Tipping

[CruisetheCs]

Interesting that this does not come up on the Crystal board. In any case, I am not disputing what other people do or do not do is their business. My issue is with people stating that they tip as if they are recommending this to people new to Regent. This comes across as bragging to me (may be looked at differently in the U.K.). If it isn't Regent's policy, what is the point of posting what you do - especially if you feel that is no one's business?

 

When people ask what the dress code policy is on Regent (other thread), posters rarely post that they wear jeans to dinner and it their business - no one else's.

 

For whatever reason, many people do not read the Regent website which answers all of these questions. They come to the Regent board to ask the policies here. IMO, it is our responsibility to let them know the policy rather than confusing the issue by saying...... but I tip and it is no one's business. Again, (and I realize that I'm repeating myself), if it is "no ones business", why is it being posted on the Regent board? Is this not sharing "your business" with everyone?

 

P.S. Petty? You bet it is! It is mind boggling that posters can argue with a written policy!

I didn't realize that apparently posters shouldn't "argue" about written policies . I think there could be a question as to who exactly is arguing over the policy since in this instance the policy doesn't forbid tipping.

 

Should no one criticize any of Regent's policies? I know it is Regent's policy to include "free" excursions in the cost of of the trip. I think I've seen some posters "arguing" about the usefulness and validity of that policy. Or maybe we need a set of guidelines so we know what policies it is okay to disagree with and what policies it isn't okay to disagree with. And then there are unwritten policies. The thought of all this leaves me more than a bit perplexed.....

 

Maybe we need a set of rules posted each day that states what it is okay to to post and what it is not okay to post because I have a feeling that the rules change depending on who posting and when.

 

And just as a postscript, many of these discussions would be enhanced if Regent deemed it worthwhile to post regularly on these boards. {I hope I didn't violate some rule by saying that!}

 

Now back to the original subject. There are many reasons that people might give tips. I think it is ultimately a personal decision influenced by the culture in the country from which we come and a number of other factors. If people want to tip staff extra, that is okay with me and if they feel the "pre-paid" tips are the appropriate tip, that is okay too.

[Travelcat2]

I didn't realize that apparently posters shouldn't "argue" about written policies . I think there could be a question as to who exactly is arguing over the policy since in this instance the policy doesn't forbid tipping.

 

Should no one criticize any of Regent's policies? I know it is Regent's policy to include "free" excursions in the cost of of the trip. I think I've seen some posters "arguing" about the usefulness and validity of that policy. Or maybe we need a set of guidelines so we know what policies it is okay to disagree with and what policies it isn't okay to disagree with. And then there are unwritten policies. The thought of all this leaves me more than a bit perplexed.....

 

Maybe we need a set of rules posted each day that states what it is okay to to post and what it is not okay to post because I have a feeling that the rules change depending on who posting and when.

 

And just as a postscript, many of these discussions would be enhanced if Regent deemed it worthwhile to post regularly on these boards. {I hope I didn't violate some rule by saying that!}

 

Now back to the original subject. There are many reasons that people might give tips. I think it is ultimately a personal decision influenced by the culture in the country from which we come and a number of other factors. If people want to tip staff extra, that is okay with me and if they feel the "pre-paid" tips are the appropriate tip, that is okay too.

 

Of course we can challenge policies -- it is done all the time on Cruise Critic (and I continue to challenge a couple of Regent's policies). However, on this thread, someone new to Regent wants to know about tipping. IMO, this isn't the place to debate a policy but to simply provide the information about Regent's policy. On the other hand, if someone started a thread regarding Regent's tipping policy - whether or not tips should be included, etc., it would be the perfect place to debate the policy.

 

Regent's policy is clear to me "................ If guests feel strongly about expressing their gratitude to the crew, they should be encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser Office"' They have actually changed the wording from what they had previously by adding the point about what guests should do if they feeling strongly about expressing their gratitude.

[Suite Travels]

I am sorry, but nowhere in the brochures do I see a strong policy about not tipping. A policy means it must be adhered to. Make it a crew policy not to accept tips or there might be repercussions from Regent if caught. Of course I am being sarcastic. Maybe they should have signs in the crew area.....Just Say No To Tips.

[Travelcat2]

I am sorry, but nowhere in the brochures do I see a strong policy about not tipping. A policy means it must be adhered to. Make it a crew policy not to accept tips or there might be repercussions from Regent if caught. Of course I am being sarcastic. Maybe they should have signs in the crew area.....Just Say No To Tips.

 

There have been discussions regarding "policies" before. Over the years I have read posts from passengers that had their tips turned down. However, I can't see any cruise line creating the type of "policy" that you suggest.

 

In terms of passengers, Regent treats their guests with respect. There are no signs around saying that you must use sanitizer before entering a dining venue, that you must put the toilet seat down before flushing (although this is what is suppose to be done with toilets on a ship), that you must wash your hands, etc. etc. etc. They have guidelines (aka policies) that we are asked to follow.

 

Not sure if you have read this but it is what most of us use in order to understand Regent's guidelines/policies. You may find this of interest http://www.rssc.com/frequently-asked-questions/general/

[gnomie1]

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the tremendous amount of entertainment this thread (and many others) has provided to my office - it is tax season and working late into the night is the norm.

 

Getting tired, feeling sluggish, need a quick pick me up - just head on over to CC and read some of the threads - a surefire guarantee method of getting the gray matter fired up and running!

 

Although we have all been on cruises, I am the only one who has been on Regent and I have encouraged others to try Regent. Based on some of the postings, my sanity has come into question. I have reassured people that there is no fabric inspector on board to look at each and every pair of pants being worn after 6:00pm or you will be thrown off the ship by not abiding by the "policies" and have tipped a member of the crew.

 

gnomie :)

Edited March 18, 2016 by gnomie1
I have already been at work for 14 hours

[Suite Travels]

Gratuities are included in the cruise fare for all Regent employees. If guests feel strongly about expressing their gratitude to the crew, they should be encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser Office. This money is utilized for crew parties and events.

 

 

The operative word is "encouraged" but this in no way is a policy. This is simply a suggestion which all luxury lines make. Again, I was being sarcastic about signs in crew quarters. I am sure every crew member has a policy and procedure manual but the guests do not. Maybe we all need one when boarding a ship.:D

Edited March 18, 2016 by Suite Travels

[Travelcat2]

Gratuities are included in the cruise fare for all Regent employees. If guests feel strongly about expressing their gratitude to the crew, they should be encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser Office. This money is utilized for crew parties and events.

 

 

The operative word is "encouraged" but this in no way is a policy. This is simply a suggestion which all luxury lines make. Again, I was being sarcastic about signs in crew quarters. I am sure every crew member has a policy and procedure manual but the guests do not. Maybe we all need one when boarding a ship.:D

 

Hmmm, you seem to have found the other (older) wording. Still, when you look at the question about tipping on the Regent website you will find:

 

Should I tip onboard?

 

Gratuities are included in the cruise fare for all Regent employees. If guests feel strongly about expressing their gratitude to the crew, they should be encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser Office. This money is utilized for crew parties and events.

 

This is what I made reference to a few times on this thread. The wording on this is different than what you quoted. How many ways does Regent need to say that the Crew Welfare Fund is the way to express gratitude to the crew?

 

Try looking at this as someone new to Regent. IMO, the older wording is not as specific as the newer wording. You will not be thrown off of the ship, hung and/or quartered if you tip but that isn't the point. People new to Regent ask what the policy is and most of us pretty much quote the above. Whether any of us who may have tipped a member of the crew does not play into the question of Regent's policy/recommendation. We could make this thread even more convoluted by addressing the difference between tipping a butler and tipping a steward/stewardess/restaurant server, etc.

 

It seems that threads regarding tipping, dress code and/or smoking brings out fangs, dragon fire and perhaps biting alligators. :)

Edited March 18, 2016 by Travelcat2

[fizzy]

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the tremendous amount of entertainment this thread (and many others) has provided to my office - it is tax season and working late into the night is the norm.

 

Getting tired, feeling sluggish, need a quick pick me up - just head on over to CC and read some of the threads - a surefire guarantee method of getting the gray matter fired up and running!

 

Although we have all been on cruises, I am the only one who has been on Regent and I have encouraged others to try Regent. Based on some of the postings, my sanity has come into question. I have reassured people that there is no fabric inspector on board to look at each and every pair of pants being worn after 6:00pm or you will be thrown off the ship by not abiding by the "policies" and have tipped a member of the crew.

 

gnomie :)

 

You think this is good? You should have been around for the heavily deleted, edited and finally locked "ebola" thread! The Regent lawyers were even somehow involved!

[Mjflowers]

Please stop. Let the lady go to dinner.

[rarin2go]

We all know that tipping the crew members is not expected on Regent.

And we all agree that whether we choose to tip despite that policy is our business, of course.

But stating that I do so publicly does seem in rather poor taste to me, I'm afraid.

[flossie009]

Sorry to be a pedant but think it is important to differentiate between the following terms:

Policy

Code (or code of practice / code of conduct)

Guideline

 

IMO Tipping (including a donation to the Crew Fund) is a personal decision based on the level of service received

 

TC2, At the risk of incurring your wrath, you appear to have hardened your opinions since last April when you posted that you tip your Butler and give gifts to your servers for their families

[liptastic]

Well remembered Flossie, as it was mentioned in a similar thread last year. :) Jean.

[PaulaJK]

May I query why it seems to be a point for admiration that Regent does not post any signs reminding pax to sanitize their hands prior to entering a dining facility? Let the first reader who has not observed a fellow passenger not sanitizing, raise their notepads. Perhaps such signs would have been helpful on

Mariner which has recently had days ,if not weeks, of code red.

[Travelcat2]

Sorry to be a pedant but think it is important to differentiate between the following terms:

Policy

Code (or code of practice / code of conduct)

Guideline

 

IMO Tipping (including a donation to the Crew Fund) is a personal decision based on the level of service received

 

TC2, At the risk of incurring your wrath, you appear to have hardened your opinions since last April when you posted that you tip your Butler and give gifts to your servers for their families

 

Definitely no wrath - you made me laugh (at myself). I try not to indicate whether or not I tip or under what circumstances. I think that I learned my lesson when I mentioned that I gave a server that we have known for years a Scrabble set and his daughter a t-shirt from the states. One would have thought that I gave him gold, a house, car and swimming pool. I consider him a friend but should never have posted what I did.

 

Butlers are a different issue and I don't want to open a whole discussion on tipping Butlers. Let me just say that they often go above and beyond their normal duties. Saying that "you tip your Butler" is not accurate.

 

As far as the differences in terms, policy, guidelines, etc. Regent guests are expected to follow Regent's rules. There are consequences if you do some things that are in their policies/guidelines. You can be escorted off of the ship if caught smoking in your suite........ will probably be reminded of the dress code and asked to change if you are not following it. So, whether it is a called a policy or whatever, it more or less means the same thing. The one thing Regent cannot control is tipping - all they can do is recommend and encourage passengers that feel strongly about tipping to donate to the Crew Welfare Fund.

Edited March 18, 2016 by Travelcat2

[Pamela1]

Haha, like Gnomie said, this has been a highly entertaining thread and well done Flossie for uncovering some truths.

I think it's fair to say we will all tip when we feel like doing so.

Bravo! :D

[Techno123]

There does seem to be a preponderance of people from the States who are in favour of tipping where it is very much the culture. In the UK we also tip but there is a degree of 'awkwardness' about the whole thing. This is why I sail with the 'six star' cruise lines where the tipping is included in what I pay. If a member of staff truly goes above and beyond then they receive a tip and I did contribute to the staff fund when I sailed on a Regent but I really do not feel comfortable with tipping someone for doing their job which is why I prefer to pay a little more and have that concern removed. If a tip is 'compulsory' as on some cruise lines then why is it simply not included into the cost of the cruise? When on dry land if I am paying a service charge then unless the service is truly exceptional, I consider that I have made my contribution.

[Suite Travels]

Service charges in the U.S. are not necessarily tips to the staff..i.e. Hotels and Resorts that are not inclusive charge hotel taxes, resort taxes and a obscure service charge. In some restaurants when your meal is charged to a credit card they will take 3% of the gratuity.

 

During season here in Florida the restaurants put on a suggested gratuity on the the checks ranging from 10-15-20% suggested. Many Europeans and Canadians tip little or not at all. Restaurants do not pay minimum wage to servers or food runners. They rely on tips..

 

Crews that work on a ship are paid ok on the luxury lines but some of the crews are not and we feel giving them a cash gift may help them in a better way many of them save money to take care of families.

 

Crystal has a Crew Welfare Fund, but it is not used for crew parties. The Captain takes care of the parties or a few select guests will throw one at the crew bar. The crew Welfare Fund is used for emergencies to assist them when they need to leave the ship for family or personal reasons.

 

We threw a crew party on the Symphony a few years ago and we were able to see what happens down below. We needed to be approved by the Captain and Vice-Captain to do this. The only people that are approved are those that have many cruises and know the crew. We don't stay long at the crew bar after all we want them to enjoy our gift and appreciation.

 

Crystal gratuities are included but many of the veteran cruisers still tip discreetly as we do. Nobody raises an eyebrow like a very few people on this board. It really is hardly discussed on the Crystal board.

 

This board always brings the dragons of tipping and dress code up all the time with so many arguments.

 

When many of the lines became all inclusive people were saying oh, we are going down the tubes ...bunch of drunks will be taking over etc. Also, when the luxury lines relaxed dress

codes many people thought we were all going to hell in a hand basket. Both of these opinions and postings proved false. Most people who can afford a luxury cruise know how to dress and act. You may get a few who do not. Solution....just avoid them just like we do on land.

 

Off my soap box.

[xrvlcruiser]

Regent also uses the Crew Welfare Fund for emergencies.

[Travelcat2]

Service charges in the U.S. are not necessarily tips to the staff..i.e. Hotels and Resorts that are not inclusive charge hotel taxes, resort taxes and a obscure service charge. In some restaurants when your meal is charged to a credit card they will take 3% of the gratuity.

 

During season here in Florida the restaurants put on a suggested gratuity on the the checks ranging from 10-15-20% suggested. Many Europeans and Canadians tip little or not at all. Restaurants do not pay minimum wage to servers or food runners. They rely on tips..

 

Crews that work on a ship are paid ok on the luxury lines but some of the crews are not and we feel giving them a cash gift may help them in a better way many of them save money to take care of families.

 

Crystal has a Crew Welfare Fund, but it is not used for crew parties. The Captain takes care of the parties or a few select guests will throw one at the crew bar. The crew Welfare Fund is used for emergencies to assist them when they need to leave the ship for family or personal reasons.

 

We threw a crew party on the Symphony a few years ago and we were able to see what happens down below. We needed to be approved by the Captain and Vice-Captain to do this. The only people that are approved are those that have many cruises and know the crew. We don't stay long at the crew bar after all we want them to enjoy our gift and appreciation.

 

Crystal gratuities are included but many of the veteran cruisers still tip discreetly as we do. Nobody raises an eyebrow like a very few people on this board. It really is hardly discussed on the Crystal board.

 

This board always brings the dragons of tipping and dress code up all the time with so many arguments.

 

When many of the lines became all inclusive people were saying oh, we are going down the tubes ...bunch of drunks will be taking over etc. Also, when the luxury lines relaxed dress

codes many people thought we were all going to hell in a hand basket. Both of these opinions and postings proved false. Most people who can afford a luxury cruise know how to dress and act. You may get a few who do not. Solution....just avoid them just like we do on land.

 

Off my soap box.

 

Extremely interesting post - especially regarding Canadians and Europeans. We live only 21 miles from Canada and people working in the service industry (mainly restaurants) complain constantly about Canadian's not tipping. It is a huge issue in our city. On the positive side, tipping is not required or even recommended on Regent.

 

In terms of "people who can afford a luxury cruise know how to dress and act", I agree and disagree. There are some passengers that are completely not into following policies/guidelines (as evidenced by this and the dress code thread).

 

With all due respect (and I do respect you), what people do on the Crystal board has nothing to do with posters on the Regent board. Sometimes, "Crystalized" people seem like robots that always state that everything is wonderful. Have you ever noticed how few reviews are on in the "review" section of Cruise Critic? It is almost as if you will burst into flames if you dare say anything negative about Crystal. Regent passengers that have tried Crystal do not necessarily have the same opinion (or have the same experience onboard) as those of you that regularly sail on Crystal.

 

As you have seen, you can be bashed for giving a crew member who is also a friend a Scrabble set on the Regent board. Posters on the Crystal board do not show the animosity that is shown on the Regent board. And, the Crystal board has Keith -- a person that I wish would try Regent so that he could post his opinions here.

 

You brought up a good point about servers in Florida not receiving minimum wage (many states are like this). They truly depend upon tips. In the state where we live (one of the highest minimum wages in the country) the servers make minimum wage plus tips. This means that many restaurant workers in the state of Washington could easily make $20-50/hour.

 

It is my understanding that luxury cruise employees make more than on ships where tips are required (do not know this for sure). What those of us in the United States feel is a low wage can actually be a very high wage in the countries many of the crew are from (Philippines, Bali, Eastern Europe, etc.) If what I understand to be true is true, crew members on Regent are making a very high wage and are able to send a lot of money home to their family. My friend (the one that was a recipient of the Scrabble set), has sent his children to college -- one has graduated and the other is still in college - all on the salary he receives from Regent (not counting tips which I assume are few in the area of restaurant servers).

 

Lastly, Crystal was the very last luxury cruise line to include tipping (years after everyone else). It is not surprising that long time passengers still tip. Regent had included tipping for as long as we have sailed with them (since 2004) so one would think that posters would understand the "Regent Experience" and how long-time cruisers are hoping to keep this wonderful experience alive. Sadly, some posters would rather attack and argue.

Edited March 19, 2016 by Travelcat2

[Techno123]

Why are the owners of 'service' companies in a first world country not made to pay a living/minimum wage? A member of staff should not have to rely on tips to make up their salary. In the UK the wages aren't fantastic but by law they have to be at a certain level (minimum wage) and the 'living' wage is currently being introduced. So, whilst we are still in Europe :) from a 'European' point of view (and if service is not included) then if a member of staff has looked after me well, they get a tip: if all they did was take my order and bang a plate in front of me then they do not. I do not consider it my job to pay their wages, that is their employers responsibility. It appears that in the States everyone gets a tip whatever the service level and then if the service is good they get extra?

Edited March 19, 2016 by Techno123

[Suite Travels]

It is pretty much the norm here that restaurants and bars pay below minimum wage because of tips. Also some venues pool their tips and if it's a good day or night great but is it is a slow day or night not so good. Waiters in many cases must split tips with the bartender, busboy and food runners. The cooks and chefs are salaried. I don't agree with the system either

 

Some waiters from high end restaurants like the system the way it is because they make more money on tips then they would on a salary with no tips so you have two sides of opinion. Large chain restaurants must pay minimum wage but not the independent owners. Go figure.

[fizzy]

It seems as though gifts come in many forms. Some people like to thank special crew members with a variety of gifts. Some people like to thank certain crew with the gift of an envelope. Some people do not do any of the above and that is just fine also. Would this be an easier way to deal with the subject?

[Techno123]

Sorry, posted twice

Edited March 19, 2016 by Techno123

[Techno123]

It is pretty much the norm here that restaurants and bars pay below minimum wage because of tips. Also some venues pool their tips and if it's a good day or night great but is it is a slow day or night not so good. Waiters in many cases must split tips with the bartender, busboy and food runners. The cooks and chefs are salaried. I don't agree with the system either

Large chain restaurants must pay minimum wage but not the independent owners. Go figure.

 

Is it not illegal to not pay the minimum wage?

 

There is an urban 'myth' (well I hope it is) of a British couple visiting a Chinese restaurant in the U.S., not leaving a tip as the service wasn't very good and being chased down the street by the waiter wielding a meat cleaver demanding his tip :D

 

As an aside, many years ago before the Euro was introduced and Italy were still using the lira, we went to a lovely Italian restaurant in La Thuile, a ski resort. The meal came to the equivalent of just under £30 - the food and service were good and so we left our 10% tip and booked for 2 nights hence. Unfortunately we got our exchange rate wrong and left 300 lira which was the equivalent of 30 pence. We wondered why they put us in what appeared to be a dungeon on our second visit - then we realised :D ( and yes we did leave a decent tip the second time).

[Portolan]

Is it not illegal to not pay the minimum wage?

 

 

This is a bit complicated here. This map (http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm) from the US Department of Labor shows the minimum restaurant worker wage varies greatly across the US. It must be at least the $2.13/hour if a tipped employee, but states or municipalities may set it higher or require a full minimum wage regardless of tips.