Novice cruiser. 18-day Mediterranean cruise on Oosterdam in May.

[100 Countries]

I am a novice cruiser. A good friend and frequent cruiser told me not to let the ship automatically add the daily tipping amount to my folio. Instead, take cash, and tip the various individuals directly. This way, you will know that the service providers are being compensated properly, and the cruise line is not banking all or part of the automatic tips.

Is this good advice?

 

[seamom]

There is an argument regarding tipping induvidually but this is my understanding: On your daily statement which you can see on the tv, there is a charge for the minimum standard tip of the day. If you’ve paid in advance, the tip will be removed from that balance daily. I think this means you’d have to go to customer services to have them removed and explain why and if there is a problem regarding your service. Perhaps your friend can explain how this is done and what happens when they request this at the desk.
FYI We pay in advance as Canadians as the exchange rate appears to be favourable pre cruise online. We don’t have to worry about calculating and tip extra directly for service we appreciate.
Make sure you take the time to complete the survey post holiday to mention special staff by name as highlights for their staff reviews and hopefully extra compensation from the company.

 

[BSeabob]

My understanding is that the charge will show up on your bill. Seen by checking your account on the ships TV. Some newer ships have a better way of providing you with this service. It's there. If you don't wish to pay that amount for any reason you must discuss that with the The Customer Service Desk to have it removed. Pretty simple. But it will be time consuming I'm sure. The old tipping system at end of cruise is quite the procedure of getting your amount of money for each person and then too them was very tedious for me. I've only once had a situation since auto tipping where I wanted to tip less than suggested and the incident when reported was quickly dealt with to my satisfaction directly with that crew member. Regular tipping amounts continued from that point on. I infrequently add tips direct to staff if I have received a service for more than what would usually just happen. The staff like the system as it ensures basically a known income amount. You still retain the right to tip what you like.