Tipping additionally to the pre-paid gratuities

[Sonicked]

Hi all,

 

Have just booked a cruise for November, travelling on RCI's Rhapsody of the Seas. Immensely looking forward to it. Have cruised before, but only ever with my family. I've never been the show-runner for something like this.

 

My main question is whether I am expected to tip additionally to what I have already paid in my pre-paid gratuities. If the answer here is yes, who should I be tipping, when should I be doing it, and how much should I be doing?

 

I have to say, I'm not really used to the whole tipping prospect. It's a rarity in Aus and NZ, so I'm finding difficulty to even base my tipping on board to something I'm used to.

 

:)

[discjoker]

You absolutely are not expected to tip above and beyond the daily pre-paid gratuities. No one will turn down that extra tip but it is not required or expected. Keep in mind it is customary to tip room service a couple of dollars per delivery...but anyone else, no need to tip beyond what you have already pre-paid.

[sk8teacher]

Hi all,

 

Have just booked a cruise for November, travelling on RCI's Rhapsody of the Seas. Immensely looking forward to it. Have cruised before, but only ever with my family. I've never been the show-runner for something like this.

 

My main question is whether I am expected to tip additionally to what I have already paid in my pre-paid gratuities. If the answer here is yes, who should I be tipping, when should I be doing it, and how much should I be doing?

 

I have to say, I'm not really used to the whole tipping prospect. It's a rarity in Aus and NZ, so I'm finding difficulty to even base my tipping on board to something I'm used to.

 

:)

 

Not necessary at all, although most folks will tip extra for room service, $2.00 - $5.00 per delivery depending on the amount of food ordered (typically $2.00 for a breakfast, up to $5.00 for a dinner).

 

In addition, a lot of Americans anyway will give extra to their room stewards, and dinning room waiters (if seated at the same table each night). But that is a personal matter and certainly not necessary.

 

Cheers,

[Sonicked]

Discjoker and sk8teacher, thanks so much for the speedy replies. I appreciate it.

 

Will definitely keep room-service tipping in mind then. Thanks :)

[paul929207]

Additional tips beyond autotip:

 

15% is added to all beverage purchases.

Give the porters $1 or $2 per bag when you drop them off at the cruise terminal.

Room service $2/meal

I think people tip the people in the spa, casino and kids club, but I have never used any of them, so not sure of amount.

Tour guide - $2 or $3 per person for 1/2 day tour. Double for full day. Maybe 1/2 as much for driver.

[cb at sea]

In the casino, IF you are winning, a tip to the dealer (table games) is a nice thing....you can give them a chip outright, or "play" a chip for the dealer...if you win, they get winnings, too!

 

If you win A LOT on slots, and an attendant has to come and pay you, then a tip is nice, too!

 

Room service sort of expects a tip...$1-5 is ample, depending on how much you order.

 

Porters generally get $1-2 per bag.

 

Other than that, all of your tips are taken care of when pre-paying or putting the tips on your account.

[Sonicked]

Thanks so much for the advice everyone. Will have to get out lots of small American bills before embarking then :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

As said -- you are not expected to give any additional tips.

 

You can get change on the ship for small tips like room service, etc.

 

At the end of the cruise -- we do keep the Hotel Service Charge in place -- and tip those individuals that have made our cruise an enjoyable one.

[Krazy Kruizers]

As said -- you are not expected to give any additional tips.

 

You can get change on the ship for small tips like room service, etc.

 

At the end of the cruise -- we do keep the Hotel Service Charge in place -- and tip those individuals that have made our cruise an enjoyable one.