Gratuities.......

elfed · September 25, 2008

Awful question to ask as I feel ships' staff are grossly underpaid. I think it is a down right cheek to expect guests to subsidise the staff. My feeling is comparable to a hotel and restraunt. If you fell you have had outstanding service then tip accordingly. If not, leave nothing. These so called pre-paid gratuities are a joke. This is not done in hotels and dining rooms.I could go on and on about this "fireball" subject but it's past my bedtime!!!

Regards,

James.

boba · September 25, 2008

Sorry, but what's a joke is people getting good service all week and getting stiffed on the last day because people blew they're money all week and they'll never see the crew again, anyway. :angry:

Sad little people.

sailingrose · September 25, 2008

Sorry, but what's a joke is people getting good service all week and getting stiffed on the last day because people blew they're money all week and they'll never see the crew again, anyway. Sad little people.

I agree!

Joanandjoe · September 25, 2008

Both James and Boba are right. It's a ridiculous system that makes these hardworking people depend on tips (prepaid or otherwise) in order to make what is a decent living in their home countries, but a terrible living by US standards. That, however, is a fact of life. People who stiff the workers on tips are beneath contempt: it's a mean, petty thing to do.

When we're on a ship that has tipping (i.e., not Regent, where tips are included), we always tip more than the standard amount, unless (as only happened once) the service is really bad. Even for the really bad service on Zenith, we didn't reduce the standard tips.

DebbieandJerry · September 25, 2008

Both James and Boba are right. It's a ridiculous system that makes these hardworking people depend on tips (prepaid or otherwise) in order to make what is a decent living in their home countries, but a terrible living by US standards. That, however, is a fact of life. People who stiff the workers on tips are beneath contempt: it's a mean, petty thing to do.
When we're on a ship that has tipping (i.e., not Regent, where tips are included), we always tip more than the standard amount, unless (as only happened once) the service is really bad. Even for the really bad service on Zenith, we didn't reduce the standard tips.

Very well summarizes what we do and how we feel.

Peddler · September 26, 2008

My take is that we are a blue collar working class family. I appreciate what the attendants and servers do for Kathy and I. We prepay normally and add to as the trip progresses. I know what it's like to get stiffed and I'll darn sure not do it to someone else. We pay particular attention the the dinning room wait staff, including the asst waiters and Matre' D.

I guess, in my books, there is nothing worse than a passenger that is so CHEAP that they will forgo a tip to a person that works off of tips. Maybe they should be in the other persons shoes for a cruise and see how they like it.

Sorry for the soapbox.

Later

Jim

DebbieandJerry · September 26, 2008

No need to "soapbox", Jim. Jerry works for minimum wage. His livelihood is based on tips. He has good days and bad days. Because the economy is as tight as it is, the days are seemingly longer and "badder". But he maintains excellent customer service, positive outlook, etc. I'm sure that's one of the reasons why we "overtip". The other is we are truly grateful for such a wonderful vacation. What a shame that there are others who don't feel that way.

jbond · September 26, 2008

I think that they should stay the same, but if they are increased, so be it. I like the way RCI handles the "pre-paid" tipping. You have the option and if you go with it you get a voucher to put in an envelope along with any additional amount you may decide upon. Princess doesn't give the voucher and I always feel a little uncomfortable telling the staff that this is a little extra for the excellent service.

It's a ridiculous system that makes these hardworking people depend on tips (prepaid or otherwise) in order to make what is a decent living in their home countries, but a terrible living by US standards.

Well, I can't feel sorry for the staff that makes a decent living, gets free room and board and their incomes are tax free. Our 21 year old grandson has a full time job, he makes less than $400 a week and it's taxable, but he does get free room, but not food. He also works really hard and many times very long hours and no extra pay for it. Like the people that work on the cruiseships, his line of work is of his own choosing. Next year he will get an opportunity to visit an exotic location, but not as exotic as the cruiseship employees get to see. His employer is undecided whether they should go to Afghanistan or Iraq, the former looks the most probable. I forgot to mention that he also has to buy most of the uniforms his employer requires him to wear and he also pays for his own laundry.