Question about tipping

[Kaychell]

I was reading on the cruisereviews.com website about tipping.

My question is, they charge the $140 *there's 2 of us at $10 a day for 7 days* to your credit card and then they give you envelopes at the end of the cruise to tip everyone again? So do we tip all of the wait staff another $140?

I'm confused

[penny3333]

You do not have to leave the automatic tipping on your bill, although it is easier to me. We use the envelopes to tip a little extra to the people who give us extra service. Normally, we give the cabin steward an addtional $50-$100, depending on service, our waiter $50, our bus person $20-$50, our favorite bar tender $20-$50, the matre d' $20. We tip the servers that bring us drinks at the time of delivery $1/ea delivery as well as the wine steward in the dining room. Tipping is always personal preference and is not required. I've read so many posts where people are furious because they were FORCED to tip, this is so not the way it is. Of all the cruises we've been on, the crew deserves much more than I can afford, but I do the best I can. Enjoy your cruise!!

[Dave]

Kaychell,

If you stick with the automatic gratuities, you will not need to do anything further. Your gratuities are taken care of. Envelopes are primarily for those who opted out of the automatic gratuity program, however as Penny notes, many of us will put a little extra in an envelope and give to the crew.

[Larry in Miami]

Yes, it's nice to give a little something more to those that gave you good service. Also the tip for the matre'd is not included in the automatic tipping.