Gratuities..Whats your views?

Whats your thoughts on gratuities? Do you think they should be compulsory or discretionary? Most customer’s I speak to like to remove them and tip accordingly to the people that have looked after them during their cruise. Whilst others like them included as its easier for them to budget.

This is always a topic of conversation whilst I am booking cruises for my customer’s. If its someones first cruise then they include them and then its covered. However the more experienced cruiser like to pay them on board, they like to reward the relevant people, it may be that the person that attends to them in their cabin has done a great job or keeping it clean, provided service over and above what is expected of them within their role. Their waiter, I had one customer that said their waiter provided them with exceptional service, remembered what they like to drink every evening and a their drinks were always promptly served to them at their table.

Some customers say that they include the gratuities within the cost of their cruise where possible, but they still like to tip certain members of staff, as they know they are low wages and so feel they can boost this for them and their families. What we need to remember is that the crew can sometimes be working for up to 9 months at a time without a day off. Can you imagine having to do this?.

Some cruise companies will automatically add a service fee to the on board account which is then dispersed accordingly between all the staff. If this is something that you don’t agree with and feel this should be adjusted or increased then you will need to make your feelings clear with guest services.

Myself personally when I have cruised before I like to tip accordingly and have mine removed as I feel that I am rewarding the correct people for the service that I have received. Gratuities are not expected from children, however I have always given a little something to the staff in the children’s clubs.

Whats your views on tipping? Do you like to pay in advance or do you rather pay on board? I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

I look forward you hearing from you.