Cruising for the first time, I understand that Holland is a non tipping cruise and it is up to the guest. Is this really true? The whole tipping thing is a bit confusing to me. Who gets what and how much per person per day. That was a plus in Holland's favor, just something we didn't have to worry about. We liked the fact that service is not based on a tip. We understand we will be tipping some along the way, but is it really not expected since it is included in the cost of your cruise? This is according to their website because I guess the crew makes more than other ships' crews

Hi Jane,<BR><BR>Tipping on Holland America has been a topic of discussion for many years.<BR><BR>Holland America's policy on tipping is clearly stated. "Tipping not required." But here is the word when you get on the ship ...... if a crew member give you extraordinary service .... same as a head usher in Las Vegas that gives you a great seat or a concierge that gets you non-available theatre tickets .... you should give a few extra bucks.<BR><BR>All the above employees do get paid a good wage since tips are not required but tips certainly are appreciated and most employees do work extra hard to receive a little extra.<BR><BR>With other cruise lines the tip amounts are set, but again, those that work extra hard would enjoy a few extra dollars. <BR><BR>Upscale cruise lines are the exception. The policy states: "Gratuities are not expected."<BR><BR>In my business I never receive monetary compensation from my clients but I treasure thank-you notes. <BR> <BR>So what do you think? <BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

I've sailed Holland America quite a bit and each and every time, tipped as I would on any other mainstream ship. And, I think it is expected. In fact, I know of no one who didn't tip on board those sailings. <BR><BR>And while it does seem to be a bit of a gimmick on Holland America, the premium lines do take the "no tipping" policy seriously. Last month on Silversea, I actually had someone refuse a tip I extended.

Thanks Judy. I had certainly planned on some tipping, but just wasn't sure to what extend. So thanks for setting me straight so I dont' look like a complete novice.

I'm w/Judy...while the HAL staff may not "expect" a tip per the brochures, we've noted on 3 different HAL ships that they do Want it!....and the staff doesn't have "attitude" so figure it in your cost of having an accmmodating staff to ensure a pleasant sojourn.<BR><BR>

Jane, I believe you still have an unanswered question: who? and how much?<BR><BR>I can provide guidance on some but not others; for instance; wine steward -- we don't use their services, so don't know.<BR>Basic rule of thumb (if you're completely satisfied with service received) is:<BR><BR>Cabin Steward: $3.50 per person per day<BR>Dining Table Waiter: As above<BR>Busboy/Waiter Asst: $1.50 pp/pd<BR><BR>I assume Holland America Line (HAL) does what other cruise lines do which is to provide you with envelopes that will be left in your cabin; you do not have to ask for them.<BR>Passengers hand the envelopes to the individuals personally on the last night onboard. The Cabin Steward will, I assure you, be very visible; you will not have to ring for them. Of course, take your envelopes with you to the last night's dinner. Everyone will be doing the same thing.<BR><BR><BR>Remember, TIPS stand for To Ensure Prompt Service.<BR>TIPS are over and beyond their salary.<BR>If you do not receive good service, adjust your TIPS downward.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Good advice Helpful.<BR><BR>I would not give less money for minor mistakes.<BR><BR>Paul

I think this is why I'm confused. If they say their policy is no tipping, why would they provide me with envelopes for money? When do I give the tips and would they be comparable to what crews on other cruise lines would get?

On HAL they do no leave preprinted envelopes on the bed for you to tip as on other lines. But I've noticed that they are sometimes in the drawer, along with the stationary, postcards and pen (like in an expensive hotel). We find that we normally have to request them from the pursers desk near the end of the cruise.<BR><BR>On our last HAL cruise, we noticed that 2 tables around us did not tip the wait staff in the dining room. We were quite upset at their oversight, and glad that we had given extra. The staff are always fabulous and deserve the tip.

Hi Judy,<BR><BR>Tipping is really included in the price of your cruise.<BR><BR>I would never tip the entire $3.50 per person per day, etc. etc.<BR><BR>If the waiter, busboy, etc. have given you special favors, they remember your name or they are extremely efficient, slip them a folded up 5 or 10 dollar bill or get envelopes from the purser's office.<BR><BR>If you are on a limited budget give them a couple bucks. It's no big deal.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

I guess my feeling on this is I don't want to have to be figuring out a breakdown per person, per day especially since technically it is included in the price of my ticket. (I think we're spoiled from the all inclusive resort experience). However, of course we would tip for any little extras provided. I don't want to sound on the penny pinching side, because we are actually very generous tippers and it's not so much giving the money but having to worry about doing it every day. We appreciate any extra kindness toward us and of course would tip accordingly. There is so much to learn about cruising, I think I need to take a course, Crusing 101! Thanks everybody!

We did a HAL cruise earlier this year. I did not see any envelopes for tipping and none of the crew even hinted for a tip. HAL runs a first class operation. Since tipping is not required I felt that an extra $10 per server for the cruise was okay. The recipients seemed happy to receive it. You didn't ask, but you should know that the passengers on HAL average about 65 years of age. It is definatly a more mature crowd, but don't let that discourage you. There is a lot of activity and you can get free goodies by participating in their "Passport to fitness" program. For more info, please e mail me.

Paul,if I am correct, you are a travel agent. The ta's in my area also say that tipping is included. If you read what some passengers say on other bulletin boards, you would think that it is expected that tips would be the usual 3.00, 2.00 etc.<BR><BR>Thank you for clearing up this matter for me. Who knows when I may sail on Hal.<BR><BR>P.S. I notice that they don't reduce their rates as much as the competitors do...perhaps because the tip is included?

HAL's policy is "No Tipping REQUIRED" which is totally different from "Tips included" or "Tips not accepted or expected". When we sailed on HAL, our TA told us beforehand that tips were both expected and appreciated. Once on board the cruise director and staff also let us know that tips were accepted and appreciated. We recieved good service and tipped the same as any other cruise line - $3.50 waiter and cabin steward and $2 for asst. waiter.

I agree with most of the above. While HAL is a No tipping required, they certainly make sure you know what the recommended amounts for each staff position is and how and when to do it if you wish. I would say that based on my experiences if you fail to tip in the dining room on the last night you will stand out like a sore thumb and everyone will notice that you did not hand over an envelope to your wait staff. I would bet that 99 percent of the guests tipped....I know I did and it wasn't because of pressure but because I felt the service deserved a tip (to everyone, cabin steward, dining room staff, etc).

I will agree with you that most tip, but of the many times I sailed Holland I have never given a $20 per person tip. Majority $10. <BR><BR>The crew are getting their tips from the line. You are paying them indirectly by paying more for the cruise.<BR><BR>Everyone has their own opinion and all are acceptable.<BR><BR>Paul

Ok, here I go again! Given that I will be tipping some, does it all go in one big envelope at the end of the cruise to be distributed to the staff. How does the person handing it out know who gets what? Or do I hand it out as I go along? Once I get this first cruise under my belt I'm sure it won't seem so overwhelming, but right now all these choices seem like a lot of work.

Me Again! If you put it in an envelope at the end of the cruise, how are you assured the little extra perks from staff along the way since they don't receive their tip at the time of service?

If you are going to tip on your own give individual envelopes. If you do not find envelopes in one of your drawers in your cabin ask for them at the purser's office.<BR><BR>Paul <BR><BR>