Originally Posted by
Pausanias
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.
Originally Posted by
FlyerEC
Looking forward to your TR .
Can usually only do a cruise a year . Max 2 , ..
Windstar some day ..
KatW , we arrange & fly in similar style as you too . We need space & preferably 2 bathrooms 😉
Pre & post sometimes at an Aman , depending on embarkation and disembarkation ports .
Originally Posted by
FlyerEC
Thankfully no tipping on Oceania or Seabourn !
Not so much unpacking bit but the packing of all the shopping & stuff picked up in ports or on ship 😉 , they tend to spoil us !!
Usually goes into back up luggage but even then ..
if you are on the Dining Forum , the tablecloths for our 18 seater in photos are from like Budapest , Burano ( Venice ) , Carmel - yes , you read correctly , Seattle , and .. even a comforter from PEI !! You get the drift about packing .
We are usually in Oceania or Vista suites on Oceania . OW on Seabourn . Prefer bow or perhaps midship .
Looking forward to our cruise in May back to IST , etc
Originally Posted by
Hoyaheel
Oceania DOES include a daily tip on your bill. Our TA paid it, however, so it was "included" and they do often run specials, but..... On Seabourn, it's included in the overall fare. This might vary if you purchase in different countries. Purchasing in the US, there are definitely tips on Oceania.
https://www.oceaniacruises.com/legal/terms-conditions/
....
Originally Posted by
KatW
Yeah, gratuities is another divisive discussion in the luxury cruise category. Gratuities were included in the four luxury cruises taken as an adult. But I always tip the room steward, waiter, coffee and snack person at the end of the voyage. These people are pitifully paid for very hard jobs and I like to do my bit to acknowledge their kindly care.
Originally Posted by
KatW
Nope, I am committed to this. And Cruise Critic exists to serve its cruising patrons, not cruise workers, so the consensus there isn’t meaningful to me. I do appreciate other “gratuities” either paid by advisor or by cruise line are divided amongst all employees and of course pay them when not included. I am skeptical those funds are shared fully however. I still think some goes to underwrite wages.
Did I mention gratuities are hugely divisive issue?!
Do not tip , with cash anyway .
Usually give a present from where we are from or they , the crew , might not have visited . Cash only if a particular individual has bought something on my behalf and will leave the change with them as a token besides the present .
As in Oceania & some other top cruise lines , gratuity / tips are already included .
Bear in mind too , for some nationalities , receiving tips is an insult but the her citizens are polite enough not to comment !
While some of us think we are helping by tipping , we actually are not and maybe demeaning the recipients .
As at AMANs , no tipping is necessary unless something extra special was done
.. “ extra “ as at AMANs special is norm
