When and whom to tip on a cruise?

[TheHulamuffins]

I have the cruise brochure which gives the customary tips and mentions that room service is tipped at the guest's discretion (i.e. normally). I think one tips at the Cove Cafe, right? What about on excursions, and at Castaway Cay with any special activities? What about tips connected with luggage service? What about Palo and Remy (on the Dream)? If you could advise me about any service providers that it is customary to tip, when I might not think of it, that would be much appreciated!

 

[reimero]

You saw the "usual and customary" tips for your stateroom host, server, assistant server and head server. Those go in envelopes that will be given to you near the end of the cruise for you to hand out (they actually give you vouchers that have been charged against your stateroom account. You can change the amount by going to guest services, or you can add cash to the envelope.)
All purchases from bars, the Cove Cafe, drinks on Castaway Cay, etc., all have a 15% gratuity automatically added to the bill.
Palo and Remy are discretionary and not automatically added (to my recollection) but I tend to add the usual 15-20% I normally would when dining out.
Shore excursion operators are discretionary. It really depends, for me; I don't consider those necessarily "expected".
Luggage handlers at port, I figure a couple bucks a bag.
Room service I start at about $1 per item ordered.

 

[TheHulamuffins]

Thanks very much, reimero! I just want to have enough cash on hand to cover cash tips. (There is not an ATM machine on board, I assume!)

 

[reimero]

Thanks very much, reimero! I just want to have enough cash on hand to cover cash tips. (There is not an ATM machine on board, I assume!)

There is no ATM on board, no. For the most part, you're going to need very little cash on the ship itself: with the possible exception of room service, everything can be managed through your onboard account. Cash is mostly going to be needed at the various ports.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

All receipts given to you for signature will have a line for tips. You may just want to have some ones if you intend to order room service.

 

[Aanna]

This thread might help

https://www.disboards.com/threads/who-what-when-how-of-tipping-on-dcl.3539948/

 

[TheHulamuffins]

Thanks, Aanna! That thread seems very complete!

 

[TheHulamuffins]

Just wanted to add that the thread that Aanna linked is very helpful--just what I was looking for (sorry about not finding it by searching).

I would not have thought about the sommelier, because we so rarely go to a restaurant that has a sommelier. Was the consensus that the tips for the sommelier are included in the bill? Or not?

 

[Aanna]

Just wanted to add that the thread that Aanna linked is very helpful--just what I was looking for (sorry about not finding it by searching).

I would not have thought about the sommelier, because we so rarely go to a restaurant that has a sommelier. Was the consensus that the tips for the sommelier are included in the bill? Or not?

I've researched this pretty thoroughly, and the practice of separately tipping the sommelier for standard service is falling out of practice in general. In the case of DCL, the alcohol already has an auto-gratuity added -- this would cover the traditional sommelier's tip. Exceptional service is always an exception. (A circular statement, but my brain can't word a better one right now LOL)

LOL I did my homework on that one because it's dear to my and my DH's hearts!