Tipping - charge card versus cash?

[Diz-Me]

I hate carrying around an extra $200 in cash for tipping at the end of our cruise (land/sea trip). I am considering putting tips for the dining servers, room steward etc. on our credit card. Does anyone know how this is done?

Does anyone know how the recipients feel about their tips being put on charge cards?

Thanks for any input!

 

[prymsu]

I actually took enough cash to pay the tips, and instead of worrying about hanging on to the extra cash, i put it on our room account. Then the tipping day, i went down to guest services, and had the tips taken out of my balance. They gave me little vouchers to put in the envelopes to give to those who get tipped. I couldn't tell one way or the other if they would rather of had cash or the voucher. I like to have the tips saved up before we go, so that i don't feel so guilty about getting other things in ports and putting those purchases on our card...

 

[DreamsDoComeTrue]

Originally posted by Diz-Me
Does anyone know how the recipients feel about their tips being put on charge cards?

That's a really good question. I wonder what counrty they have to pay income tax on tips to?

 

[taswira]

I had pre-paid vouchers for the standard recommended tips, which were delivered to my stateroom on the final evening with each person's name, title and amount on their voucher, and an envelope for each. I then added cash to this for each one, based on individual service.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by DreamsDoComeTrue

I wonder what counrty they have to pay income tax on tips to?

Well, because the boat's registered in the Bahamas, they don't have the minimum wage or maximum hours restrictions of the U.S. So I suppose the employees are officially paid as if they were employees of the Bahamas... and there's no income tax in the Bahamas.

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

You would go to guest services and let them know that you want to charge your tips. They will ask you the name of each server and how much you want to tip. They will then give you a ticket to put in each envelope to give to the server. The tips are then charged to your room which in turn you pay for on your credit card. They told me that the servers then take those tickets somewhere on the ship and redeem them for cash.

 

[Diz-Me]

I knew if I asked you guys I would get definitive answers!

I am going to put the tips on my CC. And I am glad to know that the servers redeem them for cash on the ship.


Thanks!!!