Tipping?

[MorganL]

Can someone direct me to what items have built-in tips and which do not? I've read of folks who did not know that the tip was included for some things and they ended up tipping double... we are good tippers but I'd like to avoid the "not knowing".

Thanks!
Morgan

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Can someone direct me to what items have built-in tips and which do not? I've read of folks who did not know that the tip was included for some things and they ended up tipping double... we are good tippers but I'd like to avoid the "not knowing".

Thanks!
Morgan

The auto-gratuity ($12.00 for each person on your reservation per day) will be added to your onboard account. This covers your room host, your dining room server, assistant server, and head server.

If you pay for any beverages (alcoholic, sodas from bars/lounges or roving servers and room service), there is an automatic 15% gratuity added. Spa services (and products from what I've read) have an 18% gratuity added.

People who are not included in any pre-paid tipping: porters (at the terminals); tour guides/drivers; room service delivery people.

 

[MorganL]

Perfect!! Thank you!

 

[kiford]

"Double-tipping" isn't necessarily a bad thing when it comes to bartenders. The autogratuity is shared amongst all bar staff; if you put an additional tip onto the chit, it goes to the person who served you. I usually add $0.50-$1.00 depending on the value and number of drinks I've purchased at one time. I guarantee they'll remember you the next time, how you like your drink, maybe do a slightly more generous pour, and are very attentive. It doesn't cost more than a few extra dollars for an entire cruise and I find it pays off. Not that they're not good servers and responsive, but it always helps to be remembered a little bit better than others.

 

[starvenger]

"Double-tipping" isn't necessarily a bad thing when it comes to bartenders. The autogratuity is shared amongst all bar staff; if you put an additional tip onto the chit, it goes to the person who served you. I usually add $0.50-$1.00 depending on the value and number of drinks I've purchased at one time. I guarantee they'll remember you the next time, how you like your drink, maybe do a slightly more generous pour, and are very attentive. It doesn't cost more than a few extra dollars for an entire cruise and I find it pays off. Not that they're not good servers and responsive, but it always helps to be remembered a little bit better than others.

That reminds me of the "crowded bar/club" strategy I used to employ (you know, back when I was young and still went bar hopping and such). Basically front load your tip the first time you pay for drinks ($5, $10, basically whatever you figure you'd normally pay in tips) and you are likely to be attended to very quickly when you go up to the bar.