Tipping Stateroom Host Before Cruise Starts

[joyjanet]

Would you do this? This is a quote from someone who is in a Cruise Meet and Greet Group:

"I always give my stateroom host some cash up front, I like extra toiketries." I know that toiletries is spelled wrong but this is a direct quote! When I commented to her post (I told her it sounded like she was bribing them) she replied this to me:

"yes I ask for extra toiletries and I also make sure to tell them not to worry about it if they are unable. sometimes I get them and some times I don't and it is not a reflection on how well I think they do. I am giving them money up front in anticipation of incredibly excellent service, which I have always had and been grateful for."

Doesn't everyone deserve excellent service without having to slip them money before the cruise starts?

I feel that she is putting the host/hostess on the spot by giving them money and then asking for extra toiletries. I am sure that if the stateroom host got caught taking money like this it could jeopardize his/her job.

This is a quote from another poster:

"On our last cruise our stateroom host loved donuts so after breakfast we always came back to the room with some to leave him. Just be aware that they are not allowed to accept gifts or food from guests so it needs to be done privately or they will be reprimanded."

Why do people do this if they know that if the stateroom host/hostess gets caught they will be reprimanded??

I always leave them extra money at the end of the cruise if they do a good job but never before the cruise starts. I don't expect them to give me any better service then they give to anyone else. I do like when they greet me by my name and talk to me.

The funny thing is that these people have listed their names and room numbers. I guess they don't realize that people watch these posts and can report this to someone. Not that I am going to do it, but people should be careful what they post on social media!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Would you do this? This is a quote from someone who is in a Cruise Meet and Greet Group:

"I always give my stateroom host some cash up front, I like extra toiketries." I know that toiletries is spelled wrong but this is a direct quote! When I commented to her post (I told her it sounded like she was bribing them) she replied this to me:

"yes I ask for extra toiletries and I also make sure to tell them not to worry about it if they are unable. sometimes I get them and some times I don't and it is not a reflection on how well I think they do. I am giving them money up front in anticipation of incredibly excellent service, which I have always had and been grateful for."

Doesn't everyone deserve excellent service without having to slip them money before the cruise starts?

I feel that she is putting the host/hostess on the spot by giving them money and then asking for extra toiletries. I am sure that if the stateroom host got caught taking money like this it could jeopardize his/her job.

This is a quote from another poster:

"On our last cruise our stateroom host loved donuts so after breakfast we always came back to the room with some to leave him. Just be aware that they are not allowed to accept gifts or food from guests so it needs to be done privately or they will be reprimanded."

Why do people do this if they know that if the stateroom host/hostess gets caught they will be reprimanded??

I always leave them extra money at the end of the cruise if they do a good job but never before the cruise starts. I don't expect them to give me any better service then they give to anyone else. I do like when they greet me by my name and talk to me.

The funny thing is that these people have listed their names and room numbers. I guess they don't realize that people watch these posts and can report this to someone. Not that I am going to do it, but people should be careful what they post on social media!

For the most part, tipping on ships is done at the end of the cruise. There are some who feel they get better service by tipping up front. But, I agree, it seems like a bribe. Good service shouldn't be dependent on what (if any) monetary gain is available.

We've only always tipped at the end, and I have no complaints about service onboard on any of our cruises..

Now, if there were some extra special request, like making sure the beds were always ready to be slept in (requiring extra visits to the room), or if you know there's the probability of some major clean up disaster going to happen, tipping up front, or when the event occurs, might be appreciated.

 

[bumbershoot]

To me, tipping up front is a bribe.

To me, tipping afterwards is a thank you.


If you have special requests, make them, but to me it's dreadfully insulting to hand over money while making that request, because the other person might think that the person thinks that the money is the only reason they might do it.

 

[Control4Hermosa]

I wouldn't pay any attention to that rubbish post. Of the cruises we've been on, the room hosts have been very motivated, from the start, to provide us with the best service Disney intends. Why put the pressure on them anymore than Disney does now? You slip them a $20 and you expect something back?? Is that the game? Might want to try that instead at the excursions, LOL.

 

[MUN]

No, I wouldn't do this. I think it's silly.

 

[su_A_ve]

This is not Vegas - and then again, the $20 sandwich works less and less...

 

[phinz]

I always tip the concierge bartender on the first day. My glass never goes dry during happy hour.

 

[gatordoc]

"On our last cruise our stateroom host loved donuts so after breakfast we always came back to the room with some to leave him. Just be aware that they are not allowed to accept gifts or food from guests so it needs to be done privately or they will be reprimanded."

Wait a minute, really? We always bring little gifts for our stateroom host (chocolate bars, etc.) that we leave them each evening when we go to dinner. They've always been very appreciative, and never mentioned that they could get into trouble for accepting them.

 

[BlondieinFL]

I do not and would not tip before

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Wait a minute, really? We always bring little gifts for our stateroom host (chocolate bars, etc.) that we leave them each evening when we go to dinner. They've always been very appreciative, and never mentioned that they could get into trouble for accepting them.

Candy bars can be stashed in pockets when received. Food items - not so much. And CMs are not allowed to eat while "onstage".

 

[Chernabog#1fan]

Wait a minute, really? We always bring little gifts for our stateroom host (chocolate bars, etc.) that we leave them each evening when we go to dinner. They've always been very appreciative, and never mentioned that they could get into trouble for accepting them.

I think it would depend on the type of gift you are giving. In addition, they may seem appreciative, but may just turn it in to management so that they do not get reprimanded. It is always said that if you want to give them something special, the most special thing you can do is provide comments addressing them specifically in the comment card.

I do think a candy bar would be different though based on the reason PrincessShmoo stated.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

Sounds ridiculous-- the person posting it is bragging about a practice that isn't very classy, nor proper behavior towards CMs and putting them in an awkward situation. Exacerbated by doing so on social media with names and room numbers. Good grief.

Poor stateroom hosts-- another tough job dealing with people of all kinds!

And no, I wouldn't tip up front because it would be perceived as a bribe. Perhaps a few days into the cruise if I had special needs that required additional service and my host got to know me better to see it as thanks rather than a bribe.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

I always tip the concierge bartender on the first day. My glass never goes dry during happy hour.

Nice! I do feel like bartenders are a different category here given the nature of the job and tipping practices per service/per drink vs a longer service timeline of the stateroom hosts.

 

[CesD]

I always tip the concierge bartender on the first day. My glass never goes dry during happy hour.

Has there been a cruise when you didn't tip beforehand and your glass went dry? OR when you do tip beforehand, do you see others with empty glasses? Or does the bartender pour for everyone also?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Nice! I do feel like bartenders are a different category here given the nature of the job and tipping practices per service/per drink vs a longer service timeline of the stateroom hosts.

Bartenders and beverage servers all share in the pooled 15% gratuity that's added to all beverage purchases. You can tip additionally, in cash, to any of them and they get to keep it all.

 

[CesD]

"I always give my stateroom host some cash up front, I like extra toiketries."

"yes I ask for extra toiletries and I also make sure to tell them not to worry about it if they are unable. sometimes I get them and some times I don't and it is not a reflection on how well I think they do. I am giving them money up front in anticipation of incredibly excellent service, which I have always had and been grateful for."

I use to take home toiletries i didnt finish because i didnt want them to go to waste. Now, i just end up bringing my own because I like my regular shampoo and soap from home. I really dont get why people load up on toiletries. Ive read on these boards that people purposely hoard lots home with them. just doesnt make sense --- spend thousands on a vacation and then hoard tiny bottles of shampoo?! The extra tip for free toiletries-- use it go to the store and buy some extra toiletries before going to port and u dont have to deal with using tiny bottles.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I use to take home toiletries i didnt finish because i didnt want them to go to waste. Now, i just end up bringing my own because I like my regular shampoo and soap from home. I really dont get why people load up on toiletries. Ive read on these boards that people purposely hoard lots home with them. just doesnt make sense --- spend thousands on a vacation and then hoard tiny bottles of shampoo?! The extra tip for free toiletries-- use it go to the store and buy some extra toiletries before going to port and u dont have to deal with using tiny bottles.

Well, the bottles onboard the ship aren't as "tiny" as the typical ones you find in hotels. I like the H2O products, so I take the unused portions home with me. Kinda extends the "cruise feel" once home.

 

[CesD]

Well, the bottles onboard the ship aren't as "tiny" as the typical ones you find in hotels. I like the H2O products, so I take the unused portions home with me. Kinda extends the "cruise feel" once home.

Yes, I get the taking home whats left over but people are asking for extras to take home.. If people like the H20 products so much, you could just buy it at home. its like $20 for a big bottle of shampoo.-- im just saying, instead of tipping a $20 to take home a bunch of small tubes...

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

I was on a RC Caribbean cruise many years ago that stopped at Jamaica for a day. I had souvenirs that wouldn't fit in my luggage therefore I was going to throw away. I offered them to my stateroom host and he gladly accepted with overwhelming enthusiasm.

The rule about stateroom hosts not accepting gifts is often not enforced. Just like the employees at Home Depot are not allowed to accept tips for helping you load your items but they always seem to accept when I offer

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I was on a RC Caribbean cruise many years ago that stopped at Jamaica for a day. I had souvenirs that wouldn't fit in my luggage therefore I was going to throw away. I offered them to my stateroom host and he gladly accepted with overwhelming enthusiasm.

The rule about stateroom hosts not accepting gifts is often not enforced. Just like the employees at Home Depot are not allowed to accept tips for helping you load your items but they always seem to accept when I offer

Of course he did.