Tips and "options"

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greglee

Guest
Thanks for the responses regarding the stateroom sizes.

I have another question about tips and "options". We're thinking of going on the Millenium 14 day cruise in the Mediterranean.

I read previous posts about the recommended amount for tipping waiters, etc. But on average, how much would you spend on tips per day? Does it depend alot on how much you intereact with the staff? eg. if you only see one waiter per day, that's only $3.50/day? Or do you see many different waiters for meals and thus have to spend $10-20 per day?

Also, when we arrive at cities like Venice, Barcelona, etc, will they give us more opportunity to spend money by giving us options to take tours on land? ie. Pay $100 to get a guided tour of Venice.

I just want to prepare myself for other hidden costs, and try to figure out how much I will actually spend while on the cruise.

Many thanks.
 
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BSeabob

Guest
I think the "recommended" amount for tipping works out to around $10.00 for EACH pax. So your 14 dayer would add about $280.00 to your fare if you are a couple.
Extra expenses are your bottled water, pop, wine and liquor and of course personal items that one always seems to need/forgotten. eg. toothpaste, mouthwash, hair spray? etc. etc.
And of course they run tours that you can spend MORE money on. If you go to their website and click on Shore excursions they are all there and the cost for each. You can of course head out on your own if you feel comfortable doing that.
 
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idssms

Guest
Remember the golden rule:

If you tip the norm,, as stated in the handouts,,, you will get the normal service.

If you tip as you go to certain workers for good service,, you will get above normal service.

So, a word to the wise can make a good vacation -- GREAT.

I normally give the Butler some incentive money abt 2 days out,, and his service becomes impeccable. He always gets rewarded at the end.

Same for the waiter and bus boys. They do like some incentive for working harder.

If you plan on sailing on the same ship or line (all the staff moves around among ships) , it pays to tip well, , because (as you would),, they remember you the next time and when you take the same line 5 or 6 times,, it real pays to tip beyond the "norm"..

That is just my opinion and it works for me. Most cruisers tip the norm and are extremely satisfied.

IDSSMS
 
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paulfredo

Guest
I've done before/after tipping... all different options. It's not made much difference in the level of service. Bottom line is: Those who will work hard and do well will do so.

We count the "normal" tipping schedule as a price of the cruise. Anything above that will depend upon what the staff actually does. Usually they get more, because that's the kind of service we've normally had.

paul
 
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tuggers

Guest
I put this on cruise critic and did not get an answer so I'm going to try here. It concerns tips for room service. I usually get coffee, juice and a roll delvered every am. It is always delivered by what the cruise line defines as a 'pantry girl'. At the end of the cruise I make a seperate envelope for her. Others were talking about tipping each am as it is delivered. I am concerned now that she goes the whole cruise thinking I am 'stiffing' her. What do others do about room service. Also if I ever get anything in afternoon the cabin steward brings it and I just add to final tip. Any opinions?
 
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idssms

Guest
In those cases you really should tip piece-meal not at the end of the cruise. Room service should be a few bucks on each delivery because there could be many different deliverers.
 
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