Another Tipping Question...but this is about the Greenhouse Spa?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I have not had to ask a question in a long time but this came to me last night before falling asleep. I was doing my mental packing list and and thought about tipping in the Spa.

I plan to treat myself to a massage and a facial since the Ryndam has a whole new Greenhouse Spa and I want to splurge for by Big 50 B-Day. I have never used any of the spa services in the ships before. Now I frequently get massages and facials at some of the fine Las Vegas resorts (90% of them are owned and operated by Steiner) most of the resort spas automatically charge a 15% gratuity. My question is will they do this on my charges to the Greenhouse Spa? Or can I sign the tip on to my Ship Board account? Or do I need to bring money down to the spa to tip for services?

Thank you to any of you who can answer this question.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I can't believe no one can answer this question:confused:

I am sure some one on this board has used the Spa facilities????

If you have ever had a massage or facial how was the tip handled?????

[Esme]

The couple of times I used the Spa services for a pedicure, manicure and massage, the tip had to be made in cash. I could not charge it to my account. This was some time ago, but as the Spa is a separate concession from the ship, I believe tips would still have to be made in cash. I have to do that at home also.

Gal who gave me the massage did not get a tip because she spent the whole hour trying to sell me their products. This made me furious - I went there to relax, not be given a hard sell. :mad:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I plan to tell them nicely that I do not want to be sold any products. A few months ago I spent the day at the Madera Spa at the Paris Hotel here in Vegas. The Madera is a Steiner Spas, as soon as they brought me in to do the massage I immediately told them I do not want to be solicited, I did tell them in a very friendly way. Unfortuately I must of been too friendly because the Massage Therapist then wanted to chat thru the whole massage. She was from Juno Alaska and I opened my big mouth that I had been on a cruise to Alaska. Well, she definitely did not try to sell me anything. Then the gal who gave me my facial I did the same thing and she was excellent. When she finished she was really nice and said " I know you do not want me to sell you anything but can I just recomend one product for you skin" she did and when I checked out I choked on the price of this creme and said "No Thanks"

I am hoping this method of letting them know up front that I do not plan to buy anything helps.

That stinks if I have to carry cash down to the Spa to tip these people, you would think they would include it into the charge like other Steiner Spas do.

[azgymgal]

I was on the Zuiderdam this past September. I used the spa services several different times & I charged the tip to my Ship Board Account.

I'm not sure if there is a different policy for the Ryndam. Best wishes on your upcoming Cruise.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks azgymgal, That will be much easier if I can just charge to the ship board account. I would bet if the Zuirderdam does it that way they all do:)

[bepsf]

Lisa--

I concur: on the O-Dam, I was unfathomably not allowed to add a tip to the spa bill.

Personally, I'd save my money and get a massage from one of your wonderful spas at home. If the spa service is anything like it was when I was on the O-Dam it's not worth the time much less the money, even at a port-day price.


Spend the extra hour with a couple travel candles & a glass of champagne doing a mudmask/bubblebath in your private jacuzzi tub...

[jazzsea]

I'm fed up with the steiner approach to relaxation. I make it clear that I do not want to be presented with a sales pitch while I am trying to relax. I found the best way around the problem is to say that I have a head ache and would like complete quiet except for the music. I usually word it as follows. I'm really tired and would appreciate peace and quite for this treatment. I will show my appreciation at the end of this treatment. Then, if necessary, refuse to answer questions.

If they bug you please don't leave a tip. Also, use your comment card.

[jazzsea]

To answer your question. I was able to charge a gratuity in the spa on Oceania but not on Holland America Oosterdam. That may change now that the gratuities are added for other services. I haven't sailed HAL since last March. I'll be on Westerdam for 2 days on November 30. I'll ask.

[Slinkiecat]

I guess I should be prepared to tip in cash on Prinsendam as well. I will need frequent hair care. I don't handle pushy sales people well, so I don't look forward to my visits to the salon. I just hope they do a good job on my hair.

Slinkie

[trubey]

I visited the Prinsendam spa three times last month.

I never got any high pressure selling and each time I was able to add the tip to my bill. I've experienced more promotional product push in department store cosmetic departments.

And if you're on the Prinsendam, tell them "hello" from the crazy American lady from the Azores. They will probably always remember the woman who said she wanted her hair colored. Really colored: I had aubergine, blond, and red sections. I loved it, but I always thought that the compliments I received were just because people's natural instincts led them to stare and then they had to say something.

susan.