Stateroom room service/ Bar -tips

[Uncleromulus]

If you want to give the asst. server and server extra tips, I'd do it in their final envelopes -- that way you know they are getting it personally.

Which I always do!!

But if PrincessShmoo is correct, the Asst server gets the extra tip I usually leave on the alcohol charge slip with our dinner.

 

[RedSox68]

Which I always do!!

But if PrincessShmoo is correct, the Asst server gets the extra tip I usually leave on the alcohol charge slip with our dinner.

I always thought anything from the bars went to the bartenders.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I guess they list the assistant server--since he does bring the beer/wine to your table--as also an assistant bartender!!

 

[kiford]

So I must assume that if I add an extra gratuity w/o naming names, it goes to the assistant server??

That's always been my understanding. I have always put an additional tip onto the bill at dinner and given the great service I've had from our assistant servers over the years once they figure out that DH and I always have a pre-dinner drink and wine with our entree, I'm assuming that this is correct. I've had some go hunting for the right wine pairing when we've chosen something that doesn't already have a pairing on the menu or when they've run out of what's listed on the menu. The good ones also always know very quickly that I always order the pairing with my entree (I'm on vacation - thinking is not on my list of things to do and someone else who does this for a living knows better than me what works) and will bring that even if I'm not paying attention and forget to order. (The very best ones even figure out after a day or so that I always order the pre-dinner drink from that night's menu and will always pick the one with champagne). They may be just good at their job or it may be that there's an added incentive of an extra tip. I'm perfectly willing and more than happy to reward that and continue to encourage that behaviour.

I also always give an extra tip when ordering from the bar or by the pool. It doesn't have to be a lot - sometimes just $0.50-$1.00 depending on what I'm ordering. It certainly helps them to remember you and make sure that you get extra attention. Over the course of a cruise, it doesn't add up to much for us and I think that it's worth it. I remember on our first cruise when we were at Castaway Cay we were sitting on loungers at Serenity Bay and the server would literally come running down the sand (and it was so hot) to take our drink orders. We gave him really good tips. I'm sure he made out very well that day - we even watched him run into the water to take drink orders. Personally, I think that deserves a good tip over and above the 15% automatic gratuity.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I guess I am still confused as one person has already suggested that the tip is shared among all bartenders on the ship??

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I guess I am still confused as one person has already suggested that the tip is shared among all bartenders on the ship??

The auto-tip is pooled and shared. As far as I know, it's shared by all drink servers and bartenders onboard.

Any extra tip you give (cash or added to the charge slip) goes only to the server who served you (or the bartender, if you specify it's for them).

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

The bars will include an automatic 15% gratuity, as will an alcoholic drink ordered in the MDRs or on deck. You may tip additional cash as well if you choose.

We didn't know that on our first cruise and didn't look closely at the receipts I guess. We tipped our on-deck servers really well, even without the 15% that had been added. The service we got was crazy! Now we know why!

 

[heather4Disney]

I love all the wealth of information on this board !

 

[Shaggynamos]

Headed to our first cruise in just over a week and I kind of see tipping the bartenders extra for better service kind of like going to an all inclusive and slipping bartenders cash. you are only doing yourself a favor.