Elite Lounge Tipping

[Richard&JohnSTX]

Now that we have achieved Elite status a question: what do people do about tipping the bartenders and servers in the Elite Lounge venues? I know Celebrity is awarding their Elites these perks for loyalty but how do you think we should be recognizing the staff that is there to provide these perks?

 

I appreciate your experiences and helpful tips!

 

Richard

[Wine-O]

Now that we have achieved Elite status a question: what do people do about tipping the bartenders and servers in the Elite Lounge venues? I know Celebrity is awarding their Elites these perks for loyalty but how do you think we should be recognizing the staff that is there to provide these perks?

 

I appreciate your experiences and helpful tips!

 

Richard

 

When we get our first drinks, I always give the server a $5 bill. It's a small price to pay for 4-5 beers and a couple of cosmos. I never have an empty glass, and I'm always approached for last call.

 

I was told that Celebrity only pays them $10 for the 2-hour gig in the afternoon.

 

In the mornings, I usually give the server anywhere between $2/$4, depending upon how many double espressos/bloody marys I have. :)

[MEcruzr]

We typically order a can of tonic water (can't stand the fountain stuff) with vodka on the rocks (complimentary)... since we have to buy the tonic water, we put an extra tip on the slips.

 

Since we're planning to get a drink package this time around, we'll need a new strategy!

[Dick in Falls Church]

I carry a roll of ones, and drop one for each drink that comes by.

Usually have the same server, but not always.

[Ruthk]

We were on the Connie 2 wks. ago and we went to happy hour 4 times during the 2 weeks. we would have loved to have been there every evening but it is tough to get there that early in the day. I loved the happy hour and I think Celebrity does a wonderful job with it - there was no waiting around for drinks and even the appetizers were nice. I hope they don't take this perk away - I, for one, very much appreciated it. As for tipping - yes we brought $5. with us and gave it to the waiter upon bringing our first round of drinks and he came around frequently - no waiting for a drink at all. But I must say - I think the waiters were all wonderful with the passengers, tip or no tip. I noticed many people did not tip and they seemed to get the same service as us. We never made it to the elite breakfast but people said it was wonderful. So I would say the call is yours - the waiters do work fast to keep everyone happy - and a small tip was no big deal and they appreciated it.

 

Ruthk,

St. Catharines, Ontario,

Canada.

[Phxazzcruisers]

we always gave our waiters a nice tip when the cruise was over. We usually gave then each about 20.00 or 30 dollars depending on the length of the cruise. Our service was always excellent and they never knew what they would get for a tip until the last day

[royalcruz]

OOPS! :eek: I only went in the lounge once, for breakfast, helped myself to a pastry and when I went to pour myself an orange juice a server said he would pour it and bring it to my seat. It never occured to me to tip him.:eek:

For alcoholic drinks I think $1/drink at the end of each shift would be appropriate, but I never went because it is only in the afternoon and I don't drink alcohol that early!

[jackdiamond]

My wife does not consume alcohol; hence, I visit the Happy Hour sans wife. As a result, I tip $1.00, each time a drink is presented.

[hancock]

We tip our server $5 a day. We get fantastic service.

[jdvmd]

When we get our first drinks, I always give the server a $5 bill. It's a small price to pay for 4-5 beers and a couple of cosmos. I never have an empty glass, and I'm always approached for last call.

 

I was told that Celebrity only pays them $10 for the 2-hour gig in the afternoon.

 

In the mornings, I usually give the server anywhere between $2/$4, depending upon how many double espressos/bloody marys I have. :)

 

We also give $5 when we receive our first drink. Like Wine O said, never have an empty glass.

[Richard&JohnSTX]

Thanks for all the responses - now feel more comfortable about what do!

 

Richard

[staygulf]

Thanks for all the responses - now feel more comfortable about what do!

 

Richard

 

How does that make you feel more comfortable ? You have heard that some tip $5 at the first drink, some tip a $ per drink and some don't tip at all but get the same service. Tipping is a personal thing. How does all this help you make your mind up as to what YOU should do ? Surely you should tip what you feel like tipping and not follow what others may or may not do ? Just my opinion, as I can never understand why people ask for tipping guidelines.

[NancyC]

At the Diamond event on Royal we tipped the last night of the cruise and this seemed to be the accepted procedure. We saw a few tip earlier but by far the majority tipped on the last 2 nights. We don't carry cash each day.

[Dick in Falls Church]

My choice to tip per drink was primarily based on the realization that the same waiters are not always assigned to the same duties each day.

 

I would also agree that I have never, ever, seen a waiter treat a guest any differently whether they tipped or not. On the other hand, the server that gets tipped may be more sure to make sure that he/she announces last call!

[beachbuddy]

At the Diamond event on Royal we tipped the last night of the cruise and this seemed to be the accepted procedure. We saw a few tip earlier but by far the majority tipped on the last 2 nights. We don't carry cash each day.

 

We're RCCL cruisers too and have always tipped the Consierge and/or bartenders on the last night of the cruise. That's seems to be the norm on RCCL ships.

[warmwinds]

Is there more than one waiter servicing the room each afternoon? Do you think they pool the tips?

 

This will also be a first for us (just made Elite also) so we'll play it by ear.

[jackdiamond]

Is there more than one waiter servicing the room each afternoon? Do you think they pool the tips?

 

This will also be a first for us (just made Elite also) so we'll play it by ear.

There is more than one waiter. I do not know whether the pool the tips.

[royalcruz]

How does that make you feel more comfortable ? You have heard that some tip $5 at the first drink, some tip a $ per drink and some don't tip at all but get the same service. Tipping is a personal thing. How does all this help you make your mind up as to what YOU should do ? Surely you should tip what you feel like tipping and not follow what others may or may not do ? Just my opinion, as I can never understand why people ask for tipping guidelines.

 

The OP just wants to know the norms in an unfamiliar situation. Understanding and following norms helps many people to feel more comfortable. There is no need to question their questions.

[staygulf]

The OP just wants to know the norms in an unfamiliar situation. Understanding and following norms helps many people to feel more comfortable. There is no need to question their questions.

 

sorry, but that doesn't make sense to me. That is precisely why I questioned it as I don't understand the need for the question. What is the norm ? As I said, there have been all sorts of answers ranging from nothing to $5, and that is from a handful of cruisers among the thousands who cruise and who may not even read these boards. So what is the norm to be followed that would make someone feel more comfortable ? Should the OP tip nothing or $1 or $5 upfront or at the end ? What ?

[Hopmont]

We also carry lots of ones and give out one dollar for each of us per drink. If you wait until the last night, you may miss the server you had most of the time. Keep it simple and if you are wealthy....make their day.

[Spf12]

I give $2 for each drink served.

[Gonzo70]

sorry, but that doesn't make sense to me. That is precisely why I questioned it as I don't understand the need for the question. What is the norm ? As I said, there have been all sorts of answers ranging from nothing to $5, and that is from a handful of cruisers among the thousands who cruise and who may not even read these boards. So what is the norm to be followed that would make someone feel more comfortable ? Should the OP tip nothing or $1 or $5 upfront or at the end ? What ?

 

The OP's question was fair and a valid question. It is common for people to want to know what is expected, even if there is no hard and fast rule. From reading these posts one can glean that on average people either tip $5 for the the first drink of the day or $1 per drink served (with some variety). The OP and others unfamiliar with the Elite Lounge cocktail hour can take this information as a guideline and then adjust if necessary based on their personal feelings about tipping as well as the level of service they receive. I thought it was a good question and that people provided helpful responses that will be useful to more than just the OP.

[jackdiamond]

Gonzo70,

Your assessment is corrct.

[h20cruzer]

I always give $5.00 first day and then at the end I usually give a $20.00. Ususally have the same server. Sometimes I sit at the bar so separate tip for that person. Last cruise our server was at the same bar we were on shore so I bought a round for her table. I think they were shocked. I think they were surprised, I made a joke and said I can either buy you a round or spend it in the casino, I vote to buy drinks, the all clapped, made me feel good.

[Hopmont]

That's what I said.....if you have the $ to spare ....spread it around....but if not....try to leave something.