Question about tipping...

[Jashlock]

I have a question.. With the Sail cards they give you that act like a credit card while on ship, it says that there is a ten dollar per day charge for required tips... does that go on the total trip price when you originally book and pay for the trip, or do you have to pay that at the end of the week when you "tab" out on your cards? Let me know, thanks.

[kalena]

some cruise lines you can pay in advance but not a real good idea, you are paying for service, and if it's not right you don't want to have already paid. the charge is on you final bill of purchases (drinks, excursions ect.) at the end of your cruise. Remember if you feel you do not want to tip that amount you can have it changed to your own specifications, but in my 5 cruises that has never been necessary. I personally feel the crew, especially your waiter and room steward deserve every dime. But it is strictly your call

[Larry in Miami]

Also on formal night you can give a tip to your maitre d'. They leave an envelope in your room the day before.

[Carlalena1]

Jashlock: when I booked my cruise on the Elation I was given the option of paying the $10/pp mandatory gratuity then or when I sign in and get the cards. I elected to pay when I board. That will be $350.00 for me- not a small sum but that's what happens when you have a big family. In addition I will pay both the room steward and the waiter $50 each the first night. Why pay at the end when it won't be reflected in the service one has already received?

Carla

[Jashlock]

I understand... I am fully up for tipping in advance.. being an employee of a restaurant, bartender, I knew if someone rolled in a layed down a nice tip I would give them great service because I knew they were grateful.. I was just wondering because my grandmother is paying for the trip itself for the whole family, and wasnt sure if that 10 per day would be on her tab or mine... thanks for all the responses.. :>

[Carlalena1]

I hear you- I was a waitress for a long time and to this day I am always tip conscious.

What goes around comes around.

[Cruise Specialist]

Jashlock,
The $10.00/day will be on the shipboard credit account for each cabin. Now if your grandmother puts up the credit or cash for the shipboard credit account for each cabin then she will pay it, if you put up the credit card or cash then it will be charged to you. We went on a cruise a couple of years ago and payed for my MIL, Sister and brother inlaw and our daughter. 3 seperate cabins, everyone paid their own tips. We took care of our daughter, even though she was not in same cabin with us. We went to the Pursers desk and had hers added to our onboard account.

[Sippora]

Originally posted by Jashlock:
I was just wondering because my grandmother is paying for the trip itself for the whole family, and wasnt sure if that 10 per day would be on her tab or mine... thanks for all the responses.. :>

Aren't grandmothers great? My grandmother took us all on a cruise last year. She told us up front that she was paying for the tips for everyone ahead of time. Since your dear grandmother is paying for the cruise find out from her if the tips are pre-paid.

[sharpy]

Grandmothers are more than great!!!! My daughter's grandmother, otherwise known as my mother, gave our upcoming cruise to her as a birthday gift. My daughter is a minor so of course I HAVE TO go with! LOL