If it’s an All Inclusive, I generally don’t tip. I feel I’ve paid a pretty penny for my trip (we’re not loaded by any means). If I do tip, I don’t do it until the end of the trip. I’ve tried the let’s-tip-first-so-we’re guaranteed-good-service but this usually backfired. The service certainly wasn’t any better and I felt kind of duped. Besides, I totally agree with Belinda that they should be rewarded for a job well done, not bribed to do a good job. If anything spoils it for the rest of us, it’s this mentality and we should all join together and stop this (with an AI that is). It’s gotten way out of control.

I agree that tipping has gotten way out of control at all-inclusive resorts. At least five years ago, tip included meant the tip was included and you were discouraged from tipping. End of story.

From my experience visiting many AIs and meal plan resorts, if they say "Tipping not Required" Then tipping is not required but still EXPECTED to some degree by waitstaff and bartenders. If there is a service charge on the meal it is usually only 15% and yes, 20% is the norm these days. Furthermore, there is no "service charge" on drinks ordered at the bar so tipping is still expected. HOWEVER, there are certain AIs I have been to such as Sandals which state "No Tipping Allowed" In these instances it is definitely not proper and no tip is expected. Pay attention to the language the hotel uses and if they stay "Tipping not Required" read between the line that it is not prohibited though and is also encouraged unless they expressly say "Tipping Prohibited"

Topping!

HERE ARE SOME OF MY SUGGESTIONS FOR AN ADDITIONAL TIP 1) LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET (2)DONT BET THE HORSES (3)ALWAYS PRACTICE SAFE SEX WITH A STRANGER.

To Frank <BR>and here's my tip to you <BR>no need to shout!!

Hey Lola, <BR>I am calm ... just 'splainin' the facts of life!! Bribery? You know, that just shows ignorance! <BR>Have a good day!

This concerns tipping for Caneel Bay. I just got the "2001 Rates and Packages" brochure. Tipping depends on what plan you chose.<BR><BR>For the 4 and 7 night packages - "Package price in US dollars includes room tax, service charges, restaurant gratuities for meals and transfer fees."<BR><BR>For Daily Rates and "Island Hopper" - <BR>"Please add to daily room rates 8%room tax and 10% service charge for housekeeping, luggage and reception services. In our restaurants and bars, gratuities are at your discretion."<BR><BR>Personally, I think that 15% tip is standard in the US for most restaurants. For fancy restaurants or for special service, I leave 18-20%.<BR><BR>I think that many people, when they go to a foreign country, are confused about tipping, which differs widely between countries. I find that the best is to look at the menu, which usually has the info, or ask- don't be ashamed to ask, and if it says "Service included" then don't be shamed into leaving more tip for the good service which you have already paid for.

I know this is off the subject, but Dave, why would you leave more of a tip at a more expensive, fancier restaurant. It’s the wait staff at the less expensive places that are doing just as much work but for less money because the total bill is less. Personally, I usually tip 20% at those cheaper places and the standard 10-15% at the expensive places, granted the service is good at both. In fact, a $4 bill at George Webb’s will usually garner a $2 tip. What the heck is 50 cents going to buy them these days. Sorry for rambling and for getting off subject.

Anon- You ask a good question (even if you ask it anonymously).<BR><BR>But if you go on this site to Destinations &gt; NYC &gt; tipping, it says that 15% is standard, and "up to 20% may be expected at more expensive restaurants." I guess that the answer is that it is the custom.

Personally; I feel if you have to be so concerned about the tipping option, you are missing the real purpose of journeying to the Bahamas, or elsewhere in the caribean basin. Out island places we've been to on Abaco, Exuma, San Salvador, and Eleuthera are so peaceful and non-touristry, that we get to know the staff very well. Most of these places(Ex: Conch Inn in Marsh Harbor, Abaco or the downtown Peace &amp; Plenty in Georgetown, Exuma) have staff that you have deep discussions with about local and international politics. We often meet in these out island hubs, and meet the citizens, too. A kind of gathering places. So, the tipping dilemma is secondary. At one place, the bartender had to run home to take care of his sick daughter. He asked me to man the bar till he got back and guide any yatchers in on the VHF till he got back. On Smuggler's Cove in the BVI, a cigar box greeted us on the beautiful, deserted beach, with no one around. A sign said, "If you want pop, candy bars or snacks, it's in the refrig in the back room. Drop the money in this box. Have a good day." I squeezed past a hanging shark caught that morning in the doorway to get to the refrig for snacks, and dropped the money off in the cigar box, then snorkeled all morning without any other visitors. I tip according to the needs of the person, but not is an ordinary way. When I left San Salvador, I gave the man $50 in an envelope, thanking him for all the great talks, and wished his daughter get better. Don't allow the tipping dilemma get in the way of really seeing the Caribbean, and the local culture. Mingle with the citizenry. Tipping options will naturally follow. Robert

I don't think people are "so" concerned about tipping, but everyone does think about it, whether we go to the caribbean or the neighborhood greasy spoon. I suspect that most of us wish it could be eliminated.

For those places in the caribbean that have become "Americanized," or should I say "Westernized" you might as well tip 15% if the fee isn't already included in the gross bill. Places like the Atlantis have a huge impact on the Bahamian culture, even bleeding into the curriculum of their school systems. For example, if the mass job market will be to cater to restaurant-going tourists, will they have to learn to speak standard English and drop the Bahamian dialect? I heard two Bahamian teachers discussing this issue on a prop plane from Long Island to Nassau. The tipping issue is a dilemma which we place upon the Bahamian culture, and ourselves. Many tourists stay at expensive places such as the Atlantis and demand excellent service be dispensed for their hard earned money. However, many Bahamians live by the "Don't worry, be happy" creed and don't move all that fast. Slow service is often taken personally by tourists which they interpret as being "rude." I would be friendly with, and strike up a convervation to learn about their island places and local things to do. They love it when people are interested in their island. Tip even the slow, casual waiters with the usual 15%, if you want a guideline. Try eating out at a Bahamian owned restaurant and see their life style in ation. Robert