Can someone help me budget?

[emacman]

We are leaving Saturday for the Magic and our Western Caribbean cruise. I am taking DW, DD1, DD2, and both my mom and my mother in law. I keep reading about all of the tipping. Could someone help me by telling me the "suggested amount" of tips should be? I have given my family this trip as a Christmas present and will cover all of the tips. It would help if I know what I was getting into so I can budget excursions, Palo's, etc. In my world there is only so much money to go around and I do not want to short anybody their due.

Which reminds me...if anyone has info on Palo charges that would also be helpful.

Thanks for your help out there!

 

[CRB#33]

Resturant Server - $25.75
Resturant Assistant Server - $18.75
Head Server - $6.50
Stateroom Host(ess) - $25.25

These are suggested amounts and many people feel that it is too low. I tipped more for everyone---our service was wonderful!!

Room Service-At your discretion For room service, you will want to tip a couple of dollars, or more depending on the size of your order. If you order drinks, a gratuity is automatically added. I add a bit more for exceptional service, like if they bring me my drink on the beach on Castaway Cay. You will also want to tip the porters a dollar or two per bag, especially if they carry your bags all the way across the street to the parking.

 

[CAMICKEY]

emacman - Welcome to the Western cruise on May 8th. Have you had a chance to visit our meet thread yet? Here is a link to it. We plan on having a Dis-Meet on board if you are interested. - Mike

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?threadid=373818

 

[TheWog]

Palo's is $10 per person, but of course, you have great service you may want to add a little extra for your server.

Tipping is usually set low, I tipped more for our servers and cabin steward. and remember that is per person, including children for the week.

Some people have suggested international phone cards as a little something extra for the people who warrant it.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by CRB#33
Resturant Server - $25.75
Resturant Assistant Server - $18.75
Head Server - $6.50
Stateroom Host(ess) - $25.25
.

Just an added note....this is per person per cruise (not per day)
So, for example, your restaurant server would be tipped $154.50. (6 people x $25.75.) And, of course, you can tip over that amount if you wish.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

I don't know if your Mom and Mom in law are as high maintenance as my two DDs 14 and 12 but, I ALWAYS end up averaging 300.00 per day on my ship account.

 

[emacman]

So I am looking at $450 in tips basically. Service is expensive!
My DM and DMIL (?) are really not high maintenance at all. In fact, they will just be happy being there! I'm lucky as they are both just wonderful. My DD's are too young to be high maintenace just yet.
We took the 4 day cruise a few years back but I just couldn't remember how much tips were. I do not remember them being that high, but it was about half the time so it was probably equitable.
last time our waitstaff was phenomenal, room staff was kinda grouchy. Let's hope for great all around this time!

 

[TheWog]

If you get Richie on Deck 6 as your cabin steward you will have great service.

 

[msh8675]

Per person per ship....including kids? traveling just me and DD?

Not cheap just curious...dont' want to jip anyone!