Assistant server dinner gratuities

[Qc-007]

I have a question about gratuities given when we order alcohol at dinner. Of course, there is the mandatory 18% added and we always give a bit more. Where does it go ? Only to the assistant-server ? To the bar person ? A mix ? A pool of gratuities separated between more people (including the server) ?

But, my main question is this: We order wine (or another drink) every night. If the gratuity goes to the assistant server, it adds up quite a bit on a 5-7 night cruise. Do you keep it in mind when you think of adding a few dollars to the cruise mandatory gratuity for the assistant-server ? Should it ?

We are going on our 10th Disney cruise in early December. We always give more than the mandatory gratuities, but I always wondered about the « fairness » of this particular situation.

Thank you !

J-Marc

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have a question about gratuities given when we order alcohol at dinner. Of course, there is the mandatory 18% added and we always give a bit more. Where does it go ? Only to the assistant-server ? To the bar person ? A mix ? A pool of gratuities separated between more people (including the server) ?

But, my main question is this: We order wine (or another drink) every night. If the gratuity goes to the assistant server, it adds up quite a bit on a 5-7 night cruise. Do you keep it in mind when you think of adding a few dollars to the cruise mandatory gratuity for the assistant-server ? Should it ?

We are going on our 10th Disney cruise in early December. We always give more than the mandatory gratuities, but I always wondered about the « fairness » of this particular situation.

Thank you !

J-Marc

The 18% drink gratuity is pooled to be shared by all bartenders and beverage servers. The daily auto gratuity does cover the assistant server for meals ($3.75 per guest per day).

 

[kiford]

I believe that, like other bars, the auto gratuity is split between the servers and bar staff in the back. Any additional gratuity goes directly to the assistant server. I usually do add some more for the assistant server - the amount depends on how good they are. I usually let them know that I always have the wine pairing with my entree that is recommended, and 90% of the time, I order whatever specialty cocktail has prosecco or champagne as a pre-dinner drink. The good ones will typically remember that and just do a quick check with me before ordering so that they don't have to rush to get my order while I have the menu and will check back at least once to see if I want another one. They just come and ask what entree I ordered and if I want that pairing or will go and ask for a pairing if there isn't one on the menu, and I'll be happy with that. Those servers usually get a larger tip. I'm on vacation, and I don't want to think, even to the point of choosing a wine or a drink. Even if that additional gratuity is shared, I'm still fine with that if the assistant server has been good because they've also obviously worked with the bar staff in the back to make me happy.

I have had servers who, after the first day when I tell them what I like, just make eye contact, raise an eyebrow questioningly and interpret my nod to mean, yes, the usual or who will just bring me the paired wine without asking (usually only on longer cruises who know after a couple of days that I'm good with that). Those servers got really good tips.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

As noted, the 18% autogratuity is pooled and shared among the beverage servers/bartenders on board. In the MDR, I always add extra for the assistant server. I sometimes order a multi-bottle wine package, drinking each bottle across two nights, so the assistant server has to manage the half full (or is it half empty?) bottles between dining rooms. I want to account for the extra effort involved in this service. As I choose each successive bottle from the package, I am given a charge slip noting the chosen wine with a $0.00 charge. That slip gives me an opportunity to add my extra gratuity for the assistant server. I treat it like I would at any of the bars on board, where I typically add an extra $1/drink on top of the 18% autogratuity. For me, that translates to an extra $5/bottle, since I think of a 750 ml bottle as providing five 150-ml pours. In practice, I tell the assistant server up front that I only want to drink half the bottle at a time and they manage the pours to achieve that, with an occasional reminder. Sometimes the server will grab the bottle to “top up” my glass, so I have to train them as well. A good serving team will catch on pretty quickly, although my expectations may run counter to what they perceive as good service since keeping glasses filled is a common expectation.