Tipping your bartender ....

[ChitownGus]

I've read a lot about people with the drink packages that tip their bartenders above and beyond the standard tip that is included in the package.

 

Just curious, what do people consider a "good tip"? $1, $2, or more per drink? or do you choose to tip big at the beginning and end of the cruise, and not tip on individual drinks? Do you tip in cash? ...or do you choose not to tip at all?

[PattyG12]

Package or not, we ALWAYS tip a good bartender in cash. Sometimes we just tip a little per day. Not normally per drink. Our last cruise, we found a great bartender. Tipped him $20 on day 1 and $20 per sea day then another $20 at the end.

[PORT ROYAL]

I've read a lot about people with the drink packages that tip their bartenders above and beyond the standard tip that is included in the package.

 

Just curious, what do people consider a "good tip"? $1, $2, or more per drink? or do you choose to tip big at the beginning and end of the cruise, and not tip on individual drinks? Do you tip in cash? ...or do you choose not to tip at all?

 

May one say thank you for raising this issue. Because the bar staff are the unsung heroes of a cruise and it good for all to be aware of their efforts, when most cruisers only see the waiters. To this end, at the end of the evening, having been served by a waiter (who receive 15%), we just walk to the bar and give $10.00 for the bar staff.

 

For my part, in the CL and DL we give $10.00 per head at the start and up to $50.00 at the end depending on the quality of service. In the EL on Celebrity we give $2.00 per drink, the an additional gratuity at the end of the cruise. Have been advised that in the EL all gratuities are shared.

 

I do realise the above values are adjusted up/down by individuals, and our gratuities are just a guide.

 

Thanks for the posting

Edited February 6, 2014 by PORT ROYAL

[LA_CA_GAL]

May one say thank you for raising this issue. Because the bar staff are the unsung heroes of a cruise and it good for all to be aware of their efforts, when most cruisers only see the waiters. To this end, at the end of the evening, having been served by a waiter (who receive 15%), we just walk to the bar and give $10.00 for the bar staff.

 

 

Are you aware that the bartenders also get 15% on all beverage sales?

[leisuretraveler223]

I tip $3 or $4 on most drinks. I realize this is well above what is typical. But I am an vacation, I get great service, I'm blessed enough to be able to afford it, and they appreciate it.

 

You needn't tip a thing above what is already included. Most people (I have observed anyhow) do not tip above what is already included. So do whatever you like. Give nothing and they are getting what is expected. Anything you give is appreciated and there is no wrong answer.

[PORT ROYAL]

Are you aware that the bartenders also get 15% on all beverage sales?

 

Wow! Never knew that! Do tell all! Thank you!

 

As I was informed that only the waiter gets the 15%, as per the signed docket.

So the amounts on the bar menus actually include their (bar staff) gratuity?

 

Additional help please. So, what are the gratuities to bar staff and servers in the EL on Celebrity, if PAX do not give?

 

You may have opened up a whole new can of worms!

[Loyal2RCCL]

Package or not... I will tip the bar staff at the end of the cruise. The amount given depends on how much time we've spent with each bartender.

[dplusd]

We only tip when a server takes our order and brings us a drink, either in a lounge, theater or pool. Typically an extra dollar per drink in cash. However, when we walk up to a bar and order a drink from the bartender, we do not tip extra. Interested to read what others do...that's my "confession".

[LA_CA_GAL]

 

Additional help please. So, what are the gratuities to bar staff and servers in the EL on Celebrity, if PAX do not give?

 

 

Like I said, you will be charged and additional 15% on every beverage you buy.

 

You buy a $10 drink, and your receipt will look like:

 

DRINK: $10.00

GRATUITY: $1.50

ADDITIONAL GRATUITY: (YOU CAN FILL THIS IN IF YOU WANT TO ADD MORE)

 

TOTAL: (ADD UP THE ABOVE)

[C2174]

Yes, I'm glad this was brought up.

 

I asked the bartenders about how the new beverage plans were working because I wanted to make sure they still got the equivalent of 15% of whatever my drink price would have been. I believe that is the way it's working. The bartenders that actualy served you were the ones that got the gratuity not based on the cost of your package, but the grat that they would normally get on that drink. **Again, I believe this is how it's happening.** The bartenter we were speaking with said in the beginning it was a huge mess, but that it has settled out and they are being treated fairly.

 

However, It's typical of me to leave a dollar on top of the 15%. Especially if a drink was brought to me (as in the case of the casino or the theater or MDR).

 

I carried ones with me (that I got from the casino or guest relations). There were a couple of bartenders that I received excelent service from and I tipped them a little extra at the end.

 

It seemed that the bartenders knew after a day or so that I was tipping above the minimum and as I said, I received excelent service and it was well worth the little bit of extra money to me.

[PORT ROYAL]

Like I said, you will be charged and additional 15% on every beverage you buy.

 

You buy a $10 drink, and your receipt will look like:

 

DRINK: $10.00

GRATUITY: $1.50

ADDITIONAL GRATUITY: (YOU CAN FILL THIS IN IF YOU WANT TO ADD MORE)

 

TOTAL: (ADD UP THE ABOVE)

 

Sorry, I did not explain myself fully.

My question was based on the Elite Lounge Captains Club cocktail two hours, because no payment is requested.

So So the wait and bar staff received a gratuity?

Many thanks

[oneputt18]

I assume you mean the Diamond Lounge and Concierge Club, no they do not receive anything from Royal as a tip. We always leave a tip, each night we use the lounge.

 

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[tserface]

I don't know if they receive any other gratuity, but we always tip the wait staff at the Elite parties. We do $1 per drink. If I go to the bar to get a drink then I tip the bartender the same amount. I'm guessing they are also compensated, but I figure if everyone tipped them $1/drink they'd make a bunch for the 2 hours since they likely deliver over 100 drinks each in that room :rolleyes:

 

Tom

 

Sorry, I did not explain myself fully.

My question was based on the Elite Lounge Captains Club cocktail two hours, because no payment is requested.

So So the wait and bar staff received a gratuity?

Many thanks

[PORT ROYAL]

I don't know if they receive any other gratuity, but we always tip the wait staff at the Elite parties. We do $1 per drink. If I go to the bar to get a drink then I tip the bartender the same amount. I'm guessing they are also compensated, but I figure if everyone tipped them $1/drink they'd make a bunch for the 2 hours since they likely deliver over 100 drinks each in that room :rolleyes:

 

Tom

 

Thank you".......

[leisuretraveler223]

I never understand why some of the questions come up every time this topic is raised. Maybe someone can explain.

 

I purchase a drink, and I know that a certain amount of gratuity has been added. I choose- for entirely personal reasons- how much more I would like to add. And then I go on my merry way.

 

Why do people wonder things like "how much goes directly to the bartender?" "Do they split it?" "Do they pool tips?" "What if I give more? "What happens at a complimentary reception? Do they get tips?".

 

I guess it kind of throws me off. I run a business. People come in and pay for the service they provide. They never grill me as to how much I pay my receptionist. They never ask how much I pay the people who clean my office, or if I give them bonuses or gifts.

 

And for the most part, people don't do this on land based resorts or restaurants. Sure, there is some discussion about tips at restaurants being pooled. But nothing compared to what happens around here.

 

I don't mean this as a knock, I am genuinely curious. What is it that compels people to want to know in great detail exactly how staff is compensated? Why is this salient information for a cruise, when no one seems concerned elsewhere?:confused:

[monctonguy]

One thing about the drink packages including the "tip" is that you could really be giving much more than 15%. If you don't drink or "use up" all of your package, then you could be giving the boat a 50% tip or more. Now I am sure they don't give to the bartenders, but you get my drift.

 

I walk to the bar, stand in line and wait for drinks. I dont make them come to me, or flag them down, or sit and wait for them to show up. I am already tipping 15% on every drink, so I don't feel the need to tip on top of a tip.

 

I am friendly, converse and joke with the bartenders and get great service. Have even gotten some additional perks from them, and never tipped on a tip.

[C2174]

Why is this salient information for a cruise, when no one seems concerned elsewhere?:confused:

 

I have the same concerns with service positions on land. I compare what was automatically gratted and then chose to tip additional or not.

 

My main point was that with the drink packages I wanted to know if the people that were serving me were getting compensated to do so. The answer was yes, so I felt that $1 (depending on the drink) extra was what I wanted to leave. Had they said no. I would have increased that amount.

[PORT ROYAL]

I have the same concerns with service positions on land. I compare what was automatically gratted and then chose to tip additional or not.

 

My main point was that with the drink packages I wanted to know if the people that were serving me were getting compensated to do so. The answer was yes, so I felt that $1 (depending on the drink) extra was what I wanted to leave. Had they said no. I would have increased that amount.

 

We'll said......Exactly my thoughts

[youngcruiser15]

Have asked many bartenders how they are being paid since the new packages and the answer I have gotten is that the new packages have cost them money. Essentially they said that for the most part about 80 percent of all eligible guests are buying the packages and from the purchase price a percentage is spread out among the bartenders but not much. If you don't buy a package then the 15 percent is spread out among every bartender onboard. The extra tip line goes to the bartender in question. And if you cash tip that money is put in that specific bars' tin and spread among those bartenders unless you slip that bartender some cash and they quickly put in their pocket. Overwhelmingly I have been told they are losing money on the packages but as you would expect they are careful not to go into details.

 

 

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[LA_CA_GAL]

Have asked many bartenders how they are being paid since the new packages and the answer I have gotten is that the new packages have cost them money. Essentially they said that for the most part about 80 percent of all eligible guests are buying the packages

 

I do not believe that anywhere near 80% purchase the drink package.

 

I would be amazed if 20% purchased it.

[youngcruiser15]

I do not believe that anywhere near 80% purchase the drink package.

 

I would be amazed if 20% purchased it.

 

 

Just what I was told. Surprised me too tbh but this bartender has been working on RCCL for many years and is one of their best so I believe here. I'm sure every cruise is different but that was her experience.

 

 

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[Mapleleafforever]

I tip an additional dollar or two per drink if it's delivered to me and nothing additional if I go to the bar myself to get it.

[Tetromibi]

Do they still give you the receipts to sign with the new drink packages?

[Yenom]

I never understand why some of the questions come up every time this topic is raised. Maybe someone can explain.

 

I purchase a drink, and I know that a certain amount of gratuity has been added. I choose- for entirely personal reasons- how much more I would like to add. And then I go on my merry way.

 

Why do people wonder things like "how much goes directly to the bartender?" "Do they split it?" "Do they pool tips?" "What if I give more? "What happens at a complimentary reception? Do they get tips?".

 

I guess it kind of throws me off. I run a business. People come in and pay for the service they provide. They never grill me as to how much I pay my receptionist. They never ask how much I pay the people who clean my office, or if I give them bonuses or gifts.

 

And for the most part, people don't do this on land based resorts or restaurants. Sure, there is some discussion about tips at restaurants being pooled. But nothing compared to what happens around here.

 

I don't mean this as a knock, I am genuinely curious. What is it that compels people to want to know in great detail exactly how staff is compensated? Why is this salient information for a cruise, when no one seems concerned elsewhere?:confused:

 

For me, it's the knowledge that many people in the restaurant/bar service industry make most of their compensation from tips. Real world example: My sister worked as a server for Friday's during college and they would assuming she was getting a certain amount of money based on sales. She was then expected to tip-out (pay to others that helped her do her job (ie. bartenders, table cleaners, etc.) a certain percentage of her sales. Because she worked at a location that catered mostly to college students on the weekend, she was often left very small (if any) tips. However, she still tipped-out based on her sales. There were many weeks that she would only breakeven and my parents would send her extra money on top of what they were already giving her to live off-campus. Unfortunately, servers and bartenders are not typically paid minimum wage (it's an allowed exemption in the minimum wage laws). Therefore, it is common for people to inquire how servers are paid. There are restaurants and bars that make sure their people are getting liveable wages. Unfortunately, it is more common that servers and other waitstaff have to depend on tips to earn above minimum wage.

 

As far as RCCL. I did ask a few bar tenders about their compensation on my last cruise (Thanksgiving Week 2013). They did say that the packages made their tip income noticeable drop. Before and after the package, I personally give a dollar or two for each drink order that I make. I get great service and I'm sure some of it has to do with tipping. However, I would venture to say that the biggest reason I get great service is that I treat everyone as I would want to be treated in their position. I would want to be tipped, so I tip them.

[Yenom]

Do they still give you the receipts to sign with the new drink packages?

 

I got them about 25% of the time.