extra tipping

Last year we (family of 5) went on carnival. We tipped the suggested amount on our sign and sail cards. It seemed like a big expense to me but we figured "when in Rome". However I have read a lot of posts where people talk about how they always tip more than the suggested amount. Does this mean that we are cheap or shortchanging anyone? I assumed that if we tipped the suggested amount that we were covering our bases. We recieved nice service but we are not demanding and did not ask for any extras.

[dalech]

If you tipped the suggested amount you did fine. What a lot of people do is tip the suggested amount, and if someone goes "above and beyond" they reward tjem with an extra tip. Hope that helps.

[Laurie M]

The suggested amount is just fine.

We've taken 14 cruises and we have always tipped according to the suggested amount, except this last time. We tipped over, but "just a little over". For instance, we just rounded it off. If it said $3.50 per person, we rounded it off to $4.00. And....only twice have we felt the matre'd/head waiter deserved to be tipped. This last cruise on the Adventure was one of those times. And come to think of it, the last time was on the same class ship, the Voyager. They must be hiring the best!

[Darcy]

We usually tip the standard amount and only tip extra if someone goes above and beyond. Have never tipped the maitre'd as we have never had him do anything for us. You are not cheap or shortchanging anyone by tipping the standard amount.

We usually tip the suggested amount but will add or subtract that amount depending upon the services rendered. To be honest, we have had some assistant waiters who got drink orders mixed up or completely forgot to give us what we ordered. The only way the assistant waiter will learn to improve their skills if they get a smaller tip. Money talks.
We usually do not tip the head waiter or the head housekeeper unless they go above and beyond in giving us personal attention. Tipping is a personal matter but, like the meaning of the word says; to insure proper sevice!

[Mike M]

Tipping the recommended amount is NOT cheap, tacky or improper. Doing so is fine. If someone wants to give more that is fine and their prerogative. If they want to give less that is also their prerogative but should only be done so for reasons of poor service.

Take care and have fun.
Mike

[LisaK]

i always used the suggested tipping amount as a guideline, a place to start. We will add or subtract from that amount accordingly.