Not a fan of the automatic tip charging.

[darkwing818]

Clearly there are differing opinions on this subject, but we like the new process. It's just one less thing to worry about, and if there was an issue or something exceptional we could always adjust accordingly up or down.

[Madhattr]

The reason to do this on the first day is the fact that as the week progresses Guest Services really gets more and more busy. PLUS they are dependent upon decent satellite computer service which can be spotty. Best to just get it over with. We have always tipped more and in most cases for the server and stateroom host almost double the recommendation. If this is how they want to do it, fine. I'll just roll with what they charge and in fact just prepay. This really peeved me when I found out about it at the terminal.

[sissy_ib]

Originally Posted by The Rainbow

I am a newbie to this forum, but I am thinking about going on a Med cruise next year. I wonder why they had problems with the tipping during their last Med cruises. Because of the non-tipping history of some Europeans? What do you think?

Yes. There were many Europeans on those cruises. The tipping culture is so different in America than the rest of the world. Some places it is considered rude to tip. In Japan if you left a tip the server may not even know why you gave extra money.

[CrusingFamily4]

Valid point! I will admit that I need to get better about bringing issues to others attention. Although I am under the impression that this should truly be a moot point as the majority of the staff of DCL are amazing.

To the previous posters, we would not be adjusting our amounts at Guest Services during the cruise. We have more than double the recommended amount already saved up in our US account. (We are Canadians). At the end of the cruise, we plan to put cash vs. a ticket into the envelopes. This is what works well for my family.

[The Rainbow]

Originally Posted by sissy_ib

Yes. There were many Europeans on those cruises. The tipping culture is so different in America than the rest of the world. Some places it is considered rude to tip. In Japan if you left a tip the server may not even know why you gave extra money.

Oh, okay. In this case I would say it is absolutly necessary to do the tipping automatically. The CM's need to get their money, right? And I know the other cruise lines do it this way too. I know it is not the right thread, but is it nice to travel with Europeans?

[Bear3412]

Originally Posted by The Rainbow

I am a newbie to this forum.....

WELCOME

[cathicool]

I don't mind this new system, we typically give extra when the service is outstanding. We have a special needs child and usually the wait staff does an amazing job so they get extra from us. Honestly, I think it works out the same in the end!

[annichan]

Originally Posted by The Rainbow

I know it is not the right thread, but is it nice to travel with Europeans?

Absolutely! They're the best!

But about the tipping: Yes, I can see how the tips might have been less while the Magic was in Europe. Here in Germany, for example, we do customarily tip, too, but it is just so much less than in the States. When tipping in a restaurant, it is pretty customary to just add a euro or two (or three if you're being generous) on top of the cost of a meal for two. This is not to be rude, it's just the culture.

On our Med cruise, we already knew all about American tipping standards as well as DCL tipping guidelines so we had planned accordingly - but I guess that many other Europeans, at least those who hadn't found a place like these boards to inform themselves, may have tipped a lot less.

[Disney Magic Girl]

Disney automatically added tips to our on-board account on our last Disney Magic cruise (Oct. 2011) and it was not a big deal. It saved me a trip to guest services and was much easier than tipping with cash. We have never had poor service on a Disney cruise (our Th is coming up) and have never had to reduce the suggested tip amount. We added cash to the printed slips to reward exceptional service. Not a big deal at all and it gets blown way out of proportion. This is the first time that we have tipped this way, and it was much easier. In the past, we have used cash only . It is my opinion, that this is a better way for Disney to handle tipping. I would rather have them automatically add tips to accounts, than raise prices because a bunch of cruisers are stiffing the employees in the tipped positions.

[FINNZUP]

A perspective shared on another thread about auto-tipping was interesting to me (Yes.. at first I too was like... HMMMM, I don't LIKE that! No one likes to be 'forced' to do something!).

It was explained on thread: When the tipping is 'automatic' the 'non-cash' tipping gets directly deposited into the cast members bank account. As their tips are such a major part of their salary, a direct deposit approach will help the cast member get those funds to the family members they are supporting in their own home. I started to think... (as I have paid each in cash before)... they have all that cash on board, how does it get to their family? Well, the direct deposit will solve that.

Not sure if it's exactly true (as noted above) but it seems to make sense.

We leave on the Dream (cruise #2) in just 2 weeks. I'll be posting my tips automatically.

: )

[Jackson's grammie]

We go on cruises to relax and enjoy. Auto tipping is great - one less thing to be concerned with. I do not understand why people are so hung up about something that makes life easier. If you are a "really good tipper" than adjust the tip at the end of the cruise like the rest of us. One of the things to keep in mind it is very difficult for the CM's to go to the bank and deposit the "cash" tips. Most are saving every cent to sent home to family or getting a nest egg.

[kcashner]

Originally Posted by FINNZUP

A perspective shared on another thread about auto-tipping was interesting to me (Yes.. at first I too was like... HMMMM, I don't LIKE that! No one likes to be 'forced' to do something!).

It was explained on thread: When the tipping is 'automatic' the 'non-cash' tipping gets directly deposited into the cast members bank account. As their tips are such a major part of their salary, a direct deposit approach will help the cast member get those funds to the family members they are supporting in their own home. I started to think... (as I have paid each in cash before)... they have all that cash on board, how does it get to their family? Well, the direct deposit will solve that.

Not sure if it's exactly true (as noted above) but it seems to make sense.

We leave on the Dream (cruise #2) in just 2 weeks. I'll be posting my tips automatically.

: )

When tips are charged, the CM gets a check every 2 weeks along with an accounting showing the tips that were charged. He/she can then compare that accounting to the tip coupons he/she got if desired. He/she can then send the check directly to the home country or put it away safely (if they are going home soon). With cash tips, the CM can take them to their "office" and deposit the cash into their account or can keep the cash for their own limited onboard needs. They do pay to do their personal laundry, purchase toiletries and other small items, etc. as well as making occasional trips to Wal-mart or wherever.

I personally spoke to two of our favorite servers--both told me that charged tips were easier for them and that they always got more than enough cash for their onboard needs. Based on that, I have charged my tips. Obviously, other CMs may feel differently, but what these two found best was also easiest for me...so it became my "system."

[GeneMachine]

For us, it was one less thing to think about on the Med cruise, and one less thing to think about on our 5-day this past week. I don't get why people are so offended by this; it's not a novel concept. If you don't like the service, go change the amounts. I think otherwise, it gives people an opportunity to nit-pick and bean count about their service.

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

Originally Posted by sissy_ib

Honestly, just tipping less and not addressing the problem is the worst thing you can do. Bringing up an issue does not automatically get someone in trouble. It will probably get them re-training. Most people need that now and then no matter what you do for a living. Bringing up small things before they become big problems is good for everyone especially the CM you are, for lack of a better word, reporting.

I agree 100% with sissy, I would never leave a tip for less than the recommended amount without stating why when filling out the survey at the end of the cruise. Unless it was something outrageous I don't think it will get the CM in trouble but will become a learning experience for that person. We only tipped less once in all the cruises we have taken and wrote why in the survey. All the other times we went above and beyond the recommended amount.

And I like the new policy, I hope DCL doesn't change it. Hopefully it will cut down on the cheapskates that will use any excuse to not tip (flame away, it's my opinion. I know there are people like that out there).

[elcasar]

is the automatic tip amount of $12/day the same for kids and infants?