Originally Posted by
KatW
Also, with regard to gratuities being included or added to account, I am skeptical that that money actually all goes to workers as tips — I think some of it goes to underwrite their pitiful wages. So, I like to tip cash into their hands. US dollars always welcome.
Please don't do this. It undermines the system they have on board and creates a lot of problems. Rest assured that the money on top lines is divided up between ALL the crew, not just the people who interact with passengers. Almost everyone on Cruise Critic believes that mentioning someone's name in the post-cruise survey - such as a waiter, or your cabin steward - is the best way to express gratitude. There is also, usually, a Crew Fund box for those passengers who want to reward the crew.