GRATUITIES, TIPPING

[jantoby]

Just got back from Sea Princess in Southern Caribbean. I had cancelled the automatic 10 dls. per day gratuities from my onboard account as I wanted to give direct to my cabin steward, waiter, etc. Only learned on the last evening from my restaurant waiter that they have to hand over everything they are given and it is put into the "pot" to be shared between the world and his wife on a points system. Very disappointing. So, don´t think that what you give is what they get.

[Kate Ashlock]

Hmmm interesting .. most people like the thought that their funds go directly to the person who treated them well.

If you really want to make sure someone gets special recognition, you can leave the auto tips and give them extra (which they may split but it's still extra) and/or write a special mention of them in the post cruise survey.