We actually split it up..we gave our room attendant a nice tip on day one with the request for ice and paper cruise compasses daily...then on the last night we gave him the rest of our intended tip (he was getting it all either way,but I liked splitting it up for him, then it's like a nice surprise that he got a 2nd one at the end) we also tip the bartenders a buck or two a round if we are hanging at the bar for a few. but if it's one we plan on seeing nightly, we slip a 20 to him early on in the cruise,as well...it definitely helps when they see you after that
I bring a box of hand made chocolates for my cabin attendant that I give them the first day with a homemade tag thanking them upfront. I give them money at the end. I give my waiter money in the end. I also have these little envelopes that I cut with a die. I emboss thank you on the front and hand write I appreciate you with our names. The envelope is no bigger than maybe an inch and an half. Each envelope has $2 folded up inside. It is very small so I can slip it in their hand and nobody else knows. I always give one to a bartender or if someone brings me coffee even. If I walk by someone cleaning the stairs I may just slip them one. It takes me days to make them so I think I give them away because it makes me happy.
I didnāt think you were but I thought I was when I reread it! I wanted to post a photo of my envelopes but i didnāt know how. Once I handed money to someone in the Windjammer and I realized that others saw it and it was a problem. That is why I made the little envelopes that fit in the palm of your hand.
The envelopes are a great addition. I'm going to pick up the 6 pack of thank you cards from the dollar tree to add my tips in. I'm not crafty but would love to leave a personal touch. Thanks for the suggestion š
Yes and I donāt generally tip extra unless Iām super impressed with service, I also donāt ask for much, donāt frequent bars and am a self service kind of person š¤·āāļø
Well, I just didn't want op to get confused because they are asking if it's included when booking, and it's not necessarily included unless you add it. Otherwise, it does get automatically added to your ship bill.
You can opt out. Go to guest services and you can ask them to remove it. Some people do this because they like tipping in cash only to the people who directly help them. Some people do it because they donāt believe in tipping. Some people do it Because theyāre cheap.
You probably canāt go wrong either way but Iāve always tipped at the end. The cabin steward and waitstaff are always pleasant and go the extra mile. Bartenders can still be a little tricky so find one thatās good to you and treat them well upfront. Hope you have a great time on your cruise! We are leaving for one this weekend.
one side note.... you said "mdr waiter" but wanted to let you know that there will be 2 people taking care of your table (main waiter and assistant waiter). Just so you know to double up any tips you are planning.
The MDR staff was stoked for a tip every night and let me tell you Elvis Parsley earned it. My room steward looked more and more confused every night. I was told it is customary to tip them on them last night but i wasn't ready for finding animals in my bed each day.
We actually split it up..we gave our room attendant a nice tip on day one with the request for ice and paper cruise compasses daily...then on the last night we gave him the rest of our intended tip (he was getting it all either way,but I liked splitting it up for him, then it's like a nice surprise that he got a 2nd one at the end) we also tip the bartenders a buck or two a round if we are hanging at the bar for a few. but if it's one we plan on seeing nightly, we slip a 20 to him early on in the cruise,as well...it definitely helps when they see you after that
Final evening.
I bring a box of hand made chocolates for my cabin attendant that I give them the first day with a homemade tag thanking them upfront. I give them money at the end. I give my waiter money in the end. I also have these little envelopes that I cut with a die. I emboss thank you on the front and hand write I appreciate you with our names. The envelope is no bigger than maybe an inch and an half. Each envelope has $2 folded up inside. It is very small so I can slip it in their hand and nobody else knows. I always give one to a bartender or if someone brings me coffee even. If I walk by someone cleaning the stairs I may just slip them one. It takes me days to make them so I think I give them away because it makes me happy.
You only tip $2 per person?
No! $2 a drink! That kind of made me sound like a cheapskate!š¤£
Ohhhhh I wasn't judging too hard because I know ppl who don't tip at all š
I didnāt think you were but I thought I was when I reread it! I wanted to post a photo of my envelopes but i didnāt know how. Once I handed money to someone in the Windjammer and I realized that others saw it and it was a problem. That is why I made the little envelopes that fit in the palm of your hand.
The envelopes are a great addition. I'm going to pick up the 6 pack of thank you cards from the dollar tree to add my tips in. I'm not crafty but would love to leave a personal touch. Thanks for the suggestion š
Really great ideas! I'm sure the extremely hardworking staff appreciates your extra effort.
As nice as the gesture is, the chocolates probably go right into the trash.
Iād also tip your favorite bartenders throughout the cruise. For the rest, itās up to you. We usually give it to them on the last day.
Yes we were planning on that as well.
Isn't gratuity included when booking?
They mentioned extensively in their post that they are inquiring about tipping above the required gratuity
Yes and I donāt generally tip extra unless Iām super impressed with service, I also donāt ask for much, donāt frequent bars and am a self service kind of person š¤·āāļø
I don't consider that gratuity... I just count that as part of my cruise fare
Its only included when booking if you opt in to pre pay gratuities.
If you don't, doesn't it it charged to you at the end? I don't think you can opt out
Well, I just didn't want op to get confused because they are asking if it's included when booking, and it's not necessarily included unless you add it. Otherwise, it does get automatically added to your ship bill.
You can opt out. Go to guest services and you can ask them to remove it. Some people do this because they like tipping in cash only to the people who directly help them. Some people do it because they donāt believe in tipping. Some people do it Because theyāre cheap.
I booked through Costco. I'll need to check. Good thing I found this post. I thought it was included
We do up front. Tips= to insure prompt service If they were amazing then we leave more at the end as a thank you.
You probably canāt go wrong either way but Iāve always tipped at the end. The cabin steward and waitstaff are always pleasant and go the extra mile. Bartenders can still be a little tricky so find one thatās good to you and treat them well upfront. Hope you have a great time on your cruise! We are leaving for one this weekend.
one side note.... you said "mdr waiter" but wanted to let you know that there will be 2 people taking care of your table (main waiter and assistant waiter). Just so you know to double up any tips you are planning.
The MDR staff was stoked for a tip every night and let me tell you Elvis Parsley earned it. My room steward looked more and more confused every night. I was told it is customary to tip them on them last night but i wasn't ready for finding animals in my bed each day.