Tipping Calculator About This Page:

[my2girls]

Thanks Amy. It definitely takes all of the guess work out.

[ShannonW]

Thanks! I was afraid tipping would be terribly expensive, but this has put my mind at ease! Thanks for the link!

Shannon

[Grammy Grumpy]

Thanks Amy!!!

[Kenny]

That is way cool! Thank, Amy

Kenny

[lauriep]

Originally Posted by tazgirl1981

Thank you for the wonderful tip calculator. I have a question. Do you leave tips in the room for the room service on the ship, or do you put it in an envelope and give it to the guest services counter at the end of the trip? Im confused as to what to do since I have never been on a cruise before. I was thinking it was like at the hotels...you leave some in an envelope for them each day but I was talking to hubby and he was saying no...you put it all in an envelope and give it to them at the end of the trip...which do we do?

Your hubby is right You will be provided with envelopes labeled for the tipped positions and you give them to your dining staff and stateroom attendant on the last night. You can either put cash in the envelopes or you can pay at the desk on a credit card. I paid cash, so I'm not sure how the staff gets the tip if you pay for it on credit. I know the answer must be in my Passporter, but it's not handy right now!

[Give_Me_Five]

This is so helpful--but I have one question, and anyone can answer this. By the place where you input the number of children in your party, you can check or uncheck the "full tip" box. What is the protocol for tipping? Does it depend on the child's age whether or not you do the full tip? I certainly don't want to stiff anyone, but wonder if for example my 1 year old will warrant a full tip. Thanks in advance!

[Give_Me_Five]

I guess I should have asked what the protocol is on DCL. I see on the calculator that many patrons tip at 50% for children, but didn't know if that was the case on the DCL. Thanks!

[retiredkid]

what a great link....thanks Amy!!

[iamgrumpy]

Originally Posted by Give_Me_Five

This is so helpful--but I have one question, and anyone can answer this. By the place where you input the number of children in your party, you can check or uncheck the "full tip" box. What is the protocol for tipping? Does it depend on the child's age whether or not you do the full tip? I certainly don't want to stiff anyone, but wonder if for example my 1 year old will warrant a full tip. Thanks in advance!

That is i think more of a personal feeling as to whether to tip or not for a 1 year old. But if it were me I would probably still tip the full amount just because I would feel bad knowing how hard they work to clean the staterooms, or help in general that I would want them to feel appreciated. Not everyone feels this way and may tip less for their child but thats what I would do. Since you don't tip until the end of the cruise maybe plan on tipping the full amount but change it if you feel differently when your cruise is over and its time to tip. Base it on the service you received.

Originally Posted by Give_Me_Five

I guess I should have asked what the protocol is on DCL. I see on the calculator that many patrons tip at 50% for children, but didn't know if that was the case on the DCL. Thanks!

I think the protocol would be the full amount but you still have the option of changing it when the time comes to tip based on the service you received.

[gwugirl03]

Amy...thanks for the link! That is a helpful site.

[dmpyron]

For kids in your room, I'd tip 50% or so for the room steward, but 100% for your wait staff. As far as room service goes, you tip them at the time of service.

I've never had service, on any cruise, that didn't warrant a tip above the suggested amount. Except once.

[pixie08]

Great Link! Thanks!

[mackeymouse]

Listen, I hate to come across as cheap, because I definitely am not. I am looking into a Disney Cruise, so obviously I'm not.

BUT, to me giving out envelopes for tips seems a little tacky to me. I mean, I know that just makes it easier for the guests and what not. But, a tip is supposed to be "optional," though nowadays, it isn't. And to give out envelopes seems to make it mandatory.

Furthermore, I was under the impression with all-inclusive, that it includes gratuities, etc. My real beef however is with the sheer amount. According to the calculator, my family of four would be tipping somewhere in the area of $45 a meal. So, we are basically paying for a meal with that tip. So, to say that meals are included is kind of shady, as you will be tipping what it would cost to just eat a meal.

Think about it. Let's assume that the meal itself is worth $80, that is still an over 50% tip. I do not mind tipping, I honestly don't. I just do not like the idea that it is "expected" or that there is a standard amount.

[churros]

What is the expected tip for room service?