Diamond drinks gratuity

[CruiseCulture]

Do crew members receive gratuity from RCI for diamond drink redemptions?

We typically tip $1/drink but don’t want crew to be shorted.

[Riley]

I doubt it as they don't print out a receipt for signature.  I always tip $1 per free drink to make sure they are recognized.

[Swar]

I also tip at least a dollar a drink - even for a water bottle. I have observed people bet thousands of dollars and never give a drink tip. Then they wonder why no server comes around. I even start out with some higher tips early on and get REALLY good service the whole trip. I bought a gift for one waiter and he invited me to his wedding in India.

[Ampurp85]

Since the vouchers are factored on as a loyalty perk; I would imagine they received the gratuity from the pool, this amount is probably set and standard. I personally believe the crew care more about the actual tips they receive over gratuity. I tip per drink because in my mind the amount I usually tip out in a day of "free" drinks, might cover what I might pay for just one. 

[CrznTxn]

Always, always tip when you receive a free drink. It is proper etiquette and you end up getting much better service. We bring a big stack of one's for this purpose alone and the waiters usually come back frequently and we learn their names and speak to them by name when they come back around. Makes for fantastic service and we let them know when we are coming back for another cruise and they look for us and the service is phenomenal.

[Tmsmith]

We tip on Diamond vouchers: $1 for beer and $2 for mixed drinks. its not quite the 18% but we will give bigger tip at the end of the cruise for wait staff we really enjoy.

[CruiseGus]

I have been making it a point to talk with my bartenders a lot since the re-start and the exclusive use of the "All Day" vouchers.   After I get to know them, especially so on my 3 b2b cruises, I have started to talk about the vouchers with them, although about half just smile and say they can't comment some have opened up.  They told me most of the bar staff dislike those with vouchers as opposed to those with the UBP, because at least with the UBP they know they have at least contributed to the "Gratuity Pool" 

Those of you that say they tip are apparently a large minority according to my sources.  We always gave a $1 a drink in the lounge before Covid, but after Covid, last August we started tipping on out voucher drinks usually $5 for both of us are getting a drink or $2 individually.  I came up with these figures based on the daily drink specials are $10+18% or $1.80 grat and $13+18% is a $2.34 gratuity, so my figures at least in my mind are relatively close.

All JMHO,  I hope all of you are able to enjoy your cruise.

[twangster]

The crew that I have talked to tell me they do not get anything for serving a C&A drink, it's explained to them that this is expected and goes with the job.   That's why I always tip per drink.  If I have unused C&A vouchers I'll often ask for bottles of water near bedtime and even those I tip $1 per drink minimum, i.e 3 water = $3.

Drink package and regularly charged drinks are the only drinks that automatically reward the server.  

I also tend to come back towards the end of the cruise and give something extra to those that have earned it through great service.  I typically get shareholder OBC on my cruises which I cash out in the casino and use for extra tipping purposes.

[Blur]

I've seen lots of people not tip for their diamond vouchers so when I tip using mine they are usually very appreciative and you tend to get extra pours in your drink if that's what you're looking for.  

I've also had bartenders remember my name and say hi when I run into them at other venues.  Shows how much they appreciate it.

[LCWind]

I also tip $2-$3 per drink when using my Diamond voucher and when I get my free drinks at the Casino bar.