Gratuity

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akayel

Guest
We are booked on RCL Mariner of the seas in October for our first cruise.
We have paid gratuities up front at £40 each x 3, can someone tell me how the service staff are made aware of this and will there be any expectation to tip in addition to this?

We have also noticed whilst reading forums that there is a charge for Ben & Jerry’s? If this is the case- why all the hype? I can buy Ben & Jerry’s anywhere! We thought that an all inclusive cruise means that you don’t pay additionally for food, however I also notice that there are additional charges all over (eating at Johnny Rockets for example) and am feeling like I may be paying twice for all inclusive.
Would someone be so kind as to list all additional charges on RCL so as I don’t get any more surprises when we are on holiday.
Thank you.
 
S

sailingrose

Guest
RCI charges for Johnny Rockets $3.95 per person, Ben and Jerry's, Seattles Best coffee (fresh brewed if you want it), spa treatments, photos, shore excursions, drinks, gambling, alternative restaurants, etc. Of course all of these things are optional and at your discretion.
You can also buy a soda card if your a big soda drinker. Pretty much standard with all the other main-stream cruiselines.

Can't help with the tipping as we always give cash.
 
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iluvcruzin

Guest
Hi akayel.

Although I have never pre-paid tips, I would imagine the purser on the ship would have the information that you prepaid. You can double check this once on board. I pay mine with a credit card near the end of the cruise and trust the cruiseline to distribute it accordingly - ie. stateroom attendant, dinning staff, etc.

Tips that are not include are the ones for drinks. They add 15% gratuity to the bill automatically everything you purchase one. The exception is the soda/soft drink card as they charge you the tip at purchase.

You are right about Ben and Jerry's and Johnny Rockets for that matter. These are things found at home. The burgers and ice cream in the dinning room are just as good and there is no extra charge. Johnny Rockets used to be free but they had problems a while back with teens hanging out in it all day. You might find someone onboard who has cruised with RCCL before and has a free coupon. I've given mine away before to new cruisers while onship.

There are alternative dining options on the Mariner as sailingrose mentioned. The fee paid is really a gratuity as the staff is seperate from the main dining. Many people like to "treat" themselves to a dinner in the steakhouse once during the cruise. But again, this is optional. I personally find the food in the dining room and buffets good on the Mariner so I choose not to go to the alternative restaurants.
 
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AJ coast

Guest
You will be handed vouchers and appropriate envelopes when you prepay tips, and you will be able to hand these to your personnel in person on the last night of the cruise.(tu)
 
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Libby

Guest
They've had to add some of the extra charges - so many people were taking advantage of a few things that used to be included. As someone mentioned - the kids hanging out at Johnny Rockets (and trust me - the minimal cover charge is well worth for all the food you get without an additional charge.) It's also my understanding that the kids were eating the ice cream almost 24/7 and sometimes the ships ran out prior to the end of the cruise. It's too bad when a few ruin a good thing for the rest of us.
You will get the vouchers for the tips you've paid, and can personally present them to all of your waitstaff and stateroom attendant the last day.
 
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