REMOVING GRATUITIES FROM YOUR CRUISE

[@johnp139]

If it’s Mandatory, then it’s NOT A GRATUITY! Call it what it is or just add it into the price!!!

[@gracejurkiewicz2595]

I absolutely agree, let everybody pay it, that's fair.

[@live2skide1]

I wish the cruise lines would just build the tips into the base fare.

[@frankxd9232]

I wish too.

[@mike-yo8qj]

I think you, me, Don, and all of his channel watching regulars would agree. But let's be real... the Carnival branded ships price their itineraries to be the most attractive. There are plenty of great lines that include gratuities in the fare, but are well above Carnival cruise fares.

[@pattyford2228]

Royal Caribbean does, you do it when you book the cruise

[@thewittywanderer148]

Agreed

[@wlpark001]

I wish they would jus pay them and increase the price they charge to cover. Then say no tipping.

[@kmitchell1150]

Include it in the cruise price so much easier you can then compare prices. Simple

[@HeatherGemmen]

The cruise lines should simply pay their employees properly, even if it's a minimum wage, and let the passengers tip as they please. Tipping culture is atrocious, for both the customer and the worker.

[@kimberlywright9188]

@@HeatherGemmenExactly they are not paying them well and looking for us to make up the difference.The cruiselines are building elaborate ships and not paying the workers.I prefer the old days paying gratuities to each person via envelopes.

[@maddogpopp]

no issue tipping. I feel the cruise lines making billions in profit should give all the employees raises. Instead the big boys at the cruise line get bonuses and the staff gets the shaft

[@Glenn-ct2ud]

I have asked crew members about gratuities. They do NOT receive any more money than what is called out in their contract with the cruise line, which means crew member do NOT receive any portion of the gratuities. The gratuities are kept by the cruise lines to increase their profitability.

[@susanjoy3513]

Tipping is for good service received. If it isn't optional then it isn't a gratuity.

[@patrickgrove7716]

I have been cruising since the '80s. We used to put gratuity cash in separate envelopes. I like the online option to prepay instead of being charged during the trip. But these days, I think the crew salaries should just be included in the total price.

[@moonshineone6834]

Don I’m one that carry cash to tip around, one time I asked a staff at a bar in the adult only area a glass of water, btw I’m 70, his answer was there is water fountain in the other bar outside pool go and get it there, I could not believe it and when I asked for his name as he covered his tag when he saw me checking it he refused to tell me, I asked his colleague that was working at the bar too, he was scared looking at him to ask permission, I brought it to the attention of the manager, and I’m sure they took care of it, since then I carry cash just for tipping according to the service and as I visit mostly buffets I give not only the ones that serve me but if I notice staff that are going above and beyond to help passengers. When it is mandate the service will not be as great as they know they have the tip anyway. And btw I always tip the cabin attendant depending on the service minimum $30 a week, and again one time arriving my cabin closet was so dirty underwear and pads etc. In every job u do ur job well any extra u get bonus and raise same here. I always end up paying around 150$ a week but people that deserve it. BON VOYAGE EVERYONE

[@janetburt1753]

I always ask to have my gratuity waived. I leave the state room attendant a tip at the end of the cruise since envelopes are left on the bed. I tip the waiter in the main dining room, also the assistant waiter. I tip the tour guides on all the excursions. I will not tip twice

[@johnsmith9246]

I completely agree with the person that sent that letter to the cruise line. I find gratuities quite disgusting, they clearly indicate that the employer is paying the employee the very minimal amount of income and it is up to the customer to make up the difference. If people want to perpetuate that situation that is up to them.

[@QueenKayKay47]

And that's fine, just do not engage in any activity or vacation in which people rely on tips. Eat your potted meat and saltine crackers home!

[@DavidLee-ct8ec]

I have to disagree with you on this one Don. Gratuities have been proven to be large companies keep their profits margins. Remember a couple of years ago cruise companies was asked to be more transparent about who received this money. I don’t recall any of they willingly showing that workers actually got that money. I’m not one who doesn’t pay gratuities but I would like to have the choice of paying it. I was in a cruise and an outbreak occurred within crew. My cabin never got clean but gratuities were still added. Short staffing all over the ship. So why do I have to pay for that. Not their fault getting sick but not my fault for sleeping in the bed and being on vacation. IJS

[@Kenwood1990]

The cruise line needs to pay there employees more money .

[@bethkramer8824]

If a gratuity becomes mandatory. It is no longer a gratuity it becomes a free. In the states fees have different laws.

[@motel1029]

We always do the gratuities ahead of time and tip our stateroom attendant and dining room servers extra if we enjoy their service.

[@TWSmith42]

Tips should always be optional, period, fin, end of. What the cruise lines should do is do away with the tip setup they have, raise prices to accommodate the money that would have been gotten through tips, and raise employee pay accordingly. I love the tipping culture in Europe; do it that way.

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Do share your position in this regard...

[@cyndid7555]

Pay your crew for God's sake! I pay more when needed. I don't care to pay people who do not help me personally. I never remove them, either. Our stateroom people come only every day they are required to clean so as not to get in trouble. We want them to only come then. I don't make my bed every day at home...they don't need to either. We make friends with the people who help us. They need to just pay properly!! I like to pay more to the people I see! The behind the scenes folks should just be paid properly!!!

[@maryconner9173]

Those things you mentioned (drink package, internet, etc.) are CHOICES! You can CHOOSE to have them or skip them. And that should be the same for gratuities! Tipping is a personal CHOOSE, just like the rest of those things you choose to pay for!

[@TheJm129]

Agree, but what I'm not a fan of is them adding 20% to drinks and expecting a tip on top of a tip.

[@maryconner9173]

To Insure Promptness DO NOT force me to pay any amount. I tip nicely. If the service isn't up to par, the tip will be less or sometimes none.

[@markeaston7353]

This is a simplistic and dare I say North American centric perspective Don. I pay the usual gratuities but am yet to see any real evidence that the cruise line actually distributes it all amongst the crew. I would like to see some serious research in to this issue but am yet to see a cruise blogger undertake that research.

[@Graygeezer]

A gratuity is not obligatory by definition.

[@NorwegianTips]

Hi Don. I think companies should include it in the price. We just did a 9 day Mediterranean Cruise with NCL on an inside cabin and the gratuities were $360 (2pax $20/day). That’s about 12% extra of the cost of the cruise. Maybe an international regulation entity should rule that Cruise companies put the actual price on the listings.

[@jameshoffman2163]

Good service= good tips, it should be service dependent. I like the prepaid tips to cover the behind the scenes staff.

[@macrinaelizabethholder3413]

I do NOT remove gratuities, however I do agree to be able to adjust them up or down. I have had two experiences one being a cabin steward picked up an expensive garment with the towels and it was never found. This was DECADES ago when it was cash tips in envelopes (not added automatically). I also had tremendous service when we had some medical issues and our steward bent over backwards to give extra care to our needs. Both scenarios deemed an adjustment to the tips. And rightfully so. So again I say, I NEVER removed tips but feel we have the right to adjust them for good or not so good service. Tips are for service. Also I want to say, NOT everyone at guest care on the final day of the cruise is there to remove tips!! And I hate to be talked about while I'm asking guest services asking about an emergency situation and debarkation request, and hear people walking by talking commenting on "what they assume" I'm doing!! Not everyone is removing tips at guest services!!! Rudeness always surfaces at the end of the cruise, and people become mean again. Sad!!!

[@TraceyGaylard]

I prepay gratuities when cruising internationally but i prefer that when cruising in Australia and New Zealand we pay higher fares instead because we dont have a tipping culture. I really think the tipping culture in general is really unfair. Much better that everyone is paid a fair wage for a fair days work and we pay more in the first place, rather than being at the mercy of people who may or may not pay staff. In Australia, we do this.

[@davidbutton3500]

There has only been one time where I wanted to remove gratuities, and didn't. It was on the Caribbean Princess about 8 years ago. The wait staff were down right rude, dirty dishes on the tables, slow service etc. And my cabin was dirty and poorly maintained. When I brough the issues with the cabin to my room attendant, he accused me of working for the cruise line? WTF? Most of the entertainment on the ship was terrible, with unfunny comedians(I know what one person finds funny another may not, but I was not alone in this assessment), and singers who could not sing on key. I should have removed the gratuities, because frankly it was not a good experience. I travelled on the Regal Princess last year and the staff were excellent, and I paid extra gratuities to our table waiter and my room attendant! They deserved it.

[@notinterested6343]

If it was right after the pandemic many things were a mess. Unfortunately, that's what happened.

[@davidbutton3500]

@@notinterested6343 It was before the pandemic.

[@content09god25]

The cruise line can always pay more.

[@desiwagner1475]

Don, I’m playing devils advocate bc I ve never removed my gratuities. If the gratuities are spread among the staff that we don’t see, why is it that some hotels don’t have that as well. We have resort fees in larger properties, but if you say they are for the laundry workers kitchen staff, we don’t technically tip them out. Mind you, I’m saying this as I have worked the front desk/reservations at a hotel as well as been a waitress. The cooking staff never got tipped out by the servers, and the laundry staff did not get tipped out from the housekeepers. Again, playing devils advocate. I understand the point that person is trying to make. It should not be the guest’s responsibility to ensure the workers get a reasonable wage. I just believe that the cruise line should have not said they are making gratuities mandatory, just that they will be included in the cruise fare.

[@dmoniquerenee]

Hi Don, This is a great topic. I have never sailed Carnival... and here is my 10 cents. I am from Manhattan / NY, NY. I'm a TIPPER! I carry cash on the cruise ship and I tip bar tenders, waiters, room service delivery, Starbucks, and stateroom attendants (I typically have two on Cunard, NCL, and Virgin Voyages). I pay and participate on the behind the sceens tour on every ship I sail on -- so that is another contribution! Not to mention I always get the top tier of service such as FAS+ so my gratuites are included. However, I have a yardstick to measure service if I encounter more than 5 rude or unfriendly staff members around the ship who are just in a mood. Yes, I would remove all prepaid gratuities and I will tip big the personnel who aided in making my experience enjoyable directly.

[@michellejade3272]

Gratuities don’t bother me; the EXPECTATION of double & triple tips do. Great service gets extra, which usually is provided by housekeeping &/or MDR waitstaff.

[@karenpeacock6780]

I didn't know that you could remove the gratuities. But with that said, we wouldn't have them removed. Having worked in the food service industry when younger I understand the process. We are grateful that everyone is being covered behind the scenes and is being tipped for the services that we truly appreciate and enjoy. We are also the ones who tip to separate individuals who we feel went above and beyond to make our vacation that much easier and more enjoyable with less worry, regardless of wherever the service came from. And not just the typical dining, cabin attendant, and bar.

[@simonbayford9681]

You are right Don, it is a North American way of life. In Europe the cruise lines eg P&O and MSc include gratuities in the fare. We were on MSC Seashore out of Miami a couple of years ago and the American passengers we spoke to couldn’t believe it and said tipping in US was out of control. The service on aboard was just as exceptional as any other cruise. Maybe cruise lines from North America could start a trend over there, I am not aware of any great price difference between MSC etc and Carnival etc. thanks

[@angelathomas6770]

My first cruise, I was given envelopes and a guide of how much to tip each person on the last night of the cruise

[@aussiejohn5835]

All cruise lines include gratuities in the cruise fare when sailing from Australia and New Zealand with individual tipping for cabin attendant and dining room staff being optional based on good service. Bar prices have an option for an individual tip but it isn't mandatory.

[@dixiefortune3568]

I understand what you are saying. Yes everyone deserves a bonus (tip). However I also agree it should be our choice as to how much we tip. When I go to a restaurant, I tip the waiter. I don’t go to the back and tip the cook, the dishwasher the other waiters that did not wait on me.

[@debbiec4126]

When I first started cruising 30+ years ago, I didn't tip. I could barely afford the once-a-year vacation. But now, I do tip and if I get service that is above and beyond, I carry cash and will give it to that person directly, so they know I appreciated their time and effort.

[@Kenwood1990]

I always tip if I get good service.

[@susantopper6809]

It is a touchy subject, I would never remove gratuities. I do believe our tipping culture has gotten crazy.

[@colby5592]

After talking to our last room Steward, people need to know their schedule. Hopefully this would have guests think twice before removing tips. We ask our steward about his days off. They don't get days off, I ask about rotating duties & rooms. They don't rotate. They get blocks of time off at certain ports where there is a longer port time. They can get off. They clean the room you are in 7 days a week until their contract is up. His contract was 7 months @ 7 days a week or roughly 210 days and no days off just blocks of hours.. People need to think about their continuous schedule. Please don't remove the tips, no matter what.

[@jennyslavis375]

I always leave room steward extra tip. I see how hard they work . I do miss having the towel animals in our rooms . 🦢

[@oberstleutnant787]

It is the crew member decision to accept the job knowing the harsh working condition. It has nothing to do with the crew passengers.

[@Tractshun]

Yes, it’s fine if restaurants and cruise lines raise their prices and pay their employees more instead of shifting payment of employees to customers. Many countries work this way and tips are not expected in restaurants. Most people would rather see a bottom line price up front and not deal with everyone expecting tips. Same with hotels and their resort fees. Time to remove disingenuous, mandatory resort fees and just include all costs up front.

[@ih2898]

It used to bug me. I was not happy that I was told and automatically charged the "gratuity". Several cruises ago I experimented. What if I get a package, or if I pay it ahead of time. Would I still do the cruise if the price was an extra $15 per night, or like $100 for the trip? Answer was YES. Once I had it taken ahead of time, I never thought of it again. My honest opinion, increase the price by 70% of the "suggested gratuity" and that should be the same as the cost now. There are many people who do not like being told what a gratuity should be, and that employee cost, should be included in the price you pay up front.

[@placesonthelist]

Like the high end cruise lines it should be in the base fare and tip only the people who really make your cruise special.

[@barbo1621]

I like Regents policy. Eveything is included. We still give extra to those going above and beyond.

[@nicolemiller4688]

I'm happy to hear these back end workers share in the gratuities.

[@pamalu9263]

They don't.

[@ruthkringle1353]

If you can afford tattoos, nail treatments, spa treatments etc then you can afford to pay gratuities.

[@B-ch6uk]

The other day I went to a D'Angelo's sub shop. When I picked up my to-go order, I gave the guy behind the counter a tip. He said they don't accept tips there. I was floored. Never heard that one before.

[@richardgelber2740]

IIRC, cruise lines have been using suggested and pre-paid gratuities for over 50 years.

[@paulahansen3772]

A somewhat newbie... out of 18 main dining room dinners, I can only think of ONE meal in which we didn’t receive amazing service. (Someone else here commented that service in the MDR is terrible.)

[@brendamelander5942]

I always have cash on me for tipping. My husband and I asked about when they get their gratuities paid to them, which is once a month. So we decided to pay a cash tip, especially to the workers who don’t get a cut of the gratuities (those that deliver your drinks ).

[@oberstleutnant787]

Paid gratuity on my first couple of cruises, but opt it out in the subsequent cruises after finding out that gratuity was not mandatory. The crew members are hired and paid to provide services and should not expecting tips from the cruise passengers. Cabin steward may be exception.

[@nicolebray4037]

What's the average tip you give your stateroom attendant for a 6-7 day cruise per day?

[@jobee1]

I always pre pay my gratuities, I’ve never removed them. What bugs me is I’m expected to tip on top of my gratuities. My last cruise the pre paid gratuities were almost $400 then I had to hand out another $400 on top of that because if I don’t tip anyone I interact with I’m a terrible person. I’ve stopped cruising because of this. If I could pay my gratuities and be done then I’d be fine but that’s never enough for most people so I’m out.

[@darryld_009]

Tipping will always be a contentious topic. I have seen the payment machines go up for tips some start at 20% now even with a competitive wage.

[@stephenbarlow685]

Hey Don in New Zealand we build our tipping into our prices .There is not a tipping culture here so tipping is strange. So I wonder if the tipping should be part of the total pricing structure . Hey I could be completely of the mark

[@joeseatac331]

So, if an American passenger sails on P & O, should we not tip? If so, can I rest assured their employees are being paid a living wage?

[@mikesevilla9627]

Include it in the fares

[@TSKseattle]

Restaurants should pay a living wage, and let tipping be a reward for excellent service. Will I pay more for my meal? Of course1 But right now I'm adding 20% on to my bill anyway. The restaurant industry is criminal in their pay practices. I'm also not fond of tipping everyone on the ship from my booking, whether I had any service from them or not. Why not pay them a decent wage and take away the mandatory tipping - we pay either way, but we get to direct our tips.

[@NeedtoSpeak]

It’s time to stop the serf economy that prevails on cruise ships. The workers need to have a livable salary not dependent on the horrible nature of cruisers…who have inflated views of their own status, and keep their hands in their pockets when it is top time. BUT, will tipping continue to ensure good service on top of the built in?

[@Girasole5849]

I usually pre-pay gratuities and tip on top of that for those that I see frequently on the cruise. I have never had bad service so that hasn’t been an issue for me. However, I prefer the option to pre-pay or not.

[@barbarahernandez4713]

Modt restaurants now have a service charge. They just don't call it gratuities. Resorts have resort fees, which would be different from gratuities you give to service personnel. I agree the tipping culture has gone out of control. In Mexico, everyone expects a tip.

[@user-ff3ow9ym5t]

Are we paying wages aka gratuities? What happened to tips based on service? Maybe separate crew we see from crew we don't. I tip my steward and dining and more. Wages raise to back crew...tip for service. If we're paying wages to the crew, do we file tax forms? I didn't realize crew was working for tips. We don't pay restaurants a huge amount of money just to be there as in cruising .

[@markbrandt1054]

We've always paid the gratuities, however I still carry a lot of ones or higher denominations to give directly to the cruise staff who are going above and beyond. It shows them that guests appreciate their service and rewards those for making the cruise even better.

[@sylviemac1971]

I don’t have an issue with gratuity, however the issue is that I’m giving gratuities to people I’ve never got in contact with, and basically I’m supplementing their income when the cruise line should be doing this. I provide gratuity to those who provide me direct service. Cruise lines are making millions of dollars so you can’t tell me they can’t pay their employees better! How do I know where these gratuities go?

[@janicefisher.8215]

I tip, period. I also make sure the gratuities are included in the price. The crew members work hard. I respect them, and I have never taken my gratuities back. The crew makes my cruising more enjoyable. 😊😊😊

[@wallymanic]

Hi Don. Just as an aside, did you ever notice the missing people at the final dinner night on a cruise. Are those the people who are avoiding tipping their dining room staff at the end of the cruise? That's what our waiter told us many cruises ago, and it seems to fit.

[@cindyonyoutube]

Thanks for explaining gratuities

[@timgenter1264]

My only concern is that the Cruise company is giving 100% of my gratuities to the actual workers on that ship. I also do not want my tips to replace their regular pay. For example, if the position should pay $20 per hour and the cruise lines reduce the hourly rate to $5 and tell them (oh, tips will make up the difference) that is wrong. I tip on every cruise buy am suspicious the way the system works.

[@Kenwood1990]

They should be added on to the price of cruise.

[@ethercruiser1537]

If you have a family of 4-5 with 2-3 kids, the daily gratuities rack up FAST! In the past, I decreased the gratuities for my 2 kids if on a 7 day cruise.

[@lynnsmith4793]

I keep seeing how when asked, crew saying they don’t get them. Gratuities are for good service, not given in advance anywhere else.

[@johncrilly3127]

Gratuities are much easier today compared to when we had to stuff envelopes with cash for various people. I always inserted at least the recommended amounts. I have never removed or reduced the charged gratuities in the current system and do not think that I ever would. I would be fine with just making it a part of the cruise fare, thus making it even easier (and more fair). In addition, I travel with dollar bills to tip room service deliveries and bar purchases plus leaving something more substantial to the room steward..

[@K4757]

I wish they would just include it in the cruise price but we never remove the gratuities and we also are the people who walk around with money to tip for drinks at dinner, etc.

[@therealmvp232]

Americans have a fixation on tipping. I love when we travel internationally cause people don’t look for tips or advertise for them.

[@steve1la]

RC you can prepay gratuities and I usually do 16 or so bucks a day is not that big a deal and the crew works hard to make your cruise enjoyable

[@paulahansen3772]

As someone who is only familiar with leaving a tip on a restaurant table or tip tray, or in the hotel room with a note, upon check-out, HOW do you go about presenting a face-to-face tip to someone?

[@theangryrooster2113]

Short sighted folks. The amount they collect is very reasonable and covers so many. It is ridiculous to argue about, do these same people cheat the servers when they go to a land sit down restaurant? That is 20% give or take. We always pay the gratuities and hand out extra as needed.

[@gwenj8680]

I would like to see the gratuities included in the price .I would not think about removing them.

[@kimberlywright9188]

I am not paying gratuities when I have had bad service.I never use my cabin attendant and always leave a tip.I do feel that the cruise lines should pay the workers their worth instead of counting on our tips to subsidize the low wages.

[@johnp139]

Servers in Canada already get at least minimum wage, so any tips should be greatly reduced.

[@susanburkettrn2042]

I never would tip my Maitre’D he would show up at put tan E on the last night. Stopped that years ago, however I don’t think cruises do this any longer! Anyone know?

[@Kenwood1990]

I prefer all inclusive cruise.

[@marianneward8980]

I wonder what the percentage is on average that actually removes gratuities on each cruise?

[@randijaffe-7665]

I think it goes back from tips are supposed to be optional in the US. They just need to add it into the cruise price and then optional, additional for extra help. Why be efficient if everyone pays the same tip included? You don’t go to most places and tip is included except large parties. Really doesn’t make sense!! The cruise line pays salary and it should be it! I’m a nurse and don’t get tips?

[@melvinjacobs2328]

There's an old saying. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When I go out of the country, i go by their customs. I expect someone that comes here to abide by our customs.

[@ordysparrow7574]

The difference is that when you eat at a restaurant, the server, who actually serves you, makes $2.65/hr. The cooks, dishwashers, etc, make much more than those in tipped positions. The back of house employees should get paid more than the front facing employees since those are who get tips. Requiring a tip makes it not a tip but a fee. Employees salaries should be rolled into the price of the cruise because paying employees is an account payable. The “gratuity” should be renamed a service fee if it’s mandatory because it is certainly not a tip. Webster dictionary definition of gratuity: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service. Also, I used to be a server. I tip very well and have never removed the tip. Objecting to it being mandatory does not mean I don’t tip or remove the gratuity.

[@tazzel2699]

Gratitude is fine unless you have a family of 4 in the same room 80+ a day gets a little ridiculous

[@markeaston7353]

Excellent point!

[@robertbaty6939]

A family of 4 in one cabin makes a lot of work for that cabin attendant.

[@tazzel2699]

@robertbaty6939 ç Cruise will price family's out just like fast food

[@robertbaty6939]

@@tazzel2699 are you disputing the fact that 4 people in a cabin makes a lot of work for the cabin attendant?

[@tazzel2699]

@@robertbaty6939 depends on the family

[@TheHighRiseElevatorLover]

I agree with the people who say that gratuities should be built into the base fare. Your restaurant comparison is not actually a good one. A gratuity is an extra payment to reward good service, and is given to people you directly interact with. You don’t tip people behind the scenes. Cruises basically use gratuities as a means to supplement the pay of their employees and lower cruiser fares. It would be more honest to everyone if it was just part of the fare. This has nothing to do with the level of service you receive, but respect for the employees and insuring they are paid. It really is the responsability of the cruise line here. It would be better if it was called something else to more accurately reflect gratuities on cruises. In a restaurant, it is a common practice to either not tip or reduce tips for poor service. Conversely, it is normal to tip more for exceptional service. It really is meant as a reward for the level of service that is received through direct interactions. I understand why cruise lines do what they do, but it really isn’t a gratuitiy at all in the normal sense. Change the terminology or make it part of the cruise fare, and people might complain at first, but they’ll get over it.

[@markm3901]

Some people remove gratuities to tip directly. I believe customer service provides envelopes for tipping. Unfortunately it is all or nothing, you can't just remove tips for MDR or Cabin and tip them directly with cash.

[@Havop01]

I agree with paying gratuities on my cruises. The staff are amazing and helpful. There are so many people behind the scenes that we don't see. I don't like traveling with people like that. They can pay 1000.00 for drink package but refuse to pay gratuities.

[@JPriz416]

My wife and I always carry a bunch of five dollar bills to tip the cocktail waitress or waiter. We find we get better and quicker service. these people get paid thru a bean blower.

[@bwlfarmer]

I've always considered the practice of taking off gratuity as a little scummy. The crew works hard they deserve support 😊

[@AnonyMous-nl7ig]

Crews everywhere in the cruise industry work hard yet they don't all enjoy this added benefit...how do we fix this? The check-in in process here in North America should give the cruiser the opportunity to opt out of auto grats same as it gives the cruiser the opportunity to opt in. The multi billion $ industry, constantly building bigger multi-million$ ships and private islands where everything cost more, also increasing the cost of cruising has the responsibility of paying decent wages to their employees...do they even get raises? I wonder how gratuities collected and disbursed are shown on the ship's P&L statements, probably some scummy arithmetic benefiting the ship.

[@blargblarg5657]

It isn't scummy at all. If I can't remove it without pressure or shame it isn't a gratuity. You want it to be a fee so call it a fee. Don't be disingenuous and call it something it is not so you can shame people for treating it like what it is. Have some guts. And, yes, I remove them first thing. I feel no shame and will not change.

[@jakeworkman9520]

I called carnival and they said gratuities are just recommended, not mandatory. Did Don say when this was going to start? I looked all over the carnival website and the Internet and no place is saying gratuities are or will be mandatory. Don, are you lying to us? If not, please show where you are getting this info from.

[@domfer2540]

I do not tip workers at a restaurant except the wait staff. I do not go to a hotel and tip the person who cleans the room or makes the bed. I lived in Europe for 10 years and Middle East and Asia and never asked to tip. It is up to the ship to pay their employees.

[@fuzfoz]

Call it a Service Charge and make it mandatory.

[@tomaujla4345]

Do they charge gratuities on European cruises?

[@cecilianilsson1594]

If it's included at least I know what I'm paying for and can decide beforehand if I want to go there or not. I hate when they try to flog me a cheap experience but then when I'm there it transpires that that wasn't actually the expected price.

[@rayjarrett1995]

I have never removed gratuity but I don’t tip any extra except for drinks, I figure if the cruise line sets a standard gratuity then they must know what is fair so that’s what I tip. I usually get free drinks so that is why I tip on drinks.

[@richardracette-w6w]

It could be included in the cruise price

[@williamcooper6830]

The system works for us. We know the cost for the service we are getting on our cruise. I prefer to see the charge being separate. Then we know the cruise cost and the cruise. I was concerned at first as I thought service might decline since the service charge was already paid. I suspect the people who want to tip on their own...won't tip very well... The system works fine for us...

[@floridaFla]

We always pay grat in advance, but I do get tired of the cabin attendent camped outside our door at 6am when we are trying to self debark to get off ship. Waiting for tips I guess.

[@absolutehonor141]

I'm totally against the North American tipping culture, but I know how hard the staff work in the cruise industry, 12-14 hours a day 7 days a week, month after month, at shamelessly low wages, so I would never fail to pay, I pay always up front if possible, then I'll tip a few dollars extra when I think I'm getting exceptional service.

[@oberstleutnant787]

Crew members can choose not to accept the job with low wages or harsh working condition. if they accept they have to bear with it. It is not the responsibility of cruise passengers but the cruise line to offer better working condition and pay.