Tipping Poll

Lisa63 · August 15, 2004

I voted for automatic tipping as it is preferable to to bringing several hundred $ in cash (or waiting in line to cash travelers' cheques).

What I would truly like is the ability to have tips added to our onboard account while being able to adjust them while ENSURING that they go to individuals rather than getting pooled.

Sunni · August 16, 2004

Guess I am the odd person out but I really don't like the auto tipping. A few cruises ago we inquired about it at the purser but it was so restrictive (it was all or nothing) we opted no. The purser suggested just getting cash on our sign and sail card at the casino. Perfect solution, we don't have to carry any extra cash and it goes right onto our RCI credit card for extra points! And we are in the casino occassionally! :grin: Cheers!

Bibb · August 18, 2004

I'm with sunni on this. There is no need to carry a lot of cash; you can get it in the casino. If you do bring cash from home, remember, we carry cash around with us 51 weeks a year; what's one night on a cruise (remember, it's in the safe the rest of the time)? The concept of "having to hunt down the correct bills, etc" should not be a bother. We eat out about 5 times a week and making the tips 5 times compared to only once would be nightmarish if we thought of it as being troublesome.

Something I haven't heard anyone mention, is the personal touch in service & tipping. They are providing their service personally and I prefer to give them their tip personally. Think of it as "your clean towels were delivered to the purser's desk and you can pick them up at your convenience". Cold, isn't it?

On the Nordic Empress last November, the crew told us they preferred the cash tips. There is a two week delay in getting their money and yes, after a couple of weeks, they will get their money weekly, but when they are leaving for vacation or planning to buy that special something at Cozumel, two weeks of their money is still in the system somewhere.

I'll stick with the personal touch and trade them an envelope for a last handshake and hug.

Bibb · August 18, 2004

I'm with sunni on this. There is no need to carry a lot of cash; you can get it in the casino. If you do bring cash from home, remember, we carry cash around with us 51 weeks a year; what's one night on a cruise (remember, it's in the safe the rest of the time)? The concept of "having to hunt down the correct bills, etc" should not be a bother. We eat out about 5 times a week and making the tips 5 times compared to only once would be nightmarish if we thought of it as being troublesome.

Something I haven't heard anyone mention, is the personal touch in service & tipping. They are providing their service personally and I prefer to give them their tip personally. Think of it as "your clean towels were delivered to the purser's desk and you can pick them up at your convenience". Cold, isn't it?

On the Nordic Empress last November, the crew told us they preferred the cash tips. There is a two week delay in getting their money and yes, after a couple of weeks, they will get their money weekly, but when they are leaving for vacation or planning to buy that special something at Cozumel, two weeks of their money is still in the system somewhere.

I'll stick with the personal touch and trade them an envelope for a last handshake and hug.

KeithnRita · August 18, 2004

We now have a dead heat on automatic and customary tipping!

KeithnRita · August 18, 2004

We now have a dead heat on automatic and customary tipping!

zima · August 18, 2004

We've done it both ways. Auto tipping is very easy and requires no thought processes. We didn't have to worry that we got all the envelopes stuffed correctly, that we tipped correctly, or any or those things. However, I worried that the service may be lacking since they knew we had tipped. I was wrong about that. Still got great service. I also like the idea of handing the tip someone. BUT - I would like to see it just added to the fare and be done with it. You can always hand a little extra to someone who has given you exceptional service. Even if they say NO Tipping - you can find a way. I guess the only draw back is if you get poor service - but fill out a comment card with the name of the person and description of the service that was poor.

OK I guess I'm just torn as to what way is best. There is always down falls to any system! My vote - add it to the fare!

zima · August 18, 2004

We've done it both ways. Auto tipping is very easy and requires no thought processes. We didn't have to worry that we got all the envelopes stuffed correctly, that we tipped correctly, or any or those things. However, I worried that the service may be lacking since they knew we had tipped. I was wrong about that. Still got great service. I also like the idea of handing the tip someone. BUT - I would like to see it just added to the fare and be done with it. You can always hand a little extra to someone who has given you exceptional service. Even if they say NO Tipping - you can find a way. I guess the only draw back is if you get poor service - but fill out a comment card with the name of the person and description of the service that was poor.

OK I guess I'm just torn as to what way is best. There is always down falls to any system! My vote - add it to the fare!