Tipping your bartender ....

[mollyeilis]

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

 

I would be amazed if 20% purchased it.

 

I agree.

 

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.

 

Important to know that this isn't true in all states. In WA, for instance, there is no "server minimum". So if you're tipping a server in WA thinking they are making something like $2.05 an hour, well, they are LOVING you.

 

 

 

I think it's important to know who is getting the tip money because I want to know who is getting the tip money. It drives me crazy when someone thinks one person is getting it when it's' not that one person.

 

I was a "barmaid" at a place here in WA, and we were the ones running around, taking orders from the people at tables, often helping them with getting orders from the kitchen (should not have been our responsibility...I also worked in the kitchen on weekdays and the kitchen definitely had that responsibility), we got our own drinks from the bar, etc. People would sometimes go up to the bartender's tip jar and put money in there. Thinking I got tipped out from that. I was NOT. I had to tip out the bartender (why? why why why?) but the bartenders NEVER tipped out to ANYONE. May I reiterate...we got our OWN drinks? The bartenders did NOTHING for us but they got part of our money. And they did so because people thought it was going to us.

 

 

 

We only had the Replenish package, but I am still mystified how that tipping worked. Because with the waters, they kept charging them at 0.00. Well...how do they get tipped with that? And quite a lot of the time by the 3rd day they weren't giving us our receipts at all for waters and coffees, unless we were at a bar and I was also buying a drink (paying out of pocket of course). Mystifying.

 

But we still got fabulous service from everyone, even when we hadn't necessarily tipped extra the first time we ordered from them.

[reney313]

I did ask the casino bartender on Allure if they got prorated part of "my" 15% grat from the package based upon per drink served (by swiping my card) or how it worked.

 

He said the 15% grat is added up for everyone that purchased the package and then divided between all the bar tenders and bar servers. He said it accounted to very little per passenger per tender/server. Combined it might be a decent total, but those working like crazy were making less as normally they would get 15% on each drink.

 

I did provide the two bartenders in the casino $20 cash extra on day 1 (we are smokers so figured we would be there all. the. time.). For each drink we typically tipped an additional $1 or $2 depending upon how busy it was and what type of drink ($2 for a frozen drink, $1 for a beer. But if it was really busy and he saw me and threw a beer my way--ringing it up a little later--he definitely got $2). They took such great care of us that the two main guys in the casino got another $20 cash each on the last day.

 

For all other drinks throughout the ship, we stuck with the $1 or $2 rule. For the bartender at the sky bar, I tipped an extra $10 on my last day on a slip.

 

Overkill-for some, maybe. Others tip more. It's a personal choice. I'm a former bartender, server, and bar owner. I think it is moderate and acceptable amount.

[LetsGetWet!]

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:

 

Okay, honest answer to your honest question. It's a lot simpler when I go to a restaurant. Generally we're dealing with a single waiter. We know there's been no gratuity added in advance. So we tip based on the service we've received at the end of the evening. For us, 10% means the service was substandard, 15% means "no real complaints but not really impressed" and GOOD service means 20% or more.

 

On the ship it's much more complex. My cabin steward, the maitre 'd, our waiter, multiple bartenders/cocktail servers in multiple venues. Is a gratuity already added to my bill or not? If so, how much? Am I paying per drink or via a package? Am I at a reception where drinks are free and if so is the waiter/bartender compensated differently?

 

My goal is still more or less the previous 10/15/20+% tip, but what it takes to get there is just a lot more complicated!

 

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[awhfy]

No wonder my DH gets such fantastic service in the casino, heck, every bar. He talks, smiles & tips

 

 

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[leisuretraveler223]

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.

 

I understand the practices around tipping. And I am familiar with tipping out. But I do respectfully disagree that it is "common for people to inquire how servers are paid". In fact, I feel it is the exact opposite. In our culture, tipping wait staff is fairly common. But frankly, I don't do it because I'm concerned about the person's wage. I do it because it's what is expected, and it is how I show my appreciation for good service.

 

What the particular business/ financial arrangements the server had with other employees or the employer is frankly none of my concern. Really, how they are paid, how they share tips, etc... is none of my business. They are doing a job, and I am following the traditionally expected norms. How they deal with it once I've done my part does not concern me, nor do I believe it should.

[galavant3]

What the particular business/ financial arrangements the server had with other employees or the employer is frankly none of my concern. Really, how they are paid, how they share tips, etc... is none of my business. They are doing a job, and I am following the traditionally expected norms. How they deal with it once I've done my part does not concern me, nor do I believe it should.

 

I so agree! I really do not want to have to think about this when I'm on vacation! We leave the auto tips in place and tip extra when we are motivated to do so.

[leisuretraveler223]

I so agree! I really do not want to have to think about this when I'm on vacation! We leave the auto tips in place and tip extra when we are motivated to do so.

 

It's not just a vacation thing to me. I go into a restaurant. Maybe they get paid minimum wage, maybe they don't. Maybe they pool tips or tip out, maybe they don't. Unless there is some sort of specific instruction NOT to tip or otherwise, I do was I normally do and don't think about it twice. All this nonsense about wondering how well they're doing, are there a lot of college kids not tipping well, etc... It's not my concern.

 

Like I said, if someone came into my office and wanted to do business, but first started asking members of my staff if they felt they were fairly paid, I'd be offended.

[LetsGetWet!]

I so agree! I really do not want to have to think about this when I'm on vacation! We leave the auto tips in place and tip extra when we are motivated to do so.

It's not just a vacation thing to me. I go into a restaurant. Maybe they get paid minimum wage, maybe they don't. Maybe they pool tips or tip out, maybe they don't. Unless there is some sort of specific instruction NOT to tip or otherwise, I do was I normally do and don't think about it twice. All this nonsense about wondering how well they're doing, are there a lot of college kids not tipping well, etc... It's not my concern.

 

Like I said, if someone came into my office and wanted to do business, but first started asking members of my staff if they felt they were fairly paid, I'd be offended.

 

But then, when someone comes into your office and wants to do business, do you quote them prices but then present them with bills 15% higher, "so I can pay my employees better"? ;)

 

Actually, I mostly agree with you guys, but there's just so much more to think about here, darn it!

 

First - the automatically added gratuity. I really don't like that - takes away a lot of the motivation to provide you with good service. And if you do give me good service, I'll likely tip you $2 on a $10 drink. But now, with $1.50 already tacked on, I'm probably going to end up tipping $2.50, because writing 50 cents on the "added tip" seems cheap.

 

The package makes it even more difficult, and is the only thing that *might* tempt me to chat with a bartender about how they're getting the gratuities paid. I'm not paying per drink - yet it seems like a guy provides good service while making me 3 mixed drinks during a long afternoon at the pool should be making more than one who pours me a single glass of brandy late that evening. I'd really like them to both get about 20% of the listed prices for the drinks they've provided, but the reality is I actually have no clue what that takes from me in terms of "added tip."

 

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[leisuretraveler223]

But then, when someone comes into your office and wants to do business, do you quote them prices but then present them with bills 15% higher, "so I can pay my employees better"? ;)

 

Actually, I mostly agree with you guys, but there's just so much more to think about here, darn it!

 

First - the automatically added gratuity. I really don't like that - takes away a lot of the motivation to provide you with good service. And if you do give me good service, I'll likely tip you $2 on a $10 drink. But now, with $1.50 already tacked on, I'm probably going to end up tipping $2.50, because writing 50 cents on the "added tip" seems cheap.

 

The package makes it even more difficult, and is the only thing that *might* tempt me to chat with a bartender about how they're getting the gratuities paid. I'm not paying per drink - yet it seems like a guy provides good service while making me 3 mixed drinks during a long afternoon at the pool should be making more than one who pours me a single glass of brandy late that evening. I'd really like them to both get about 20% of the listed prices for the drinks they've provided, but the reality is I actually have no clue what that takes from me in terms of "added tip."

 

I totally understand the issues with everything you just mentioned here. For me, I don't really bother to think about it that way. The drinks on board are cheaper than just about any other restaurants, resort or hotel at which I spend time, so I admittedly don't think about the already added gratuity, and usually throw a few bucks more. Now I am in no way saying others should do this, as I understand that it undermines the good value of cruising as a vacation option.

 

However, nothing in your list of concerns has anything to do with HOW tips are distributed, pooled or tipped out.

 

You say the auto tip takes away the motivation for good service. Fair concern. But for the most part, I find the service I get on board, be it from bartenders, cocktail waitresses, dining room staff or even housekeeping to still be outstanding.

 

But even if you found the service to be poor, and you didn't offer an additional tip (or perhaps even complained and had a compluslory tip removed). You would and should do it because the gratuity is meant as a response to service. I still don't believe one should stop and think "how much is this person paid?" "Does he or she pool or share tips?" "How have packages affected his or her revenue?".

 

That's what I don't get.

[Havingfun2010]

Growing up, I learned a few things. One, never ask someone how old they are. Never point out they look like they gained weight. Never ask a lady what the due date is. NEVER ask someone how much money they make.

 

As I grew older, and wiser....I learned that not all cultures feel the same way with each of the above questions. I also learned in my travels, that we as "Americans" tip a certain way per our customs. But we forget, that the cruise ship we are on, and the places we visit, are not the USA and the expectation is different.

 

It's not my business to figure out how much money someone makes in a foreign country or in this case a cruise ship. Just like, it is impossible to figure out, what that person's standards and expectations are. My assumption, is they picked their job for a personnal reason, try it out for a 6 month contract, and if they enjoyed, or liked it, renew it.

 

It' my business, and only my business if I decide to give extra. I already gave 15% and I feel for the service performed, it is fair and decent. Yes, I might give extra, for reasons that I chose but those reasons need not be discussed.

 

I don't question why someone would tip $1.90 on a $6.00 beer. Service performed is open the cap? How does that warrent a 31% tips? I tip $0.90 which is 15%.

 

$2.00 on a $8.25 equals almost a 40% tip.

[LetsGetWet!]

$2.00 on a $8.25 equals almost a 40% tip.

 

You were doing okay until you got here! ;) Part of what I learned growing up was math - that says $2.00 is just over 24% of $8.25, and that's not almost 40%. :p

 

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[Havingfun2010]

You were doing okay until you got here! ;) Part of what I learned growing up was math - that says $2.00 is just over 24% of $8.25, and that's not almost 40%. :p

 

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Sorry my mistake. Auto 15% plus $2.00 on top of it is $3.23. That comes out to just about 40%. It's an awesome amount to tip.

[SilkySal]

Just to pop in to say what I do ... We are taking our first Alaska trip in July and, since we will be off the ship a lot to explore, have only purchased the Replenish Package, mostly for that freshly squeezed OJ! However, we frequently cruise the Caribbean and the last 2x have purchased the Ultimate drink packages because we only spend about an hour off ship in most ports, but beach it all day in Labadee for Labadoozies! The drink package works perfectly for us! Not only do we get our money's worth but the ease of having the package makes for a worry-free experience! When it comes to extra tipping, DH says I tip too much but, since I was a waitress in my younger years, I feel that my tips are fair, especially after reading these posts. I usually tip $1 per order, which includes both me and DH, if he happens to be with me, and the same $1 if by myself. We usually buddy up with the Windjammer bartenders, as we are up there and around the pool a lot. Adrian was the only bartender who, when he saw me coming, would shake my spicy Bloody Mary's vs. stirred!:p He was the best! He also got a WOW and some extra tips from me! Don't tell DH!:eek: Sorry for the lengthy post!

[royal girl]

I usually match whatever the 15% gratuity was.

 

I just look at it that the bartenders work hard and work long hours and put up with alot. I don't care that I am tipping more than I should. I think they deserve it.

Edited February 10, 2014 by royal girl

[marci22]

There were many weeks that she would only break even and my parents would send her extra money on top of what they were already giving her to live off-campus.

 

I hope she quit that job.

[ncsteeler]

Would it surprise anyone that has asked a bartender about the change in their tips, that oh I don't know maybe just maybe they would all say they have gone down, so as you might be inclined to tip extra?

 

Heck I don't know. I often tip an extra .50 -$1 on drinks that are brought to me at a table. My wife made fun of me because the Bull and Bear bar maid knew me by name and said high every time we walked by. This next cruise will be my first with a package and I do not carry cash on the ship so unless I get a slip or make a point to carry some money that night, I'll tip much less than normal.

 

With all that being said . I overheard one bartender tell another at Central Park bar that he got demoted down from the Solarium bar for not making "quota". Any one have insight on that topic?

 

I never ask them what they make or what tips they get. I honestly don't think about it, I figure when they don't get enough they will move on to other jobs.

We often inquire about where they are from , family, kids and routine get to know ya stuff but not money.

[TPA2005]

We both had the drink package for the 1st time on the last cruise(and no visits to the Diamond Lounge). We usually tipped $1 per each order of 2 drinks. Diamond Lounge on previous sailings, we kept an informal tally and at the end of the cruise tipped $1/drink to server(s) and something for the concierge if they were interactive and helpful.

[Big_G]

I always tip extra whether we have the package or not and it's usually when I get served. Most times it's cash but I do occasionaly get caught short so I write it in. Sometimes I think my DW has adult ADD. She can't sit in one lounge for too long so I make sure I tip the server each time because the next one might not be there.

 

Factors contributing to the amount tipped:

 

 

1. Service level
   
2. Friendliness of the server
   
3. Alcohol content of the drink
   
4. My alcohol content at the time of tipping
   

(Not necessarily in that order):D

[leisuretraveler223]

I overheard one bartender tell another at Central Park bar that he got demoted down from the Solarium bar for not making "quota". Any one have insight on that topic?

 

Cruises are all about on board sales. That's where they make their money. And much like a large store has a daily sales target, every cruise has a variety of sales targets based on a number of factors: excursion sales, specialty dining sales, casino sales, etc... I have no doubt that the sales generated by every bartender is tracked and targeted. If someone comes in well below their target or "quota", surely the line will take action to make sure they improve the individual and the sales in that area.

[Mom.to.2]

Factors contributing to the amount tipped:

 

 

1. Service level
   
2. Friendliness of the server
   
3. Alcohol content of the drink
   
4. My alcohol content at the time of tipping
   

(Not necessarily in that order):D

 

Questions regarding #3. How do you know the alcohol content at the time you tip? Or do you not tip when the server brings your drink, and instead leave cash on the bar/at the table when you get up?

[Big_G]

Questions regarding #3. How do you know the alcohol content at the time you tip? Or do you not tip when the server brings your drink, and instead leave cash on the bar/at the table when you get up?

 

First one always gets a tip but it also determines the amount for the second.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Big_G

[sgttami]

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 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:

 

I would never ask how tips are shared on a cruise or anywhere else for that matter. Just the same, I would never ask someone how much their salary was or how much they weigh. On cruises I tip accordingly at the bars. After all, I am there for at least a week and spend more time at some bars than others. Some bartenders are friendlier than others etc...and some will have your drink ready as soon as they see you walking towards them!!

 

Generally, I've always tipped more than the required but usually in the beginning, middle and end of the trip..and however they split it, it's really no concern of mine....

[hellsop]

I would never ask how tips are shared on a cruise or anywhere else for that matter. Just the same, I would never ask someone how much their salary was or how much they weigh.

 

I'm shameless; I did ask how the tipping worked. Bear in mind, this is only what I was told. It may be true, it may be a complete fabrication, it may be a mix of true or bad assumption.

 

The answers I got (last summer, old-style packages still shiny new), was that bar tips, both automatic and written on, went into the pool, overseen by the line, and were distributed in a weighted fashion somehow that I didn't quite get, but sounded like they worked out to bartender/server named on the slip got some of it (like 10%) added to their accounting, and all the remainders (the 90%) got apportioned by hours worked among all the bar staff, and that went onto the bar staff accounts to be paid out with salary. So they help the individual only some, but help everybody more. (Opinions mixed on this as a concept in general, but generally was that it overall made being the newbie and stuck on opening shifts not horrible -- it wasn't unusual to not even sell five drinks an hour on a bad shift and knowing that restocking work after a busy night shift at least got supported by that pool helped.) Still, a bartender pulling in lots of write-in tips end up with a couple bucks more per hour than someone that doesn't, and senior bartenders got to pick their shifts. Cash tips go straight into the pocket. WOW cards are pretty massive: they influence bonuses and chances for advancement, and room stewards and waiters tended to get most of those.