gratuities question

[WINTER]

Do I understand this correctly? I can pre-pay gratuities up to three day prior to departure. However, if I don't they will automatically be added to my bill. Why would I need to pre-pay if they will be added anyway?

 

[sjuncfan]

It can be a pretty big chunk of change so some people would like to have it paid off before the trip so it doesn't add to the credit card bill after. That's my take anyhow.

 

[starry_solo]

Do I understand this correctly? I can pre-pay gratuities up to three day prior to departure. However, if I don't they will automatically be added to my bill. Why would I need to pre-pay if they will be added anyway?

I feel like it has to do with if you use a specific credit card, like Disney Visa. If you do and pre-pay, it gets to be part of the 0% interest for 6 months? *I think*

 

[Geomom]

You certainly don't need to prepay gratuities. Some people may do it for budgeting purposes. We never have, and usually the OBC (on board credit) we received from our TA and the old OBB (on board booking) benefit of $200 in OBC covered our gratuities.

 

[Marc D]

Pre-paying simply adds to your onboard account a credit in the amount of the standard gratuities. Those gratuities are charged for all staterooms in the same manner, and everyone receives the same gratuity vouchers and enveloppes. Therefore, you can disregard any comment that mentions that it is ‘easier’ that way or that insinuates that CM’s are made aware in advance that you already paid their basic gratuities and therefore provide better service.

One reason to pre-pay would probably be to limit the amount of cash needed onboard if you intend on settling your onboard account in cash. It can also help with budgeting the cruise, since the pre-pay option gets rolled into the total cruise fare.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We just take care of ours ahead of time for budgeting purposes. Works either way.

 

[dcassetta]

everyone receives the same gratuity vouchers and enveloppes

When we have prepaid the vouchers have been green, when we have not pre-paid the vouchers have been beige.

 

[spiders]

I personally do it just because I like to have everything paid for. For our upcoming cruise in September, I’ve paid it in full, the gratuities have been paid, the hotel has been paid, and the flights have been paid. I just like knowing that the only thing left to do is to look forward to it and of course pay for excursions. But that’s just a personal preference.

 

[Henlady]

I have done both, prepaid and had it added onboard. For us there really isn’t a difference. When we get home from the cruise I pay off in full. If i add before hand its paid off immediately then.

 

[mevelandry]

Do I understand this correctly? I can pre-pay gratuities up to three day prior to departure. However, if I don't they will automatically be added to my bill. Why would I need to pre-pay if they will be added anyway?

It’s a personal preference. I like to prepay as many things as I can before I go on vacation and come back home with no bills to pay. It’s why I prepay gratuity and bring cash if I wanna tip extra.

 

[lanejudy]

I feel like it has to do with if you use a specific credit card, like Disney Visa. If you do and pre-pay, it gets to be part of the 0% interest for 6 months? *I think*

Correct