Drink tipping

[Dr. Cocktail]

Even in Toronto, it's really no big deal to get a stack of US dollar bills from our local bank.

 

We are always in the Haven and give a couple of dollars each time we see a new server during a (made-up!) shift. Meaning ... I'll tip for the first drink but not necessarily the second but will reset in the afternoon and after dinner. Crazy? Absolutely but it works for me.

 

And yes ... as the staff get to know that you do tip, you will get better service. I used to tip at the end with my favourite servers but I didn't always see them on the last day and I realized I was missing lovely people who served me only once or twice.

 

The argument that the service charge is already included doesn't really work for me as we really don't know how much NCL is actually giving them. 

 

But most importantly?  These hard working individuals have to live on a ship away from their families for many months at a time. They don't do it because they necessarily love handing you your mudslide - they do it to survive and support their families. An extra few dollars a day may not mean a lot to me but it means tons to them.  You just have to imagine how you would want your son or daughter or nephew treated if they were in that situation - put yourself in their shoes.

Edited March 17, 2023 by Dr. Cocktail

[cruiseny4life]

4 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

But most importantly?  These hard working individuals have to live on a ship away from their families for many months at a time. They don't do it because they necessarily love handing you your mudslide - they do it to survive and support their families. An extra few dollars a day may not mean a lot to me but it means tons to them.  You just have to imagine how you would want your son or daughter or nephew treated if they were in that situation - put yourself in their shoes.

I'm gonna go with...they voluntarily signed a contract to work. Just like my husband did when he left for six months to work away from me two years ago....I'm still not tipping extra for a drink, except for those exceptions I mentioned. And yes, I know they work hard as hell.

Don't try to judge those of us who do things differently than you. K? Thanks Doc.

[Dr. Cocktail]

4 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

 

Don't try to judge those of us who do things differently than you. K? Thanks Doc.

Just like you're doing with me?

[Dr. Cocktail]

3 minutes ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Just like you're doing with me?

I wasn't judging, I was just stating my opinion, just as you were. And your snide tone isn't particularly appreciated.

 

And .... I'm outta here. I'm just too tired for nasty ...

Edited March 17, 2023 by Dr. Cocktail

[LloydJr]

I have a firm policy of NEVER tipping my drink.  It works until it doesn't. 😛

[Smitheroo]

9 hours ago, JimP1903 said:

If you are on the free at sea package, and already prepaying beverage tips, does anyone still tip the wait staff and/or bar staff?  Asking because we have never done the beverage packages.

I wanted to tip the crew who took orders and delivered drinks away from the bar, i.e. if I was sitting in the Atrium and a bar crewperson passed by with a tray and asked if I wanted another drink, which he/she would then deliver to me where I was seated.  That seems like extra service to me but my travel partner insisted that we already tipped.  If I was alone I would tip in this scenario.

[LloydJr]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

Yeah... you can change from $100 to 5 $20s. Then a $20 to 4 $5s. Then $5 to 5 $1. Always waiting for the machine to reset between changes. So to get $20 in singles, it could take 5-10 minutes. No thank you, there is hardly ever a line at the casino cage. 

It's all how you approach it.  I pretend it's a slot machine and no matter how much money I pump in I never lose!

[laudergayle]

50 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

I suppose you're right that a tip might be the way to get faster service. Thanks for the bougie check!

Oh…don’t forget the innocent smile from the quiet person in the background.  BTW…doesn’t work in an organized line like at the  pool deck.  There…just tip the servers well. They will be around quicker than your finish your cocktail. 

[Smitheroo]

9 hours ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

The argument that the service charge is already included doesn't really work for me as we really don't know how much NCL is actually giving them. 

 This is why I always tip my room steward at the end   I dont know what they are given out of the prepaid gratuities.

[CILCIANRQTS]

Great taste!
Less filling!!
Why do CC folks continue to argue that there is a “right” answer to tipping??? 🤔

[mypleasure]

I pre-pay daily service charge and tips on drink/dining packages. These in themselves are large additional fees over and above my cruise fare.

As someone from a culture where workers are paid a reasonable wage and tipping is not part of their pay, I simply do not tip everytime someone gets me something that it is their job to do so, and have already, by performing such task, received 20% of the value of the item requested. I also resent tipping in order to get some sort of perceived "special" treatment. If there is a line you wait your turn.

 

On the final day I normally give an additional amount of cash to our room steward and sometimes a crew member who may have done something special for me. That is not a guarantee, it is a one off.

[wcook]

11 hours ago, LloydJr said:

I have a firm policy of NEVER tipping my drink.  It works until it doesn't. 😛

So you always use a straw?

[Oakman58]

It's funny, reading this thread you would think the majority of cruisers tip when they get a drink.  Yet I have RARELY seen anyone tipping at a bar or restaurant.  Of course I'm never in the Haven so...

[PATRLR]

15 hours ago, WexIrl said:

Yes, I always bring a bag of €2 and €1 euro coins with me to slide across the bar and then give the other service folks notes. 

14 hours ago, eileeshb said:

I used the €2 coins on a European itinerary but I switch to dollars for cruises out of the states

Wow, this was getting dangerously close to that $2 bill thread that finally died.  I'd hate to see that get revived.

[Smitheroo]

4 hours ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

Why do CC folks continue to argue that there is a “right” answer to tipping??? 🤔

"Tips" originally meant "to insure proper (?) service" so those that tip as they order drinks have the original idea.  I see it more as a "thank you for doing the job you do because there would be no cruises without you"   type of thing.  In the future despite what my travel partner thinks I will be tipping for drinks delivered to me away from the bar.   In the past I wasnt a drinker, took it up in my old age so this is all new to me. (tippings with drinks)

[LloydJr]

3 hours ago, wcook said:

So you always use a straw?

Okay, so I really didn't think that one through completely. 🤣

[beachmiker]

It's amazing, while sitting out by the pool and it's really crowded around the pool, I can get my favorite drink of the Day by giving the server a couple of $1's now and again. I hate putting down my music and book to go to the bar and stand there forever.

 

Of course, maybe that's why I get a little buzz going sometimes!

[mearsfansinboise]

$1 per drink either to the person who brings us the drink in any lounge, or to a bartender, but that's our standard.

[MoCruiseFan]

On 3/16/2023 at 11:47 AM, JimP1903 said:

If you are on the free at sea package, and already prepaying beverage tips, does anyone still tip the wait staff and/or bar staff?  Asking because we have never done the beverage packages.

Anyone? Yes of course some people do.  Beside what difference does it make what others do.  If you choose tp yip o so in any amount you want at any time you want.

[mary_228]

This is so different from Princess. The whole ship is paperless, so there is no way to leave any "additional" tip, unless one carries cash around. In fact, you never even have to show your card, as you carry a small medallion that the bartender "sees" who you are when you approach the counter. We were so surprised when she greeted us by name in the first hour we were on board! You can order a drink using the app and the waiter will find you wherever you happen to be sitting!

 

I do not have the freestyle package on my upcoming POA sailing. Will I get a bit of paper to sign each time I purchase a drink? I read that the gratuity is already going to be added to my total. So will there be an extra line to add more if I choose (unlikely)?

[WexIrl]

This is so different from Princess. The whole ship is paperless, so there is no way to leave any "additional" tip, unless one carries cash around

How else would you carry cash? 

 Pockets and wallet I suggest for anyone not used to carry such antiquated form of payment 🤣

Edited March 19, 2023 by WexIrl

[complawyer]

mary_228.

 

i cant believe you would go on a cruise with any cruise line and not bring along cash.  dont you ever tip the tour guides, taxi drivers, the porters at the pier, both embarking/disembarking and any one else that may provide a little extra service?

 

how about a waiter that brings you an extra desert when you smile at him and ask for it.,

 

this thread has been going on ad nauseum. bottom  line is tip if you want to! dont tip if you feel that the daily gratuities are included in your overall fare.

personally, i wouldnt think of leaving home without an extra few $100(at least $500) cash.

 

before we leave home ,my wife and i sit down and figure out exactly who we want to tip, regardless of whether or not gratuities have been included.

 

please note, this is strictly our position, and if you choose not to tip, no one will care. so, to each his own

[PATRLR]

On 3/17/2023 at 4:56 PM, MoCruiseFan said:

Anyone? Yes of course some people do.  Beside what difference does it make what others do. 

Who said it made a difference?  

Is there something wrong, in your opinion, with people such as @JimP1903 asking a question to enhance their knowledge base further?  Actually, that's a rhetorical question, we all know that you seem to love dismissing people's questions like this one.

 

[cmph]

19 hours ago, mary_228 said:

I do not have the freestyle package on my upcoming POA sailing. Will I get a bit of paper to sign each time I purchase a drink? I read that the gratuity is already going to be added to my total. So will there be an extra line to add more if I choose (unlikely)?

I'm wondering this same thing. I am not sure why everyone wants to carry around stacks of dollar bills, unless there is no slip? On Disney cruises, it's pretty easy to add $1 to the slip (clearly noted as additional gratuity beyond the already included 18%). Maybe these slips are not given on NCL? Or maybe they don't give them if you have a drinks package, but you do get them if you DON'T have a drinks package?

 

BTW, on my cruise last week, I had one outfit that had pockets. Women's clothing is stupid that way. So carrying cash around is not my preference. I keep my card in a lanyard with a couple other small things but not interested in adding a stack of folded cash.

[sailorusvi]

 

56 minutes ago, cmph said:

I'm wondering this same thing. I am not sure why everyone wants to carry around stacks of dollar bills, unless there is no slip? On Disney cruises, it's pretty easy to add $1 to the slip (clearly noted as additional gratuity beyond the already included 18%). Maybe these slips are not given on NCL? Or maybe they don't give them if you have a drinks package, but you do get them if you DON'T have a drinks package?

 

BTW, on my cruise last week, I had one outfit that had pockets. Women's clothing is stupid that way. So carrying cash around is not my preference. I keep my card in a lanyard with a couple other small things but not interested in adding a stack of folded cash.

 

 🤷‍♀️ I managed to carry around cash, along with my room card and phone (for taking pictures).  It's not that hard.

 

We work in the hospitality industry and always tip. Curse of working in the industry is over tipping. 🙂  To an outside observer it might have looked like DH was Henry Hill walking through the Copacabana in the Goodfellas. 

 

That's us though. Tip if you want, don't tip if you don't want to.  Your choice.