Opinions on tipping please.......

[imsulin]

Well said, 98charlie!!

[pg.]

98charlie,

Where else would one have a child hand over "their "portion of the tip/ I have never seen it this happen when a family goes out to dine in a restaurant on land. I have never seen the maid at a hotel having her tip ahnded to her by a child.

Something about cruising that makes it different? Frankly , no, except may be all the waiters/ stewards are from " poor" countries. I still think it is undignified to have a grown up accept a "tip" from a child. The tip is not from the child either, that is a lie. It is the grown ups money.

 

As for a teacher accepting a "gift" from a student , that IS not the same. A gift is something I would give to my mother or friend, at tip is not.Both can be used to thank someone for a service.

 

As for your " division of employers and employees" therory, I agree that is not entirely wrong, BUT I believe the division between child and grown up is more important. I have seen children talk to employees is ways that are disrespectful, and it disturbs me that the line between adult an child becomes blurred. Children should be rasied to respect their elders and in my opinion they are NOT the equal of an adult.

[dst]

WOW this thread got pretty heated. Here is my two cents.

 

Personally if you take up space, sit at a table, mess up a bed, use towels, swim in the pool, eat on plates.....then you pay the same price. Are you telling me that the kids only use half a towel, take half of a seat,make their own bed, eat on paper plates???? I have worked for years in the travel industry, and there is no difference in customer service if you are 8 years old or 80 years old! If you can't afford to go on the cruise then take a trip camping and wait on the kids yourself then you don't have to get tipped!!!

 

As far as kids tipping I will say that one of the sweetest things that I had experienced was that a young man (around 6 years old) came up to me thanked me for helping him and handed me a quarter! It was not so much the tip that he gave me (which I politely refused) but the thought that this young man understood the value of good customer service and he appreciated the fact that myself and my staff helped to make his vacation more enjoyable. Without the people on those ships non of us would have a vacation, we could all sit in the bathtub and pretend we were cruising!

 

I am sure I will get flamed for this response but after reading all of the thread could not help myself.......happy cruising!

[tef43]

No flames dst, just kudos, props and a big ol' ^5!

 

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:

Carnival Valor 10/30/05 CC Group

Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

 

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[pg.]

dst ,

that was sweet that the boy tipped you, it was sweet BECAUSE that was obviously HIS money and his sentiment.

I actually do not see this as a "heated "thread. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is entitled to one, and that is what the op asked for" Opinions on tipping" If some get " heated'then that is their problem.

 

By the way I don't hink anyone has said not to tip. And as I stated the 3rd and 4th in a cabin do not neccesarily increase the work load 4x, as I said there is only one toilet to clean no matter how many sit on it!

 

BUT< if you get a seperate cabin for your kids then they should tip the 1 st and 2nd rate, I guess I as assuming tht they are sharing a cabin with their parents, and that may not always be the case.

[dst]

I agree with certain ones opinions, and it was the young mans sentiment but I am sure he learned that from his parents.

 

I do not agree with you though on their being the same amount of mess from 2 people as there is from 4. More towels, more clthing, more space being used and although there is only one toilet it will get flushed more often....do you deduct for two peole in the room using only one toilet.

I think that overall you should tip these people who work extremely hard for each person in the room, not how much mess you make. We are very neat people compare to some cabins but I tip the same if not above the norm!

 

Obviously we see differntly on tipping, but I believe we can all agree that these people work hard long hours and deserve to be tipped for their work.

[NotADude]

You are all forgetting one thing ... When I started this thread, I mentioned my children's ages being 13 and 14. The rules of tipping, as I read them, indicate that the reasonable tip for a child is $5 a day instead of the ADULT $10 a day. Therefore what you are saying about the children being 8, 12 or 14 is a moot point. My daughter, the 14 yr. old will eat cereal for most meals. And while she won't have a rag to clean her table, she will leave NO mess on the table. As for "messes", I don't allow them to throw clothes around and be messy at home ... I certainly would not allow them to do it on a cruise. They know better than to try.

 

The point with my son is that he JUST turned 13 and the cruise is in just a few weeks. Why should his portion of the tip go from $5 to $10 just because of a recent birthday.

 

98Charlie questioned would pg jump from the $5 to $10 or increase the tip as the child ages ... That post gave me something to think about. I mean my daughter IS 14 and while I feel $10 a day is too much, $5 would be a little low, so hers I will increase.

 

Maybe the word "attacked" is not a good one to use ... BUT I HAVE been made to feel cheap, unreasonable, not understanding, uncaring and that I am not raising my children properly, according to some of YOUR standards.

 

And dst... I CAN afford to take my children cruising, so I think I'll skip the camping trip, thank you.

 

- Terry

 

Double Occupancy stinks for Singles!!! >

 

07/20/03 RCI Nordic Empress

10/19/03 Norwegian Sea

02/03/04 Carnival Spirit

07/10/04 Celebrity Horizon

 

 

07/10/04 Celebrity Horizon

 

[dst]

Terry, that comment was not directed at you, I hope you don't take it that way. I think that tipping should be the same for all regardless of age, that is just my personal opinion. Although I can understand you feeling like just a few weeks difference in your childs birthday doubles the cost. The cruise lines have to have some cutoff point. I think you should give whatever you feel good about giving. I know some adults that adjust their tips as well for no reason at all other than they just don't want to tip.

 

I think you have a good idea of what you are going to do and I beleive you are teaching your children correctly as far as tipping and respecting elders.

 

Again, I did not intend on offending you my comments were made in general.

[imsulin]

I wonder if Terry also pays the "child's" price at the movies or the all-you-can-eat buffets, for his/her "just turned 13-year old" both of which have a cut-off age for kids? The cut-off ages and price increases are there for a reason, and you shouldn't expect to take advantage of it just because of a "few weeks". Cruise lines won't allow a young adult to drink or use the casino if their 21st birthday is "just a few weeks" away. (except RCI, with written parental permission). I'm wondering if you'll also take your son to the DMV "a few weeks" before his 15th birthday to get his learner's permit? Sounds very cheapskate to me, and I'm sorry if I offended you.

[PhoenixCruiser]

Terri, I still back my original post, however you could always think about splitting the difference and go with $7.50/day If your steward is awesome and you decide that your room is more messy than you anticipated, then go with the full amount.

 

Hope you and your family enjoy your vacation

 

Navigator of the Seas 6/26/04

 

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[NotADude]

Thank you dst and phoenixcruiser! That is a much more reasonable thought! And splitting the difference is one I will take!!! And you are ABSOLUTELY correct that I would add more if there are messes.

 

Funny, on one cruise I tipped the Asst. Waiter a little extra; on another cruise I tipped a couple bartenders; and on my last cruise I tipped extra to the Room Steward (My room was always a mess... shhhh, don't tell the kids, lol).

 

Imsulin, I was going to ignore your post altogether, but rather than do that, I will tell you that I did, indeed, take my children to a Chinese buffet where the cut-off age for children is 12 ... When they asked my children's ages, I told them. And I told them my son "just" had a birthday and would it be okay if I paid the child's price for him. They granted my request ... The difference I left for a tip ... So, ummm, I'm tempted to say something not nice, ... like BITE ME

 

Hugs to All, Terry

 

Double Occupancy stinks for Singles!!! >

 

07/20/03 RCI Nordic Empress

10/19/03 Norwegian Sea

02/03/04 Carnival Spirit

07/10/04 Celebrity Horizon

 

 

07/10/04 Celebrity Horizon

 

[imsulin]

Well, I'm choosing not to make rude comments like BITE ME, but, rather, apologized in advance if I offended you. (Big difference between being appropriate and being downright boorish!) Why am I not surprised that you would make the effort to ask a Chinese Buffet to grant your "just turned 13 son" for a child's price??? I said the same thing before you even replied, and your reply just goes to show that the "cheapskate" thing is alive and well in Terry's household! I'm wondering why you even posted your tipping topic, since in reality, you've already been practicing the "my kid just turned 13, but I'm not going to pay the full price" thing, and had basically already made up your mind about using your very lame excuse to not pay the full suggested tipping amount. It's posters like you that not only give us a good laugh, but certainly reinforces the "cheapskate" tippers that have been talked about on these boards for years. And years. And years to come! Oh - the 6th and 7th grade middle schoolers I used to work with always used to say BITE ME to each other when one of them stuck out his/her tongue or gave the finger to a "peer". Thanks for the great entertainment, Terry! In future "cheapskate/stiffing" posts about tipping, we won't mention your name!

[98Charlie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Where else would one have a child hand over "their "portion of the tip.....Something about cruising that makes it different? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I hadn't said anything about their portion of a tip. I did say that I believe that what the cruise lines calls a tip is actually the wage (and a good portion of the wage) of the staff. To the question of "where else?", the answer is no where that I know of. That IMO makes this a great opportunity to teach a child how to properly (and humbly on the child's part) handle thanking and rewarding an employee.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I still think it is undignified to have a grown up accept a "tip" from a child. The tip is not from the child either, that is a lie. It is the grown ups money. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I thought that the discussion was based on the children in question, being 13 and 14 years old. If the original question revolved around younger children my answer most probably would be diferent. I do stand by my statement "I am also all in favor of children making gifts, sending thank you notes, learning to say please and thank you, and a host of other life skills and social graces with each lesson being taught at the proper time of their life." I don't know Terry's kids. It will be her decision as to whether this is a good time for her family and this issue.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The tip is not from the child either, that is a lie. It is the grown ups money. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I never indicated that the money should be represented as belonging to the child. I did say that they should hand out their own tip envelopes, meaning separate from Terry's envelope. It would be nice to include a personal note of thanks from the child in the envelope.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> As for a teacher accepting a "gift" from a student , that IS not the same. A gift is something I would give to my mother or friend, at tip is not.Both can be used to thank someone for a service. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree that both can be used to say thank you for a service. That being the case, how can they be different?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I have seen children talk to employees is ways that are disrespectful, and it disturbs me that the line between adult an child becomes blurred. Children should be rasied to respect their elders and in my opinion they are NOT the equal of an adult. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I too have seen children talking to employees and other adults without respect. To me it points all the more to the need for a parent to seize every opportunity to teach. I cannot see how teaching a child to properly convey the message, "Thank you for a job well done." is disrespectful.

[serene56]

I too have seen children talking to employees and other adults without respect.

 

I have seen kids who think these people are to be at their beck and call. (especailly with room service) This would be a great opportunity for the OP to teach the kids about other peoples way of life.

 

Going NOWHERE

 

 

 

Miracle, February 13, 2005

Legend, October 22,2004

Voyager August 31,2003

Victory September 22,2002

Regal Empress,June 2001

Sensation,August 2000

 

 

[dst]

98Charlie: I agree with your post, I am not old, nor a young person (38) but I was always told to respect elders, and to tip those that work hard to service you! Having worked int he hospitality industry for years ( I am not allowed to accept tips,I am management) I always appreciate someones kind words and gestures regardless of their age. Often hearing an 8 year old say "thanks for the great service" or "we really enjoyed ourselves" means quite a bit to make a persons day!

 

I think the bottom line is that these people work LONG hours and if you receive good service you tip accordingly if you receive GREAT service you tip above and if you receive BAD service you speak with a supervisor.

 

People have the right not to cruise if they don't like the policy of the cruise lines......

[NotADude]

I would like my children to extent a 'thank you' ... While they are a little too old to make their own cards, I think it would be a nice gesture if they spend their own money while in port to buy a thank you gift. Any suggestions? I have heard of CD's ... But what kind? And is it safe to get calling cards while in port? I don't know much about calling cards and their policies ... Meaning, can they be used anywhere?

serene.... I have seen children and adults alike thinking the staff is at their beck and call. My confusion is with you specifically mentioning room service. Will you please be kind enough to explain? I always use room service at the end of the evening for coffee and a bite ... I always tip. My children have already been told how much they are to tip if they order room service before I return to the cabin, and of course to say Thank You. Please, if I am missing something you are saying, I would like to know. Thanks!!!

Thanks to all of you who have been so kind and helpful to me.

Hugs, Terry

[b] Double Occupancy stinks for Singles!!! [/b] >[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif[/img]

07/20/03 RCI Nordic Empress
10/19/03 Norwegian Sea
02/03/04 Carnival Spirit
07/10/04 Celebrity Horizon


07/10/04 Celebrity Horizon
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;7;10;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

10/17/04 Carnival Inspiration
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2004;10;17;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[Nitemare]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I think it would be a nice gesture if they spend their own money while in port to buy a thank you gift. Any suggestions? I have heard of CD's ... But what kind? And is it safe to get calling cards while in port? I don't know much about calling cards and their policies ... Meaning, can they be used anywhere <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's a great idea, but unfortunately, crew has VERY little space for personal effects. If you read back on the boards, they all know how to get great rates on phonecards, so although a phone card is a good gift, they can probably turn the equivalent amount of cash into twice as much phone time back home (or more).

Cash is always the best tip for ship personnel.

[Merrilymeggily]

Wow... you guys all need a CRUISE! Chill, people. Sorry -- feeling mellow now that my sailing date is a mere three weeks away.

~~~MEG~~~
"I wanna leave NOW"

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;7;3;16;30;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Century: 2000, 2001, 2004

[dst]

merrily: thats not nice to rub that in [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] we are 5 weeks away!

Terry< I have read that they crew likes to receive books and magazines, maybe the kids could get some magazines at the airport and leave for the crew. They can catch up on all our wonderful gossip [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

By the way when are you cruising??? You may have said originally but I can't remember

[serene56]

There was one couple who had teens- when they first boarded the first thing they did was throw all their bedding out the door. Wanted new stuff. (made a mess for people walking onto the ship for the first time. Their kids...would call room service and never be there when they came- I dont think that right- I also seen those kids place room service wake up calls on cabins forward of theirs. (very sad for those people who wanted to sleep in) This is the only time I have ever encountered kids/adults like that.

Some good gifts for your staff.. take a throw away camera and take pictures of the staff doing thier work during the week. Get the camera developed on the last night and present those pictures to the staff--so they can send to their families to show them hard at work. I enclosed these pictures inside a thank you card along with my tips.

Another thing they like is reading material.. It helps with their English. I have used my Stars and Enquirers rag mags...then gave them to the cabin steward.
Going NOWHERE
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;10;22;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]



Miracle, February 13, 2005
Legend, October 22,2004
Voyager August 31,2003
Victory September 22,2002
Regal Empress,June 2001
Sensation,August 2000

[dst]

serene56: I like the idea of the camera! I think we may do that on our cruise in July ....THANKS [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

some people are rude no matter what their age, can you imagine the parents of those children. Glad they've never been at my table

[98Charlie]

I agree with Nitemare. If only 2 passengers gave a small gift each week the crew member would have 52 gifts to store during a 6 month contract. Since they bunk 2,3 and (I understand) 4 to a cabin they would quickly run out of space.

Disposable gifts such as English reading material, (books and magazines) would be nice.

I think one thing to remember is that when the crew goes ashore they are more like "locals" than tourists. Crew have their own network and know where to get the bargains on the things they need like phone cards, internet time for emails, etc. We (the passengers) can possibly get a good deal on a phone card, etc. However, chances are that they (the crew) can do better with the same amount of money.

[Crafty]

Wow! this thread sure got out of hand. I am a hard working, partially disabled pion who saves her quarters week after week to go on vacation. I have the attitude that vacations are not cheap no matter what, and tips are part of the vacation. If the cruise line recommends a certain amount--then that is what I will save for. At the end I will adjust according to the service I received. More than likely, I will
throw in a few xtra bucks. The staff are not highly paid--even the Disney ones, so they appreciate the tip and most of them are more than deserving. Gheeesshhhhh! lets all act lke adults. (and to tip according to age? in a few years when I start drooling-----should I tip more or less?) Thank goodness in one more week I will have a week off from making my bed. Thank you Princess staff.

[dst]

Crafty: good question on the drooling. Something we'll all face one day or another!!!!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[TomD]

I agree with Crafty, tip what they deserved, with one exception: Don't tip less. That is a large amount of their income. Only tip more if they did more. If one attendant did extra, tip that attendant extra. If one attendant did less, tip that attendant less, but don't go under the 15%. You do have the right to not tip at all. It is up to each of us.

Conquest, we will be with you
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