tipping ?

[mom1]

If you do not eat in the formal dining rooms any during a 7 day cruise, eating only in the buffet or cafes - do you still tip the dining room head waiter, waiter and assistant waiter? And if so - tip the full amount suggested in the general gratituty guidelines?

[Dave]

Welcome to cruise-chat.

Which cruise line are you talking about? For instance, if it is a line which has default automatic gratuities being added to your account you should leave them in place. Otherwise it is appropriate to tip those who service the dining area of the buffets at levels equal to the suggested tip amount for the main dining room.

The dining room staff doesn't only work in the main dining rooms. They also pull shifts in the buffet restaurant, and this includes head waiters, waiters, and assistant waiters. Therefore they are still providing service for you even if you never set foot in the main dining room.

[mom1]

RCL.
We prefer to tip on our own and forgo the automatic option. We have had excellent service across the board and tend to tip higher than the suggested amounts.
Glad you mentioned staff obligations - I had completely forgotten - and I do remember seeing our waiters are breakfast and/or lunch. Thanks for reminding me. We will tip as usual.