Why are tipping threads always removed

I am curious to understand why any posts about tipping are removed so quickly. I have found them really helpful - it is how I learned about the crew fund and it also gives an honest perspective on what others are doing. Not here to stir up trouble, but just don't see what could be objectionable about the general tipping topic.....Thanks to most experienced CC members for your possible insights.

Hi Otis,

Good question, my response for honourable reasons, clearly explained in the "cooler" thread below.

Jeff

Maybe because tips are included in the fare, just like alcohol. You don't see any threads about people wanting to pay for their drinks.

Jeff, Thanks for taking the time to respond on the cooler thread. All understood. I didn't know the purpose of the cooler thread, so I learned something new today. Fortunately, I did see the last few tipping threads before they were removed, but I just couldn't figure out why they kept disappearing. Now I know.

Maybe because tips are included in the fare, just like alcohol. You don't see any threads about people wanting to pay for their drinks.

Great point!

Maybe because tips are included in the fare, just like alcohol. You don't see any threads about people wanting to pay for their drinks.

Absolutely spot on.

Maybe because tips are included in the fare, just like alcohol. You don't see any threads about people wanting to pay for their drinks.

Some people do pay for special drinks (vintage wines, special aged single malt scotches, etc) on luxury lines, and I think I have seen threads in the past regarding prices. Such people want a little over and above what the cruise line offers as part of the fare. Similarly, some people want to tip on gratuities-included lines. As has been pointed out, the crew welfare fund is an especially convenient way of providing this additional sign of appreciation. I use it because I know it reaches staff members in areas I never see (engine room, laundry, galley, etc.)

Maybe because tips are included in the fare, just like alcohol. You don't see any threads about people wanting to pay for their drinks.

The threads I have read indicate that many people do, indeed, tip. I also learned about the crew welfare fund, which was helpful. It is a personal choice, but I found it interesting

to see different reactions to it. It is not my intent to dredge up the arguments again - I was simply curious about why tipping seemed to be a no go topic.

I always donate to the crew welfare fund for the exact reason stated above, that it rewards those with whom we do not come into contact yet work so hard to make our cruise more pleasurable. Still, this is totally separate imo from the tipping issue. You are already tipping because the tips are included in your fare. I will admit that sometimes a crew member performs a service way beyond what is expected and that deserves an extra gratuity.

Maybe because tips are included in the fare, just like alcohol. You don't see any threads about people wanting to pay for their drinks.

I am on the Legend now Henry and the sommelier tells me that quit a lot of us are buying wines from the list on this trip.

There are some decent wines on the included list for those that do not want to pay for wine list wines.

There is an excellent Gavi that I tasted.

Tipping is perplexing. For Americans it's a way of life but in other parts of the world it's NOT. Silversea at the bottom of most of what they sent out says: "tipping is not included for tours and ground transportation". Sure sounds like the tipping thing is required on Silversea voyages. If everything was included they shouldn't be asking for donations on your second day of your voyage.

Tipping is perplexing. For Americans it's a way of life but in other parts of the world it's NOT. Silversea at the bottom of most of what they sent out says: "tipping is not included for tours and ground transportation". Sure sounds like the tipping thing is required on Silversea voyages. If everything was included they shouldn't be asking for donations on your second day of your voyage.

You could add the spa to places where tipping is expected. I imagine the casino as well, if you do well there; I don't gamble and thus do not know the protocol. I know that the casino like the spa is staffed by employees of concessionaires and not by Silversea employees.

Of course, the donation requested is not a tip. I routinely opt out, as do many others. I think it's a very, very minor nuisance (though I understand others feel more strongly). If you own your own cruise line, I assume you get to make such decisions as to whether or not to have such an appeal and whether it should be opt in or opt out . :) When I opt out at Reception I routinely sign up for a contribution to the crew welfare fund.

Otis is right “ why are tipping threads removed” It would be nice to find out what others have done with services that are clearly stated from Silversea that tipping in not included in your all inclusive package, like: ground transports, tour guides, spa and other services.

When I get off a Silversea tour, I only see about 10% tipping the tour guide. Is this what is expected? Or is kind of like a European thing where you only give one to two euros if service was exceptional?

Now that I think about it, once the flaming starts and the dog pile begins; this thread will probably be removed…..

Ground transportation, tours and the spa are contractors and presumably are not paid their salaries/tips by Silversea. The same is true for all luxury cruise lines (although gratuities for the spa are paid for on Regent). Unless otherwise noted, I would expect to pay tips for the spa, transportation, tours and the casino. However, when luxury cruise lines state that tips are included for the crew, I'm not certain why passengers feel they must tip -- unless the person has gone above and beyond their normal scope of duties. It somehow does not seem fair for "visible" crew members to receive tips when the "unseen" crew members -- that make the jobs of the visible crew possible receive nothing. After all, people are in the laundry washing and ironing the linen that go onto your bed, etc. IMO, the crew fund is a way of rewarding the entire crew. JMHO.

I am curious to understand why any posts about tipping are removed so quickly. I have found them really helpful - it is how I learned about the crew fund and it also gives an honest perspective on what others are doing. Not here to stir up trouble, but just don't see what could be objectionable about the general tipping topic.....Thanks to most experienced CC members for your possible insights.

I agree 100% with you, Being this is my first cruise on SS. On another line we've cruised they tell you tipping is paid (part of your fare) and how much is being paid on your behave. I always tip extra on that line because I know what is be given to them from the line. But on SS you don't know.

Rick

Maybe because tips are included in the fare, just like alcohol. You don't see any threads about people wanting to pay for their drinks.

But that doesn't answer the question........

Rick

I agree 100% with you, Being this is my first cruise on SS. On another line we've cruised they tell you tipping is paid (part of your fare) and how much is being paid on your behave. I always tip extra on that line because I know what is be given to them from the line. But on SS you don't know.

Rick

Hi, you are correct, but I think you can make an informed guess about the true situation.

I am not aware of anywhere in Silversea's documentation where it states that any part of the fare is paid to staff. I am not aware of anywhere way they say they pay wages or salaries that reflect an increased level because of the fare including gratuities. Everything seems to me purposefully vague.

 

All they specifically say is:

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What's included in my all-inclusive fare?

Fine wines, champagne and spirits on board, service gratuities on board (except spa) and more!

and elsewhere ...

All-Inclusive Cruises

• Fares include onboard gratuities

..... and

Gratuities – Already included. Never expected. The service is gracious, the hospitality genuine

As far as I can see, there is nothing to suggest anywhere that all that is happening is that customers are being fooled by SS into believing they have paid a higher cruise fare that includes tipping but I do not see anything more specific to show that apart from their wages that anything from that fare is passed on that is a gratuity.

Even worst, Silversea contract out much of the employment and many of the people that served are not paid or employed by Silversea directly but are employed by Silversea's contractors. This relationship explains much of the difference of serving staff compared to other lines. I gave current links to one of these East-European contractors advertising current vacancies on Silversea on the deleted thread. It is therefore difficult to make a genuine and meaningful link between the fare you pay and anything from it being paid to staff that serve you.

It is up to the individual how they interpret this and whether they tip or not or whether they feel they might be being falsely reassured and therefore misled.

Jeff

.

This topic always steers into such a condescending tone. I am perplexed why people have to worry about this so much. Unless someone can prove to me that crew members are being held hostage in some way, why should we presume that they need us to "nanny" them and look out for their welfare? My comment is made from the perspective of someone who spent many years behind a bar.

I would assume that every employee is advised as to what the job entails, what the benefits are and the possibility but not guarantee of receiving tips. This applies to any job whether the word "luxury" is stuffed into the conversation or not. I can assure you that having to be "on" with the public all the time can be very trying.

If anybody is unhappy with the job, they can quit. If they are not doing a good job they can be dismissed. This is the way business works whether it applies to the Captain or the laundry workers.

We have always had fabulous cruises on both Silversea and Rad/Regent which is why we always return. Someone is doing something right, all around, because we see many of the same faces year after year. And yes, as we walk out of the cabin for the last time, we have left an envelope for each of the people who have taken such fine care of us. If we see them when departing we simply say "hope to see you next year", and often do.

This topic always steers into such a condescending tone. I am perplexed why people have to worry about this so much. Unless someone can prove to me that crew members are being held hostage in some way, why should we presume that they need us to "nanny" them and look out for their welfare? My comment is made from the perspective of someone who spent many years behind a bar.

 

I would assume that every employee is advised as to what the job entails, what the benefits are and the possibility but not guarantee of receiving tips. This applies to any job whether the word "luxury" is stuffed into the conversation or not. I can assure you that having to be "on" with the public all the time can be very trying.

 

If anybody is unhappy with the job, they can quit. If they are not doing a good job they can be dismissed. This is the way business works whether it applies to the Captain or the laundry workers.

 

We have always had fabulous cruises on both Silversea and Rad/Regent which is why we always return. Someone is doing something right, all around, because we see many of the same faces year after year. And yes, as we walk out of the cabin for the last time, we have left an envelope for each of the people who have taken such fine care of us. If we see them when departing we simply say "hope to see you next year", and often do.

Which post in this thread was (before your own) "condescending""? :confused:

The topic of tipping is a perfectly legitimate concern for others who care about it and as with all topics you are entitled to ignore the topic rather than tell others they shouldn't be bothered about it.

:)

On SS, the tips (15%) have been added to the prices. It started last year, if I remember correctly. You should be informed when you are there.

I hope the staff are getting this 15%. Two reasons we left Silversea - so I probably shouldn't be commenting here - are that the only time we have definitely, without doubt, been almost pursued at the end of a cruise for a tip was on a Silversea ship, and by a waiter from the Phillipines who, I fear and suspect are paid less than the equivalent staff on say Seabourn, who are from Europe and or South Africa, New Zealand etc. The other reason is that I really disliked this levy for a 'charity' which we had never heard of and you have to actively opt out of.

Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong about any of this. I would add that sometimes we felt that the wait and bar staff seemed nervous around their immediate superiors. Please note that the waiter had been very efficient, and I would not have dreamt of making a complaint about him.

On SS, the tips (15%) have been added to the prices. It started last year, if I remember correctly. You should be informed when you are there.

You got me with this one. :) What I thought I knew I no longer know. I've always been under the impression that SS fares are at least partially as high as they are to in essence pay the crew and staff a better salary and in turn do away with the partially tip based compensation of the mass market lines. Secondly, I've never seen any separate charge line in my booking or on board account that shows 15% has been added. As recently as this past May there was absolutely no mention of tips on our cruise so I'm not too sure where the "there" was.

It would be worthwhile if anyone could point to anything official that either mentions the 15% and that this extra cash is handed to staff.

That would end the debate once and for all in my view.

:)

Which post in this thread was (before your own) "condescending""? :confused:

 

The topic of tipping is a perfectly legitimate concern for others who care about it and as with all topics you are entitled to ignore the topic rather than tell others they shouldn't be bothered about it.

:)[/i find it patronizing to think that the crew might not be able to decide for themselves whether they are being fairly paid without our help. You are perfectly welcome to ignore my comment if it does not support your opinions. I most certainly did not tell people they should not be bothered by the subject. Those are your words. I presented a different way of looking at the subject . No more no less, so I clearly am interested in the topic. Does that clear up your confusion?

 

I find it patronizing to think that the crew might not be able to decide for themselves whether they are being fairly paid without our help. You are perfectly welcome to ignore my comment if it does not support your opinions. I most certainly did not tell people they should not be bothered by the subject. Those are your words. I presented a different way of looking at the subject . No more no less, so I clearly am interested in the topic. Does that clear up your confusion?

 

I am certainly not confused - far from it - and suggesting I am is condescending. ;)

It isn't patronising to others to be concerned about them. That is why (for example) there is quite a groundswell of opinion about low pay and globalisation and "cheap goods". It is a viable concern that decent wealthy people have about poorly paid people that look after or supply them. Personally I find it rather condescending to describe that concern as being patrosinisng.

It is also not a matter of being confused if you are told clearly in writing that you are paying gratuities in your high fares to people that look after you, but being concerned that you cannot see that it is actually being being handed over. Silversea are very clear that passengers pay gratuities to Silversea. It is included. What they haven't published is in what form they are handed to staff on passengers behalf. I think if they did they would be very proud of it and say so. As they haven't - I doubt it.

So far as the threads are concerned it seems to me that whilst people paying tips rarely criticise those that don't, those that don't pay tips often seem sneering and critical of those that do and always seem to wish to close down the debate.