tipping again :)

[Kerpgh]

Hi everyone!!
Been reading the boards for awhile now...and as I now know there are times when tipping is appropriate (i.e. room service)...are you able to tip via your onboard account or does this need to be in cash??
Thanks a million!!!

 

[Southern Sailaway]

I always tipped the room service dudes in cash, otherwise everything else could be added to your card. I tipped the steward $5 up front to get me an ice bucket and keep it filled, but he probably would have done it without the cash, but I figured a little extra motivation never hurts. The room service guy doesn't give you a slip, so you can't add a charge tip. It would also be an issue if you wanted to tip the cabana host (if you get a cabana). In my case, he was also my concierge, so I just did it all then. I can't think of any other situation where you couldn't charge it.

 

[MrsMas]

You should have some cash to tip room service. It is best to just give them the cash tip upfront. I never even thought about putting it on the room. There are enough things being put on my room account.

 

[kcashner]

The process as to whether you sign a "charge" slip for room service with no charged items has varied over the years, and sometimes from one cruise to the next. It is easier to tip with cash! If they ask you to sign, you can charge the tip, but it is just easier to bring some singles hand have them available.

 

[Kerpgh]

Thanks everyone...
I went to the bank today to make sure I had some cash on hand..but wanted to make sure of my options if I run out of cash

 

[jilljill]

Don't forget about tipping the porters at the port, before and after your cruise, if you use their services.

Guest Services, on board, can cash a personal check or travelers check if need be.

 

[KBT35]

Hi everyone!!
Been reading the boards for awhile now...and as I now know there are times when tipping is appropriate (i.e. room service)...are you able to tip via your onboard account or does this need to be in cash??
Thanks a million!!!

Looks like you're sailing on our cruise if you haven't already checked out our meet group and Facebook page please do so!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/302691436452564/

 

[luv that cruise]

I always assumed tipping in cash was a perk but i was reading a thread the other day about how most workers actually prefer when you put the tips on your room charge account. Many of them send money "home" and it's easier for them to have it all in one account maintained by the ship. Second, and I never thought of this, they don't have a lot of opportunities to spend cash. They live on the ship, they eat on the ship. Yes, they all probably take advantage of time off to get away from the ship but that doesn't necessarily mean they need a lot of cash. From now on I will tip the suggested amount thru my room charge and if additional tip is needed for wonderful service I will slip some cash into the envelope with the tip voucher. You can also add additional gratuity to your room charge by going to guest services.

 

[Floridagram]

I think this is the first time I have ever heard that they would not want to be paid in cash. I have been cruising for over 20 years and tips have always been in cash, there was a time it was not heard of to put in on your account. They have ways to get the money home.

That said I will let it go onto my account to get the rewards points from my cc. I will tip additional in cash for the good service that I anticipate.

 

[luv that cruise]

What I said about tipping on your room charge account was just something I recently saw and it kind of made sense to me. I too always tipped in cash. I am sure some prefer cash, some prefer the money electronically placed in their accounts.

 

[kcashner]

If you tip in cash to the 4 main positions, the CM has to first, not lose it. Secondly, he/she has to take it to their office and have it deposited to his account, and finally, request a check be issued so he/she can send it home (or use precious shore time to obtain a money order).

If you tip by charging to your account, the CM automatically gets a check for all the charged tips every 2 weeks.

However, tips are tips and I've never seen any CM object regardless of the way they are given.

It is easier to tip room service with small bills. That is also the only way to tip the porters at the terminal (if you choose to use them).

 

[Namsupak]

As has been noted on other threads. For a lot of us who have worked in the food service industry in the US then cash is a large portion of your income and also in the US tip out and taxation are an issue. However the gratuities on the ship are not taxed the CM gets to keep 100% and so a charged tip for them is more flexible. We ask Room Service for a slip or use cash, and we also use cash for times when we don not have a slip to sign at all.

 

[ielusivemusei]

Just off the Wonder, we surveyed the room service people and all said that cash is better. If you add it to the room charges it is pooled and distributed evenly among the staff.

 

[Namsupak]

Just off the Wonder, we surveyed the room service people and all said that cash is better. If you add it to the room charges it is pooled and distributed evenly among the staff.

Room service is a different animal. The MDR servers are paid differently and work differently. For example the room service guys benefit from more volume, MDR CMs care about the quality of your service and dining experience.