One, each cruiseline does tipping different, how HAL does it has no bearing on how Carnival does it, even tho they are both CCL.
Two, the very LAST best source of tipping info is the TIPPEE. He/she WILL say whatever they think will extract the best tip from you. As you have already learned.
People ARE people!
Questioning a worker about customer satisfaction when a tip is removed is just a too easy way for mgmt. to think they are doing research. Mgmt. types are lazy too.
If a room stew was tipped $200. in cash and questioned, I can imagine he would skyrocket some of it. But if he says he has no idea why the tip was removed and claims he was not tipped, a gig WILL be on his record. Possibly costing him a promotion to a more cushy job. While, if he says the customer was not unhappy because he tipped me the normal amount in cash. Then he gets no gig on his record.
Also the 'rumor' says that as long as the auto-tip stays in place, each worker is free to keep all and any cash over tips.
A restaurant that keeps credit card tips is committing a crime. And certainly would have high turnover, or poor waiters. Or both!
I think that is more disinfo from the tippee. The restaurant most likely discounts the tip amount the same % the bank discounts the restaurants payment.
I don't ask the cruise workers [or any others] about their pay. What they make is no more my business than what I make is their business.
Dan
