DCL's Tipping Guidelines vs DIS Members

[peg2001]

I was re-reading the tipping guidelines on DCL's own website and was struck by the phrase "you should never feel that a reward is automatically expected from you."

Now before people jump all over me about the poor pay the DCL crew receive and the hard work and wonderful service that they provide, let me clarify that I am not suggesting that people do not tip.

BUT. . .not only do most DIS posts about tipping emphasize that a reward (tip) is automatically expected, they often refer to the DCL guidelines as the MINIMUM!

Peg

 

[MikeBW]

We went on the 4 day Wonder in April and I was at first concerned about the tipping. After being on the ship and interacting with your servers and cabin steward, you will probably feel that the guidelines are the minimum. You are in vacation mode, so giving these people a few extra bucks is no big deal (if they deserved it). We gave more than the minimum because we felt the service was excellent.
On a related matter, I did feel a little weird about haggling with the people at the straw market in Nassau. An American on a expensive vacation haggling over a buck with poor people.

 

[iloverags2]

I did feel a little weird about haggling with the people at the straw market in Nassau. An American on a expensive vacation haggling over a buck with poor people

I have to agree with you on this. When we have gone to the straw market, DH just gives them whatever they ask for. He says even their asking prices are low, and why worry about getting something even lower.

 

[MFan]

I think, in theory, a "tip" should always be optional, and that's the reason for the language on the DCL website. However, in real life, I think we all know employers "adjust" the service employees' compensation to "offset" the expected tips. This way, the company is able to offer lower and more competitive prices.

Think of it this way, if DCL (and other mainstream cruise lines) encouraged tipping only for truly exceptional services, they would have to pay their employees higher living wages and charge us higher prices.

Personally, I like the current setup. The workers know customers still have the ability to withhold tips for unacceptable service, so we have some control. Whereas, if we pay all to the cruise company, we won't be able to do much for truly poor service.

Just my $0.02.

 

[mmouse37]

I believe a reward should be automatically expected (unless the server is horrible or rude). Why DCL put phrase in their brochure must be for legal reasons or something. If it was not expected they would not put tip envelopes in your room. If was an "optional" thing then people would go to guest service desk to pick up their envelope if they felt inclined to tip.

When people refer to DCL's guidelines, it is just for a reference point. Everyone needs reference point because everyone's idea of a tip could vary greatly. We always tip above minimun if service reflects it.

MJ

 

[inkkognito]

The comments about the straw market reminded me of our experience in Cozumel. I purchased some sunglasses and bartered the price down (I know I got a good deal because I had observed people earlier in the day paying more). Then, while on the jeep tour, we drove through a residential part of town. At first, I thought we were passing a bunch of abandoned building, but then I realized that those were actually lived-in homes. The cutest little children were all around, playing, and many waved as we went by. It made me feel so sad, so grateful to God, and yes, guilty for bartering. A couple of dollars isn't much for me, but it looked like it would go much farther for those people.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[JLSE50]

In many countries children must have uniforms, books, bags, paper, pencils, etc to go to school. No supplies--no school.

I figure that if I pay the asking price at a shop or streetside vendor, I may just be enabling a kid to go to school this year or providing some protein with dinner that night.

I could lose a couple dollars in a parking lot and not notice. I could be shorted at a fast food place and not notice. They will notice.

Someone said that they will think I am a stupid American. I said I don't care. It is better to be considered stupid than arrogant.

jan