tipping for youth counselors?

[nmjunko]

Hi-

We are cruising on the Explorer of the seas on April 26th. We have 7 year old twins. I was wondering if we will be expected to tip the youth counsellors, and how much would a typical amount be? It's a 7 day cruise...

Thank you!

-June

I'm the family cruise editor here. I've never seen anything in writing, but I do tip the youth counselors at the end of each cruise we go on. I figure that since I value my child even more than having my cabin made up each night by a room steward, that I should tip the counselors too. I don't know what other people tip, but I usually give between $40 and $50 for a seven day cruise.
I have a nine year old daughter and a toddler. We were on the Explorer's sister ship (Adventure) last year and my daughter loved it. So much to do and the youth program is tops!
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor

[nmjunko]

Thanks Luisa-

Is that PER counselor? How many counsellors are there? Or is it $40-$50 for them to split up as they see fit? I wasn't sure how to handle the tipping for multiple people!

-June

Hi:
I tip them $40 to $50 altogether (seven day cruise) and they pool the tips among them. The number of counselors that your child has contact with varies per cruise line, that's why they suggest you give one tip for them to divide among themselves.
Hope this helps!
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor

[nmjunko]

Okay, whew! I think I can afford that ;-) I agree that the kids are worth it.

You have been so helpful these past few weeks with all our planning!

Thanks, Luisa!

-June

Hi June:
Glad to hear I've been of help. Only one more week to go until your cruise! Let me know how you and the kids liked (loved) it. Make sure they partake in plenty of youth program activities -- as I mentioned, my daughter loves Royal Caribbean's youth activities (along with the rock wall, mini golf, pools, etc, etc.)!!!
Smooth sailing,
Luisa

[robinfield]

Luisa,
Does Infinity have good youth counselers, and activities for teens? We're traveling w/ 6 kids ages 11-18?
Thanks,
Robin

To Robinfield:
I hear that Celebrity's youth program is good (better for grammar school kids than for teens). Someone recently wrote a post saying that there wasn't enough for teens to do. I haven't sailed on Celebrity in 7 years since my daughter was three years old so I can't give you first hand knowledge. I do know that the still has a reputation for great food and top service. Maybe you want to make a separate post asking people for any feedback on Celebrity's youth program.
Sorry I couldn't help you more -- I've been trying to get on a Celebrity ship to update their youth program but it hasn't worked out. They seem to be focusing on couples, upscale amenities, etc. in their marketing, rather than families.
I assume you know that Celebrity's youth program is offered only seasonally so make sure it'll be offered when you plan to be on board.
Let me know how things work out.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor
Family Cruise Editor