complete answer.

I must say that after the shot across my bow from a previous poster, I'm just about to call it quits here.

Last week, a simple question about in-room dining on formal nights turned into a witch hunt by some of the regular posters. Now, I'm jumped.

I have really enjoyed my cruises with HAL, and much of the information I have gained from reading this board. But, the friendly vibe I used to get seems to be disappearing behind a bevy of "experienced" (and judgemental) HAL cruisers.
Again, thank you for your response.


Beth

[venicecruiser]

Agree with your comments completely, Sail...........

Claudia

[CCCM]

It may not be expected, but it is appreciated by those who have rendered a service. I guess it is one of those things I really never thought about but always did. My husband sometimes thinks I overtip (habit from waiting tables and bartending while putting myself through school).

[lougee1043]

[quote=Pudgesmom]

dont know if this will be a double post

Isn't room service INCLUDED in your cruise fare? It was in mine.

room service food is included in the cruise fare

Do you separately tip the waiter who carries your tray in the LIDO?

no but he also works in the dining room in the evening and he gets tipped there for both the d/r and the lido

What if he isn't smiling?

must have just dealt with a pazx with unfair expectations

I have the feeling that the Pollyannas here are paying twice for the same thing.

many of the pollyannas do not feel as you do and they dont feel they are paying twice for the same thing


Do you also prepay your tips for better service?

in my opinion and the opinion of many others on this board that to pretip would be an insult to the person you are pretipping

Is this why you were rewarded with "special" "smiling" treatment at the opening of the Noordam? Did HAL pay YOU extra for your glowing comments!

now that is an insult to sail who has given many many hours on this board with her knowledge --and she sails on hal with a great deal of regularity because she and her husband like the lline and the staff- if she was rewarded with anything its because she is such a good hal customer------imo you owe her an apology

[middle-aged mom]

...tipping is something which is entirely at the discretion of the individual. You determine whether to extend an extra gratuity or not. Tipping for room service is an extra gratuity, offered in acknowledgment of extra service. It is an entirely private matter, and ultimately, really none of our business. If you feel that the services which have been rendered to you warrant such additional acknowledgment, then you may choose to offer it. This applies to many situations, not only cruising. I hope I am making myself perfectly obtuse?:)

Don't sweat the small stuff. :) (That is something I have to keep telling myself, daily.) Most of us have an innate sense of what is appropriate to any given situation, and we should heed it. I'm sure that you are the kind of person who wants to do the right thing, or you wouldn't be worrying about this situation.

I find most people on this board to be civilized, helpful, and forgiving. I defer to their experience and knowledge concerning cruising. They know their stuff!

I certainly hope you have enjoyable travels, wherever and however you may journey. As I have never yet cruised, I can't adequately answer your question pertaining to onboard gratuities, and perhaps I shouldn't be "sticking in my oar" here. But maybe I have shed some light on the situation?

[fridayeyes]

My understanding is that pooled tips are divided evenly among the appropriate staff, but tips given directly to an individual are his/hers to keep. Hence, if I want to reward the specific person who brings my meal, I tip that person. Similarly, any amount placed in an envelope and given directly to your waiter/busboy etc stays with that person.

Anybody know differently?

[SDHALFAN]

Hi Beth,

Sorry if you feel "ganged up on". We don't mean to do that, honestly. We are just answering your question and reporting our experiences or our habits. You asked a question and we answered. (well mine is coming!):

Yes, I do tip for room service and I also tip the person (steward, or assistant steward) who carries my tray in the Lido. Quite frankly it only costs me a couple of bucks and it means so much to them - not so much the monetary value but the fact that you recognise their hard work. They work incredibly long and difficult hours and always manage to still treat each of us as though we are honored guests and not just paying customers. If you doubt that remark then just try "stiffing" one of them and then feel awful next morning when the same lovely young man greets you with a gentle (and heartfelt) "good morning Maam, have a lovely day ashore". He is not going ashore since he has at least a dozen cabins to take care of (and then they will have to be taken care of again after we leave for dinner).

You have probably spent a couple of thousand dollars on your cruise (at the very least), so what difference does a dollar or two for room service make?


Edit here - sorry I was thinking about the whole cruise experience. Your cabin steward is probably not going ashore and will have to take care of all those cabins before he gets a couple of hours off duty. Your dining room (and possibily room service) steward has an hour or two off so he can take a nap, or if in port can try to call his family back home in Indonesia
Meanwhile we are all having a good time - okay we paid for that and these guys understand that and, since it is their culture (wish ours was like that) they really do want us to have a good time.

You don't have to tip anyone on HAL, thanks to the "auto-tip" but why wouldn't you? We are not talking a fortune here - just a couple of dollars.

[cruznon]

Totally agree with Sail and then Sandy Beach's comment.

If you feel you don't want or need to tip the wait staff for room service, then don't--it's your choice.

[TedC]

Thank you, Bruce, for your complete answer.

I must say that after the shot across my bow from a previous poster, I'm just about to call it quits here.

Last week, a simple question about in-room dining on formal nights turned into a witch hunt by some of the regular posters. Now, I'm jumped.

I have really enjoyed my cruises with HAL, and much of the information I have gained from reading this board. But, the friendly vibe I used to get seems to be disappearing behind a bevy of "experienced" (and judgemental) HAL cruisers.
Again, thank you for your response.


Beth

You asked a legitimate question and received many sincere answers from some experienced cruisers. What's the problem? Please don't get upset because you may not have liked some of the answers.

These are just honest responses to your question - you are free to ignore them, consider them, or whatever.

[Deb C.]

It never crossed my mind to tip the tray carrier in the Lido/buffet area. I don't carry cash around the ship with me.

Another area I tend to forget---embarkation day when they escort me and my carry-on to the cabin. Am so excited, it slips my mind. YIKES!!

[jckvpa0]

I can not imagine not tipping room service :eek: !!! Yes you have paid for the food that is being delivered to your room but I do believe that you should give the person that is delivering the food & working for next to nothing a little something !

I always get about $100.00 in $2.00 bills just for tipping when I go away.

It just amazes me, we are all fortunate enough to go away on vacation, expect the very best, but at the same time there are those that will complain about being nickeled & dimmed to death !!!

[localady]

Pudgesmom-

I am sorry you feel that you were slammed for the question. It happens here too often as far as I am concerned.
Was wondering what had happened to you. Could you drop me a line at localady42@yahoo.com ("localady42@yahoo.com" ??).

BTW, we always tip, just as I would if someone in a hotel delivered room service!!!

[jckvpa0]

Pudgesmom-

I am sorry you feel that you were slammed for the question. It happens here too often as far as I am concerned.
Was wondering what had happened to you. Could you drop me a line at localady42@yahoo.com.

BTW, we always tip, just as I would if someone in a hotel delivered room service!!!

Well yes you should tip for room service from a hotel unless it is already included in your bill. You also tip anywhere from 15 to 20% because you are paying for that food at that time. When you order room service from the ship there is no dollar amount placed on the food so how do you put a dollar amount on how much you should tip?

I usually tip anywhere from $2.00 to $6.00 depending on what I am ordering.

[Krazy Kruizers]

It has been awhile since we used room service, but when we did, we always tipped the person who delivered our food. We felt that they deserved it even though we knew that certain people are usually assigned to that job each day. Just think it is a nice way to show our appreciation of what they are doing to help make our cruise an enjoyabl one.

[travlin4fun]

Then do you tip at the time of service? And leave tips for housekeeping every day as when staying in a hotel? At the hotel we usually tip housekeeping $3-$5 a day (there are three of us). Is this appropriate on a cruise?

I love the idea of tipping 2 dollar bills! I think I'll pick some up for our upcoming cruise too!

19 days until we leave for vancouver!
Ruth

[jckvpa0]

Then do you tip at the time of service? And leave tips for housekeeping every day as when staying in a hotel? At the hotel we usually tip housekeeping $3-$5 a day (there are three of us). Is this appropriate on a cruise?

I love the idea of tipping 2 dollar bills! I think I'll pick some up for our upcoming cruise too!

19 days until we leave for vancouver!
Ruth

Your tip for your room steward is included in your pre paid tips. You can tip him more if you like. If at the beginning of my cruise I have any special requests I will give the steward an extra tip.

[Pudgesmom]

You asked a legitimate question and received many sincere answers from some experienced cruisers. What's the problem? Please don't get upset because you may not have liked some of the answers.

.

TedC,

Several posts have been deleted from this thread. I was responding to a post that has been deleted.

Beth

[Pudgesmom]

Thank you, all, for your thoughts and answers.

Beth

[krewzin]

Hmmm...I thought "Tipping" was a city in China?

;D

[sarahjane]

I have sort of related question you guys can probably help me with...
This will be our first time on HAL.
You all keep talking about "the guy who carries your tray" in the Lido restaurant. I have never been to a buffet-type place where you didn't carry your own tray/plate (unless you were handicapped). Part of the fun of a buffet is wandering around with your plate picking a little of this and a little of that! Where does this tray carrier come in? It sounds confusing to me.:confused: Can someone experienced with HAL please explain this to me?
I'd hate to look like a dummy when I go there NEXT WEEK!:D

thanks for the help!

sarahjane

[fridayeyes]

Sarah, after you've filled your tray and when you turn to find a table, a HAL employee will offer to carry the tray for you. :)

[trubey]

The thread on this subject got pretty nasty last summer. However, I just went to find my post which contained the official HAL response. Please note, this is not my response, just the HAL answer to my e-mail asking the official position on tipping for room service and the Pinnacle Grill:

Holland America Line


Dear Mrs. Trubey,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the gratuity policy on board. Yes, the gratuity policy of the suggested $10 per person amount includes all staff on board, Pinnacle Grill, Room Service, and those you don't see as well (laundry and cooking staff).

Please let us know if we can be of additional assistance to you. We are looking forward to welcoming you on board in the near future.

Kind Regards,

Karen
Internet Department
Holland America Line
877-932-4259

[HeatherInFlorida]

Tipping is another hot button issue on this board (one of the poor beaten horses we were naming over the weekend;) ) and probably every other board. Frankly, I'm not sure why because tipping is a very personal choice and is only supposed to be rendered when one feels they have received additional service over and above what has already been paid for.

However, it's turned into something else when it's discussed here and people are criticized for not tipping over and above the auto-tip. I believe it's a personal choice and no one should be criticized for asking the question.

We do tip for room service because the likelihood of having the same person every day is slight and the amount these individuals get from the auto-tip is minimal. So I think a couple of extra dollars thrown his way is a nice thing to do. But there is no rule about it and I don't think anyone should be judged if they decide not to.

I went over this thread twice and clearly posts are missing. Having been the brunt of criticism in the past, I would hate to see Beth leave when she's been a great contributor to the HAL board. We've also had the pleasure of cruising with her and her husband so I would doubly miss seeing her here.

We certainly don't always agree, but I disagree with a lot of my friends here some of the time. That's just human. Especially when it comes to personal, sensitive issues that we feel strongly about there's no way a bunch of strangers are always going to see eye to eye.

[NorthernNeighbour]

I recall when the cruise lines introduced automatic tipping (added to the bills), they publicized it as being a feature that would ease the experience -- passengers would not have to worry about carrying cash around to tip the staff.

When I go on a cruise, I do NOT tip extra unless the service is exceptional. If I were in a restaurant in New York, I would always tip but would never top-it-up for unexceptional service. Why should I top-it-up onboard? But that my personal opinion.

If it makes a passenger feels more comfortable tipping extra, by all means he or she should do so. Part of the cruise experience is having a happy time and a worry-free time.

[dakrewser]

I frequently use room service for meals in a hotel, especially on arival day (I tend to get in around 8 or 9 at night). I used to tip generously, but when the hotel began adding 15% (and, now 18%) to the bill, I stopped.

As Susana noted, the person who delivers your tray is part of the auto-tip. Should they: show up on time, place the food where its accessible and - generally - be pleasant about it then the auto-tip should be sufficient. If the same person comes to our room multiple times, learns how we like the breakfast arranged and, in general, goes above and beyond then I'll also add in a little "above and beyond" the auto-tip.

Most of the rest of the world finds it amusing (when they don't find it demeaning) that Americans throw money at people for simply doing their jobs. Many Americans are uncomfortable with determining when additional payment is warranted and, so, try to tip everybody. I'm sure you can figure out when the service warrants an extra gratuity and act accordingly.

[karen2cruz]

Thank you for this thread. I did not realize that room service was included in the auto tipping.

Dakrewser I appreciate your insight and think I will try this approach on our next cruise. It is so against habit to do this though, when everywhere you go in the U.S. there is a tip jar asking for money. It took me about a week out of our 3 week UK land trip last year to get used to not tipping automatically, since it was always included in the bill.

Karen

[lougee1043]

here is my feeling about this thread --- i am retired and am fortunate enough to be able to vacation at will -- even when i worked i never had to leave my family for 6 months or more in order to earn a living to support my family ----------the extra couple of bucks that i tip means a lot more to them then it does to me------------------ will continue to overtip becasue i feel good about doing it---------------im the guy who gives a buck to the guy on the highway exit ramp because one of them might just really need it---------------maybe im enabling but i just dont care --im trying to help someone who says he is in need and i feel good about it

[kryos]

Yes they are, all the people that work in the hotel department with the exception of the officers are included in the autotip. If they interface with the paying customer they are in the autotip plan.
If they're included, then believe me ... I am sure it's for a very, very small percentage. The lion's share of your auto-tip goes to your cabin steward and your dining room waiters. I think between the two, it's like $7.00 of that $10 per day. The remaining $3.00 gets divied among an awful lot of people ... which would leave probably at the most maybe 50 cents a day for the entire room service department. That's not much at all if you are actually using room service.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[karen2cruz]

I used to think that the crew were way underpaid until I read this article on the front page of cruisecritic

http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=261

BTW- We always pay extra tips beyond the auto tipping for really good service, as well as write praise for the crew on comment cards. The cards are just as important as the tips - they earn extra time off the ship during port days, raises and promotions...based on passenger approval on those cards.

[lougee1043]

I used to think that the crew were way underpaid until I read this article on the front page of cruisecritic
.

i dont know about you but i wouldnt seperate myself from my family -kids et al for 6 to 9 months at a time and work the hours that they do for those "great wages" ---how many of the readers of this thread would

[mrblack]

Noordamàpassengers 3427 X $10.00 per day X 10 days = tip pool of $342,700.00. Crew size is 1160. Assuming number of officers is 60 (probably low but I have absolutely no idea) so $342, 700.00 is divided amongst 1100 people albeit possibly inequitably. Assuming30% of 342 700.00 goes to the majority who are the unacknowledged such as laundry, room service etc. so maybe $102,681.00 is divided amongst 600 resulting in about $171.35 per worker. The other 500 divide up $205,362.00. This means about $410.74 per worker for 10 days work plus the salary they are paid. If it is only tips that workers survive on then certainly they need all the tips they can get. I don’t know what the real wage that they actually receive is.
I’ve rethought about the tipping for room service—so if I use it 20 times over the course of a 10 day cruise it will be $40.00. Is it worth $40.00 to me? Yeah I think so, so I guess I will change my habit on this. I didn’t tip before for this and it was not because I’m some sort of bush ape or jack pine savage, it was because I believed it was included in the overall tip. Personally I would prefer the opportunity to tip those I think merit it but that choice was taken away due to those non-tippers no matter how good the service. I will say though that I expect the right food at the right time to get a tip----now of course that brings up another point---what about the cook and worker who prepared the tray for the server to bring to my room? Shouldn’t they get a percentage of the tip I gave to the person who delivered it? Oh my, there is no solution to this fair tipping business to all who deserve it.

[SANDY BEACH]

Pudgesmom, Let's call it a truce. I guess I'm the post that was deleted. It just really rubbed me the wrong way when you came down so hard on Sail. She has helped me so much. I've never had a post deleted before. Please, all forgive.

[TedC]

Noordamàpassengers 3427 X $10.00 per day X 10 days = tip pool of $342,700.00. Crew size is 1160. Assuming number of officers is 60 (probably low but I have absolutely no idea) so $342, 700.00 is divided amongst 1100 people albeit possibly inequitably. Assuming30% of 342 700.00 goes to the majority who are the unacknowledged such as laundry, room service etc. so maybe $102,681.00 is divided amongst 600 resulting in about $171.35 per worker. The other 500 divide up $205,362.00. This means about $410.74 per worker for 10 days work plus the salary they are paid. If it is only tips that workers survive on then certainly they need all the tips they can get. I don’t know what the real wage that they actually receive is.
I’ve rethought about the tipping for room service—so if I use it 20 times over the course of a 10 day cruise it will be $40.00. Is it worth $40.00 to me? Yeah I think so, so I guess I will change my habit on this. I didn’t tip before for this and it was not because I’m some sort of bush ape or jack pine savage, it was because I believed it was included in the overall tip. Personally I would prefer the opportunity to tip those I think merit it but that choice was taken away due to those non-tippers no matter how good the service. I will say though that I expect the right food at the right time to get a tip----now of course that brings up another point---what about the cook and worker who prepared the tray for the server to bring to my room? Shouldn’t they get a percentage of the tip I gave to the person who delivered it? Oh my, there is no solution to this fair tipping business to all who deserve it.


With two in a cabin the Noordam, HAL's largest ship, holds 1918 or so pax. On some sailings there will be third and fourth pax but there will also be some cabins occupied by only one person.

I doubt there will be many, if any, sailings with 3000 or more passengers.

And don't forget, some pax do eliminate the auto tip and may or may not tip personally - which is supposed to go into the tip pool.

[jimmy2x]

i dont know about you but i wouldnt seperate myself from my family -kids et al for 6 to 9 months at a time and work the hours that they do for those "great wages" ---how many of the readers of this thread would

As a 20 year USN vet, I had a number of seperations from my family of 9 months or longer. It wasn't easy (harder on the wife) but it was my choice to do so. What we got paid compared to our civilian counterparts was laughable and there certainly were not any tips.:D

That said, we always tip well for good service, especially to those whom we know can certainly use the money. As has been pointed out a couple of bucks extra here and there doesn't amount to a hill of beans compared with the overall cost of the cruise.

[lougee1043]

As a 20 year USN vet, I had a number of seperations from my family of 9 months or longer. .

thanks for your service -- i trust you didnt take offense when i wrote about separations by the crew from their families----------------there was no attempt to compare they separation from anyone serving in the military in peacetime or in war --------------there was a post as to how much a crewmember earned and i was trying to find out if anyone on these boards would change places with them for the money that they earn

ah mr. black -think i remember you from a few other posts that you were involved in -- if you are the mr. black that i think you are then you are involved with the travel business and should know that according to the hal brochure the guest compliment is listed as 1848 guests--where did you get your number from

[Cruiseoften]

The 'Tip or not to Tip' question seems to center on wait staff - but what about other on board personnel - the girl who washes, blow dries/styles my hair; the sauna lady who hands me a towel; the massage person, etc. etc. non of these services (except maybe the sauna) are free (or even reasonably priced to my mind!) - and I'm still expected to tip.
The operators are quick with math too - adding less than 20% tip, you're left in little doubt as to the fact that they feel cheated. Prices, it seems to me, are at least 25% above shore rates.

Is it only me?

[Pudgesmom]

Pudgesmom, Let's call it a truce. I guess I'm the post that was deleted. It just really rubbed me the wrong way when you came down so hard on Sail. She has helped me so much. I've never had a post deleted before. Please, all forgive.


No Sandy, it wasn't you, although part of your post was upsetting to me. (I'm speaking of the post which was deleted, not the one remaining.)
A previous poster, whose comment and my response to it were the two which started all the trouble. Its possible you never even read that part of the discussion.

Thank you for your comments. My apology to Sail was deleted by the host; I deleted my unfriendly comments myself.

i'm looking forward to all getting along in the future.

Beth

[iceman93]

Wow! I'm full of conflicted feelings here...

On the one hand, I always tip on board when room service gets delivered. It's always a challenge trying to figure out how much to tip. And I found on my last cruise that the room service stewards seemed genuinely perplexed when I tried to offer a tip--meaning it's either really rare that guests tip for room service deliveries or they were especially gracious on this cruise.

On the other hand, the financial analysis that mrblack did, combined with the factual responses that indicate all stewards share in the tip pool, has me rethinking my perhaps overly generous tipping. Sure, $42 a day doesn't sound like much, but when you add that to salary, assume it's all tax free income, and roll in the fact that their room and board is covered--that's not bad money for what is essentially unskilled labor.

Please, PLEASE don't flame me for saying that. I love the HAL staff and really appreciate their professionalism. At the same time, I recoginize that most of them CHOOSE to work for HAL because they can make significantly more money working for them they can at home. Is a $5 or $10 tip worth more to them than it is to me after spending thousands on the cruise itself? Probably. But am I perpetuating an expectation that average service will be generously rewarded? On the other hand, am I insulting their professionalism by implying that a few bucks is worth their hard work and sacrifice?

Finally, and I KNOW I'm really opening the can of worms here, I wish the "old timers" here would really just relax sometimes. Whenever there's even the hint of disagreement with one of that clique, the others flock to defend and then attack. It has been noticed repeatedly lately by several newcomers to our board, and I don't think it reflects well on us or on HAL. None of us is a saint or an all-knowing sage, and we might occasionally make a mistake or offer poor advice. If someone else disagrees with our point of view, there's no need to swoop to our defense or to peck away at the perceived offending party. I'm sure we're perfectly capable of standing up for her own opinions, right?

[mrblack]

ah mr. black -think i remember you from a few other posts that you were involved in -- if you are the mr. black that i think you are then you are involved with the travel business and should know that according to the hal brochure the guest compliment is listed as 1848 guests--where did you get your number from

I got the info from a website which is a internet travel agency. I am relieved for someone in this group to point out that the capacity number is assuming maximum capacity ie. 3 and 4 to a cabin if possible which is highly unlikely because I don't really want to be on a ship that large. I was surprised when I saw that stat as I had in my mind the number was more likely around 1900 pax.

I am not a travel agent. I only just joined this board. I have no desire to fight with people. I just got to thinking with all the talk about $2.00 tips and automatic tipping what is the $amount of the tipping pool people are talking about anyways. I think knowing the info can allow one to look at the discussion from a different perspective.

I think when Pudgesmom raised the question initially it was a good question. And as Cruiseoften points out:

The 'Tip or not to Tip' question seems to center on wait staff - but what about other on board personnel - the girl who washes, blow dries/styles my hair; the sauna lady who hands me a towel; the massage person, etc. etc.

At the risk of being jumped on I'm going to say it "Tipping can get crazy." I think people just have to do what they think is right and if they don't know, take all the comments from this discussion and use or discard them in formulating their own policy. For me, I didn't tip for room service. I'm rethinking that and I think will tip in the future. We do give extra to our steward and the dining room staff for our table and others if they do something extra so if room service delivers my food hot promptly, pleasantly and it's what I ordered then maybe I should tip them.

[Scrumpy]

The 'Tip or not to Tip' question seems to center on wait staff - but what about other on board personnel - the girl who washes, blow dries/styles my hair; the sauna lady who hands me a towel; the massage person, etc. etc. non of these services (except maybe the sauna) are free (or even reasonably priced to my mind!) - and I'm still expected to tip.
The operators are quick with math too - adding less than 20% tip, you're left in little doubt as to the fact that they feel cheated. Prices, it seems to me, are at least 25% above shore rates.

Is it only me?

It's not only you. I have a hard time justifying the high tips at the spa sometimes because it can be much more expensive than on land and they do sometimes try (a little TOO hard) to sell me things which I find irritating. I almost always over-tip everyone as a result of living off tips myself when I was a student. I find it an impossible habit to break and yet still find myself resenting it when certain people in the service industry make it plain that gratuities are expected. On the other hand, a girl at the land-based spa where I go told me what it was like when she spent some time working on a cruise ship. It sounded like very hard work and I guess they do get stiffed the same as anyone else. I've thought about getting all my spa treatments before I leave, but it's become such an integral part of the experience that I don't know if I would feel like I was missing out onboard...

[NorthernNeighbour]

Regarding over-charging and over-tipping, someone years ago said (I think it was Ann LANDERS in response to a letter) that there are two kinds on money -- the kind you spend thoughtfully on everyday living and the kind you spend being overcharged while on holiday (or vacation as the Americans say).

[Pudgesmom]

Regarding over-charging and over-tipping, someone years ago said (I think it was Ann LANDERS in response to a letter) that there are two kinds on money -- the kind you spend thoughtfully on everyday living and the kind you spend being overcharged while on holiday (or vacation as the Americans say).

Love this!

We often do not negotiate with vendors on land for crafts. I frequently feel the price is fair, and hopefully, the money will go to someone who can really use it.

Regarding the spa, I definately tip there for services. I think these workers are privately employed and not part of the auto-tipping.

Beth

[Marialivia]

We seldom use room service on a cruise, because we so enjoy going to the "casual" dining room and sitting near a window, if possible, etc. But on the rare occasions when we have had room service, we have always tipped the server. However, I've always felt awkward about it because I don't know if I'm tipping enough or overtipping (more likely the latter). The most likely time we'd have room service is in the early morning, and it would be (for example) coffee and a muffin. It seems to me that $2 would be an adequate percentage. I'd REALLY appreciate opinions! Thanks again. ML:D

[krewzin]

It seems to me that $2 would be an adequate percentage. I'd REALLY appreciate opinions! Thanks again. ML

That's what I always give too....$2. It can often times be an awkward situation and I've found that they generally do *not* expect to be tipped and seem very surprised when they are.

[sail7seas]

I am definitely not 'knocking' a $20 bill as most everyone works hard to earn it but I am thinking.......

This is a lot of stressing and conversation about what essentially is about $20. If you were to have Room Service breakfast every morning of a 7 day cruise and you tipped the fellow who delivers it $3 per day........that's $21.

Yes......I know that could be applied to a bar bill, an excursion or whatever but, if you choose to say thank you in the universally accepted way, $21 for a week's special luxury of room service really is not that much money, is it? You don't have to tip. You don't ever HAVE to tip but if you feel it appropriate and it makes you feel good, I am sure the stewards greatly appreciate it.

But, they will be just as pleasant and eager to please the next morning if you failed to tip them the day before. Maybe just that might make you wish to tip....that indicates to me their service is genuine and they really do want to please us.

[jimmy2x]

thanks for your service -- i trust you didnt take offense when i wrote about separations by the crew from their families----------------there was no attempt to compare they separation from anyone serving in the military in peacetime or in war

Never suspected any offense was meant - certainly none was taken:). It is just that having spent many years in the Far East, I am aware that certainly for those that we perceive as being in service positions (waiters, bartenders, etc.) cruise line jobs are considered to be very desirable and enable many of those who have them to attain a standard of living far above what they might otherwise have. This is not meant to demean their long hours and hard work, but simply to see that the benefits to them are well worth their efforts.

[Odd Ball]

Another one of those tipping threads ;) but here is my 2 cents.

As another poster mentioned tipping is a personal thing. Why or how much is up to the individual.

The tips being added to your account seems to add to the confusion instead of making things easier.

I have met lots of different types of people. The big time tippers and those that always have a hard time finding a buck or two in their pockets to tip with. I believe the cruise line added the tips because of those that did not tip.

There is a group that is caught in the middle. They are not big time tippers, but they are not cheapo's either. They want to tip fairly.

The debate on the 10.00 can go on forever. The cruise line thinks it is fair. If someone wants to add something extra that is fine.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Me, too ... a $2 tip is what I give to room service for bringing coffee and sometimes a couple of croissants to our room. I think that's fair.

For us it's not about whether we can afford more, it's more about what we think is a fair tip for the service. I consider us "fair" tippers ... we leave 20% in restaurants, $1 or $2 to the valet parking guy, etc.

The only time I will "overtip" (and I do) is when someone really goes above and beyond. Then I go nuts and the sky's the limit:) .

[Pudgesmom]

As far as the overall cost being $20 or so, that's not true for us.

We usually book two cabins, one for us and one for the children. Both cabins order breakfast every day. My growing son eats several extra times a day and orders and adores room service. My husband and I frequently order later at night as we watch a movie and want a snack. We usually also eat dinner at least once in our cabin.

For us, the extra tipping would be much more money. On the breakfast thread, someone mentioned handing the server $5 for a delivery. I know that's higher than most, but at those rates, I would probably pay as much as $200 extra for a 7 day cruise.

That thought was what led me to the original post. I realized then, and still do now, that extra tipping is up to the individual. I WANT my room service waiter to be fairly compensated. However, I had always felt that I had already paid for my food to be delivered, either in the dining room or cabin. If room service were an "extra" charge, then I guess I would treat it like a massage or a drink in the bar, and tip accordingly. So that led me to wondering whether the servers associated with room service were included in the autotipping.

My thought now after reading the various posts and the article here on tipping in general, is that I will not tip extra for room service unless I receive something "extra" in addition to the regular delivery.

Despite a few setbacks, this has been a very interesting thread to read.

Beth

[krewzin]

Ya gotta do what yer comfortable with...there's no "right or wrong" here.

[Teresa Price]

Hi everyone,

just to put the cat among the pigeons as it were I'm a Brit and we find that generally you guys from over the pond are real believers in tipping whereas we tend not to be. I know this is a generalisation but I've spoken to a lot of cruisers over the ten years we've been cruising.

As far as I'm concerned I don't tip again if it is included or deducted. But actually prefer to tip at the end of the cruise to those who have given good service. As someone said the money many of the staff earn is above that which they would earn at home - I've also spoken to many staff over the years and many of them say although it is hard to be away from loved ones eventually they return and set up their own buisness etc.

Well those are just my thoughts,
cheers Teresa
ps I'm not really mean

[venicecruiser]

Onboard a ship, I have coffee every morning in the cabin. I always tip the person delivering the tray 2.00. I do not mean to offend anyone, but I could NOT use room service without tipping. My feeling is that if I can afford to cruise then I can afford to tip.....

Claudia

[lougee1043]

[quote=Odd Ball]
I have met lots of different types of people. The big time tippers and those that always have a hard time finding a buck or two in their pockets to tip with. I believe the cruise line added the tips because of those that did not tip.quote]

i for one keep all my cash in the safe becasue the ship is a cashless society ----- when i order room service i always try to remember to get a couple of bucks out for the tip

[gizmo]

I always tip for room service. I tip for the service provided.

Did you ever receive a tray and something was missing ? These guys will run back and get it for you. The ones I have come across work their butts off.

I don't think they receive much from the tipping pool. JMO.

I don't know what is considered doing something extra but these guys always do an excellent job and I feel they deserve to be tipped.

[Pudgesmom]

I don't know what is considered doing something extra but these guys always do an excellent job and I feel they deserve to be tipped.


I would tip for returning with something extra if the order was delivered in error, and I have tipped after ordering a full multi-course dinner from the dining room menu. These to me would be "doing something extra."

Beth

[HeatherInFlorida]

Teresa is absolutely right. Americans are very big tippers and quite frankly the whole thing has gone completely wacko.

Tipping is supposed to mean extra service above and beyond. Whether we believe the cruise lines pay their staff enough or not really should have nothing to do with it. The staff is paid to perform a service and when they do it particularly well, or go out of their way as Gizmo suggests, then we should definitely tip them ... no argument there from anyone that I can see.

But when they started this whole "auto-tipping" thing it got absolutely ridiculous. So now we pay the auto-tip and everyone feels they should go above and beyond that. I think most of us still make the rounds on the last day to tip over and above what we've already had charged to our account:) .

I agree we should tip for room service. To me it's an extra service provided beyond what I've paid for and I just feel HAL isn't giving these guys enough. So we tip ... no question. But that's a personal choice we make and we wouldn't be wrong if we chose not to.

It is most certainly not required because we are being charged an "auto-tip". Over time they may increase that amount and tell us they are now paying more to the room service stewards. But Americans will continue to tip over and above that simply because that is what we do.

It's a system gone awry and a tip is no longer what it was originally meant to be when it becomes something we give to someone simply because we think they're not paid enough by HAL.

Heck! I don't make enough money either! Shall I register with Pay Pal???:D :D ;)

[Lefty Bob]

Wonder what happens when sailing in the Med or Baltic. With many europeans who are used to service included.
LB

[dakrewser]

I always tip for room service. I tip for the service provided.

Did you ever receive a tray and something was missing ? These guys will run back and get it for you. The ones I have come across work their butts off.


So let's see if I've got this straight: If the server forgets to bring something, you give a bigger tip??? If they simply forgot to deliver the tray, would you hunt him down and force money on him? :rolleyes:

The server should check to be sure he/she has everything on the order before making the trip, IMHO.

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Dave....

I was thinking the same thing. An extra tip for having to go back because he forgot to bring everything that was ordered???!!!@1?!#

Sure....an extra tip if WE forgot to ORDER it.

We always tip for Room Sevice..without fail .... but I would not include extra for him making another trip because of his error.

[kryos]

i for one keep all my cash in the safe becasue the ship is a cashless society ----- when i order room service i always try to remember to get a couple of bucks out for the tip
I too put my wallet in the safe as soon as I board the ship. But, I keep about $20 in one dollar bills out just in case I order room service, which is rare. I also use those dollar bills to throw a little something in the collection box when I attend onboard services. I usually don't put a whole lot in the collection box because I prefer to ask the minister at some point what his favorite ministry is and then write him a check before the end of the cruise.

But I can't imagine ordering room service without tipping the person who delivers it, especially since I know he probably isn't making squat. :(

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

The server should check to be sure he/she has everything on the order before making the trip, IMHO.
Yeah, but it might not be his fault that something was forgotten. Maybe the person who took your order over the phone didn't write the missing item on the sheet.

But, still ... I agree ... I wouldn't tip extra because the waiter had to come back and deliver a forgotten item ... unless I was the one who forgot to order it, thus making a second trip necessary for him.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Scrumpy]

Regarding the spa, I definately tip there for services. I think these workers are privately employed and not part of the auto-tipping.

Beth

I think the issue with the spa is that if you go by the percentages, you are tipping more than you would at your regular spa for the same service (which you receive at an inflated price - sometimes not too inflated, but sometimes substantially more). I think most of us do tip at the spa, but if you're used to paying 10-15% or more LESS for the service itself, the tips seem rather unfairly high. Also, the costs are somtimes comparable while the service itself or the duration of the service is not necessarily comparable, so I still come out tipping more than I'd like - and hoping it will result in better service next time around. I'm a hopeless over-tipper on land, but the actual numbers make much more of an impact on me in the ship's spa. Hope that helps explain a little better what I meant.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I may be confused, but with the issue of something not being on the room service tray, I was not under the impression that the same person who puts the order together also delivers it to my cabin.

But I could easily be wrong about that since it's only an assumption.

[Vic The Parrot]

.... but I would not include extra for him making another trip because of his error.







If ... and I mean "IF" you can get a hold of them.


.... ever eat a burger with Italian dressing??.....

:eek: :rolleyes:


That's a story for another time


;)

[Scrumpy]

Hi everyone,

just to put the cat among the pigeons as it were I'm a Brit and we find that generally you guys from over the pond are real believers in tipping whereas we tend not to be. I know this is a generalisation but I've spoken to a lot of cruisers over the ten years we've been cruising.

As far as I'm concerned I don't tip again if it is included or deducted. But actually prefer to tip at the end of the cruise to those who have given good service. As someone said the money many of the staff earn is above that which they would earn at home - I've also spoken to many staff over the years and many of them say although it is hard to be away from loved ones eventually they return and set up their own buisness etc.

Well those are just my thoughts,
cheers Teresa
ps I'm not really mean

Teresa,
Of course you're not mean! Just a different culture, that's all. I'm sure you're quite generous; you seem like a very nice person.

I know exactly what you mean. I'm married to a Kiwi - not much tipping in NZ either and we met in England - again, rare to tip. I had to completely re-train him for living and dining in America. We do tend to throw money around. However, as someone who has lived on tips, I know there are still plenty of people out there who do not tip at all or tip poorly. In fact, to my great embarrassment, I have a family member who insists that it is not her responsibility to compensate for the poor wages of service industry folks. I prefer not to dine with her publicly as I find it humiliating to stiff a server and resent having to make up the difference when the check comes... On the ship, I also like to tip. It simply makes ME feel good and I would hope that it benefits the recipients. For room service, regardless of a hotel or on land, I tip. I don't think we can ever be too sure where the money from certain "service charges" goes. I don't think it all ends up in the pockets of the server, so if I am inadvertently double-tipping someone, then I hope that makes them happy.

I see where you're coming from; I had a very hard time adjusting to NOT tipping when I was in the UK. I always left a little something because I couldn't handle it otherwise. But, when I say a little something - I do mean a little, perhaps a pound or two. DH would've had a cow if I'd tried to tip like I do here! Same in NZ... Can't seem to stop myself entirely, but I do try to be more sensible and adapt to local custom.

DH believes that Americans are affecting the local economies when we come in and throw money around. I wonder how much local custom changes when there is a tourist crowd. I would think that people would start to expect more tips if we are too loose with our money and that it could have an affect on their normal business culture. Wonder if that's been studied. Seems like we did end up tipping in Mexico, partly becuase people seemed to expect it, even though we'd been told beforehand that it wasn't the norm.

[Pudgesmom]

Here's another question: If the room service delivery person is tipped, does he or she have to add that tip to the pool of tips? Isn't there some rule about the tips being pooled if the passenger auto-tips or doesn't?

How would they keep track of this if the tips are pooled?

I liked it better in the olden days!!!:confused:

Beth

[Copper10-8]

Here's another question: If the room service delivery person is tipped, does he or she have to add that tip to the pool of tips? Isn't there some rule about the tips being pooled if the passenger auto-tips or doesn't?

How would they keep track of this if the tips are pooled?

I liked it better in the olden days!!!:confused:

Beth

It is my understanding that if you decide to personally tip whoever on board (the steward that shows you to your room on embarkation day, the room service guy, the bar waiter, etc.) they get to keep that amount and do not have to share it and/or put it in an employee pool.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on that one!

BTW and excuses if I go OT too much, but there are now tip jars on your local Starbucks counter - even see them here in the drive-byes:eek: , sorry, I mean drive-thru windows. Does anybody here tip those employees? Do you consider them making your Venti cup of Decaf Komodo Dragon Blend services rendered "above and beyond"?

[Pudgesmom]

I'd go OT with you--- but I haven't yet been able to get into the MochaChocalata craze! :D :D I have taken the young uns'. I don't tip there as it seems much like a McDonald's or other fast food restaurant.

Beth

[mrblack]

Copper10-8 some of this tipping is cultural. My daughter's boyfriend who is American recently visited us in northern Canada. We filled up the truck at the gas bar. A gas jockey came out and filled the tank and we went in to pay. our American friend was shocked we didn't tip the gas jockey. I'd never heard of such a thing. That's his job. It's what he does. No one tips the gas guy. So to answer your question I've never seen a tip cup here in the Starbucks but we're not the big city either. What's expected in one place is not necessarily the custom in others.:D

[Copper10-8]

I'd go OT with you--- but I haven't yet been able to get into the MochaChocalata craze! :D :D I have taken the young uns'. I don't tip there as it seems much like a McDonald's or other fast food restaurant.

Beth

I'm with you on that one, Beth - I think it's over the top Next time, try a Chai Late - pretty good!

[Copper10-8]

Copper10-8 some of this tipping is cultural. My daughter's boyfriend who is American recently visited us in northern Canada. We filled up the truck at the gas bar. A gas jockey came out and filled the tank and we went in to pay. our American friend was shocked we didn't tip the gas jockey. I'd never heard of such a thing. That's his job. It's what he does. No one tips the gas guy. So to answer your question I've never seen a tip cup here in the Starbucks but we're not the big city either. What's expected in one place is not necessarily the custom in others.:D

Makes a lot of sense, I'm with you too Mr Black - A "gas jockey" huh;) Don't have those here in la la land but then again we don't have dudes in intersections selling newspapers either like you see in Fla. Did you buy your TSA locks yet?;)

[Aussie Gal]

I frequently use room service for meals in a hotel, especially on arival day (I tend to get in around 8 or 9 at night). I used to tip generously, but when the hotel began adding 15% (and, now 18%) to the bill, I stopped.

As Susana noted, the person who delivers your tray is part of the auto-tip. Should they: show up on time, place the food where its accessible and - generally - be pleasant about it then the auto-tip should be sufficient. If the same person comes to our room multiple times, learns how we like the breakfast arranged and, in general, goes above and beyond then I'll also add in a little "above and beyond" the auto-tip.

Most of the rest of the world finds it amusing (when they don't find it demeaning) that Americans throw money at people for simply doing their jobs. Many Americans are uncomfortable with determining when additional payment is warranted and, so, try to tip everybody. I'm sure you can figure out when the service warrants an extra gratuity and act accordingly.

I agree with what Dave says. Coming from a country where tipping is not a way of life, for us it seems to be going over the top to tip the steward who brings the breakfast tray when a percentage of the automatic tip does go to him. It is really double dipping.

We do not tip the dining room steward each day when he brings us our breakfast, so I cannot see the difference. We do not need anyone to carry our trays in the Lido as we are quite fit and can do it ourselves. But if our trays were carried, again we would not be handing over a tip.

In Europe, there is usually a service charge added to the bill whether it be in a hotel or restaurant and that solves a lot of problems. I know tipping is part of the American way of life, but it is not so in so many countries and it does make it hard for people who are not used to it.

Jennie

[gizmo]

Thanks, Dave....

I was thinking the same thing. An extra tip for having to go back because he forgot to bring everything that was ordered???!!!@1?!#

Sure....an extra tip if WE forgot to ORDER it.

We always tip for Room Sevice..without fail .... but I would not include extra for him making another trip because of his error.






How do YOU know he forgot it? How do you know who puts what on a tray ? I seriously doubt these guys put everything on a tray. If the omelet is missing the cheese you ordered, do you blame the steward who delivers it ?

What is extra ? Is it beyond the 10.00 ? You said you always tip for room service without fail. What is the difference between me tipping for room service and you tipping for room service ?

Please read my post. I was pointing out how hard these guys work. No where did I say I gave the guy an extra tip just because the guy had to go back for something that was forgotton.

I always tip for room service. I tip for the service provided.

Did you ever receive a tray and something was missing ? These guys will run back and get it for you. The ones I have come across work their butts off.

I don't think they receive much from the tipping pool. JMO.

I don't know what is considered doing something extra but these guys always do an excellent job and I feel they deserve to be tipped

Like others, I feel tipping is a personal thing and what I tip and the reason I tip is up to me. :)
I don't look at a missing item as something negative. I have found these guys bend over backwards to fix the problem, which is probably not their fault. :)


So let's see if I've got this straight: If the server forgets to bring something, you give a bigger tip??? If they simply forgot to deliver the tray, would you hunt him down and force money on him? :rolleyes:

The server should check to be sure he/she has everything on the order before making the trip, IMHO.

I don't think you have it straight. Read my post.

No where did I say I gave a bigger tip if the guy forgots to bring something.

Hunt him down ? Your post is beyond ridiculous but at least you used the correct icon.

[boards]

"Aussie Gal" The may be a foolish question, but here goes. Since tipping is not the way of life in Australia and New Zealand, do you know if the automatic tipping is still used on the cruises that go there?

[HeatherInFlorida]

I think Copper has it right ... those tips can be retained by the person you give them to. The only time the employees have to return tips to the pool is if you remove the auto-tip from your bill, but give cash separately to the DR stewards or cabin steward, then they are obliged to return that money to the pool. This is, of course, the honor system but I think these guys are pretty good about sticking to the rules (unlike some of us;) ).

I agree with Gizmo that the steward delivering the tray to the room is most probably NOT the person who arranged the tray in the first place. So if they go back for something, I call that service beyond what is generally expected.

MrBlack, we don't call them "gas jockeys" here (although I rather like the term:) ), but until we moved to Florida in 2000 we lived in New Jersey where the stations are not self serve so someone always came to the car to fill your tank.

We never tipped them and no one did. I have never heard of that since I first started buying gas sometime back in the 60's. In fact, at one time they also washed our front and back windows and checked the air in our tires and no one I ever knew considered tipping.

But then again, times have changed and I guess if you're putting quarters in a Dunkin' Donuts cup, you would also tip the "gas jockey".

[dakrewser]

I agree with Gizmo that the steward delivering the tray to the room is most probably NOT the person who arranged the tray in the first place. So if they go back for something, I call that service beyond what is generally expected.

A good waiter checks the order against what's on the tray before delivering it. If the person taking the order forgot to write it down, that's one thing - I don't expect the steward to be a mind reader. But if something is on the order but missing from the tray - that's the steward's responsibility.

And, if the kitchen is anything like that in a hotel, the steward is sharing his tips with the person who "plates" the tray, giving that peson incentive to get it right.

[Teresa Price]

Hi,
wow Mr black do you still have someone put the petrol in your car???? In the UK that went out many moons ago [sadly as I can never get the cap off, always spill the stuff etc].

Out of interest do you guys from over the pond actually tip in McDonalds? And to put the record straight I would and do tip in a restaurant onshore but not so much value wise.

The other thing i think - don't shoot me down in flames here - is that no one tips me for doing a good job. Most I get but never expect is chocolates at Christmas. Guess it is this service industry thing.

anyway I guess it really is a personal thing but influenced by what is the 'norm' in the country you come from.
happy Wednesday,
Teresa
PS Scrumpy I can't believe you have snow there!!!! Wow I'm even without tights today [that's a girl thing]

[Pudgesmom]

Teresa,

We (I'm assuming all will agree here) don't tip at fast food type restaurants where the food is ordered at the counter, then carried by the customer out of the restaurant or to his table. That's why the tip jar at a place like Starbuck's is of interest, as it would be a change to a "normal" procedure.

This type of tip jar seems to me, and some others, as a blatant ploy for extra money. Or maybe we're just as confused about that as some of us, including myself, are about onboard tipping!!!!:D

Beth

[Scrumpy]

Teresa,
The tipping thing gets SOOOO tricky! Every time I turn around, I am wondering if I should be tipping someone, LOL! But, I don't tip at McDonald's. You're right; a whole lot of it really depends on the cultural norm and the individual's personal feelings. It is difficult to adapt whether you're used to tipping more or tipping less... Yes, we got a couple of inches of snow. It was coming down so hard for a while that I thought we were going to be in trouble. Probably 60-70% has already melted/evaporated, though. Crazy Colorado weather... I'd bet we were finished with winter, but someone was reminding me of how many times it's snowed on Memorial Day, so maybe I won't bet! You're without tights already? Wow! Must be pretty nice over there. Lucky you!!!
Scrumpy

[Scrumpy]

Teresa,

We (I'm assuming all will agree here) don't tip at fast food type restaurants where the food is ordered at the counter, then carried by the customer out of the restaurant or to his table. That's why the tip jar at a place like Starbuck's is of interest, as it would be a change to a "normal" procedure.

This type of tip jar seems to me, and some others, as a blatant ploy for extra money. Or maybe we're just as confused about that as some of us, including myself, are about onboard tipping!!!!:D

Beth

What I find interesting is the parallel between the person making your coffee and a bartender. I tip bartenders. I used to be one and it's probably easier to make most drinks than it is to make some of those coffees... I wonder how the specific people are paid. In a tipping environment, it's not uncommon to make below the minimum wage. And, a couple of places I worked actively tracked your expected tip income based on percentage of sales so the income could be reported and properly taxed. Often, your pay check would be zeroed out with all that money held for income tax. Your net pay was your tips. That was one reason that those of us who did report our tip income would get so aggravated if we didn't get appropriate tips; we knew we could be auditted and held liable for "unreported income" that, in fact, we never actually received. A lot of people don't report all their tips, of course. And, in some places, you're not going to make enough money to pay taxes anyway, so you get money back at tax time. Your paycheck is just delayed and paid in one lump sum at the end...

[HeatherInFlorida]

But with a bartender, you're sitting there taking up space for a period of time (same as at a table) where someone else might sit. At McDonald's or DD, you order, take your bag and go. Still, I do put a quarter in the cup at DD because I go there often and I think the kids are so nice. But it goes against the grain with me because no extra service has been performed.

Teresa, I'm with you! I never got a tip in my life ... just a little something at Christmas if I was lucky;) .

[Scrumpy]

Heather,
It's pretty common to go to the bar, order a drink and take it to counter or table, especially in crowded clubs or bars. Often, there isn't space at the bar itself for you to sit. Should have clarified that. I very rarely sit AT the bar; I like to sit at a table, but sometimes they don't have table service - or sometimes I'm hovering for ages waiting for a table. A lot depends on the club; some of them do primarily bar-only service and don't have much wait staff on the floor. This is probably an experience thing - I used to go out a lot and I worked tending bar and waiting tables in some of these places. They're not like nice, quiet lounges. More of your packed-in-like-sardines places where service is usually hurried because they're chronically over-full and under-staffed.
Scrumpy

[Cruiseoften]

As far as the overall cost being $20 or so, that's not true for us.

We usually book two cabins, one for us and one for the children. Both cabins order breakfast every day. My growing son eats several extra times a day and orders and adores room service. My husband and I frequently order later at night as we watch a movie and want a snack. We usually also eat dinner at least once in our cabin.

For us, the extra tipping would be much more money. On the breakfast thread, someone mentioned handing the server $5 for a delivery. I know that's higher than most, but at those rates, I would probably pay as much as $200 extra for a 7 day cruise.

That thought was what led me to the original post. I realized then, and still do now, that extra tipping is up to the individual. I WANT my room service waiter to be fairly compensated. However, I had always felt that I had already paid for my food to be delivered, either in the dining room or cabin. If room service were an "extra" charge, then I guess I would treat it like a massage or a drink in the bar, and tip accordingly. So that led me to wondering whether the servers associated with room service were included in the autotipping.

My thought now after reading the various posts and the article here on tipping in general, is that I will not tip extra for room service unless I receive something "extra" in addition to the regular delivery.

Despite a few setbacks, this has been a very interesting thread to read.

Beth

OK, I'm ready to duck........it's fine that each cabin orders breakfast every day; it's fine that you order late night snacks and also to have dinner "in". I don't know the ages of the 2nd cabin occupants but giving your son permission to order Room Service whenever the mood strikes is, in MVHO, over the top!

Now it's true that we all pay to have food delivered---- at scheduled times in scheduled locations!----- I doubt that there's a squad of Stewards available all day/night to supply Room Service.

I've never noticed a shortage of food on board,(OK, on the last day, the selection may not be as varied and lavish) but apart from a short closing time for cleaning, setting up etc., there's always the Lido, the Tacco Bar/Hamburger/Hot Dog stand, and, Kids (adults too!) Delight, the Ice Cream Bar. Fruit is available for the taking - you can even have it in your cabin if you request it and invariably, there are 'late night snacks' available in the Lido.

We all like to indulge our kids but I seriously wonder if we frequently go 'overboard'. What 'values' are we teaching?

No question, the decision is a personal one.

[Scrumpy]

Perhaps I'm missing something, but I consider room service on the ship to be along the same lines as that in a hotel. If I want something, I order it (and tip). I've never felt like I was causing too much work. If they are busy, we wait a little longer and that's okay. We like shrimp cocktail on the balcony late afternoon, sometimes with a glass of wine. Is this really a problem? I'm speaking as an adult, of course. I try not to get involved with how people handle their children as long as they keep them away from me, ha ha ha! But seriously, should I worry about how much we get room service?

[lauderdalebob]

On our cruises we always have breakfast delivered for two and usually a FULL breakfast at that and I always tip the delivery person $5.00 since he's delivering a lot of food. I noticed on the last cruise on HAL we did have the same delivery person every morning and he was VERY thorough and listed off every item we had ordered and if it wasn't there he made sure to go get it and bring it back. Did it have anything to do with the $5.00 tip every morning? I don't know, but either way I wouldn't dream of ordering room service (be it ship or hotel) and not tipping the delivery person something. Happy sailing!

[dakrewser]

OK, I'm ready to duck........it's fine that each cabin orders breakfast every day; it's fine that you order late night snacks and also to have dinner "in". I don't know the ages of the 2nd cabin occupants but giving your son permission to order Room Service whenever the mood strikes is, in MVHO, over the top!

What's over the top is your comment. Last I checked, there were no set limits on how many times you could order room service, nor how much you colud order. And, yes, there ARE always stewards standing by to do the delivery.

Would you also squawk about someone who visited the Lido Grill, or the ice cream bar - or the Crow's Nest - frequently????

Do you not eat "whenever the mood strikes?"

I'm sorry, but I think Beth deserves an apology for your comments.

[Cruiseoften]

But with a bartender, you're sitting there taking up space for a period of time (same as at a table) where someone else might sit. At McDonald's or DD, you order, take your bag and go. Still, I do put a quarter in the cup at DD because I go there often and I think the kids are so nice. But it goes against the grain with me because no extra service has been performed.

Teresa, I'm with you! I never got a tip in my life ... just a little something at Christmas if I was lucky;) .

"It goes against the grain" but you still drop a quarter in the cup - :eek: makes no sense! I worked during my College years - waitressed in our Cafiteria at lunch time - no pay, no tips - but we got a free lunch - the less popular items mostly! we never went hungry and I saved what my parents gave as a 'meal allowance. Also worked at various odd jobs on short class days, weekends and other down times.

A 'Tips Here' cup has recently appeared in our Second Cup and Timothy's - I ignore it! Our McDonalds and coffee chains almost all have table time limitations posted - usually maximum 20/30 minutes.......enforced during busy periods.

Little machines are appearing at many Public Parking Lots - you must to insert your CC before the barrier swings up - the card is returned but no ticket. On the way out you reinsert the CC - it comes back, together with a receipt showing length of stay and charge, before the barrier swings up. There's still someone in the booth but I'm sure that will soon change! No 'Tip Cups' visible :D


Again I have to say, on cruises we pay the 'gratuity', give extra to our special servers, and tip for Room service.


I gave up using Spa services on board - those employees are reasonably well paid, have room and board and, what most of them want, a chance to see the world. I might feel differently if they didn't badger me to buy this, that and the other, usually products only available from the States and for which I have to pay postage etc. It's just not on for me.

I'm in a 'service' industry - I'm paid to do what I do - at year end, if I've done well, I may receive a bonus and we always have a Christmas Party. Regular clients sometimes give chocolates or a seasonal plant. It's all much appreciated but we don't 'hint' with 'Tip Cups'. ;)

[Pudgesmom]

OK, I'm ready to duck........it's fine that each cabin orders breakfast every day; it's fine that you order late night snacks and also to have dinner "in". I don't know the ages of the 2nd cabin occupants but giving your son permission to order Room Service whenever the mood strikes is, in MVHO, over the top!

Now it's true that we all pay to have food delivered---- at scheduled times in scheduled locations!----- I doubt that there's a squad of Stewards available all day/night to supply Room Service.


We all like to indulge our kids but I seriously wonder if we frequently go 'overboard'. What 'values' are we teaching?

No question, the decision is a personal one.

No need to duck, unless its to let comments roll off your back!:D

But thank you, Dave, for your defense of my position. I'm hoping this won't digress into a discussion on another hot topic, parenting of on-board children!

As far as that goes, and since you brought it up, number one, the fare has been paid for any child traveling just like any other passenger, so, they are entitled to the same services as any other traveler. If a passenger of any age chooses to avail himself of a service, that is fine. Room service is included in the price of the cruise, just as is circling the promenade deck (0-100 times,) eating pizza (1-100) slices, attending bingo (1-???). Well, you get my drift.

MY children do not attend Club HAL. They love movies in their down time and will sometimes watch several a day. Why shouldn't they order a snack? (For the record, my son is 16, and a very well mannered center for the Number One high school team in the nation. Go, Carroll Dragons!) They're on vacation, too!

I think you're trying to say that there should be an "appropriate" amount of times to call room service in one day, maybe less for children. I heartily disagree, but of course, you're entitled to your opinion. We lead busy lives and especially enjoy spending time in our cabins or on our balconies reading or watching movies. We don't always want to interact with people. My DH is an airline pilot who relishes the time away from the hub-bub of airports. So, we stay in our cabins alot and order room service, which I believe, is part of the cruise experience.

Beth

[sail7seas]

I've been noticing tip cups showing up all over the place.

I stopped in our neighborhood Qwik Mart the other day and there was a tip cup beside the register so we could tip the girl working the cash register. Give me a break!! Tip her.....she sat there snapping her gum; yawned her painfully slow way through ringing in my three items and expected me to tip her for BARELY doing what she is paid to do.

No tip from me. Actually....there was only one quarter in it and I think she probably put it there herself.

[Teresa Price]

Hi Beth - can your husband give me any tips [no pun intended] to stop me being a nervous flyer???

Meanwhile still fascinating thread but my bed time now,
night everyone,
Teresa

[Pudgesmom]

Teresa,

Here's a few tips from Brad:

1. You AND your pilot have the same goal: to arrive safely. Also, known as: he has a life and a family and wants to live a long time, too. Just thinking this makes me, Beth, feel very safe.

2. You're not alone. One in 10 have a fear of flying.

3. from me: there's always Xanax. :D

Beth

[Teresa Price]

Hi Beth, thank Brad there - makes perfect sense really. don't know what the Xanax is?

goodnight Teresa

[HeatherInFlorida]

"It goes against the grain" but you still drop a quarter in the cup - :eek: makes no sense!.................

Sure it does! ... it makes 25 cents for someone!:) Seriously, of course it makes sense. I said it goes against the grain because I believe in my brain that I should not tip unless I'm given service over and above what's expected.

But I also said that I go there often and I like the kids so I throw a tip in the cup from my heart and I just ignore my brain. So that's the sense it makes to me:D .

Teresa, Xanax (or its equivalent generic) is something you don't want to take too much, but it's a wonderful prescription anti-anxiety drug that takes the edge off. That's all it does. You don't feel any different (unless you overdose), but the fear is diminished. I get 30/year from my doctor and generally have some left over. But I take one just before I travel or when going through an experience that is making me overly anxious and it helps get me through. If you fear flying, I'm sure it would help you. My husband's ex-wife is actually who told me about it years ago because she is terrified to fly.

[Cruiseoften]

Pudgesmon: Hi -
My comments were prompted by your Post (#59) made yesterday, i.e. “I would probably pay as much as $200 extra for a 7 day cruise.”

I don't apologize for ‘MY Very Honest Opinion’ as stated (giving your son permission to order Room Service whenever the mood strikes). Of course if you order for the children, that's are a very different story. Far be it from me to comment on parenting - I simply expressed an opinion based only on how we would do things.

In no way was I saying/implying/ that there should be a limit on the number of Room Service calls. Food Service is included in the cruise cost – we also very frequently use Room Service - and no explanation of why is necessary (unless perhaps someone else is paying our bills – and that NEVER HAPPENS!) and tip accordingly.

$10.00 per person per day is not much when split in so many ways so $5.00 to the Room Service fellow for a full dinner does not seem unreasonable considering the convenience of not having to dress up and leave the cabin. $2.00 for breakfast for 2 is not unreasonable either.

DH and I work in fast paced industries – phones, people all day – we too cruise to veg. out and recharge. We avoid port intensive itineraries and often don’t bother to go ashore, preferring the quiet of a half empty ship. :D

Now dakrewser :

I can only suggest that you more carefully read and comment on what was actually said in my post!

Oh! like most everybody else, I have been known to eat whenever the mood strikes!

[Aussie Gal]

"Aussie Gal" The may be a foolish question, but here goes. Since tipping is not the way of life in Australia and New Zealand, do you know if the automatic tipping is still used on the cruises that go there?

Yes, on the HAL and Princess ships that are here over summer, the automatic tip of $10US is in place as most of the passenger are U.S. citizens and obviously the powers that be feel that this amount is correct.

On the Pacific Princess, which we have here for 3 months of the year and the cruises are sold only to Australians, the tipping is different. Even though the crew are the same as man the ship when it is in other areas of the world, the automatic tipping is a lot less. It is $7Aud which comes down to probably around $4.50 to $5.00US depending on the rate of exchange.

The only time we tip here is when we have been out to a meal in a good restaurant, not a cheapie, and then we only give 10% or less. The waiters do not expect it and are not standing around waiting for it. We usually leave it in the folder that comes with the account and they do not know if they have been tipped until after we leave the restaurant. Everyone here gets a decent wage and therefore a tip is a bonus and I think it is pooled.

Jennie

[Pudgesmom]

Pudgesmon: Hi -


I don't apologize for ‘MY Very Honest Opinion’ as stated (giving your son permission to order Room Service whenever the mood strikes). Of course if you order for the children, that's are a very different story. Far be it from me to comment on parenting - I simply expressed an opinion based only on how we would do things.



cruiseoften,

It was not me that requested an apology.

I don't know how old your children are, but I feel that two older teenagers are very capable of deciding when they're hungry. (My empty refrigerator is evidence of that!) And many times, we are not in the same place at the same time. I feel that's one of the benefits of a cruise, the children are not always looking for me for cash. I also feel vacations are a good chance for letting young adults/children to get a little farther away from the nest. How exciting and innocuous to order your meal yourself! Of course, we all do things differently. My very good Canadian friend has a MUCH looser rein on her kids than I do!

You have now said twice, "whenever the mood strikes." I think the "mood" you are referring to is hunger. A 16 year old 6'2" 220 lb. football player is "struck" by the hunger "mood" frequently. He eats, eats and eats. That's why all you can eat cruise food is great for him. If he chooses to eat some of that in his cabin, why would that not be "fine?" You seem to think it inappropriate (I'm reading decadent parental indulgence.)

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Beth

Oh, and I also wanted to add that my children have busy lives to vacation from, too. They are both doing well in advanced college preparatory classes, work, volunteer, and play sports.

[NorthernNeighbour]

Our experience on HAL yesterday morning was the following: room service attendant was miffed that my wife and I had ordered seperate trays for breakfast and made it known he expected us to share a tray.

We ignored what he said and also ignored giving him a tip.

PS -- Wonder if he expects the singles travelling alone and choosing to share a cabin to share also.

[sail7seas]

I don't understand your message.


Did you order Room Service to be delivered at two different times? If that was the case, of course, you would need separate trays.

Did you request a tray be brought for each of you but delivered at the same time?

Why would you need two trays IF you had your breakfast delivered at the same time.

No one eats off the tray, do they? Doesn't everyone remove whatever plates/dishes are their food and put the tray aside?

I have to be misunderstanding something as I totally confused. :confused

[sail7seas]

Our experience on HAL yesterday morning was the following: room service attendant was miffed that my wife and I had ordered seperate trays for breakfast and made it known he expected us to share a tray.

.

What ship were you on? Did you have a good time. Hope you'll tell us about your cruise.

Welcome back.

[Copper10-8]

Our experience on HAL yesterday morning was the following: room service attendant was miffed that my wife and I had ordered seperate trays for breakfast and made it known he expected us to share a tray.

We ignored what he said and also ignored giving him a tip.

PS -- Wonder if he expects the singles travelling alone and choosing to share a cabin to share also.

Would you mind explaining the advantages of two separate trays? Unless you stayed in the PH, the tables in the staterooms are on the small side and are just big enough to hold one tray, Two trays means two separate trips from the galley and/or two separate stewards. He probably shouldn't have showed his "dismay" but these guys more than likely have several orders to deliver at specified times. With one tray, he puts that puppy down on your table and you're good to go! I guess I don't get the big "two tray" picture:confused:

[Pudgesmom]

I, also, am confused by the two separate trays. However, we like to split the food up on our tray. I like to sit on the bed and eat with the tray underneath. This provides a stable platform and also protects the bedding.

My husband eats elsewhere. I wonder if this poster could have requested "two trays" so that each diner could have a separate platform. Those in-room tables are really small. Maybe he just wanted an extra tray for a tabletop, in which case the server could have stacked the trays and put the food on top of both of them.

Beth

[LHC]

As two of my children have been in the restaurant service industry, I believe in tipping for Room Service.
If you get room service early in a cruise and give a nice tip for timely, well set up food, the next time the service will be even better (per my kids). If not suit yourself but the wait service will act accordingly and you will have a variety of people dropping it off for you.
Linda

[mrblack]

I haven't tipped for room service and I've always had the food right when I asked for it. I order breakfast at a specified time every day. Furthermore it's usually someone different that brings it in each morning so I don't see that giving a tip is going to make them keener the next day. On the few times when I've ordered something in the afternoon it's always come quite promptly. :)

[peaches from georgia]

Furthermore it's usually someone different that brings it in each morning so I don't see that giving a tip is going to make them keener the next day.
We certainly don't tip RS thinking we are assuring good service the next order/day and I don't know anybody who tips for that reason. We tip each and every RS steward for the wonderful job they did in delivering that particular order.

Our tips to anybody on the ship are not bribes for continuing good service. A gratuity given is a thank you.

[mrblack]

LHC said "If you get room service early in a cruise and give a nice tip for timely, well set up food, the next time the service will be even better (per my kids). If not suit yourself but the wait service will act accordingly and you will have a variety of people dropping it off for you."

My point was the srevice was always good and prompt so I didn't think the above generalization applied. :)

Mel

[caribbean girl]

Exactly...when you tip somebody, it lets them know that you have appreciated their special 'touch' and the care given to attend to your needs. I wish there was more I could do to express my appreciation to HAL employees, since they have always given us service with a smile and a lovely attitude, to boot.:)

[Copper10-8]

I wish there was more I could do to express my appreciation to HAL employees, since they have always given us service with a smile and a lovely attitude, to boot.:)

Speaking of boot(s), hope your big toe is getting better and, btw, I would be more than happy to give you some pointers reference the above question! ;)

[caribbean girl]

Speaking of boot(s), hope your big toe is getting better and, btw, I would be more than happy to give you some pointers reference the above question! ;)

I'm sure you would!!:eek:

[NorthernNeighbour]

I, also, am confused by the two separate trays. However, we like to split the food up on our tray. I like to sit on the bed and eat with the tray underneath. This provides a stable platform and also protects the bedding.

My husband eats elsewhere. I wonder if this poster could have requested "two trays" so that each diner could have a separate platform. Those in-room tables are really small. Maybe he just wanted an extra tray for a tabletop, in which case the server could have stacked the trays and put the food on top of both of them.

Beth

The separate trays are just a matter of personal preference. There was plenty of room in the cabin for two trays and I ate at the desk while using my computer while my wife breakfasted in bed.

Actually, I do not object particularly to having one tray only or stacking all the food on one tray but providing two trays -- what I objected to was the case of "attitude" the room service attendant showed. If he had just asked if we minded sharing a tray -- no problem, I would have gladly agreed. But to be scolded for ordering two trays -- no thanks!

In HAL' s favour, however, I must say this is the only case we have found. All the other staff on-board are most friendly, helpful and go out of their way to make the cruise enjoyable.

I did verify with the Dutch officer in charge of the front office that the room service attendants do share in the auto-tip arrangements. If they did not participate, of course I would have given the attendant a modest tip for modest tip and provided he gave better service on the following days would have given him a better tip. After all, everyone has a bad day now and then.

[sail7seas]

I agree......If you requested your breakfast be delivered on two trays, it should have been delivered on two trays.

Happy that seemed to be the only aggravation you encountered.

[newton16]

I will be on my first cruise this Summer (Alaska, Veendam, 7/23). It was interesting to read the threads about tipping and autotipping. It is so different in different places and I found the information useful.

I remember in Japan (back in 1986) tipping was completely unknown. If you left money on a cafe table the waiter would run after you as he thought you had forgotten it.

Here in Israel, a service charge (usually 10-15%) is often automatically added to restaurant/cafe/bar bills. If not, a mention that "SERVICE IS NOT INCLUDED" is usually added, and the same percentage is expected.

:)

[Bookish Angel]

Mostly because someday I'd like to be on a cruise where most of the cruisers were people of color. I can dream, can't I?

What's a few dollars when I have already spent thousands?

[serendipity1499]

Sarah, after you've filled your tray and when you turn to find a table, a HAL employee will offer to carry the tray for you. :)

I don't agree that this always occurs...On our 26 day cruise, we had lunch in the Lido every day..Only 5 or 6 times a HAL steward offered to carry my tray..I believe they do offer to carry your tray if you look like you really need help...I always smiled & thanked each one of the stewards, but never gave them a tip..If the same person had carried my tray every day, I probably would have tipped a small amount at the end of our cruise, as we do with our dining room stewards..

If we had room service I would tip a few dollars though..JMHO

[kryos]

I don't agree that this always occurs...On our 26 day cruise, we had lunch in the Lido every day..Only 5 or 6 times a HAL steward offered to carry my tray..I believe they do offer to carry your tray if you look like you really need help...I always smiled & thanked each one of the stewards, but never gave them a tip..If the same person had carried my tray every day, I probably would have tipped a small amount at the end of our cruise, as we do with our dining room stewards..

I would have never thought to tip the guy who carries my tray in the Lido. I think those stewards are also the waiters in the dining room as well. I always figured the waiters get their share of the auto-tip, so there is no reason to tip the waiter in the Lido if he carries my tray. As a sidenote, the only time I've accepted the steward's offer to carry my tray is if the seas were particularly bad that day and I'm afraid of tripping and dropping everything. Normally, I politely decline his offer as I would rather he be available for folks who really need some help.

Another reason I never tip the stewards in the Lido is because I usually don't have any money on me when I'm aboard the ship. I leave my cash in the cabin safe since I know I don't need it onboard ship. Though I do keep a few dollars in one of the drawers ... and would use that to tip for room service ... I generally don't carry money around with me on the ship since there's no need to.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[kryos]

Teresa, Xanax (or its equivalent generic) is something you don't want to take too much, but it's a wonderful prescription anti-anxiety drug that takes the edge off. That's all it does.
It's also a great sleeping aid. I use Xanax when I fly ... not because I have any fear of flying, but rather because I get very claustrophobic wedged into those coach seats. The Xanax gets me through the flight by helping me to sleep ... and that's the only way I can fly.

This problem has gotten worse for me as I've gotten older, and I am now at the point where when I fly cross-country I have to purposely book connecting flights because I can't stand a long uninterrupted flight for that long a period of time.

Luckily, though, Xanax is all I need for a flight to Florida from Philly. It's not a long flight, and if I can nod off for an hour or so, it makes it bearable.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[krewzin]

Mostly because someday I'd like to be on a cruise where most of the cruisers were people of color.



Huh????

What the heck is that supossed to mean?

[Bookish Angel]

Huh????

What the heck is that supossed to mean?

It means that most of the people of color who work on cruise ships generally cannot afford such a vacation. Perhaps my and others' tips will allow them to save for a trip that does not include long hours of work.