Extra gratuities in specialty restaurants

[7680]

We are a family of 4 and two companions, traveling on Wonder, 4/20/23. We purchased the unlimited specialty dining package. What should hubby and I be providing for a group of 6 at each meal? I realize it’s not necessary to leave extra, but these people work so hard and I have been in the service industry in the past. Thanks!

[cruisetorelax44]

We usually leave $5-$10 per person, per meal. All depends on where we're going and the server.

We know we paid an extra 18% gratuity when we booked the package, but we like to leave a little extra.

[taglovestocruise]

We usually leave $10 for both of us.  

Edited March 14, 2023 by taglovestocruise

[soremekun]

Questions:  What would be the cost of eating at the restaurant if the package wasn't purchased?  Then what would 20% of that be?

[Blur]

7 minutes ago, taglovestocruise said:

We usually leave $10 for both of us. 

I do the same for two people but that's usually with paying the individual meal price.  We never do udp since that would make us over eat.  Considering you have 6 I am sure they would be happy with anything extra.  Just don't give them a bunch of $2s 😋 unless that's all you have then that's ok too lol.

Edited March 14, 2023 by Blur

[QueSeraSera]

Our first RCL cruise in a couple weeks.  The built in 18% seems like a decent tip to us; hoping to hear more on this topic.

[Morecruisesplz]

28 minutes ago, 7680 said:

We are a family of 4 and two companions, traveling on Wonder, 4/20/23. We purchased the unlimited specialty dining package. What should hubby and I be providing for a group of 6 at each meal? I realize it’s not necessary to leave extra, but these people work so hard and I have been in the service industry in the past. Thanks!

We leave $20 for 2. But that's for above and beyond.  I like minestrone ... ok, we will make it for you. Or if waiter says: try is new one on me. Paying attention to your kids, etc.

[Morecruisesplz]

8 minutes ago, QueSeraSera said:

Our first RCL cruise in a couple weeks.  The built in 18% seems like a decent tip to us; hoping to hear more on this topic.

That 18% is not all for waiter.

[sandc4e]

We always leave an additional $20 for the 2 of us.'

[taglovestocruise]

10 minutes ago, QueSeraSera said:

Our first RCL cruise in a couple weeks.  The built in 18% seems like a decent tip to us; hoping to hear more on this topic.

Most of that 18% goes into the tip pool, server only gets a few dollars.

[Blur]

19 minutes ago, QueSeraSera said:

Our first RCL cruise in a couple weeks.  The built in 18% seems like a decent tip to us; hoping to hear more on this topic.

18% if doing UDP isn't that much total tip for all the eating you will be doing.  Of course extra tipping isn't required but def nice.

 

Let's said UDP for 7 night is 300 that's 360 with 20% tip.  Given you'll prob do 7 dinners, 7 lunches, x extra snack locations eg pre-dinner sushi.  You are getting a steal of a price and only paid $60 tip for all those meals.

[QueSeraSera]

16 minutes ago, sandc4e said:

We always leave an additional $20 for the 2 of us.'

Wow.  Former MIL was from Maine & to say she was thrifty is putting it nicely 🙂

OK, I do appreciate clarification on where the 18% goes.  So we will bring more paper money along than originally planned & tip as if only 5% or so is going to the waiter or whoever.

 

[cruiseboy89130]

No tip needed - they already charged you 18%

 

[ATG]

We generally leave $10 to $20.  But I do have a comment about the tip pool.  I agree the server doesn’t get much as an individual from your 18%, but doesn’t he also get a portion of every one else’s 18%?  

[deliver42]

With my wife and myself, I tip $20.00

[Tree_skier]

$20 for dinner for two and $10 for lunch for two.

[Seville2Cabo]

For 2 of us, usually $10 for lunch and $15 to $20 for dinner, depending on waiter. We’ve never had a bad waiter in any specialty restaurant and usually request them on our return visits. 

[time4u2go]

2 hours ago, QueSeraSera said:

OK, I do appreciate clarification on where the 18% goes.

It is not known for sure where the 18% goes to.

[time4u2go]

1 hour ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

No tip needed - they already charged you 18%

 

I'm thinking the same thing.

[Ocean Boy]

3 hours ago, fredmdcruisers said:

That 18% is not all for waiter.

Does it matter? When you go to a restaurant and tip 18%, or whatever amount, do you take into account, or even know, where that 18% is going?

[Morecruisesplz]

6 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

Does it matter? When you go to a restaurant and tip 18%, or whatever amount, do you take into account, or even know, where that 18% is going?

Nope. Good point. 

[Ocean Boy]

40 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

It is not known for sure where the 18% goes to.

Just like with the auto gratuities. It is the "new" system.

[CruiseSlacker]

46 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

I'm thinking the same thing.

me too.

[Scoobydobe7]

3 hours ago, Blur said:

18% if doing UDP isn't that much total tip for all the eating you will be doing.  Of course extra tipping isn't required but def nice.

 

Let's said UDP for 7 night is 300 that's 360 with 20% tip.  Given you'll prob do 7 dinners, 7 lunches, x extra snack locations eg pre-dinner sushi.  You are getting a steal of a price and only paid $60 tip for all those meals.

Doesn't the auto-grats cover the 4/5 non sea day lunches and snacks plus the dinners you are not eating in the dining room???

[Morecruisesplz]

27 minutes ago, Scoobydobe7 said:

Doesn't the auto-grats cover the 4/5 non sea day lunches and snacks plus the dinners you are not eating in the dining room???

There is that! Paying double if you leave auto grats in place.

Edited March 15, 2023 by fredmdcruisers
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