Confused - Members Cruise gratuities?

[Mom B]

Going on the January 2013 Members Cruise. This is our first time cruising, anywhere, ever, so I have no background whatsoever on cruises in general, much less Disney cruises or DVC Members cruises. I've read over my cruise documents but I still can't figure this out. It says "Thank you for choosing to pay your gratuities before your cruise," but then lists gratuity suggestions. I just don't get it. Are all our gratuities prepaid and I don't have to worry about tipping at all (unless I feel that the staff has earned 'extras')? I'm worried that I'll get the little envelopes and won't know what is the 'right' thing to do. And, are the 'gratuity suggestions (per person)' per day, per cruise, or what? Thanks for any help, because I am just clueless!!

 

[erionm]

Gratuities were included as part of the cruise price for the Member Cruise. You will receive coupons for each of the tipped positions (stateroom host/hostess, dining room server, dining room asst server, dining room head server) and envelopes in which to pass out those coupons on the last night. You can at your discretion add additional cash with those coupons if you feel the service you received deserved it.

If you purchase drinks from a bar or a bar waiter, an automatic 15% gratuity will be added to the bill.

 

[Mom B]

Okay, thanks, I think I get it now. Thanks much for enlightening me!!