Gratuities , should we tip before the service !!

I am often asked about this very sensitive subject, do you pay for your “tips” up front or wait and give to the person you think really deserves it ? Personally I like to have mine paid up front and if I feel there are one or two more deserving of my extra dosh, I can then give this at my own discretion, first in line would be the poor soul who gets to tidy my cabin each day ……………

Well maybe not quite this bad (not every day !!) but you get my drift ?

Of course then there is the favorite bar person who gets to know just how you like you drink and will often appear when your glass is not even finished with a friendly smile and a refill…

But i still think of the may people behind the scenes who make it all possible, the cleaners in the night, kitchen staff and hundreds of crew who may never even make it on to the deck………….

That is the reason I pay up front, the gratuities are not just for the front-line staff but get divided around the crew. But still it is all your own choice, what do you think, pay up front or not ?