Suggested Gratuities set to increase

[Goldy10]

As Australians we don't have tipping as part of our general lives. On past cruises we have removed the included tipping and given tips to various people we felt deserved it. We still feel tips are for service beyond the normal not just for doing a job. Passengers shouldn't have to become involved in how much cruise lines pay their staff. I don't think it is that bad or they wouldn't get staff to stay for as long as some of them do.

 

We realise tipping is part of the way of life in the US and have tipped when there on vacation as required. However we find the level of tipping expected on cruise ships over and above the normal rates. Add to this we pay a lot more for our cruises booked in Australia than Americans or even Brits do. We have made many enquiries but have been told we cannot book through the US. So as long as cruise lines penalise us with higher fares then we won't look kindly on any added amounts! On our last cruise a few weeks ago we were amazed to find quite a few Americans were also deleting the tips and said they weren't going to give tips privately either, maybe a result of the GFC?

[Gonzo70]

I already paid gratuities for my end of January cruise. Will I have to pay more?:cool:

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic. The increase in gratuities is not occurring until July of 2011, so you will not have to pay more.

 

Have a nice cruise. :)

[Gonzo70]

As Australians we don't have tipping as part of our general lives. On past cruises we have removed the included tipping and given tips to various people we felt deserved it. We still feel tips are for service beyond the normal not just for doing a job. Passengers shouldn't have to become involved in how much cruise lines pay their staff. I don't think it is that bad or they wouldn't get staff to stay for as long as some of them do.

 

We realise tipping is part of the way of life in the US and have tipped when there on vacation as required. However we find the level of tipping expected on cruise ships over and above the normal rates. Add to this we pay a lot more for our cruises booked in Australia than Americans or even Brits do. We have made many enquiries but have been told we cannot book through the US. So as long as cruise lines penalise us with higher fares then we won't look kindly on any added amounts! On our last cruise a few weeks ago we were amazed to find quite a few Americans were also deleting the tips and said they weren't going to give tips privately either, maybe a result of the GFC?

 

:mad:

 

Wow, that is terrible! The tips are the staff's wages! That is how they earn their money! Would you want people coming to your country and deciding they will ignore your country's values and impose their own values on you? The amount of money you pay for the cruise has nothing to do with tipping; none of that money goes to the servers. Do not cruise on a line with the American system of tipping if you do not want to go with the system. Tipping on a Royal Caribbean cruise is NOT just for service that is "for service beyond normal." It is their pay! It is for adequate service. You are free to give extra above the normal gratuities to any staff who go above and beyond. If you are not willing to give AT LEAST the recommended amount, you are stiffing the staff and having them serve you for free.

 

Shameful :mad:

[Host Kewlguy]

On that note I think it's time to close out this thread. The subject is most definitely exhausted. Thanks to all who participated.