Tipping cabin stewards(and others) on Europe cruise

[vjblk]

It has been awhile since I cruised in Europe. I'm cruising out of Amsterdam this summer and I always give extra to my cabin steward at the end of the Cruise. Do I tip in US dollars or should I use Euros?  And how about room service? I believe I've always used USD but don't really remember. Thanks!

[Arizona Wildcat]

8 minutes ago, vjblk said:

It has been awhile since I cruised in Europe. I'm cruising out of Amsterdam this summer and I always give extra to my cabin steward at the end of the Cruise. Do I tip in US dollars or should I use Euros?  And how about room service? I believe I've always used USD but don't really remember. Thanks!

Doesn't matter.  Either is appreciated.   Generally $$ are used.  Many countries in Europe use other currency - UK, Norway, Iceland, Croatia,  Hungary, Switzerland etc.

[CruiserBruce]

Agree. ANY additional is greatly appreciated. 

 

Having said that, the currency of HAL on board  is US dollars.  Doesn't mean they don't appreciate anything else...

[VMax1700]

In Europe I use a hybrid 'system' for additional tips.  For room service I use US Dollars (we keep a stack of ones after each N American based cruise for this purpose).  

For the Room Stewards, if it is early in the season, we leave Euro and if it is late in the season we leave US Dollars.  However I am sure that they will gratefully accept either.

 

On a side note, the smallest Euro note is a five euro (currently about $6 value) so for smaller amounts you would need to use coins.  I have not had coins in my pocket since Covid and their use has greatly diminished in that period. (There is also a perception that coins are 'small change' and not so valued as notes)  Also, the use of Euro notes has greatly diminished as 'Tap & Go' and mobile wallets have changed the way currency is used over here.

[vicd1969]

3 hours ago, VMax1700 said:

In Europe I use a hybrid 'system' for additional tips.  For room service I use US Dollars (we keep a stack of ones after each N American based cruise for this purpose).  

For the Room Stewards, if it is early in the season, we leave Euro and if it is late in the season we leave US Dollars.  However I am sure that they will gratefully accept either.

 

 

This is a great idea - Indonesian and Filipino crew usually send money home in the form of dollars, but having euros at the start of their European contract helps them with spending money when they're able to go on shore. Actually this may be leading to another question - what payroll payment methods are available for the non-officer crew?

[oakridger]

13 hours ago, vicd1969 said:

Actually this may be leading to another question - what payroll payment methods are available for the non-officer crew?

 

Can you clarify what you are asking? 

 

~Nancy

[vicd1969]

13 minutes ago, oakridger said:

 

Can you clarify what you are asking? 

 

~Nancy

Are they paid by direct deposit every 2 weeks or a check at the end of their contract?

[ontheweb]

7 hours ago, vicd1969 said:

Are they paid by direct deposit every 2 weeks or a check at the end of their contract?

Why does that matter to you?

[d9704011]

5 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

Why does that matter to you?

I suppose he could be wondering about the cash flow from the employee to the family at home?

[Mary229]

I always use ship currency with which HAL is USD.  Supposedly they turn over the cash tips to the crew kitty which is in USD.  

[vicd1969]

1 hour ago, d9704011 said:

I suppose he could be wondering about the cash flow from the employee to the family at home?

Yes, exactly.