Tipping question

[harrowgirl]

It is my intention to NOT bring my children (ages 2 and 6 months) to the dining room on any night of our 7 day cruise. I have them prebooked for Flounders, but obviously I will have to see how it goes.

Do you think I should still tip the server, head server and assistant server the amounts for kids as suggested? It seems to me that if they aren't doing the work, they shouldn't get the tip. But on the other hand, it isn't their fault that I'm not bringing the kids to the dining room, so why should they lose out on the tip. It just seems like a lot of money for nothing.

 

[gomagic]

I understand your point of view, but the suggested tips take in consideration the work your servers do at breakfast and lunch too not just at night in the dining rooms. I hope that makes sense. Your servers could in fact be the ones serving you breakfast or lunch at some point during your cruise. Even if they aren't serving you during those times, they are serving someone.

 

[harrowgirl]

I understand your point of view, but the suggested tips take in consideration the work your servers do at breakfast and lunch too not just at night in the dining rooms. I hope that makes sense. Your servers could in fact be the ones serving you breakfast or lunch at some point during your cruise.

That makes sense. I hadn't thought about that part of it. I figured I would end up doing the tipping anyways - but wanted to make sure it made sense (especially so I can explain to DH)

 

[kcashner]

As above, the tip that you give your dinner servers represents the tip for all meals and snacks you have during the cruise (someone has served you!) Frequently that "someone" will not be your server from dinner, but you will see your server rotating around the ship during other meals. Someone will be preparing and serving food to your 2 year old at some point during the cruise. That same someone might be going the extra mile to entertain both children at breakfast and lunch....and clean up after them!

I do understand that the 6 month old will probably not eat dining room food, but he/she might occupy a high chair at breakfast and lunch.

While we have hot debates here about whether it is "fair" that the tip constitutes the majority of the salary for the servers/assistants/head servers, reality is that tips are their main source of income. Even if you never bring the children to the dining room, you have taken up 2 seats that would otherwise be taken by other guests. I would tip them the "suggested" for the kids. If you choose to go above the "suggested" for yourself and DH, that's your call.