Pudddy Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 Hi, we're embarking on our first RC cruise at the end of January. I've searched the forums and online and am having some trouble locating details on tipping etiquette for things like drinks. I know there are pre-paid gratuities, and that ordering a drink adds an automatic 18% gratuity, but am curious if anyone tips an additional amount when ordering drinks above that or if general etiquette on the ship is that the automatic gratuities cover it? Just curious if I should essentially be adding a few dollars to any drink order at the time of ordering or if the staff there generally expect that to be covered through the automatic 18% added. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiser3812 Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 I got the unlimited drink package on our last cruise and noticed that whenever I ordered a drink, they did not ask me to sign the receipt and add gratuity. People who did not have the package did have to sign the receipt. So I never felt pressured to tip in addition to the prepaid gratuity that was already paid for. Pudddy, Baked Alaska, plethera1 and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 Tipping is personal. I normally tip when I order bar drinks. But you have also paid the 18% so it is up to you. RCIfan1912, Baked Alaska and Pudddy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 You are not obligated to tip anything additional if you have already paid the 18%. Many people do, and many people who do find they get better service on future drinks if they do. But you won't be shunned or anything if you don't. PPPJJ-GCVAB, Baked Alaska and Pudddy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biaggio Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 It’s personal, I usually bring single dollar bills and tip the bartender, especially if he has to mix a drink rather than pour a beer. PPPJJ-GCVAB and Pudddy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveling Mike Posted January 16 Report Share Posted January 16 I don't carry any cash around the ship. The only thing I have is my cabin card. If I have a bartender or waiter that is going out of their way for me, I will take a larger tip and give to them. PPPJJ-GCVAB and Pudddy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCIfan1912 Posted January 16 Report Share Posted January 16 I'm actually taking a bit of a new stance on tipping and people can think what they want. Royal Caribbean asks for an overall tip for the cruise. We pay a gratuity on the 3night dining package. That is what is asked of us and that is all we are doing going forward. We tip porter at the cruise terminal also. At some point it's enough. We tipped our cabin attendant extra, we tipped the head waiter extra, specialty dining extra. Each drink extra. What is asked or is mandatory is what we are doing going forward. I hope that doesn't sound bad. fireclan, Pudddy, DunkelBierJay and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy cruisers 2 Posted January 16 Report Share Posted January 16 We've been purchasing the deluxe beverage package in the past, and know that the 18% tip is included. At the end of the cruise, we would give an additional tip to the people who really seemed to give us special service throughout the cruise. Most recently, we've started carrying one-dollar bills so that we can tip drink servers a little extra along the way when we feel we'd like to. Of course it isn't necessary, but I personally feel that many of these folks work very hard to give us an enjoyable experience. Some seem to go above and beyond. I feel that if I can afford the cruise, I can afford to give them something extra. For me, it's a dollar a drink usually. It's a personal thing for everyone, and I don't think you should feel obligated to give more. Do what you're comfortable with. Pudddy and Baked Alaska 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPPJJ-GCVAB Posted January 16 Report Share Posted January 16 As @Ampurp85 and @Biaggio said…tipping is personal. I do keep a few small bills on me and will tip a bartender especially if he/she is really busy but still pays attention to me when it is my turn to order! I don’t feel guilty if I do not tip but I like to show appreciation when it’s due! asquared17, Pudddy, RCIfan1912 and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCLblue10 Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 I do not have a drink package. When I use my cabin card and order a gin and tonic will I get a paper receipt that I can add a tip amount? If not do I just give a dollar when I want to a bartender/waiter without filling out the paper? thank you for your response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanHardlyWait Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 1 hour ago, RCLblue10 said: I do not have a drink package. When I use my cabin card and order a gin and tonic will I get a paper receipt that I can add a tip amount? If not do I just give a dollar when I want to a bartender/waiter without filling out the paper? thank you for your response. Twangster Quote: 18% gratuity is added to drinks that are pay as you go. You will see it on the paper receipt that includes a line to add more if so inclined. PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJ_123 Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 When cruising we get drinks using only our Diamond vouchers and being Prime/Signature in the casino, every time we get a drink using either of those we tip $1 in cash per drink. However if we ever happened to have the package, I'm not sure we would tip as the Deluxe package is already very costly. But with Diamond vouchers/Prime it feels like we are getting something for free, so I'm happy to tip. One thing I would say, if you do tip make sure it's in cash. I've spoke to many staff members on the ships who have said it's not great for them you adding to the receipt as it just goes in to a tip pool. They appreciate cash way more. fireclan and CanHardlyWait 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike n Ky Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 On 1/15/2024 at 8:29 PM, RCIfan1912 said: I'm actually taking a bit of a new stance on tipping and people can think what they want. Royal Caribbean asks for an overall tip for the cruise. We pay a gratuity on the 3night dining package. That is what is asked of us and that is all we are doing going forward. We tip porter at the cruise terminal also. At some point it's enough. We tipped our cabin attendant extra, we tipped the head waiter extra, specialty dining extra. Each drink extra. What is asked or is mandatory is what we are doing going forward. I hope that doesn't sound bad. It's understandable. Like you we did the auto tip, paid the 18% on specialty and when well pleased added a bit more and tipped extra to dining and steward. On one cruise I even tipped a great steward down the hall that didn't even attend to our room...he was awesome. With the higher autotips and the fact we aren't going to the MDR very often we are making some adjustments but as of now will continue to tip where merited. Oh, and since we get those free D drinks we also tip the waiters/bartenders even if it's just for a coke. RCIfan1912 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrimsonCruiser Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 I'm just here to say I read the title of "drink tipping" like "cow tipping" and my first thought....well that's a waste Bazza, KJones, tingtang and 7 others 1 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geezer Of The Seas Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 30 minutes ago, CrimsonCruiser said: I read the title of "drink tipping" like "cow tipping" and my first thought....well that's a waste Only if your aim is off, which is a distinct possibility after several drinks! CrimsonCruiser, Baked Alaska and PPPJJ-GCVAB 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGus Posted January 27 Report Share Posted January 27 Royal already hits you up for 18% per purchased drink or on the total cost of the package. That is more than adequate. Now on free Diamond or Casino drinks you might want to add something, but it really has started to depend, how generous is the pour? Seems that lately past 9 months they are measuring more, generous pours less often. Compound that with the fact that most bars the bartenders pool tips. Jmho but tipping extra helps very little in the overall scheme. TXcruzer, sammy79 and RCIfan1912 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted January 27 Report Share Posted January 27 2 hours ago, CruiseGus said: Compound that with the fact that most bars the bartenders pool tips. Jmho but tipping extra helps very little in the overall scheme. I’ve been watching my bartenders. They have been picketing the tips. I’ve noticed this over the last few months. I don’t even see a common tip jar out in the casino. as for tipping helping very little-every little bit helps. What’s mere few dollars to us can be a job difference back home for these folks. For some a “mere few dollars” on a cruise could be too much if they’ve scrimped to save for the cruise. It really is a personal choice and I’m sure staff appreciate it. oh, at the coffee bar the one girl thanked me and went into an explanation how the tips are shared amongst the 5 workers. Idk why she felt the need to share that. I did just give her coworker a bottle of champagne-so I’m not sure if she was hoping for her own bottle or more cash. RCIfan1912, Baked Alaska and She Sails Away 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted January 27 Report Share Posted January 27 I also tip cash per drink. I get the free drinks with my loyalty status and also free drinks in the casino. So there is no automatic gratuity added. I haven’t been given a receipt to sign or a copy showing how many loyalty drinks are remaining. Sometimes I’ll just ask and they’ll tell me. Occasionally I’ll notice a discrepancy where I know I had more drinks than what the computer shows…so I’m assuming some refills were not applied. I don’t drink much (or enough???) and never use the full amount of loyalty drinks. So I tip cash each time. Most times the bartenders will put it in a tip container to share. Very rarely do I see them pocket it. Sometimes while sitting at a bar I’ll see the servers come to make drinks and place the tips they received into the tip jar. I guess they decide among themselves how to share. After the first tip…from then on my drinks always have a ‘healthy’ pour. SebagoSue and fireclan 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted January 27 Report Share Posted January 27 12 hours ago, Pattycruise said: I’ve been watching my bartenders. They have been picketing the tips. Sorry, Patty. I can't resist... I have a mental image of the bartenders marching around the bar with signs saying, "WE WANT TIPS...WE WANT TIPS". Baked Alaska, asquared17, fireclan and 6 others 2 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted January 28 Report Share Posted January 28 10 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Sorry, Patty. I can't resist... I have a mental image of the bartenders marching around the bar with signs saying, "WE WANT TIPS...WE WANT TIPS". That’s what happens when fat fingers type and I fail to proof read. WAAAYTOOO, PPPJJ-GCVAB and BrianB 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted January 28 Report Share Posted January 28 11 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Sorry, Patty. I can't resist... I have a mental image of the bartenders marching around the bar with signs saying, "WE WANT TIPS...WE WANT TIPS". When they really get desperate they break out their "SHOW ME YOUR TIPS" signs. WAAAYTOOO, Pattycruise, Okgladgal and 5 others 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted January 28 Report Share Posted January 28 13 minutes ago, smokeybandit said: When they really get desperate they break out their "SHOW ME YOUR TIPS" signs. Hopefully without misspelling! PPPJJ-GCVAB and TXcruzer 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubtfan Posted January 28 Report Share Posted January 28 We always like to tip extra, even though with drink package it’s included. Especially for great service. We know the crew are far from home for long periods of time and so appreciate them for making our vacations special. Kay45 and TempoGL 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TempoGL Posted February 2 Report Share Posted February 2 Even with the drink package, I tip $1 per drink on top of it. I personally think the right thing to do is to take care of the people who are working long hours, away from home, for months (or years!) on end. As a side bonus, I notice that they will serve me the moment they see me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJ_123 Posted February 8 Report Share Posted February 8 On 1/27/2024 at 3:12 AM, Pattycruise said: I’ve been watching my bartenders. They have been picketing the tips. I’ve noticed this over the last few months. I don’t even see a common tip jar out in the casino. as for tipping helping very little-every little bit helps. What’s mere few dollars to us can be a job difference back home for these folks. For some a “mere few dollars” on a cruise could be too much if they’ve scrimped to save for the cruise. It really is a personal choice and I’m sure staff appreciate it. oh, at the coffee bar the one girl thanked me and went into an explanation how the tips are shared amongst the 5 workers. Idk why she felt the need to share that. I did just give her coworker a bottle of champagne-so I’m not sure if she was hoping for her own bottle or more cash. Haha I have noticed this too. On Navigator the casino bar staff always pocketed cash tips themselves right away. I sometimes wonder if it's how well the staff get on with each other. If they get on and are all friendly together I wonder if they put all the tips in a jar and split at the end of the night. We were on Symphony last year and the casino bar staff all seemed really close and friendly with each other, and they put all the tips in a common area. I suppose different staff will prefer to do it a different way. PPPJJ-GCVAB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Posted February 9 Report Share Posted February 9 On 1/24/2024 at 3:11 AM, GJ_123 said: When cruising we get drinks using only our Diamond vouchers and being Prime/Signature in the casino what is the diamond vouchers or prime signature? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJ_123 Posted February 9 Report Share Posted February 9 7 hours ago, Cory said: what is the diamond vouchers or prime signature? When you reach Diamond (80 Crown & Anchor points) you receive 4 daily drinks vouchers, which can be used for any drink up to $14 (if it's more you just pay the difference). 4 drinks a day each is generally plenty for me and my wife so we wouldn't bother with the drinks package. Prime and Signature are Club Royale casino statuses. Points are earned between April-April. You need 2500 casino points during that timeframe to reach Prime (which makes you Prime for the following year). The best way to earn points is via the slot machines (it would be extremely hard to earn 2500 points through tables unless you spend an absolute fortune!). If you are Prime you get free drinks in the casino when the casino bar is open (just have to show them your sea pass) and you also get a free annual cruise which you can book around April. You also get other casino free cruise offers which you can check on the Club Royale website (normally US sailings). The next tier after Prime is Signature which is 25k points. My wife is currently Signature and sitting on around 40k points. That brings a few more benefits like you get one free internet device for any sailing you do while being Signature. There is one tier above that which is Masters (100k+ points). I've attached a screenshot showing Club Royale benefits. RCIfan1912 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Posted February 11 Report Share Posted February 11 sweet, appreciate that, we are diamond btw and excited about the 4 drinks per person Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJ_123 Posted February 11 Report Share Posted February 11 20 hours ago, Cory said: sweet, appreciate that, we are diamond btw and excited about the 4 drinks per person Amazing The Diamond drinks really are a great benefit. My wife and I aren't huge drinkers so the 4 drinks a day is perfect for us, and such a big saving. Sometimes we don't even use them. If that's the case we just grab a few apple/orange juices from the cafe at the end of the night. Remember, the smoothies/juices at the Vitality Spa are also included with your Diamond drinks WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BerniceBerger Posted February 11 Report Share Posted February 11 Hello! Tipping etiquette can vary from person to person, tipping is a personal choice, and if you feel that the service exceeds your expectations or if you want to show appreciation for exceptional service, it's perfectly acceptable to add an extra tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letscruise Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 We always buy the drink package and find that we generally give at least an extra $1 tip when we are at the Solarium and ordering drinks (I think we feel guilty for literally sitting near the bar and still using the bar staff to serve us!) and in the bars in the evening (if not every round, at least every other). When we cruise, it's the one time we ensure we have cash on hand to get us through the week, and to especially take care of those serving us drinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKarl Posted February 13 Report Share Posted February 13 I just returned from my 2 month B2B2B2B2B Mexico trip on Navigator OTS and the Baristas went way above and beyond. Needless to say, They both had a big tip Coming beyond the 18%. I would be at the back of the line and depending on the drink (I drink Coffee Only) I wanted I would hold up 1 or 2 fingers and my drink would already be waiting for me by the time I made it to the front of the line to pay. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmattinson Posted February 14 Report Share Posted February 14 I typically have the drink package and in the 1st day or two, I'm trying out the different bars to see where my "spot" will be during down times to grab a drink or two or hang out post dinner / show until bed time to enjoy the evening. I keep about $10 on me in singles plus a five and if someone goes out of their way and is engaging, they'll get a tip in cash above the included tip. If they ignored me or treated it as very transactional and didn't engage, I just take the drink and move on. Once I find my spot however, I will feed $5 to each server throughout the cruise 4-5 times ensuring that they get at least $20 in cash from me depending on how much they served me (vs. others that may have seen me on occasion in that location). Heck, on one sailing, my wife slept in, didn't read the note I left behind with my phone, and went looking around the ship for me (I was lounging at the pool). She went to the pub (which was my "spot" for that sailing) and they preemptively told her "we haven't seen Mr Dennis today!" She went to guest services to see where I was buying my drinks and found me pretty quickly after that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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