RCI Considering Changes To Tipping Policy - Page 3

Maurine · #21 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 09:47 AM

If you're going to a foreign country, you need to research and find out about any customs or traditions about that country beforehand. I wonder if it's truly ignorance as to why they're not tipping or cheapness.

penny3333 · #22 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:17 AM

I don't think it's cheapness, I truly believe it's just not part of their custom. Gambling is another thing that the British are not fond of. We sailed on the Sea Princess after she had returned from P&O. They had removed half of the casino and turned it into an area for board games and cards (bridge, gin, and the like).

Corkgirl, you are so right. Not all Americans do tip. Usually the ones that can afford it the most, tip the least or not at all. I know from waiting on a few "stars".

ChrisFLH70 · #23 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:52 AM

A related question about tipping, what do they consider a day? I just went on the Majesty for a 3 NIGHT cruise, left on Friday @ 5pm and returned on Monday @ 8am. Should I be tipping on a 3 or 4 DAY basis?

penny3333 · #24 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:55 AM

ChrisFLH70, it would be based on 3 days. I believe RCI is $10.50 or $11/day.

Dave · #25 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:55 AM

Tip based on the number of nights, which is actually the better way to refer to cruise length (not days).

f-mattox · #26 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:58 AM

You were in the cabin 3 nights, so that would be sufficient.

ChrisFLH70 · #27 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 11:30 AM

Thank you for the fast replies. I usually over tip, so all got over the suggested amount. Because the headwaiter helped out with my wife's special dietary needs, I couldn't give her the suggested amount ($4.50). She got $50 and was worth every penny of it!

penny3333 · #28 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 12:15 PM

I do the same thing. I leave the auto tips on our sail 'n sign, then give extra in envelopes or just hand them cash on the last night. There are very few cruises where anyone just got the "recommended" amount. Usually, that was only the head waiter or maitre d'. Everyone we've ever had for server, cabin steward, bar tender, etc., has been just amazing. They remember your names, what you like, always smiling, engaging, and seem to truly care.

Maurine · #29 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 12:21 PM

Tipping guidelines per person per night are Head Waiter $.75
Room Attendant $3.50
Waiter $3.50
Assistant Waiter $2.00

LisaP · #30 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 04:22 PM

Corkgirl, thank you for providing your perspective. I was hoping that one of our Members from Europe would weigh in. We often forget that different countries do things differently. It's just how things are.

One of my very-well traveled friends mentioned on another board that not only is tipping not customary in some countries, it can be taken as an insult in a few of them.

I wonder what other cruise lines do. Even if RCI institutes automatic gratuities, wouldn't there still be the option for guests to remove them?

Cruise ship and port reviews from professionals and cruisers like you!