Tipping extra for drinks with a package

[calypso73]

Eh . . . . REALLY depends on what you're drinking and the service you receive. AND - you don't have to tip AT ALL if you don't want to.

 

 

 

How are you arriving at 30-40% tip. Many of the drinks I drink are around $8 - $12 on which I tipped $1. That works out to 8.3 - 12.5%.

 

 

 

I tip because I spent many years in college as a bartender - and I know it makes ME feel better.

 

 

 

Tipping is a very personal thing. Do whatever you feel is appropriate for the service and product that you receive.

 

 

18% tip is already included in the package price. If you then tip an extra 12% on top of that you have effectively tipped 30%. If you drink less than the break even number of drinks on the package your tip % is higher. If you drink more than the break even number it's lower.

[CaribSailor]

Good service over time gets extra tips. We just got off Indy and there were a few bartenders that just didn't care at all and made terrible drinks. Near the end of the cruise I would either flip the good ones 50$ or ask for a zero'd out receipt with tip line.

[parrotfeathers]

A fifty dollar tip for a drink?

 

 

Good service over time gets extra tips. We just got off Indy and there were a few bartenders that just didn't care at all and made terrible drinks. Near the end of the cruise I would either flip the good ones 50$ or ask for a zero'd out receipt with tip line.

[CaribSailor]

A fifty dollar tip for a drink?

 

 

Extra for the week if we visited the same bartender multiple times and service/drinks were good. On our last cruise I tipped 4 bartenders 50$ each at the end of the week on top of whatever they get from the package.

[LMaxwell]

Extra for the week if we visited the same bartender multiple times and service/drinks were good. On our last cruise I tipped 4 bartenders 50$ each at the end of the week on top of whatever they get from the package.

Heck I am making my wife breakfast. Would you like anything? Coffee? [emoji51]

[robin13]

I always tip extra for drinks, not on the dotted line, in cash. The pre-paid tips and the auto 18% gets added to their checks on payday every two weeks. Cash they can use that evening when they want to have a drink to wind down from their day.

 

It's why I bring a wad of ones on every cruise. Someone brings me a drink they get a buck. Its not a lot of money, but they really appreciate it, and I appreciate the extra good service it brings.

 

Tip Your Wait Staff. They are the ones making your cruise great.

 

That is a great idea! I was on IOS in April 2014 and got the drink package but didn't tip extra. I probably had 6-8 drinks a day but never felt tipsy at all! I will be on her again this Sunday and I am going to start tipping a extra dollar or so to see if the drinks will be stronger. I don't mind tipping extra as long as the server is friendly and personable. I am the same way in the casino to the dealers. As long as I am winning and you are friendly you going to get a tip from me.

[newbiecruiser09]

Aren't regularly (non package) ordered drinks also have added 18% for tip?

 

Even when we don't do the package, we always tip extra in cash for good service.

[casinostreer]

Aren't regularly (non package) ordered drinks also have added 18% for tip?

 

Yes.

[George C]

We also normally tip a few dollars extra most of the time, I have been very happy with bar service with drink package on last 2 cruises, But as said this is optional ( same as we normally tip extra for room attendant/steward even though tip is included)

[Big_G]

Aren't regularly (non package) ordered drinks also have added 18% for tip?

 

Even when we don't do the package, we always tip extra in cash for good service.

 

Us too.

[Havingfun2010]

Eh . . . . REALLY depends on what you're drinking and the service you receive. AND - you don't have to tip AT ALL if you don't want to.

 

How are you arriving at 30-40% tip. Many of the drinks I drink are around $8 - $12 on which I tipped $1. That works out to 8.3 - 12.5%.

 

I tip because I spent many years in college as a bartender - and I know it makes ME feel better.

 

Tipping is a very personal thing. Do whatever you feel is appropriate for the service and product that you receive.

 

A $10.00 drink at 18% is $1.80 tip. Add a $1.00 or $2.00 tips like many people said. At $2.00 that now equals $3.80. That is a 38% tip for pouring a drink. At $1.00 it is 28%. Now if the drink is less money or a beer, and the beer cost $6.00 with 18% and $1.00 it is 34%.

 

My point and question is, why do people tip at 30-40% a bartender, and why not tip that much to a waiter/waitress? If you tip the bartender, why don't people tip $10.00 to $15.00 per person at dinner on top of the daily amount?

 

Also, people said that they tip the bartender in the MDR for drinks, but never mention the servers that work harder and most likely make a ton of money "less" than a bartender.

 

I tip extra to many different people, but very seldom do I tip that kind of percentages to a bartender, making a 15 second pour and spending less than 2 minutes on your drink, and ringing you up.

 

So why not take that $10.00 a day for drink tips, and use it for the wait staff?

[JoeRum]

Just home from the Navigator. I tipped $1.00 extra to every bartender the first couple days. The Bartenders that went the extra mile from that extra tip were my bartenders of choice for the rest of the trip and were rewarded accordingly. I received exceptional service throughout the cruise from said Bartenders. I would be 5 paces away from the bar and I would make eye contact and my cocktail was already being prepared. My opinion on tipping has evolved. I used to scoff at tipping extra. I tip up front and throughout the cruise and I will see the benefits.

 

I am fortunate enough to live where I do and make a decent living. I enjoy my cruise vacations and I want these folks to benefit directly from the service I get from them. I am sure there are many who do a great job and never see a dime of a tip as a bartender, stateroom attendant or waiter.

 

JoeRum

[casinostreer]

 

I am fortunate enough to live where I do and make a decent living. I enjoy my cruise vacations and I want these folks to benefit directly from the service I get from them. I am sure there are many who do a great job and never see a dime of a tip as a bartender, stateroom attendant or waiter.

 

JoeRum

 

 

WELL SAID! :) It does make you feel good, doesn't it?

[audinary]

Hi there

 

Newbie here - never been on a cruise - first time on Sunday :).. Just wondering about the drink packages - are they worth it and where could I look at them? thanks in advance

[casinostreer]

Hi there

 

Newbie here - never been on a cruise - first time on Sunday :).. Just wondering about the drink packages - are they worth it and where could I look at them? thanks in advance

 

Welcome to cruise critic!! :)

 

Drink packages and their value/use is a well discussed topic on this forum. Probably a good idea to type in "drink packages" into the "SEARCH CRUISE CRITIC" box in the upper right hand corner of this page.

 

That way - you can familiarize yourself with what's been discussed in the past and make that decision based on how much you drink (or would like to drink on the cruise), how many port days vs sea days, etc. That decision can really only be answered by you. You'll get a lot of STRONG opinions here both pro and con about the packages.

 

There's a lot of great info on this website. Have fun jumping in there and reading. I have and still do! :-)

 

HAPPY CRUISING!!

Edited September 8, 2015 by casinostreer

[DianeandMark]

Ok, Australian newbie here....we are going to pay as we go for drinks as we are not big drinkers. My question is...do we tip the bar staff or is it already included in the price of drinks.

[casinostreer]

Ok, Australian newbie here....we are going to pay as we go for drinks as we are not big drinkers. My question is...do we tip the bar staff or is it already included in the price of drinks.

 

18% gratuity will already be included in the price of your drink. You are MORE than welcome to leave extra, but it is neither required or "expected." But if you get some great service (which you WILL,) a dollar or so per round never hurts.

 

As an American - we know that the tipping thing is a little weird, but we'll figure it out soon enough. :)

[audinary]

thanks for your reply. Ive left it all a bit late as we fly to Singapore on Friday so just trying to find out what I can before then. Its all very confusing and I am usually organised but not this time arghhh

 

Thanks again

[GUT2407]

Ok, Australian newbie here....we are going to pay as we go for drinks as we are not big drinkers. My question is...do we tip the bar staff or is it already included in the price of drinks.

 

 

18% will be added to the drink price, so lets say you buy a drink for $10 you will be charged $11.80 and that's in US so you will then pay about $16 Aussie.

[DianeandMark]

Thank you for the info. :)

[angelofsin]

Just home from the Navigator. I tipped $1.00 extra to every bartender the first couple days. The Bartenders that went the extra mile from that extra tip were my bartenders of choice for the rest of the trip and were rewarded accordingly. I received exceptional service throughout the cruise from said Bartenders. I would be 5 paces away from the bar and I would make eye contact and my cocktail was already being prepared. My opinion on tipping has evolved. I used to scoff at tipping extra. I tip up front and throughout the cruise and I will see the benefits.

 

I am fortunate enough to live where I do and make a decent living. I enjoy my cruise vacations and I want these folks to benefit directly from the service I get from them. I am sure there are many who do a great job and never see a dime of a tip as a bartender, stateroom attendant or waiter.

 

JoeRum

 

I have to echo Joerum's sentinments here. I am usually in the camp that will bring some singles on the cruise to tip my bartenders/ service providers throughout the cruise. I have also found that they do appreciate it and that some will do the little bit extra for you; whether it is a free pour here and there or noticing you in a crowd and making your drink before you can fully get to the bar.. and for me personally, i find that extra bit of attention to be worth it.

[Sherri914]

thanks for your reply. Ive left it all a bit late as we fly to Singapore on Friday so just trying to find out what I can before then. Its all very confusing and I am usually organised but not this time arghhh

 

Thanks again

 

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_packages.pdf

 

Several packages available.

 

The prices shown include the tip of 18%. If you buy the drinks individual,ly without a package, you will be charged 18% on top of the menu price shown.

 

You may or may not be given a zero receipt to sign for each drink purchased with the package. There will be a sticker or embossed emblem (depending on the package and when you purchase it) on your SeaPass card to indicate that you have the package.

 

Everyone in the cabin doesn't have to purchase a package, but sharing is prohibited.

 

Break-even point depends on what you drink and which package. Menu prices for alcohol are around $8 for a basic mixed drink (liquor + soda), $12 for frozen cocktails. Then, add the 18% on top of that. And remember, if you throw in a bottle or two of water, or some sodas, the # of cocktails needed to break even would be lower. So it's all up to you as to where your break even would be. Also consider the amount of time you'll be off the ship.

 

You can purchase ahead of time or on the ship. If purchasing ahead of time, your credit card will be billed immediately. If purchasing on the ship, you can use onboard credit (if you have any) to pay for all or part of the package.

 

Hope that helps.

[bonvoyagebites]

I am in the "tip a little bit in cash" camp, which will, in fact, get you a bartender friend for the trip.

 

But, beyond that... I learn how to say "Thank You" in the native language of every crew member I come in contact with (one trip it was over 20 languages)... NOTHING will get you a quicker friend than that, and you will be the first to get served, and your drinks will always be "special" and filled before you can make it to the bar.

 

Try it, it's really quite fun to see the reaction.

[monctonguy]

Tipping is important, but being friendly and not rude like a lot people goes along way as well.

 

I am not a huge tipper, but I will leave extra's here and there for good service. But sometimes just a smile or a small conversation with bartender goes along ways compared to the majority of people who just bark their drink order to them.

 

On my Jan cruise, the bartender at the pool bar would keep some blueberry redbull out back just for me to make sure they didn't run out and then I couldn't enjoy my fav drink....redbull/vodka. I didn't ask him to do that or tip every drink but......

 

I have found the bar staff to be very friendly overall, and many have recognized me on return visits.

[Big_G]

A $10.00 drink at 18% is $1.80 tip. Add a $1.00 or $2.00 tips like many people said. At $2.00 that now equals $3.80. That is a 38% tip for pouring a drink. At $1.00 it is 28%. Now if the drink is less money or a beer, and the beer cost $6.00 with 18% and $1.00 it is 34%.

 

My point and question is, why do people tip at 30-40% a bartender, and why not tip that much to a waiter/waitress? If you tip the bartender, why don't people tip $10.00 to $15.00 per person at dinner on top of the daily amount?

 

Also, people said that they tip the bartender in the MDR for drinks, but never mention the servers that work harder and most likely make a ton of money "less" than a bartender.

 

I tip extra to many different people, but very seldom do I tip that kind of percentages to a bartender, making a 15 second pour and spending less than 2 minutes on your drink, and ringing you up.

 

So why not take that $10.00 a day for drink tips, and use it for the wait staff?

 

I think your making an assumption. We also always tip the wait staff and the cabin attendant extra but we're talking about bar staff right now.