Next week I'm taking my first cruise (unless you count the one I took with my parents in 1969). It's a four-night cruise to San Diego, Catalina, and Ensenada on the RCI Monarch of the Seas. I'm going alone, and this seems a good way to experience what cruising is like without spending a fortune (and without flying). This cruise is inexpensive enough so that it remains reasonable even though the single penalty just about doubles the price.

My question is one that I haven't seen discussed anywhere: How should I handle tipping if I decide to have dinner in the "casual restaurant" instead of the main dining room? Common sense would suggest tipping the waiter and assistant waiter only for the days I actually eat in the dining room (and, presumably, tipping the staff at the casual restaurant for their services rendered). But I haven't seen any guidance on this.

This might matter for two reasons. First, I'm in the late seating, which begins at 8:30 and is much later than I ever normally eat. I didn't have a choice. I booked about a month ago, relatively late for a cruise booking. They said both the earlier seating and the wait list were completely full, so I didn't have a choice.

Second, based on numerous reviews I've read since booking, I suspect that a large proportion of the passengers this time of year will be groups of couples traveling together (before the families and kids take over for the summer). So there's a good possibility I'll end up as the sole "outsider" at a table full of couples traveling together. That doesn't seem a pleasant prospect, although I'm repeatedly assured that everyone on a cruise is so warm and friendly that it won't matter.

If either situation turns out to be more stressful than enjoyable, there is an alternative if I want to take advantage of it (and I suspect that's where I might be more likely to meet people who aren't couples traveling together). The tipping question is the only part I can't figure out.

Thanks in advance for whatever suggestions, advice, and shared experience you can offer.

You should check your paperwork they sent you. A lot of the cruise ships put a charge of $10 a day for tipping the wait staff and your room steward. I imagine the $10 is evenly split between all the staff. If you feel you want it reduce because you barely used it you can make arrangements.

I took a river boat cruise up the Missippi a few years ago. On these cruises you only have the 1 restaurant, so there is no choice.

When I found out I was put at a table with a whole family (mother, father, grown kids and their kids) I was like "oh no was this ever a mistake!" Turned out great. I hung a round with them through the whole cruise and had a great time. Even the Head Waiter would tell me if any of my adopted family had come down for breakfast in the morning.

So, enjoy and hope for the best. Maybe you will be lucky and meet some people who are nice enough to include you.

The charge is $10.00 per person per day but I think you can choose to waive it and tip as you please.

Most ships now have automatic tipping,usually $10 per day per person. The extra charge to eat in a specialty dining room includes the tip. Whne we have really great service from our room steward or wiater, we give them cash in addition to the automatic tip. We WILL NOT eat at 1st seating. Did it once and hated it. When you get back from shore, we may have to rush to shower and get dressed for dinner. You don't have time for a nap (at home we're often in bed at 9 o'clock but on a cruise we've been known to go to the disco at 2AM)!! You can't watch the sunset over the water. And there's kind of a down time after the 1st seating. And on a cruise, you never go hungry as there is always food to snack on. If you don't like your tablemates, go to the maitre'd and ask to be changed. There is no pproblem doing this. Often they will but another single cruiser at a table as there are even nukmber of seats at each table. Carnival usually seats singles together. And, you can always eat at the buffet if you want to and there is no tipping here as its a buffet.
And there will be a singles gathering to get to meet other singles. Check the ship's daily 'news' for the time and place when you get to your cabin.
Been ion the Monarch twice before it went to CA. Really enjoyed it! See if there is still a blond assistant Maitr'd. Her name is Andrea and she moved us to another table last itme on her. She is just fantastic! And, check out the pool in the stern. If I remeber right, it is for adults onle as is the hot tub. Don't have screaming kids here! You're going to have a winderful time so relax and enjoy!

RCI offers the option of putting tips on your account then gives you vouchers to present to those being tipped.

As for sailing solo, I have done it often and RCI has always been great about seating me with other singles.

No way I would opt for a buffet every evening!

You can wave off the compulsory tipping by going to the Pursors desk and having it removed from the automatic daily charge to your account.

But let me tell you something ,just in case you do this and then you want to tip those people that you actually saw and can identify the service they did for you.

They will leave some envelopes in your room the day before your final destination.

You can use these envelopes to tip who you want and then hand the envelope to them personally.

However, you have not circumvented anything!!!
BECAUSE, these people you gave the envelopes to must turn those envelopes in ,to be pooled with all the rest of the tips ...just as if your account was actually billed.

Hmmmm....then how do I tip just those I want to tip without having these people having to turn their envelopes in!!!??

I will tell you how.!!!

1.Go to the Pursors desk,tell them you do not want your account billed the daily charge.

2. One the second to last day when you receive the envelopes.... write down ZERO on the evelope and leave the envelopes in your room.

3. Give cash personally to those 2-3 people you want to tip.

4.The fellow who then clean the room hands in the envelope that reads Zero on the envelope and you have already given him cash in person !!! so he keeps the cash all to himself.

This is the only way you can circumvent him having to turn in the money you left for him in the envelope BECAUSE there now is NO money in the envelope.

The final decision is yours as to how much and in what manner you want to tip.

You know what TIP stands for:!!

T= To
I= Insure
P =Promptness

In reality if something was not "prompt", what are you tipping for.!!!

Just food for thought.

Percy

Per your "method", Percy, I can't help thinking it sounds like a skinflint's dream: zero everyone. P*ss them all off, and very dramatically, too. Pay no attention to all the deckhands, pool attendants, busboys and invisible cleaning people that made your cruise memorable. Claim you couldn't find that wonderful waiter you meant to tip before you debarked. Right.

Ouch. Don't you think that everyone on the crew talks to each other and that you'll be the butt of the joke? Don't you think they'll remember you (unflatteringly) when they see you on your next cruise (since you sound like someone who cruises repeatedly)? And then you'll wonder why you get such lousy service?

Pardon me, but speaking as somone who's been cruising 2-3 times a year for the past 15 years on virtually every major line - these hardworking people have lo-o-o-ng memories. And they undoubtedly know a cheapskate when they see one....

JPHapgood, it's much better to put the standard tip on your tab (or to request an adjustment if for some reason you're displeased) and give some EXTRA cash to anyone who's been especially helpful.

The cruise lines are pretty expert at allocating your tips fairly and they'll want to be the first to know if you're actually unhappy about something. Speaking to the managementabout concerns, not stiffing everyone, is the way to go. Enjoy your cruise!

In reality BunnyHopkins I relayed information about one method of tipping.

Tipping is everyone's personal choice and there is no right or wrong way to tip.

Personally I have NEVER under tipped anyone on a cruise ship.

At times I have tipped them persoanlly via the envelope and at other times I just let the ship access my account for their daily amount, just to avoid the hassle.

You are correct and I understand what you are saying.
Those deck hands painting the ship railing as you walk by everyday ,also share in the tip that is given to your cabin steward.

So does the restaurant Manager and the Butler that does the Suites, as does the Chief Housekeeper, and the cook that you never see and etc.

That is why tipping is such a personal endeavour.

The tipping alternative that I relayed was given to me by a Travel Agent that does only cruises.

If someone wants to tip only their stateroom attendant and the two waiters that service them at their regular table ...then who am I to tell them how to spent their money. Right !

And yes some ship are now making the tipping compulsory , without the choice of directing your tip to whoever you want.

Also I am sure that you know that many if not most of the people working on a cruise ship rely on the tips,as they are not on a fixed salary and come from a relatively impoverished background....
at least that has been my experience in talkin to them.

Four of us are going on a Baltic Cruise in August.
Two are going to tip only cabin attendant and their waiters.
and
Two are going to let the ship just bill their accounts for the daily amount.

It is not my position to lecture them or you on how you should tip.

You can give more or less, that is your business and none of mind.!
Take Care
Good Night
Percy

Thanks for all the responses!

According to the materials I got from RCI, there isn't anything like the automatic compulsory add-on. But there is the option of pre-purchasing gratuities for "convenience." I didn't opt for that, figuring that tipping should be individualized to reflect the quality of the actual service rendered.

I also recognize that dinner assignments are always a gamble. You don't know what you'll get until you get there. And I've read that it's not appropriate to make any judgments about table-mates until after the second night (unless the situation is glaringly intolerable, perhaps something like filling the empty chair at a table for six with a couple and their three small children). It's entirely possible that even if I end up with my original scenario of being the only "outsider" in a group of couples traveling together, they'll all welcome me so warmly that I'll feel right at home. Regardless, I have no plans to "opt for a buffet every evening." But I like to have options if, for whatever reason, I'm not enjoying the dining room. The important thing is that I won't be eating alone, which is what I dislike the most about my usual solo vacations.

What made me concerned about the groups of couples was reading a lot of user reviews of the cruise. Not one of the reviewers was traveling solo. And those that described the demographics invariably mentioned groups of couples. The sample may not be scientifically representative, and I may have a great time even in the rather unlikely event that I'm the only solo on board. I'm certainly not expecting to "Meet Someone" (as my ever-hopeful parents would say). But I have been on tours where I was the only single person, and let's say it wasn't very comfortable. I normally take solo road trips for my vacations, and I'm getting a bit burned out on them. I'm trying a cruise as an alternative to that, so I expect it to be a good alternative.

Finally, as for my original question about tipping, I've done some more research since I made the post. Apparently the concepts of "alternative" and "freestyle" dining are still so new that no clear-cut guidelines have evolved. The so-called "experts" are as befuddled as I am. But given the realities of the waiters and the rest of the crew depending on tips for themselves and for their families back home, I now think the most ethical approach is to tip the dining room staff the standard amount each night even if I'm not there.

JBHapgood

Good for you on your decision about tipping.

Here is some information from Celebrity Cruise Lines for tipping.
I know you are not going Celebrity Cruise Ship...
But
Celebrity "suggests" this as a guide line only.

"For Restaurant Servicequot;

Waiter $3.50 per day
Waiter Assistant $2.00 per day
Restaurant Manager $0.75 per day

"For Stateroom Service"

Butler (Suites only) $3.50 per day
Stateroom Attendant $3.50 per day
Chief Housekeeper $0.50 per day

"Cruisetourquot;

Tour Director $3.50 per day
Coach Driver $2.50 per day


"For children less than 12 years of age as third or fourth person in stateroom, half of the above amounts is recommended"

Keep in mind these are not my prices but rather what I just received today from my Travel Agent,which she in turn received via fax from Celebrity.

Good Night and have a pleasant cruise.

Percy

JB, RCI most certainly does have the autotip option on all of their ships. It will be offered to you early on.

For the record, I disagree with Percy and his view of alternative ways to trip.

For very good info on solo cruising, visit cruisecritic.com and the special board they have for solo cruising. You might just be surprised as to how many folks cruise alone and there will be many suggestions made that may be helpful.

kfusto

You do not have to agree with the information I put out there for alternative tipping.

I received this information from a Travel Agent who has spent her life doing cruises only.

She gives her clients information of various ways of tipping.
How much and in what manner each person tips is their private business.

You have a right to disagree with any information on Fodors and the Travel Agent has a right to dispell information to her clients.

No I am not a Travel Agent.
Happy Cruising

Percy

Percy, we all have a right to disagree

I am a cruise/tour TA and have been in the business since the 70s. I specialize in Groups and Incentives and own my own business. As such, I would never make a recommendation to my client to avoid tipping. I recognize that there are agents out there who feel differently.

Generally, I dine in specialty restaurants more nights than not, especially on the lower end lines like RCI and CCL. Even with that, I leave the autotip in place.

A personal choice and also my professional recommendation.

I've always had an issue with tipping, but for other reasons.

In reality, it is a big issue on the cruise ships because the crew is paid almost nothing and if it were not for the "tipping", they'd be paid almost nothing. So, they call it "tipping" when it is really wage supplimenation.

I'd prefer they included the true cost of the cruise in my ticket, pay their staff real wages, and then let me truly give a tip for their hard work.

My other problem with tipping is that you are only rewarding the staff that you see. What about the crew doing your laundry, the people working in the engine room, the staff who actually prepared (not just served you) your food. They work just as hard and were it not for them, what would your cruise be? They say that the automatic tipping that is now taken out of your account "for your convienience" is shared with the full crew, so I guess that helps a bit, but again, why not just pay them and charge me up front?

The way it is being done now is not really a tip.

First of all let me say that I have chatted w/ Percy many times here and to use the term "skinflint" is not appropriate to say the least. He has always been a gentleman to me and others. I see that Bunny this is only your 2nd post here so my advice to you is to search others posts Percy has made and see just how he conducts himself. Though you may disagree with his idea about tipping your characterization I think is uncalled for. JM2C on that matter.
As for tipping if the pppd assessment is indeed shared among all crew members including those you don't have direct contact with then this idea is a good one. I do wonder just what the "unseen" were paid B4 the per diem was assessed. Lord knows they work very hard for that $$. Personally we leave the pppd assessment on the books and add accordingly at the end of the cruise to those who have worked so hard for us, esp. the cabin steward and the waiters. Also do remember just how hard they work and show some appreciation all along and not just the last night B4 you may give them some extra gratuities. Be sure to say hello, smile at them and be as nice as you can. After all we are on vacation while they are laboring. A smile from us shouldn't be hard to do. My wife, who is from India came up with a good idea some yrs. ago. As many of the workers are Indian she decided to bring some packaged Indian snack foods to give to these guys. You should see the looks on their faces when they get something from home so to speak. And if you are nice to them they will be even nicer to you. I also make a point of sending complimentary emails with names mentioned for all those you served us so well.
As for the cruise lines paying more money to their workers I just doubt that unfortunately. As you know most workers are from 3rd world countries and though they are paid little by US standards their wages are very good compared to what you would be making in their home countries and of course their expenses are minimal. I can't imagine cruise lines cutting into their profits by giving hefty increases to their crew. Hold's point is well taken. We actually help pay their salaries through tipping so can you really call it a tip? Anyway I suppose its no different from being a waiter or waitress, another profession where tipping is needed to add up to a decent salary.
To the OP: I suppose you now know all there is to know about tipping. Have a good cruise, Larry

kfusto

Glad to hear you ae a Travel Agent.

If you read back on my comments you will see that I did not recommend not tipping and neither did my Travel Agent.
My Tavel Agent only gave out alternatives methods of tipping and ways of directing your tipping.

If a person chooses to tip only those 3 people that they have had direct contact with...that is NOT avoiding tipping, rather it is directing your tipping as that person sees fit.

And you certainly are correct you have the right to disagree...that is why we express our opinions here on Fodors.

Hold:

Thank you.
I could not have said it better myself.
I too wish that the cruise ships would pay their people a decent wage and then we would not have to supplement their wages.

I do not mind paying more for my cruise knowning that the staff on the cruise is being paid decently and then when I tip, it is a "true" tip as you say.

The problem with cruise ship tipping is that is seems not to be a fair method ,because even those on a salary share in the tipping process.

You are right about the laundry people and the deck hands and countless other that we never see , how do you tip those ??

Restaurants have been doing this for years. Hiring cheap labor and then telling them that "tips are good."

I do not have a solution to this situation and as long as there is fierce competition in the cruise line industry, no cruise line wants to raise their cost by paying their people a better wages and so it goes.............!!!

I think soon the cruise ship tip will become compulsory.

There is already a lot of compulsory tipping around the world... and that is too bad because whether the service is good or bad , or the person cheerful or grumpy, they already have their tip.

I was in Greece several months ago and after having a beer at an outside diner ,as I was leaving I was getting ready to leave a tip, the waiter said it was not necessary because a 15% tip was included in the price of the lunch and beer.!!
I did not know this.
I left a tip anyway .Why? because it seemed like the proper thing to do.

Thank you all for your comments.
It has been a nice discussion.
Take care
Percy

Of course this brings up another question that I haven't seen discussed. Since I'm occupying a cabin intended for two by myself, does that mean I need to tip the cabin steward double to compensate him for the revenue he'd normally get? After all, RCI assesses me a single penalty just about equal to the missing cabin-mate's fare (although it doesn't compensate them for the missing cabin-mate's drinks, gambling, shopping, and other extras that actually make the profits). But I've never seen any recommendation that singles need to pay an additional penalty in the form of double tips. What's an ethical guy to do?

Hi jacketwatch

I guess we must have posted just minutes of each other.

After I posted I shut the computer down so I never got to read your posting until just now . it is 10:13 PM Mountain Standard time here!!

Thank you for your kind works.

By as I have said before it is you who is the gentleman always.
I personally have learned a lot from your posts.
I read all your postings on your cruise trip to Polynesia (South Pacific) last year.

I hope to get there soon.

Six more weeks and you will be leaving on your Baltic Cruise....I will be following you two months later.

Are you spending extra time in Copenhagen?

Gee I seemed to have stirred up a hornets nest without meaning to about the tipping patterns.

I agree with your comments about these poor hard working underpaid workers on the cruise ships.

Some are away from home for 6-7 months, then they go home for a few weeks to a month and then back to the grind again.

Don't forget I will be looking forward to your usual excellent trip report when you get back.

PS...,leave something for me to see !!!!

Good Night
Take Care
Percy

Percy: Thank you! Actually we don't have any extra time in Copenhagen but I am thinking to try to arrange some though that may be hard to do this late. I really don't think you stirred up anything. You gave an opinion and its up to others in terms of how they respond. Such is life. . The TR will come asap after our return. I'll try to get so good tips in.
JB: I am sure you will tip very well. No worries.
Go Chicago Bulls.

Good morning jacketwatch:

I have ( had !?)a tour guide lined up for Copenhagen for a full day tour on August 19th.
However there has been a change of plans and I want her for the 18th.

I have written 2 e-mails to her with no response. Maybe she is out of town doing her other tours , but I hope she answers me by this coming weekend...
or
I may have to search for another private tour guide.

I have all my tickets for the St.Petersburg 2 day tour.

JBHapgood:

Sorry for hijacking your posting but here is some information about Royal Caribbean Cruises:

This was on the front page of our local paper's business section this morning:

"RCC the world's second largest cruiseline's profits sank 92 % compared to their first quarter a year ago!!"

"Their net income was 119 million last year for the first three months of 2007 and down to 8.8 million for the first 3 months of this year."!!

They go on to say," Their operating expenses rose 15 % so far this year over last year."

Hmmm (Are they paying their staff better)

Are people not crusing as much!!
I doubt that....
Because
I wanted to book the Baltic Cruise in for June 11th in late February(before I went to South America for the month of March).. the June 11th was all sold out for the cabins I wanted.

To make matters worse ,Princess told me that jacketwatch took my cabin ...now how do you like that(LOL) !!!!
So
Now I am going on August 20 th .
Have a good day everybody.

Percy