Tipping bartenders?

[ajlsjl]

I'm not much of a drinker, so the concept of bars on a cruise is new to me. What is etiquette for tipping bartenders on board? I'm speaking of the bartenders that work the pool bar and bars in adult areas of the ship (I don't drink with dinner). Do I tip them by the drink, as is the norm at a regular bar, or at the end of the cruise?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm not much of a drinker, so the concept of bars on a cruise is new to me. What is etiquette for tipping bartenders on board? I'm speaking of the bartenders that work the pool bar and bars in adult areas of the ship (I don't drink with dinner). Do I tip them by the drink, as is the norm at a regular bar, or at the end of the cruise?

All purchased beverages have an automatic 15% gratuity added at the time of purchase. That gratuity is pooled to be shared by all servers/bartenders.

If you want to tip additionally, whatever you tip will go directly to the person you indicate (either the server or bartender). You can add any additional gratuity to the check when it comes, or tip in cash, if you wish.

 

[ajlsjl]

Thank you so much, PrincessShmoo! I'm 99% sure I know the answer to this, but can the drinks/tip be charged to the room? I'm planning on bringing as little cash as possible, and don't want to look like an idiot thinking I can charge everything, including tip, to the room when in fact I can't. Don't want the bartender to think I'm stiffing him/her.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thank you so much, PrincessShmoo! I'm 99% sure I know the answer to this, but can the drinks/tip be charged to the room? I'm planning on bringing as little cash as possible, and don't want to look like an idiot thinking I can charge everything, including tip, to the room when in fact I can't. Don't want the bartender to think I'm stiffing him/her.

All charges onboard the ship are done on your KTTW card. The ship is a cashless system. The KTTW card charges to your onboard account.

 

[eva]

I do find if you tip a bit more up on the bill every time you order, bartenders remember. Wink! Wink!

 

[ajlsjl]

Good to know. Thanks, everyone!