Tipping

[summergirl04]

I am wondering about tipping. Do you think it's easier to tip before hand and get it all paid before you leave with you registration or while you're actually on your cruise? I am trying to get almost everything paid for before we leave. Thanks

[luv2B@sea]

Just a suggestion... We put the suggested amount (in cash) in envelopes at home and kept it aside so we wouldn't accidently spend it. I don't think you should tip beforehand. Two reasons... 1. If your servers are not that great you might not want to give them the full suggested amount. 2. If they are exceptional you may want to give more.

[Donna]

I agree with Luv, just set aside all the tip money and you'll be set the last nite.

[sal7202]

I personally find it convienient to put the tip on my Sea Pass. The recommended amount is really a bare minimum, I cannot imagine not getting $3.50 per day in service from your waiter. You have plenty of time to evaluate the service and add to the tip that you charge before the deadline for this service. Additionally, just because I've put the tip on the account, doesn't mean that I can't give something extra to anyone I choose. They give you the envelopes anyway.

The bare minimum is $3.50 for the cabin steward and the waiter. I forget what it is for the waiter's assistant??? Is there anyone else that gets a daily tip??

[luv2B@sea]

Here is what RCI suggests

Waiter: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Assistant waiter: $2.00 USD a day per guest
Stateroom attendant: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Headwaiter: $.75 USD a day per guest

[summergirl04]

So how much do you think a 4 day cruise would be? Total tipping for the entire trip, estimated? Thanks.

[luv2B@sea]

For 2 people it would be $72 total, that doesn't include the head waiter (Maitra d) really you only tip him if he's done something, ours didn't do much so we only gave him $5. Something else to keep in mind... the porters who take your bags at the pier expect something ($1-2 per bag) room service is free but you should tip them a couple - few dollars depending on what you order and if you go on any excursion, the people who head it up and the drivers who get you there usually will tell you "tips are appreciated". Hope this helps

[summergirl04]

Thanks so much!!!

[happycruiser]

I think i'll prepay it before i go on my next cruise -- I agree, if the service is good-- go over, I cant imagine going under -- if im getting poor service I think i'll try to get better rather than lower tips --