Tip your bar servers!!!!!!!

[PrincessVIP]

PLEASE tip your bar waiters!!!!

 

Oh for crying out loud, hasn't anyone heard of prepaid gratuities before? :confused:

Edited March 30, 2014 by PrincessVIP

[travelbug11]

Oh for crying out loud, hasn't anyone heard of prepaid gratuities before? :confused:

 

Obviously, you are not familiar with RCCL's Diamond and Concierge lounges as you do not have the status to go into one since you have had only been on one RCCL cruise 12 years ago. If you had been reading these posts you would see that these lounges do not charge for the drinks so there is no bill to add a gratuity to. Not everyone is included in the automatic gratuities that are charged daily.

[Julesben]

Oh for crying out loud, hasn't anyone heard of prepaid gratuities before? :confused:

 

Lol.

This CC member has the audacity to rip your threads to bits every night of the week and then tell you what to do with your money.

She's a Good Samaritan, to some.

[Paulxyz2004]

Oh for crying out loud, hasn't anyone heard of prepaid gratuities before? :confused:

 

Oh for crying out loud, what have prepaid gratuities to do with the Topic at Hand???:confused:

[dz9yvr]

Oh for crying out loud, what have prepaid gratuities to do with the Topic at Hand???:confused:

 

 

The poster seems to be a little mis-informed or may not be referring to pre-paid gratuities correctly. Perhaps the poster is referring to the 15% added to every bar purpose. The point is that the servers in the CL/DL also work in other parts of the ship and they get a portion of the 15% gratuity added to all of the bar bills on the ship. So, the point is that the even if you don't tip in the CL/DL, the bar servers in the DL/CL are not working for free. I'm not sure what happens to the cash tips given to the bartenders perhaps that server keeps the money or perhaps it goes to a collective pot for that bar.

[PORT ROYAL]

I can understand tipping the bar personnel for Diamond free drinks. But, has everyone forgetten that you are already paying a tip that is automatically added to every drink you order.

 

For me, it is just doing what I feel is the right thing. It is a personal choice, and it does result (as a previous poster stated) is some serious pours.;)

Anyway $10.00 is not much in the scheme of things and I will continue to do it.

[Ocean Boy]

We always tip our drink servers in the CL/DL......we are D+. However, you may not see me actually handing him the envelope with the tip. On our last cruise, when I handed our wait staff the envelope, no one saw me thus you would assume that I did not tip. I have never not tipped but, I do it discretely.

 

I most likely wouldn't see you handing them the envelope because for the most part I try to mind my own business and don't concern myself with what others are doing.

[wheretonow?]

Very helpful info about the DL/CL waiters pooling their tips. I'm assuming this includes cash tips (since none of us are signing invoices in the lounge). I don't always have cash to tip as I go, and when there are 4 or 5 servers in the Diamond lounge (the Indy is one busy lounge, even with vouchers) it's hard to remember who waited on us each night. Sometimes making it back on the last night and trying to track each of them down is not an option - one tip envelope for all the DL servers to either Guest Services or the lounge staff would certainly be convenient.

 

Pockets are great....for guys. For us women on formal night, it's carry a purse or stuff $1's in our bra :D which sort of takes away from the classiness of formal night....

[caribbean sailor]

Carol, I was going to start a thread on this EXACT topic (you know why)!!!

 

Here's the thing: it's very nice of you (or me) to post such a "reminder" to CC readers -- however, it is really the responsibility of the C&A Staff (Or Guest Services) to ensure that ALL Diamonds and above know that the tip is NOT included in the bill in the case of these "free" drinks loaded on the seapass card. (Also that it is appropriate to tip servers in the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge -- and, I assume, at Diamond events -- for providing drink service during happy hour.)

 

Despite multiple comments that "15% of 0 is 0" -- the receipt clearly states that the 15% gratuity is INCLUDED in the bill -- and I thought that meant if the "free" drink was showing as $7.00 in value, that the actual drink was $6.10 and the tip was .90!!!! Who would imagine that the waitstaff received nothing? On the drink packages, it's very clear that the tip is INCLUDED in the total price.

 

Imagine my shock to have been basically insulted by a waiter in the Schooner bar for not writing in an "additional tip for exceptional service" and sarcastically stating that he works for free. If he had gently informed me that EVERY bill had the 15% note automatically printed, but in fact the waitstaff received NO tip out of the billed amount, I would have tipped immediately... in fact, I wanted to go back and tip the other servers who had provided the free drinks during the happy hour on the card -- with no comment, complaint or dirty looks -- for the previous several days!!

 

As a frequent (Diamond) cruiser, a fanatic Cruise Critic reader, and someone who is very attentive to tipping waitstaff, you'd think if ANYONE would know that they were getting no tip from this "free" drink, it would be me -- but I had no idea. I went back and read the letter from C&A and it gave NO indication that the amount shown on the bill did NOT include a tip and that we should feel free to use the "additional tip" line on our bills to provide the appropriate gratuity for service. Sigh.

 

Again, thanks Carol for pointing this out to Cruise Critic readers -- I was about to do the same for others -- but I really feel this is the responsibility of C&A and/or Guest Services to ensure that Diamonds and above are properly informed about this situation. As many of us have stated, however many of us are on Cruise Critic, we are a tiny portion of the entire cruising public, and MANY people do not know that their servers are indeed working for nothing when they serve these "free" drinks in the CL, DL, or at Diamond Events, or at bars around the ship during happy hour.

 

In other words, when I read other "tipping in the Concierge Lounge" threads, I thought that was ONLY for people who actually utilized concierge services such as booking show tickets or dinner reservations, helping with shore excursions, arranging for cabanas, etc. It never occurred to me that one would tip for the happy hour drink service -- or that if you didn't, these people were "working for free".

 

Admittedly, as someone who turned Diamond shortly AFTER we lost Concierge lounge privileges (and who doesn't drink alcohol) I didn't think I'd have to worry about these issues for a while, if ever... but with the advent of Diamond Lounges, and free drinks being coded onto our cards, it is important to be informed about proper tipping etiquette... and while I'm grateful to my fellow (more experienced) cruisers for pointing me in the right direction, I do feel that the cruise line should make this information available, clearly, to Diamond and above cruisers.

 

May I ask: how do different people handle this? Do you walk around with a pocket full of singles? How do you remember who served you at a Diamond Event or in a Diamond Lounge or Concierge Lounge if you decide to tip at the end of the week? Are they the same servers all week long? (At the various bars you don't have to remember who it is, because they give you the receipt where you can write in on the "additional tip" line -- once you are informed that this is not an "additional" tip but indeed the ONLY tip -- but surely you do not receive a bill in the lounges or at the events, do you?!?!) For those who said you tip at the Welcome Back party or the Top Tier C&A party, how do you do it?!?! Please share!

 

 

If i were insulted by a waiter for a tip,he/she would not receive a dime from me.Where does the twenty four Dollar a day service charge go.Probably to Royals bottom line.That being said i still tip a dollar a drink.

[EmpressofPurple]

My 27.y.o. daughter was horrified at the way the server spoke to me, and I was definitely embarrassed... however, if it weren't for that (admittedly unpleasant) interaction I would never have known that tips were not included in the posted drink cost before it was zeroed out by my diamond voucher on my card.

 

As I said, had he (or any of the bar staff that provided service during the week) informed me gently, I would have tipped him then... but I do feel this is the responsibility of c&a (not the servers!) to inform diamond and above guests that tips are not included in their free drink vouchers and they can either tip bar servers individually with cash, or ask for a bar printout and add a tip on the "additional tip" line.

 

While I was definitely a bit pink-cheeked after that encounter, in the long run I'm glad I learned about this policy (though I certainly would have preferred to learn about it in a better way).

 

I do think it would be better to include tips. As an example, the Disney dining plan used to include an 18% gratuity, plus an appetizer at the sit-down restaurants. To keep from raising the package price, they removed the appetizer and the tips (so less cost to them for the same price... or less for the customer for the same price, depending on your perspective)... but of course, that meant that the servers got a LOT less in tips than when they were included in the package.

 

I am always concerned that our attempts to save a few dollars here and there on our expensive vacations are not at the expense of the hard working people whose jobs are to make those vacations such a pleasure.

 

For the poster who started that "all bar tips are pooled" and implied that therefore they were making plenty from the auto-gratuity on the paid drinks the other 21 hours of the day meant they didn't feel obligated to tip during happy hour... well, imagine if you were serving those drinks during those hours and getting nothing, relying on shared tips from the rest if the day.

 

I sincerely hope that c&a puts a notice that diamond and above should tip their bar servers :-)

 

 

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Forums mobile app

[Poohb]

So we (D+) have the drink vouchers on our seapass; correct? We can get those drinks at any venue; correct? Do the bartenders still give us a 'slip' to sign with no charge on it? If they do, we could add the tip to the slip when we sign; yes? Thanks for any helpful answers.

[willing292]

So now that we can get a drink for free at a bar and carry it into the MDR, does this mean that we can leave the CL with a drink and take it to dinner? Any thoughts on this?

 

 

Shirley, Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Cigar King]

So now that we can get a drink for free at a bar and carry it into the MDR, does this mean that we can leave the CL with a drink and take it to dinner? Any thoughts on this?

 

I have seen nothing suggesting those polices had changed.

[Merion_Mom]

So now that we can get a drink for free at a bar and carry it into the MDR, does this mean that we can leave the CL with a drink and take it to dinner? Any thoughts on this?

 

 

Shirley, Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Yes. Walked out of the CL with my drink without the slightest problem.

 

Carried it to dinner, to the show, to the casino....depending on the timing.

 

Again, my motivation in starting this thread and sharing my plea is the NEW PROCEDURE of vouchers on SeaPasses.

 

I am thrilled that Cruise Critics are also sharing their knowledge and experience of using the Concierge Lounge and the Diamond Lounge. :)

 

But I wanted to address this NEW situation.

 

I was given a receipt to sign for each free drink in a bar. The amount was then converted by a "discount" line to zero. The gratuity line showed zero. Then there was a line, as usual, for additional gratuity.

 

I could have written something there. You could, too. ;). I choose to use bills. :D

[tserface]

Why is it any different if you are in or not in a DL? Do the waiters working in the DL get some special compensation? I've always been tipping them even though the drinks are free during that time. Are they already being tipped from elsewhere?

 

I'm just curious why it makes any difference whether it's in the DL or using vouchers?

 

Tom

[knots4crewzing]

Sorry if this has been covered before i can't seem to find the answer anywhere

 

Will we be able to use a drink voucher during dinner?

 

TIA

Liz:)

[RCI Cruisers 004]

Thanks for the reminder MM ! We really enjoy the Schooner bar and hand our server a cash tip which seems to make the service a whole lot better ! Usually if its not to crowded, they take the time to chat with you and you get to know each other a little better which adds a personal touch to your experience !

[Life is Good Cruising]

Sorry if this has been covered before i can't seem to find the answer anywhere

 

Will we be able to use a drink voucher during dinner?

 

TIA

Liz:)

 

 

Vouchers can not be used in the Windjammer, MDR (Dining Room) and Specialty Restaurants.

[knots4crewzing]

Vouchers can not be used in the Windjammer, MDR (Dining Room) and Specialty Restaurants.

 

 

Thank You!!:)

[danzur]

Great topic.

 

Just returned from a cruise, and frequented the same bar every evening from 6-7pm before dinner. I hadn't seen these free drink coupons before, but assumed it was a D/D+ thing. I was amazed at the flow of people to the bar flopping down their free drink coupons, and never saw one person tip the bartender. He served them all with a smile. One time a guy barked out that he wanted some mixed drink, and some frozen drink. The bartender nicely noted that the coupons were good for just about anything, but not frozen drinks. The guy got pretty angry and started telling him he was a Diamond member, and that "other" bartenders give him frozen drinks...and demanded he do the same.

 

The bartender once again politely said frozen drinks were not included. The guy ordered something else. No tip, and he created quite the scene for his free drinks. Not saying this is right or wrong, but I'm guessing if the coupon that was dropped on the bar included a couple bucks that a frozen drink would have magically appeared.

 

I have found that tips go a LONG way. A little extra here and there and a whole new world seems to open up. I always tip those in the CL, and of course the specialty restaurants. I am a creature of habit, and usually find one or 2 bars that we go to regularly. a $10, or a $20 a couple times per week does wonders. I don't request anything special, and I don't expect anything special. The wine list seems to expand. The drinks selection seems to expand. The level of service is always good, but we seem to get a bit quicker attention if that seems possible.

 

Long winded way of saying that tips go a long way, and some people sure can act bizarre. :)

[Ripley's Lady]

Dear Diamond & up Crown & Anchor members:

 

More and more ships are putting three drink "vouchers" on your SeaPass card. You can still go to the CL or DL if you are eligible. The vouchers are good between 5 & 8:30 P.M. This has only benefits; there is no downside.

 

I am currently on the Explorer of the Seas, where there is no DL. Diamonds can get three drinks now, not just wine & soda. Same kind of standard drinks as in DL and CL.

 

BUT

 

BUT

 

BUT

 

PLEASE tip your bar waiters!!!!

 

Out there at random bars around the ship, they get NOTHING except what you give them.

 

PLEASE give them a gratuity!!!!!

 

Good reminder to us all Carol.

We usually use the concierge or D+ areas but on occasion we have drinks with friends in the lounges before dinner. It is also a good idea to tip in local currency so they can buy a meal or a Tshirt in port. For instance, on our upcoming Canada New England cruise, DH and I will tip in blue and purple $ dollar bills for the staff to purchase items in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Thanks for your tip on tips!

Nancy:)

[Caribbeansunrise]

Great topic.

 

...........but I'm guessing if the coupon that was dropped on the bar included a couple bucks that a frozen drink would have magically appeared.

 

I have found that tips go a LONG way. A little extra here and there and a whole new world seems to open up. I always tip those in the CL, and of course the specialty restaurants. I am a creature of habit, and usually find one or 2 bars that we go to regularly. a $10, or a $20 a couple times per week does wonders. I don't request anything special, and I don't expect anything special. The wine list seems to expand. The drinks selection seems to expand. The level of service is always good, but we seem to get a bit quicker attention if that seems possible.

 

Long winded way of saying that tips go a long way, and some people sure can act bizarre. :)

 

 

Yep - Long ago I tipped at the end of a cruises and added a small tip to the bar bill. Now I take more one dollar bills than I think I will ever need so I can tip as I go by cash. Makes a big difference.

[pcur]

As a second point. If you have access to the Concierge Lounge, please remember to tip your waiters. The service there was great and I know many guests did not leave tips.

 

Agree. We just finished leg one of a b2b on the Radiance. BEST CL bartender ever: Rosario!!!!! He is the very best we have ever had! I also love JJ (HaJeong) the Concierge.

[steveru621]

So now that we can get a drink for free at a bar and carry it into the MDR, does this mean that we can leave the CL with a drink and take it to dinner? Any thoughts on this?

Shirley, Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

We were on the same ship as Mom and never were informed about the tips, thanks for the heads up. We absolutely LOVED the vouchers.

 

To answer the above question, there was a rather LARGE rude sign in the substitute Diamond Club expressing the don't dare take a drink out of here. And like every other ship I have been on it was ignored by everyone including bar service. Just a note on the Explorer, before the vouchers mixed drinks were only 25% off at the 19th hole, and I be damned if they can tell me I can't take a drink I paid for.

 

You can only use the vouchers in the bars and lounges, no dining areas or the theater. Can't speak for the casino.

 

Our bar service did not give us a receipt at all in the Diamond Club. The rest of the venues it was about 50%.

[karena1]

We go to the DL or CL on every ship since we are D+. We take a ton of $1's with us and tip a couple of $ with every round of drinks we receive. Over the course of the week, that is a lot of $$ in tips. We used to tip $10 extra at the end of the week but found the staff really appreciates the "tips as we go" so we now do that instead. Then I don't have to remember to take care of it the last night when I am trying to pack, etc.