Tipping……. Like WTF

Bootser · September 6, 2024

Just returned from a very lovely cruise to Spain, Portugal and Tangier. Spent a few quid on the trip and included drinks, not premium, WiFi and tips. Went with the Missus and two youngest kids, Boots Jnr III and IV. Both over 21 and fond of a jar. After about day 4 of the cruise I had a wee juke at my online account via cabin TV screen. Imagine my mirth at seeing I was being billed $72 per day for tips for the four of us. Oh, for a 9 day cruise.

Call me old fashioned but I do like to tip the individuals who provide, what I would class, as a top service. When I queried this I was told that the tips I had pre paid were for drinks service only. The gist of what followed was me saying wipe all the gratuities and that I had, as intended, cash to sort my guys out. This seemed to create a bit of fuss, to which I put forward the theory that it was not my role as a passenger to supplement the wages of guys who did laundry, worked in the engine room etc etc. They finally agreed to wipe the gratuities from my bill and I’m happy to report that my guys, house keeper, 1st and 2nd waiters, maitre de, sommelier and casual drinks dude were well looked after.

My fondest memory is the casual drinks dude who I tipped, which he didn't expect, said to me at the end of the evening, “Mr Paul, thank you for tip, I do not get tips”. I could have cried.

Sorry to rant on but my main point is this: why should paying customers subsidise the wages of the staff the very wealthy cruise companies that they employ??? Is this Americana gone too far?

Cheesecake · September 6, 2024