Tipping questions

[DisneyJade]

1) I understand that envelopes are provided at the end of the cruise so that we can tip beyond the recommended amounts at our discretion. Everything I have seen indicates that we would put cash in these envelopes. Is there a way to instead increase the tip on our final cruise bill? I'm just nervous about carrying hundreds of dollars in cash, and I suspect we will want to tip above the recommended amounts.

2) We are using Disney transportation from the Hyatt, so we leave our bags at the hotel room for transport. Who and how do we tip baggage handlers? Or do we not, in this case?

3) Do people typically tip beyond the automatic 18% gratuity on drinks? Or no? I was thinking we might just do additional cash tips if there is a server who really stands out.

TIA!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

1) I understand that envelopes are provided at the end of the cruise so that we can tip beyond the recommended amounts at our discretion. Everything I have seen indicates that we would put cash in these envelopes. Is there a way to instead increase the tip on our final cruise bill? I'm just nervous about carrying hundreds of dollars in cash, and I suspect we will want to tip above the recommended amounts.

2) We are using Disney transportation from the Hyatt, so we leave our bags at the hotel room for transport. Who and how do we tip baggage handlers? Or do we not, in this case?

3) Do people typically tip beyond the automatic 18% gratuity on drinks? Or no? I was thinking we might just do additional cash tips if there is a server who really stands out.

TIA!

1) Yes, just head to Guest Services and have the amount increased.

2) Some people tip the baggage handlers, some do not (your choice). I've read that people have just placed a tip envelope on top of the bags in the room to be picked up with the bags.

3) Don't know about "typically", but yes, people do tip additionally and people don't (again, your choice).

 

[kiford]

1) I understand that envelopes are provided at the end of the cruise so that we can tip beyond the recommended amounts at our discretion. Everything I have seen indicates that we would put cash in these envelopes. Is there a way to instead increase the tip on our final cruise bill? I'm just nervous about carrying hundreds of dollars in cash, and I suspect we will want to tip above the recommended amounts.

Along with the envelopes, you'll get a sheet of paper that separates into smaller pieces, each with the name of the tipped position and person and the amount. That amount is charged to your account. You put that into the envelope that you can then hand to them. Even if you don't give it to them, they'll still get the tipped amount because it's just really an acknowledgement, not the actual funds. You can put additional cash into the envelope, but we always go down to Guest Services to increase if we want to give more. They will reprint the ticket with the new amount and charge it to your account. We almost never use cash and, in fact, travel with very little.

3) Do people typically tip beyond the automatic 18% gratuity on drinks? Or no? I was thinking we might just do additional cash tips if there is a server who really stands out.

We always do. The auto gratuity is split amongst the bar staff, but the additional tip goes to the specific server. We just fill in the chit; I never use cash, and I prefer not to have to carry anything other than my phone when on the ship.

 

[DisneyJade]

We always do. The auto gratuity is split amongst the bar staff, but the additional tip goes to the specific server. We just fill in the chit; I never use cash, and I prefer not to have to carry anything other than my phone when on the ship.

Thank you! This is good to know!

 

[scrappinginontario]

We sailed / weeks ago. On the day the tip sheets were delivered I went to Gyest Services and increased my tips. They printed out a new paper to split up for the envelopes and charged my cc the additional amount. Was very easy to do!

 

[msmama]

Just know the line to increase tips can get long so you may want to go early.

Also, I learned on my last cruise that you can "add gratuities" at the end of the cruise to any tipped position, not just the four that are prepaid. But, the people at guest services don't necessarily know which positions are tipped, and you need a name if you want to tip them.

 

[DisneyJade]

All great information.
Thank you, everyone!

 

[tvguy]

We just fill in the chit; I never use cash, and I prefer not to have to carry anything other than my phone when on the ship.

I prefer not to carry anything on the ship, especially my phone! My KTTW card is all I need. Fits in my pocket and water proof.

 

[CeCe0906]

Will you get an envelope for each person in the stateroom, even kids? Of course I have prepaid the gratuity, but since I'm the one paying for everyone in my stateroom, should I get all the tip pages in my envelope? It's just me and a 10/13 yr old

 

[happycamper47]

Will you get an envelope for each person in the stateroom, even kids? Of course I have prepaid the gratuity, but since I'm the one paying for everyone in my stateroom, should I get all the tip pages in my envelope? It's just me and a 10/13 yr old

No it's per stateroom.

 

[cmph]

The only cash I ever use on a cruise is for room service delivery. I guess you could add that at guest services if you have their name, but that would be a good deal more effort to do.