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Gratuities - Lounges


Tmsmith

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We would appreciate some of input regarding gratuities for the suite concierge and the diamond club ambassador. it goes without saying, we always tip the bar staff but we were curious what others consider reasonable when we don't really use the concierge or ambassador's services outside of the space and walk-off escort.

We have only used the suite lounge once and it resulted from Royal-up  Royal did not increase the gratuity so we calculated the difference and left that for the concierge.  That said, we have 3 cruises coming up and do not want to offend anyone.

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10 hours ago, Tmsmith said:

we were curious what others consider reasonable when we don't really use the concierge or ambassador's services outside of the space and walk-off escort.

There is no right or wrong answer, but I've tipped the concierge something for the walk-off escort. That alone has sometimes been worth the price of the suite.

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We used to tip the Suites Concierge routinely, but we don't really do that anymore unless we use them for something.  Since we almost always had the Unlimited Dining Package (BC), we generally asked the Concierge to make our specialty dining reservations prior to boarding so we would make sure we tipped him/her.  Who knows what will happen going forward since many of the ships are not allowing the Concierges to book dining reservations pre-boarding.

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We were just on Oasis and the Suite Concierge emailed before the cruise and he made reservations for CK for us and i didn't realize until we were on board that they also reserved all the shows for us.  I just happen to look at the App and there were the reservations. He also emailed all suite guests everyday with a little blurb on what was happening that day.  On Oasis there are 2 Suite Concierge, we tipped $50 each.

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I always tip the concierges in the suite lounge. Typically for me, it’s a single amount for each of them, once a week if I’m doing a back to back. On the Oasis sailing from Bayonne, there is no suite walk-off service as of yet. I’m pretty much on my own. And turnaround day on a back to back is also unassisted. But that’s not their fault. The protocols have screwed up lots of suite services. They work hard, always are pleasant and welcoming, and that’s gotta be tough seeing some of the attitudes thrown their way during the cruise. I’m lucky to be able to share with them and I’m happy to do it.

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44 minutes ago, BrianB said:

that’s gotta be tough seeing some of the attitudes thrown their way during the cruise

My last cruise one woman was complaining to the concierge about two different issues that there's absolutely no way a concierge could ever do anything about (and even if he could, there was no reason he should). He took it all in stride though.

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29 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

My last cruise one woman was complaining to the concierge about two different issues that there's absolutely no way a concierge could ever do anything about (and even if he could, there was no reason he should). He took it all in stride though.

All a part of working with the public. You've got to have some thick skin. I'm sure he's used to it.

 

Happy Cruising!

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1 hour ago, FManke said:

All a part of working with the public. You've got to have some thick skin. I'm sure he's used to it.

 

 

The public is getting worse….at least in my neck of the woods.  
 

The past year or so has amplified people’s behaviors.  Those that were inclined to be nice are nicer. Those who were inclined to be jerks are even jerkier. 
 

I’m always amazed at the level of customer service we receive on a cruise.  …and I’ve been in retail for many decades.  Every cruise has taught me something that helps to up my customer service game. 

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4 minutes ago, Rob922 said:

Leaving on Sunday for my first cruise on Royal Caribbean.  Can they charge tips to your card on file or do you need to bring cash?  Sorry if this has already been answered.

It will be charged to your room each day. When you check in you can opt to put a credit card on your ship account.

Helpful info from Royal below

What is Royal Caribbean's gratuity price and policy? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

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6 minutes ago, Rob922 said:

Ok thanks "emmef".  And this is not the daily, normal gratuities correct?   I was talking about the above and beyond tips.  I have already pre-paid my gratuities for the week.   I don't normally carry cash so was hoping to be able to charge things to my sea-pass card. 

@Rob922 Those are the normal daily gratuities.  If you want to tip more, or tip someone specifically it is best to bring some cash.  Specifically there will be an envelope in your stateroom on the last day to leave extra tips.   

I always just bring a lot of $5, $10 and $20 bills to use for extra tips.

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