Official Currency and Making Change for Tips

[Joe33472]

I've been reading through posts and just wanted to verify that the USD is still the official currency on Cunard, and if so, will guest services make change in USD for tips.  So, let's say I have a $100 bill will they cash that for 100 $1 bills?   Or will they want to give me $20s and then maybe $20 in ones.    I'm not opposed to tipping in Euros, but the lowest paper bill in Euros is €5, I think that that is a bit much for making a drink.  The lowest bill in Pounds is 5, I think.   I'd prefer not to carry around a bunch of Euro coins either.     We're going to be in Europe for a little bit before our TA and really don't want to carry around a couple stacks of $1 bills.  I read on another board that the casino will often make change, but that they are thinking you'll spend that in the casino.    Will guest services bat an eye if I walk up with a $100 bill and ask for 100 $1 bills?  Or is that no big deal.   

 

 

 

Edited February 19 by Joe33472

[Victoria2]

We tip in pound sterling now as it;s the most convenient for us but if I'm reading you correctly and you want to tip after a drink order, the drinks carry an automatic tip added onto the receipt so we wouldn't tip extra.

 

No idea on the front desk and changing currency into smaller denominations but a 100 x$1 might not be the most popular exchange.

 

 

[Poole Boy]

Front desk will change large USD notes for singles or what ever you need

 

[NE John]

10 minutes ago, Joe33472 said:

I've been reading through post and just wanted to verify that the USD is still the official currency on Cunard, and if so, will guest services make change in USD for tips.  So, let's say I have a $100 bill will they cash that for 100 $1 bills?   Or will they want to give me $20s and then maybe $20 in ones.    I'm not opposed to tipping in Euros, but the lowest paper bill in Euros is €5, I think that that is a bit much for making a drink.  The lowest bill in Pounds is 5, I think.   I'd prefer not to carry around a bunch of Euro coins either.     We're going to be in Europe for a little bit before our TA and really don't want to carry around a couple stacks of $1 bills.  I read on another board that the casino will often make change, but that they are thinking you'll spend that in the casino.    Will guest services bat an eye if I walk up with a $100 bill and ask for 100 $1 bills?  Or is that no big deal.   

 

 

 

Tipping is in US $ but I had some leftover UK pounds we have to the cabin steward and that wasn’t a problem.  Crew can convert currency for themselves. Also, if you wish, just add an extra tip on the slip when asked to sign, on top of the 15% Service Charge. 

[exlondoner]

38 minutes ago, Joe33472 said:

I've been reading through posts and just wanted to verify that the USD is still the official currency on Cunard, and if so, will guest services make change in USD for tips.  So, let's say I have a $100 bill will they cash that for 100 $1 bills?   Or will they want to give me $20s and then maybe $20 in ones.    I'm not opposed to tipping in Euros, but the lowest paper bill in Euros is €5, I think that that is a bit much for making a drink.  The lowest bill in Pounds is 5, I think.   I'd prefer not to carry around a bunch of Euro coins either.     We're going to be in Europe for a little bit before our TA and really don't want to carry around a couple stacks of $1 bills.  I read on another board that the casino will often make change, but that they are thinking you'll spend that in the casino.    Will guest services bat an eye if I walk up with a $100 bill and ask for 100 $1 bills?  Or is that no big deal.   

 

 

 

You are not in the US. You don’t need to tip for drinks. You are paying service charge any way.

[Joe33472]

2 hours ago, Poole Boy said:

Front desk will change large USD notes for singles or what ever you need

 

 

Thank you!  This is great to know and will save me from bringing extra small bills.  

 

2 hours ago, exlondoner said:

You are not in the US. You don’t need to tip for drinks. You are paying service charge any way.

 

I will try my best not to tip, but I can't make any guarantees.   🤣

 

 

[Joe33472]

2 hours ago, NE John said:

Tipping is in US $ but I had some leftover UK pounds we have to the cabin steward and that wasn’t a problem.  Crew can convert currency for themselves. Also, if you wish, just add an extra tip on the slip when asked to sign, on top of the 15% Service Charge. 

 

Thanks!  I kind of figured that "cash" is "cash" and that the crew won't mind receiving tips euros, pounds, etc.  

 

If you have the grills drink package will they still have you sign a slip?  

[NE John]

4 minutes ago, Joe33472 said:

 

Thanks!  I kind of figured that "cash" is "cash" and that the crew won't mind receiving tips euros, pounds, etc.  

 

If you have the grills drink package will they still have you sign a slip?  

Most of the time you still sign with a US Grills Drinks package. Yes. 
At the end of your voyage, you can tip the Grills Staff in cash. We paid extra, even though tips included. I wouldn’t go crazy tipping each time you eat or order a drink. 

Edited February 19 by NE John

[Joe33472]

1 minute ago, NE John said:

Most of the time you still sign with a US Grills Drinks package. Yes. 

 

Good to know!  Thank you!

 

[BigMac1953]

The crew are not proud. They'll accept rupees/Krona/pesos. In fact any currency you can mention.

 

We tend to exchange large USD notes for 5's and 10's and despite paying the daily hotel charge, we still tip when we receive exceptional service.

[neeuqdrazil]

I had the soft drink package, and it was hit or miss whether or not they had me sign when I used it - maybe 1/3 of the time I got a slip? I didn't add a gratuity to those, but at the end of the voyage, I gave (relatively small - $10) cash tips to the waiters in the Chart Room, whose service really was above and beyond (they'd see me coming, catch my eye, confirm I wanted a drink, and bring it to me wherever I ended up sitting down.)