Illuminations Cruise Tipping

[grampini]

Alright! So I actually booked an Illuminations Cruise . . . and we're working on sharing arrangements with another family we connected with on the DIS Illuminations Cruise thread.

But, I have been told told it is customary to tip the CM (boat "captain") after the cruise. Obviously, we tip the waitstaff at the restaurants (it's now included in the dining package) or bellhops at the hotels, but I can't recall ever seeing people tipping CMs within the parks. I guess I thought Disney management discouraged it.

We're not tightwads and believe in recognizing service industry personnel for good service, but we want to be appropriate to the circumstance.

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Grampini

 

[blondeheroine]

Alright! So I actually booked an Illuminations Cruise . . . and we're working on sharing arrangements with another family we connected with on the DIS Illuminations Cruise thread.

But, I have been told told it is customary to tip the CM (boat "captain") after the cruise. Obviously, we tip the waitstaff at the restaurants (it's now included in the dining package) or bellhops at the hotels, but I can't recall ever seeing people tipping CMs within the parks. I guess I thought Disney management discouraged it.

We're not tightwads and believe in recognizing service industry personnel for good service, but we want to be appropriate to the circumstance.

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Grampini

I noticed Magical Express bus drivers asking for tips last week. I then realized they are actually employed by Mears.

That was the first time I had heard anyone in DW ask for a tip! I tip graciously, but it was weird just the same.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We have tipped $20 in the past. With current price, I would probably do $25.

And congratulations on getting that very hard to get cruise, enjoy.

 

[WDW LOVR]

We have tipped $20 in the past. With current price, I would probably do $25.

And congratulations on getting that very hard to get cruise, enjoy.

I agree. We've tipped between $20-$40 (been on 5 Illuminations cruises). In June we were on the Breathless and our "Captain" went above and beyond so we tipped $40.

 

[Bay in TN]

We've always tipped 15 to 20% for our fireworks cruises, and I can't imagine doing otherwise. Those captains work hard for the money and deserve every penny they get. Now -- considering how much the price has increased in the last couple of years -- that's pretty steep. But we're still planning to tip our cruise captain at least 15% this year, and I count myself lucky that I got the cruise, much less could afford to tip the captain.

Have a wonderful cruise!!!!!!!

--Bay

 

[hismattjesty]

My wife and I took a Wishes! fireworks cruise from the Polynesian last year. It was our 4th anniversary and out boat was decorated with a banner, the captain was outstanding, and we were provided with a bottle of champagne free of chage. Cruise was $150, and I tipped $80. I am from Las Vegas where service is everything, and I am always amazed at the service I receive at WDW.

This year we took a carriage ride at Port Orleans for our 5th anniversary. Our 30 minute ride lasted 70 minutes. Our driver basically told us that we get however long the horse takes. Also, she stopped along the river at French Quarter when my wife mentioned how lovely it was. She said they were not supposed to stop, but since it was our anniversary, we should enjoy. Ride was $35 and I tipped $40.

We have also been on the free dining plan the last 2 years as well. We were always told that the gratuity was included, but last year it was 15% and this year it was 18%. Last year I always tipped an additional $20, and tipped $30 at Cinderella's Royal Table. It was our anniversary, and the manager and our waiter presented us with custon Cinderella's Royal Table champagne flutes, and a complimentary bottle of champagne. This year, I tipped an additional $15 at all table service venues, and $30 at Narcoossee's. We had a lovely aniversary dinner there. We had custom menu's with our names and aniversary date on them, a bottle of champagne provided at no charge, and they did not seat anyone around us so we could have a quiet, romantic dinner together.

Both years, I have tipped the Magical Express driver $10. They load and unload our bags, so I do not feel that it is out of line. There has been a sign on the bus about gratuities for good guest service, but no driver has ever solicited a tip.

I realize I am NOT the norm when it comes to tipping; this is greatly influenced by where I live I am sure. I believe everyone has their own system to tipping, and you do not have to deviate from it if the service is outstanding. Again this is only me, so please don't flame me for this.

 

[rosiejo]

We had a wishes cruise the night of our wedding and I took about $30 for the tip... despite the fact that we were in our wedding outfits - and I was in a HUGE dress the guy didn't even say congratulations or anything. He just drove the boat over to the fireworks and back and didn't really say anything to us at all about anything.

I have to say... the tip stayed in my pocket...

 

[judykay53]

In 2004, we tipped $30 for the Illuminations cruise. Our captain, Ron, was really a good one.

 

[Jacksmom99]

We booked the Breathless cruise in August for our 10th anniversary. It poured for the beginning of the cruise and halfway through Illuminations. Our captain offered us a pontoon boat, but said he would take Breathless if it was up to him. DH and I said we didn't mind getting wet, but what about him? He didn't care, so Breathless it was!! What a fabulous ride!!! Captain Mike tied up under the bridge so we wouldn't get wetter, and sat on the piling next to us, narrating Illuminations for us. He pointed out things on the globe I'd never noticed before. It was a great experience, and the ride after....WOW!!! We were planning on tipping $25, but changed it to $40 after the fabulous service we received.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We tipped our captain $50, which was 20% of the $250. We really enjoyed the experience, and we split the cost with several other DISers so it wasn't like we paid the whole $300 by ourselves.

 

[Skylarr29]

In 2004, we tipped $30 for the Illuminations cruise. Our captain, Ron, was really a good one.

I love Ron. Had him last time I was on a cruise.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yikes, the price sure has increased!! We did it in '99, $85 then if I recall, and again like in '01, recall $100. I thought maybe in the low $100 now. More tip then if a good evening, as was ours.