My "brain wave"

Having read the live report from the QV, I had this wonderful idea:-

If Cunard did away with the Auto Gratuity, and left tipping up to the passengers, there would be a saving of Time ( no going to Pursers desk), the ship would save paper, the staff would not have to waste time taking the charge off the bills.

Everyone would be happy.

Well except those who post scathing remarks on here re those who do take it off - though personally I do not think my fellow passengers financial dealings are any of my business.

As for the Pursers staff making a "public announcement" concerning the deleting the auto, and requesting that any passenger wishing to do so should "step forward". That, to this old grouch's feeble mind is unacceptable.

Any business , any passenger, may have at the Pursers desk should be kept "private". That goes for any so called "list of passengers who remove the auto" which rumour has it is given to the staff.

I think my first cruises were without the auto gratuity. I remember having a great time on the ships and tipping the waiter, assistant waiter, not realizing I needed to tip the Matre D. and tipping my cabin steward. I had envelopes that had their designated titles on them. I am not sure how I missed the Matre D. but I did each time. I still feel guilty.

But I tipped the others well if I remember right.

I also remember my cabin steward asking a neighbor in a nearby cabin why they did not tip him and I over heard them saying "because you are paid to clean the cabins". And the steward trying to educate them as to the pay levels and how he hoped they would understand that they worked basically for the tips. They didn't give him anything in the end.

So I think the cruise lines made auto tipping the rule to give their staff a better wage. Why they don't just pay their staff and raise the price a little is beyond me but some economic wiz kid somewhere decided it was better this way.

I see the auto tipping as minimum wage for the staff member with additional tipping done as a way to bring up the wages to at least living wage.

Am I wrong??

I think my first cruises were without the auto gratuity. I remember having a great time on the ships and tipping the waiter, assistant waiter, not realizing I needed to tip the Matre D. and tipping my cabin steward. I had envelopes that had their designated titles on them. I am not sure how I missed the Matre D. but I did each time. I still feel guilty.

But I tipped the others well if I remember right.

I also remember my cabin steward asking a neighbor in a nearby cabin why they did not tip him and I over heard them saying "because you are paid to clean the cabins". And the steward trying to educate them as to the pay levels and how he hoped they would understand that they worked basically for the tips. They didn't give him anything in the end.

 

So I think the cruise lines made auto tipping the rule to give their staff a better wage. Why they don't just pay their staff and raise the price a little is beyond me but some economic wiz kid somewhere decided it was better this way.

 

I see the auto tipping as minimum wage for the staff member with additional tipping done as a way to bring up the wages to at least living wage.

Am I wrong??

No you are not "wrong" we each have the right to our own personal view on this subject, which is why I find it so disturbing that there are posters who really "rip into" passengers who happen to be in a line at the Pursers desk, such posters immediately assume the lines are to remove the auto tip, when in fact it could be for many other reasons/

I think you - like others- think of the auto tipping as being a part of the "fare" for the cruise, nothing wrong there, the problem is that newbies do not do this, they do not know about auto tipping.

Imagine the shock a family of 4 receives when after a day or two, they ask to see their account and there it is, put on for the whole trip (as it was on my last cruise on the first day ) For that family for a 7 day cruise it is $400 for "Hotel Charge". before they have spent even one cent !

The truth is that the cruise lines (any line) advertise a price (for lowest cabin grade) and hide in the small print the other charges, which can add 100's of dollars to the cost for a family.. Then there is the "blurb" that advertises (often with a picture) of life on board, - if you are in the grills but without disclosing that it only relates to life in the grills.

I know that for a lowest price cabin, I am not going to be escorted, not going to find chocolate covered strawberries waiting for me, or be served tiny sandwiches and pastries in my cabin each day at 3.30p.m, or have crepes flambé at my dinner table in Britannia, but is it honest of the cruise lines to imply that is how it is for every "guest"?.

I think you - like others- think of the auto tipping as being a part of the "fare" for the cruise, nothing wrong there, the problem is that newbies do not do this, they do not know about auto tipping.

Long before.

In fact, one of the very first questions I am asked by friends who are thinking of taking their first cruise (and asking me about my experiences), on any line, is... "what happens about tips?"

Now these are people from a culture (the UK) where tips are an exception, not the rule (although we're catching you up!), and yet they know about tips on a cruise-ship (or liner).

Which is the very opposite of your view.

Now, in your country tips are a way of life, everybody tips for everything (it seems to me).

So why are you suggesting your fellow countrymen and women would, after always giving tips their entire life, suddenly expect not to tip when on a floating hotel/resort. They must have been in hotels and resorts before, surely? Where they gave tips?

I would love to understand your views, 'cus at the moment I am puzzled... :confused:

Thanks for your help, and best wishes :) .

I've been to the desk at guest relations for various reasons , but none of which was to remove the auto tip.I get fed up hearing that is why all these queues of people ( that I've never seen ) are waiting in turn to remove their auto tips.

Who stands there counting these "auto tip removers" anyway to be able to give us this numerical statistic and is happy to spend their cruise days doing this service? What vital clue am I missing that is obvious to the "counters" but not to me, that this is the main purpose of those visiting the desk ?

If anyone is there to remove their auto tip, I think they must have their own reasons ..... and it would be their own business and not mine .

I've always been remarkably lucky when I've been to the desk...must have always hit a quiet spell...no squillions of cruisers taking off their auto tips so far !

I've been to the desk at guest relations for various reasons , but none of which was to remove the auto tip.I get fed up hearing that is why all these queues of people ( that I've never seen ) are waiting in turn to remove their auto tips.

Who stands there counting these "auto tip removers" anyway to be able to give us this numerical statistic and is happy to spend their cruise days doing this service? What vital clue am I missing that is obvious to the "counters" but not to me, that this is the main purpose of those visiting the desk ? ... I've always been remarkably lucky when I've been to the desk...must have always hit a quiet spell...no squillions of cruisers taking off their auto tips so far !

I agree with your highlighted line above, whenever I've been to the Purser's Desk (not, so far, to ever remove the autotip), like you I've not had to wait for a long time (either because I'm lucky or because I try to go there when I think it will be quiet).

However, there have been several posters over the years (some still posting regularly, others not) who have reported that they overheard passengers, within hours of boarding, in the queue at the Purser's Desk, mentioning that they were there to remove the autotip, sometimes while the ship was still at the terminal, boarding further passengers.

Not because they've received poor service (they've not had any service yet, good or bad), but just that they won't pay the autotip on principle, or so it would seem.

Now, the OP has reported " ... As for the Pursers staff making a "public announcement" concerning the deleting the auto, and requesting that any passenger wishing to do so should "step forward ... " this indicates to me that there are so many people lined up, waiting and wanting to remove the autotip, that they start a separate queue dedicated to this purpose. They do this because experience has shown them there is a need. If it was one or two passengers, they'd let them queue along with everyone else.

This act alone would seem to verify and confirm the reports posted here by other members, at least to me.

All best wishes,

Good afternoon, Jimsgirl:

I think you - like others- think of the auto tipping as being a part of the "fare" for the cruise, nothing wrong there, the problem is that newbies do not do this, they do not know about auto tipping.

I feel they should know. If they booked the reservation themselves it is mentioned that there are additional charges:

Your Voyage Includes:

· Spacious, comfortable accommodations with an array of amenities.

· All on board meals* including 24-hour room service.

· Beverages: tea, coffee, water and fruit juice.

· Enriching activities such as Cunard Insights™ programmes, ballroom dance classes and our famous Afternoon Tea.

· Extravagant entertainment including lavish musicals & theatrical productions as well as Royal Nights-themed balls.

Please note: Voyage fares do not include airfare, transfers, travel insurance, shore excursions, sightseeing or meals ashore; government fees and taxes; hotel and dining charge, beverages (not part of the regular meal); gratuities to airport personnel, escorts and drivers, laundry, dry cleaning or valet service, or any other item of personal nature. For more information, review the Passage Contract.

*Surcharge applies to Alternative Dining Restaurants. Reservations required.

If a Travel Agent handled their reservations that agent has a duty to inform their clients of the added hotel and dining charges, etc. Poor poor agent if they do not.

Imagine the shock a family of 4 receives when after a day or two, they ask to see their account and there it is, put on for the whole trip (as it was on my last cruise on the first day ) For that family for a 7 day cruise it is $400 for "Hotel Charge". before they have spent even one cent !

If they are shocked this would be due to their own neglect in reviewing and studying what they were purchasing.

This charge is also mentioned on the Cunard website under FAQ's:

How does tipping work?

During your voyage, you will meet staff throughout the ship who provide you with excellent service. Many more crew support those who serve you directly. A discretionary Hotel and Dining charge will be added to your shipboard account on a daily basis (including children). This charge will be shared amongst all those who help provide and support your experience, including the waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards and others. Please note, this is a discretionary charge and should you wish to remove it or make any adjustments, you may contact the Purser’s Desk before the end of the voyage.

Grill Accommodations: $13.50 USD per person per day†

Britannia Accommodations: $11.50 USD per person per day†

Note: Casino dealers and Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all guests utilise these services.

I do not believe that Cunard hides the fact of this addition. I do believe that it is up to the consumer to educate themselves regarding purchases such as cruises, cars, homes, etc. If using a TA for booking, it is also up to the consumer to ask questions and to go over their contract to make sure they understand what they are purchasing (including additional costs) so as not to have any shock in the future.

The truth is that the cruise lines (any line) advertise a price (for lowest cabin grade) and hide in the small print the other charges, which can add 100's of dollars to the cost for a family.. Then there is the "blurb" that advertises (often with a picture) of life on board, - if you are in the grills but without disclosing that it only relates to life in the grills.

 

I know that for a lowest price cabin, I am not going to be escorted, not going to find chocolate covered strawberries waiting for me, or be served tiny sandwiches and pastries in my cabin each day at 3.30p.m, or have crepes flambé at my dinner table in Britannia, but is it honest of the cruise lines to imply that is how it is for every "guest"?.

Like most large purchases, the advertising is geared to catch your attention.

Whether it is for a car (the top model with all the extras is pictured) the base price usually given, a model house is shown with thousands and thousands of dollars of upgrades and not at the bare bones advertised price on the bill board or newspaper that caught your attention.* There are many other examples. (*The word 'from' or 'starting from' is usually printed very near the price).

However, when dealing with cruising, one of the first things you pick when reserving is your type of accommodation: (for example)

http://www.cunard.com/cruise-ships/queen-elizabeth/accommodation/

Reading the descriptions and viewing the pictures should give people a very good idea of what they will be receiving. As with most things in this life, the more money one is willing to spend, the more they will receive. That is evident by browsing the pictured cabins and services provided with each.

Taxes are extra on most purchases (never to be escaped:( :-) and are seldom included in a base price. (i.e. car purchases).

Whether the tips should be included in the fare or left to the individuals to 'remove' or 'leave' is another can of worms! :eek:

best regards to you,

seasidegal

Good afternoon, Jimsgirl: I feel they should know. If they booked the reservation themselves it is mentioned that there are additional charges:

Your Voyage Includes:

Spacious, comfortable accommodations with an array of amenities.

All on board meals* including 24-hour room service.

Beverages: tea, coffee, water and fruit juice.

Enriching activities such as Cunard Insights™ programmes, ballroom dance classes and our famous Afternoon Tea.

Extravagant entertainment including lavish musicals & theatrical productions as well as Royal Nights-themed balls.

Please note: Voyage fares do not include airfare, transfers, travel insurance, shore excursions, sightseeing or meals ashore; government fees and taxes; hotel and dining charge, beverages (not part of the regular meal); gratuities to airport personnel, escorts and drivers, laundry, dry cleaning or valet service, or any other item of personal nature.For more information, review the Passage Contract.

*Surcharge applies to Alternative Dining Restaurants. Reservations required.

If a Travel Agent handled their reservations that agent has a duty to inform their clients of the added hotel and dining charges, etc. Poor poor agent if they do not.

If they are shocked this would be due to their own neglect in reviewing and studying what they were purchasing.

This charge is also mentioned on the Cunard website under FAQ's:

How does tipping work?

During your voyage, you will meet staff throughout the ship who provide you with excellent service. Many more crew support those who serve you directly. A discretionary Hotel and Dining charge will be added to your shipboard account on a daily basis (including children).This charge will be shared amongst all those who help provide and support your experience, including the waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards and others. Please note, this is a discretionary charge and should you wish to remove it or make any adjustments, you may contact the Purser’s Desk before the end of the voyage.

Grill Accommodations: $13.50 USD per person per day†

Britannia Accommodations: $11.50 USD per person per day†

Note: Casino dealers and Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all guests utilise these services.

I do not believe that Cunard hides the fact of this addition. I do believe that it is up to the consumer to educate themselves regarding purchases such as cruises, cars, homes, etc. If using a TA for booking, it is also up to the consumer to ask questions and to go over their contract to make sure they understand what they are purchasing (including additional costs) so as not to have any shock in the future.

Like most large purchases, the advertising is geared to catch your attention.

Whether it is for a car (the top model with all the extras is pictured) the base price usually given, a model house is shown with thousands and thousands of dollars of upgrades and not at the bare bones advertised price on the bill board or newspaper that caught your attention.* There are many other examples. (*The word 'from' or 'starting from' is usually printed very near the price).

However, when dealing with cruising, one of the first things you pick when reserving is your type of accommodation: (for example)

http://www.cunard.com/cruise-ships/queen-elizabeth/accommodation

Reading the descriptions and viewing the pictures should give people a very good idea of what they will be receiving. As with most things in this life, the more money one is willing to spend, the more they will receive. That is evident by browsing the pictured cabins and services provided with each.

Taxes are extra on most purchases (never to be escaped:( :-) and are seldom included in a base price. (i.e. car purchases).

Whether the tips should be included in the fare or left to the individuals to 'remove' or 'leave' is another can of worms! :eek:

best regards to you, seasidegal

Sincere best wishes to you :) .

Hi lucky white heather,

 

I agree with your highlighted line above, whenever I've been to the Purser's Desk (not, so far, to ever remove the autotip), like you I've not had to wait for a long time (either because I'm lucky or because I try to go there when I think it will be quiet).

 

However, there have been several posters over the years (some still posting regularly, others not) who have reported that they overheard passengers, within hours of boarding, in the queue at the Purser's Desk, mentioning that they were there to remove the autotip, sometimes while the ship was still at the terminal, boarding further passengers.

Not because they've received poor service (they've not had any service yet, good or bad), but just that they won't pay the autotip on principle, or so it would seem.

 

Now, the OP has reported " ... As for the Pursers staff making a "public announcement" concerning the deleting the auto, and requesting that any passenger wishing to do so should "step forward ... " this indicates to me that there are so many people lined up, waiting and wanting to remove the autotip, that they start a separate queue dedicated to this purpose. They do this because experience has shown them there is a need. If it was one or two passengers, they'd let them queue along with everyone else.

 

This act alone would seem to verify and confirm the reports posted here by other members, at least to me.

 

All best wishes,

If there is such an announcement then I have to admit I haven't heard it but then I'm only really interested in what would apply to me and this wouldn't be, so I may have not taken it in.

I know from my last voyage in August, tablemates did not pay their auto tip..but from what they said , they normally choose to pay the people with whom they interact personally in cash.I've always thought the discussion on CC makes it look like those who take off the auto tip are not paying any tips at all..which I think is the wrong impression that readers on here may get .

I would consider not paying the full auto tip, if for example, I can't get the dining sitting I want and am forced to use the self service Lido for my main evening meal because it would be self service and not waiter service or the full tip if the cabin service was so bad I was forced to make the point if complaints were not resolved. This has never happened in over 50 cruises so I don't feel it even warrants discussion. I still maintain most people do pay their tips whether it be the auto tip method or alternatively by handing out cash. But the inference I read here in all those discussions about people not wanting to reward the staff and removing their auto tips by the hundreds the minute they get onboard is just false.If you are going to remove the auto tip in part or as a whole depending on your circumstances/ choice, eg. as I would if I was not getting my chosen dining and having to use the alternative self service facilities , it makes sense to tell the desk early anyway, so why not do that...I would ! I wouldn't feel bad about it either.

It's my cruise , not anyone else's, so I would never feel pressurised into doing whatever those who constantly complain about auto tip removal behaviour decides is the more acceptable choice to follow , as if I had no common sense of my own to decide what is best for me.

'nuff said.

I have had exceptional service each time on Cunard voyages. I could find fault with a lot of items on occasion but if I waited a few minutes it was always fixed up. Without even asking.

I had one bad experience with a photography sales person on QM2 but hasn't everyone ?? :D

I even had a butler (female) walk into the cabin thinking I had left for dinner and find me standing there in very little (the piercing wail she let loose made my fillings come out) which later led to a greatly increased tip of course. I am sure I damaged the poor dear by scaring her memory with a vision of my mostly undressed body. I hope her therapy bills have not added up too much. :eek:

But that said, I can't imagine removing the auto tip. I might reduce my additional tip to a person that misbehaves with me but not the auto tip.

I just see so many crew members on the ships that are trying to do their best and I can see the stress they are going through also. Long work hours and barely a few hours off each week. Many are young trying to make better lives for themselves and family too.

I also see it as a personal and cultural thing also. So I can live with what ever others decide. I will still do what I usually do.

Lucky white heather, I agree with everything you said. We have, at various times removed the auto tip. But we do it when we feel the service is exceptional rather than the other way around. When there is a good repoire with various staff, I prefer to hand them an envelope personally on the last evening with the full amount designated for them. I've also handed out extras to those not usually included such as the nice man who was in the casino cleaning every night after 2am. At the same time, we have skipped the maître d, who we never even saw on the last trip and I wouldn't have had a clue who to give it to.

Personally, I did like it better the old way...but if it works out better for the staff with auto tips, so be it.

I don't think they made a public announcement about removing auto tips, it was someone standing at the pursers desk with a clipboard trying to expedite the line. I've never seen much of a line either except on the last night and I always thought those people were disputing their bill. Mistakes happen. ;)

My only line up at the Pursers desk, and indeed the person in front of me was there to remove his auto tip. And his only concern was that his attendant did not find out that he had done it.

Given that these are International trips and all sorts of International Salary rules are applied, I think that upfront, people should be aware of the charges that will be made to their account (and I believe this is the case) and that those charges should not be able to be removed. I would hate to think that my pleasure was at the expense of crew who did not receive just payment for their work.

Cruises that are based in Australia do not have tipping. The crew salary is based on appropriate Australian legislated salaries. Tipping is what it is supposed to be, reward for excellent service. But that only works because the salaries are just.

My only line up at the Pursers desk, and indeed the person in front of me was there to remove his auto tip.

I went to the Purser's Desk to pay the auto-tips in cash in advance, but as soon as they heard me say a sentence with the word "tip" included in it, they assumed I wanted to remove the auto-tip. They filled in all sorts of papers and handed them to me to sign. I read the papers and pointed out I was not there to remove the auto-tip but to pay it in cash. The woman looked at me strangely and apologised. She said that if they hear the word "tip" they automatically assume it is another request to remove the auto-tip.

Make of this what you will.

I went to the Purser's Desk to pay the auto-tips in cash in advance, but as soon as they heard me say a sentence with the word "tip" included in it, they assumed I wanted to remove the auto-tip. They filled in all sorts of papers and handed them to me to sign. I read the papers and pointed out I was not there to remove the auto-tip but to pay it in cash. The woman looked at me strangely and apologised. She said that if they hear the word "tip" they automatically assume it is another request to remove the auto-tip.

 

Make of this what you will.

Another fun thing to do regarding the Auto-tip:

See what happens when you go to the Pursers Desk to request that any unboard credit not used by the end of your voyage be applied to the Hotel and Dining Charge.

And yes, before anyone responds that there is no reason not to spend all your on board credit, unfortunately, it does happen.

 

Cruises that are based in Australia do not have tipping. The crew salary is based on appropriate Australian legislated salaries. Tipping is what it is supposed to be, reward for excellent service. But that only works because the salaries are just.

It would be interesting to know if the crew members prefer getting a decent salary or the paltry sum that is the norm but with the chance of making more through the tips.

Personally, I wish the cruise lines would either pay a decent wage or include the tip as part of the price of the cruise. (Of course that would cut out at least 25% of the bickering on CC!:D)

\

 

Another fun thing to do regarding the Auto-tip:

 

See what happens when you go to the Pursers Desk to request that any unboard credit not used by the end of your voyage be applied to the Hotel and Dining Charge.

 

And yes, before anyone responds that there is no reason not to spend all your on board credit, unfortunately, it does happen.

Our hotel & dining charge has always been deducted automatically from OBC.

Brigitte can always find a way to spend remaining OBC. :D

Lucky white heather, I agree with everything you said. We have, at various times removed the auto tip. But we do it when we feel the service is exceptional rather than the other way around. When there is a good repoire with various staff, I prefer to hand them an envelope personally on the last evening with the full amount designated for them.

 

What about:

 

The laundry workers washing your sheets and towels

The cleaners keeping the ship nice and clean

The chefs and other kitchen staff

The staff in Kings Court/Lido

 

etc. etc. or is it put of sight out of mind?

.

Cruises that are based in Australia do not have tipping. The crew salary is based on appropriate Australian legislated salaries. Tipping is what it is supposed to be, reward for excellent service. But that only works because the salaries are just.

And that's why Cunard ships are now registered in Bermuda, nothing to do with weddings.

I always remove the automatic tip during the cruise and always will - it's my choice and mine alone, don't care what anybody else does and I don't ask anybody else. When I remove it I ask for six gratuity envelopes and towards the end of cruise I decide what amount of tips I will give to those whom I choose to tip. In addition, on my last night I tend to visit a couple of my favourite "watering holes" on the ship and likewise tip those who have made my evenings relaxing and pleasurable - again - my choice. I might add that on most cruises the amount of gratuities that I give outweighs what I would have paid in automatic gratuities, but I tip who I choose.

I don't go in for this "poorly paid" and "low salary" nonsense, that is not my responsibility it is a matter between the cruise company and their employees. Nobody is forced to work on a cruise ship. I pay the price for the cruise and thereafter any additional payments are my business. If anybody is that concerned about the salaries paid - it's simple - don't sail with them.

For the record, I have ALWAYS received excellent service on every cruise that I have taken, have never thought that I was being discreetly ostracised by any member of staff and have never felt "guilty" and I can assure you - never will................

I would much prefer the fiction of the 'auto-tip' to be removed, so that everyone is paying equally to support the crew (I understand up to 40% remove auto-tip on certain cruises). The true cost of wages (at least in the sense of enough being paid to crew to enable them to be recruited) would then have to be reflected in the cruise cost up-front and people would either have to pay or not cruise. The actual wages cost is then shared by all and people who wish to tip good service with individuals may do so.

Lucky white heather, I agree with everything you said. We have, at various times removed the auto tip. But we do it when we feel the service is exceptional rather than the other way around. When there is a good repoire with various staff, I prefer to hand them an envelope personally on the last evening with the full amount designated for them.

 

What about:

 

The laundry workers washing your sheets and towels

The cleaners keeping the ship nice and clean

The chefs and other kitchen staff

The staff in Kings Court/Lido

 

etc. etc. or is it put of sight out of mind?

 

No , it is never out of sight out of mind , but prior to auto tipping I never actually went to the laundry to hand out any envelopes, or to the kitchens or gave any envelopes to Kings Court or Lido staff either.I don't believe many cruisers pre -auto tipping ever made that effort if it was even possible to do .

I follow the auto tipping routine because it appears to be a system which rewards everyone . front and back office alike, at their going rate( I assume?).....even the maître D we might never see .in the D/R ....the sommelier we never use....the cleaners employed to do the cabin along with those we don't.

 

If I am paying the going rate decreed by the cruiiseline in order to use their ship, I expect them to do the jobs I am paying for, without needing to ask me for more than that.They have obviously decided the sum you are asked to contribute for tips at a figure they feel is going to be acceptable to the punter. I agree to that and the contract is then accepted by both parties. I should not need to pay over and above this agreed cost if I choose not to.

However IF I choose to offer more to specific people that have rendered a service over and above what I have assumed I actually paid for, then I can offer them more. I don't want to feel pressurised that I MUST feel sympathy for any personal difficulties of the members of staff.

Because they all have families to keep elsewhere is not really part of my concern..If they want to work away from home then that is their decision..they know the terms of their employment before accepting the job...I assume. I never expected anything more than what I was contracted to receive in my former places of work nor did I expect anyone to make up my lack of monetary reward from their personal pocket either no matter how sympathetic they were towards my problems.

It is everyone's own decision how they choose their employment and I am not responsible for poor judgements.I may sympathise but I am not on the cruise to do that..I saved up and paid the going rate to cruise and enjoy what is offered by the cruiseline in return for my payment.

I had to work to get the money together for my cruise...it never fell out of the sky . The cruiselines all have financial wizards advising them on all aspects of what they need to offer to get your booking. They have already decided what is the going rate I need to pay to cover ALL costs. If I didn't get what I assume I have paid to have, then I reserve the right to argue the point, give them the chance to explain the situation as they see it, but would refuse to pay the tips if it came to the wire if I still had not got a resolution I thought acceptable..but that has never happened yet.

No you are not "wrong" we each have the right to our own personal view on this subject, which is why I find it so disturbing that there are posters who really "rip into" passengers who happen to be in a line at the Pursers desk, such posters immediately assume the lines are to remove the auto tip, when in fact it could be for many other reasons.

It has never occurred to me passengers in the line-up for the Purser's desk are there for auto gratuity removal.

 

What about:

 

The laundry workers washing your sheets and towels

The cleaners keeping the ship nice and clean

The chefs and other kitchen staff

The staff in Kings Court/Lido

 

etc. etc. or is it put of sight out of mind?

Well, if my $11.50 per day is supposed to cover every single worker on the ship, it's severely lacking anyway. I already know that the chefs are well paid and I do prefer to tip those that actually provide direct service to me personally. I assure you that my tips extend a lot further than they would if I just used the auto tip and it doesn't really matter anyway because even if I walked around the entire ship handing out $100 bills, someone is going to find fault. ;)

Our hotel & dining charge has always been deducted automatically from OBC.

Brigitte can always find a way to spend remaining OBC. :D

Hi Tom. Yes, our H&D charges are also atomatically deducted from OBC too.

I was thinking of the time two of my tablemates shared the tale about the time they reserved a few hundred dollars of their OBC to have a nice bottle of champers and dinner at Todd English on the last night of their cruise to celebrate their anniversary. Unfortunately, they got sick and were confined to cabin, so they didn't spend their remaining OBC. Personally, I'd rather see that money be added to the H&D charge rather than just disappear. -S.

Well, if my $11.50 per day is supposed to cover every single worker on the ship, it's severely lacking anyway. I already know that the chefs are well paid and I do prefer to tip those that actually provide direct service to me personally. I assure you that my tips extend a lot further than they would if I just used the auto tip and it doesn't really matter anyway because even if I walked around the entire ship handing out $100 bills, someone is going to find fault. ;)

Hand one of those bills to me, and I promise I won't find any fault! :D