vpFREE2 Forums

tipping on NCL

#1

Yes, I forgot to mention that you should tip while getting the free drinks
in the casino (which you get as part of a Harrahs or some other casino
certificates). We saved some money by getting a couple of cans of soda and a
cocktail at the bar at the same time, then tipped $1 for all. Another ploy
is to tip on and off, or tip big at the start, then slack off. Some
people have reported some casino bars won't give drinks with the casino card,
free drinks only if you were playing at machines. But we didn't have
difficulty on any cruise getting drinks at bar. Perhaps the solution is to put
out a $1 first couple of times you order at the bar, once they know they will
be tipped, they will serve the drink.

You also should tip for room service, which is not included in the general
$12.50 a day gratuity.

We got special service from the Matre De on one cruise, and tipped him
extra at the end. (special orders for certain foods).

Tipping is always subjective. If you are going to tip every single time
you get a soda, and you drink a lot of them, you might as well pay for the
soda package, which includes tips.

Normally when you buy cocktails around the ship you should tip as well,
since the bar isn't included in the $12.50 a day gratuity.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#2

We toked our room stewards $50 the first day. Tipped further when they (quite often) exceeded expectations.

Many young 3rd world adults staff cruise ships. Quite a few go home with no-so-good memories of guests or management. I was taken aback by some frank discussions with our "cabin boys."

They are ambitious. Many will become leaders back home.

···

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, misscraps@... wrote:

Yes, I forgot to mention that you should tip while getting the free drinks
in the casino (which you get as part of a Harrahs or some other casino
certificates). We saved some money by getting a couple of cans of soda and a
cocktail at the bar at the same time, then tipped $1 for all. Another ploy
is to tip on and off, or tip big at the start, then slack off. Some
people have reported some casino bars won't give drinks with the casino card,
free drinks only if you were playing at machines. But we didn't have
difficulty on any cruise getting drinks at bar. Perhaps the solution is to put
out a $1 first couple of times you order at the bar, once they know they will
be tipped, they will serve the drink.

You also should tip for room service, which is not included in the general
$12.50 a day gratuity.

We got special service from the Matre De on one cruise, and tipped him
extra at the end. (special orders for certain foods).

Tipping is always subjective. If you are going to tip every single time
you get a soda, and you drink a lot of them, you might as well pay for the
soda package, which includes tips.

Normally when you buy cocktails around the ship you should tip as well,
since the bar isn't included in the $12.50 a day gratuity.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#3

I would recommend tipping well. Most of the casino workers are from poorer countries and may only be working there for 1 ship tour, gone to sea for several months. They won't make a career working in casinos. Some even have their significant other living on board with them (a nice perk), and kids with their relatives back home. If you're nice to them, as I experienced, they can become pen pals or even bump into them on shore excursions for nice conversations or suggestions since they go every week.

···

--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, misscraps@... wrote:

Yes, I forgot to mention that you should tip while getting the free drinks
in the casino (which you get as part of a Harrahs or some other casino
certificates). We saved some money by getting a couple of cans of soda and a
cocktail at the bar at the same time, then tipped $1 for all. Another ploy
is to tip on and off, or tip big at the start, then slack off. Some
people have reported some casino bars won't give drinks with the casino card,
free drinks only if you were playing at machines. But we didn't have
difficulty on any cruise getting drinks at bar. Perhaps the solution is to put
out a $1 first couple of times you order at the bar, once they know they will
be tipped, they will serve the drink.

You also should tip for room service, which is not included in the general
$12.50 a day gratuity.

We got special service from the Matre De on one cruise, and tipped him
extra at the end. (special orders for certain foods).

Tipping is always subjective. If you are going to tip every single time
you get a soda, and you drink a lot of them, you might as well pay for the
soda package, which includes tips.

Normally when you buy cocktails around the ship you should tip as well,
since the bar isn't included in the $12.50 a day gratuity.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]