Celebrity Cruise Line tipping
 

Are the tips, now, automatically added to the bill on the Celebrity cruises?<BR><BR>If so, what staff members does it include?<BR>Are they all included?<BR><BR>We never have wine at our table therefore we don't wish to tip the wine steward because we don't use his services.<BR><BR>Thanks for any information anyone might have on this subject.<BR>

At least as of last month, tips were not added to your bill. Instead on the next-to-last day envelopes with the names of the various tip-receiving people appear in your cabin. The ship's newsletter is very clear on what anticipated tip levels are for the recipients. Blank envelopes are also provided so you can tip other staff. <BR><BR>A word on cash - the shipboard ATMs charge $5 per transaction, and the lines at the "bank" were very long on the last day. You might think about getting cash on shore, or hitting the bank a day early. I also used the casino cashier - you can charge casino cash advances to your account with no markup, then just keep the money with you instead of giving it back via the dealers or croupiers.

Thanks John,<BR> <BR>I understand that some cruise lines are adding tips to the bill and passengers must go to the Purser's Office to let them know that that is not the way you want it handled. Just another hassle.<BR><BR>I don't mind tipping for services and jobs well done but not to one who I don't feel deserves it.<BR><BR>Thanks again for replying,<BR>Lydia<BR><BR><BR>

Hi Lydia,<BR><BR>You do not have to tip the wine steward nor the maitre d' or head waiter unless they do something special for you personally.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul what do you think about pretipping,, like half at the begining of the cruise?

<BR>Hi Cyndi,<BR><BR>I tried the tipping as you go and find that the steward/ess become friendlier but they are programmed to do certain things a certain way and one passenger can not "train" them differently. Someone said try giving them pre-paid phone cards. But I find that the actual steward/ess do not do most of the work it is their assistant.<BR><BR>I find that giving them a couple of dollars when they do you a favor works better.<BR> <BR>Paul<BR><BR><BR>