I have always prepaid the tips as there are so many people involved who help make the cruise a pleasant experience. There was only one cruise that I took that the cabin steward did not get extra from me because he was never around when I needed him, nor did anything extra when I asked.
Barely even spoke when I did see him. Therefore he only got the portion of the tip that I had prepaid and not any extra from me, and I am a very good tipper, especially when the service is exceptional.
It becomes my business when you hose crew. It has been stated over and over that the grats collected always go to the intended crew. Again, how do you determine the appropriate amount? And of course, sitting there until each server gets to your table to get their share?
You "nailed" it, Elaine. Additionally he doesn't give any consideration to the "behind the scenes" people who help to make that cruise a pleasant experience. I don't mind it put in the fare. I would rather then I know I don't have to worry about paying it on the last day. I don't take tips away. At least I know how much fun money I have with out thinking about the tip.
And for people who choose not to tip can have it removed. On my next cruise I skipped the prepay gratuity simply because I could pay off the cruise a little faster. I know I will be charged on the ship and can pay that later. My only concern is that many folks have said they Carnival don't actually give all the money to the employees. I'm guessing there is no way to confirm this for sure. I have seen posts or articles supposedly written by past employees that say they never saw any of the tips.
If you ask the folks working while you are on the cruise the majority will tell you they don't get them either. Could they just be hoping you'll give them more to make up for it, sure. It's a hard call. I don't mind tipping and I would love it if the folks behind the scenes are getting something out of this but I sure don't want the cruise line taking any of it.
If you're falling for this one I've got some lovely waterfront land in Florida I'd like to sell you. The gratuities are charged to your account at the end; on the last full day of the cruise is what we have always experienced. Sent from my iPhone using Forums. We are also considering to tip as we go. Just curious.. There are reasons that it is called gratuities. If it is part of the cruise fare, then it cannot be classified as a tip for financial reporting purposes.
The cruise line would be taxed on it as income rather than the crew members that receive it. And there would be no legal requirement that it be distributed to the crew because it is not classified as gratuities. It would be classified as income. You talk about the dining staff but the reason we leave auto-tips on is to ensure the "behind the scenes" folks get their share.
I guess you can pay as you go but it would be awkward at best. But, you can only tip the servers or room steward other tipped employees would not get your tips. Leave your tips on or per pay. I don't want to start a flame war, but there have been lots of well-meaning people over the years to come on here with ideas like "if I only eat at the buffet, I don't need to tip the waiters, right?
That's not how it works. The gratuities are divvied up for not just the wait staff that waits on you at the table, but also all the people who serve you at the buffet. From the guy who scoops the food on your plate to the gal who refills the ice cream machine, to the people who wipe down the tables.
I guess in the back of their mind, some folks are trying to "save money" by tipping less but I always say, anyone who truly was interested in saving money first and foremost, would not be spending money on a cruise, since there are lots of less expensive vacations out there.
You can't tip them all, and you don't need to try. Just let Carnival do it for you, the easy way. I found out that if you cruise with 2 people like was my case, each person is charged half the gratuities.
That might have been we had different last names. I also gave our cabin steward cash as he was top notch in my book. You are so right I was thinking about the evolving of tipping over the years Then over time I'm sure the amount of tips not handed out started to increase I also remember commenting to my wife on last night of dinner in MDR I wonder why?? So they went to auto-tip billing which in a way I'm glad because many of the ship staff work so hard.
In the past cruising was more for the wealthy and a very high end vacation. Competition and more ships made it very affordable compared to years ago I'm sure there are passengers that must have that bracelet or watch I am reading more and more about people asking whats free and how they can get free beverages all day.
If you are going to budget for a vacation you need to take everything into consideration Ok Flamers Let me have it!!! The way it is now they get all the blue cards on thinking they have a cheap vacation.
I think we will just prepay for the tips as that seems the fairest and keep cash on hand for anyone who really blows us away! It does not reflect on your sign and sail account on a daily basis.
And one more thing about tipping above and beyond for great service. Sure you can. We tip as we go. It is really very easy and we get great service! The only difference is we tip the steward at the end not everyday. Sure, you do. Essentially, you are getting the value of the cruise line gratuities as a perk, saving you money on your cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line has Free at Sea , but we rarely see prepaid gratuities on the list of perks options anymore.
Gratuities or service charges are added to drink and drink packages purchased onboard. Specialty restaurants usually have a service charge, as well as spa and salon services. You can prepay your gratuities tips at the time of booking your cruise, either with your travel agent or with the cruise line if you booked directly. You can usually prepay your gratuity up until hours before your cruise, depending on the cruise line. On most cruise lines you can adjust the gratuities up or down, or remove them altogether at the guest services desk on the cruise ship.
The cruise line does want to solve any service issues and complaints , and make sure that you are happy. Norwegian Cruise Line, which charges a service charge in lieu of a gratuity, will attempt to solve the service issue. According to their website , If the issue is not solved to your satisfaction, charges may be adjusted. Cruise Hive was established back in and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. By Christine Antoinette Guinto. Modified Date: Jan 12, Should you pay it? How it goes on a Carnival Cruise, You have two options: Pre-paid — This allows you to include the standard gratuity amount to what you pay when you book your cruise, or at any point before the actual boarding time.
Christine Antoinette Guinto In this day and age, it is quite easy to find a blogger or a content creator - but to find a true writer, is like stumbling upon a rare gem. Enjoy writing about cruises and travel. Find out more about us here.
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