A few weeks ago, I shared my views on how to evaluate a cruise deal, and what should be included in a cruise deal, in an article entitled, “Is that cruise deal really a deal?”. Shortly thereafter, someone called to book a cruise, insisting that we exclude the gratuities because, as the caller said, “I don’t pay gratuities”. Saying thanks is good for you and others
Gratuities – Saying thanks is good for you and others
What are gratuities?
Gratuities are tips given to certain service sector workers for a service performed. In Tobago for example, one might expect to see a service charge or recommended tips at establishments such as the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort and the Café Havana Bar and Restaurant. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, guests staying at the Grenadine House or dining in the lovely Sapodilla Room at the Grenadine House, will be solicited for a tip or service charge on the bill.
Why you should consider paying gratuities
Gratuities are essentially service charges for being waited upon by the staff onboard the cruise ship. For North American based cruises, gratuities are listed at between $10 to $15 per person, per day. For example, a typical recommendation for a cruise with an $11.50 per day gratuity policy would be to give the waiter $3.65, assistant waiter $2.10, dining room supervisors $1, and cabin stewards $4.75. At this point, you must be asking, why should I pay so much to all these people? The answer is simple. Cruise lines, like restaurants and hotels, don’t pay high salaries. Tips supplement salaries. That’s it, that’s the truth of the matter.
Saying thanks is good for you
A few years ago, I visited a certain tourism and hospitality institution to discuss cruises. I was surprised that most of the questions were not about how to take a cruise. Almost everyone asked if I could help him or her to get a job aboard a cruise ship. I provided an explanation of a day in the life of a cabin steward, hours of work, type of work, the little I knew about living conditions and pay, and of course the opportunity to see the world. Everyone wanted to see the world. However, in exchange for that awesome privilege of worldwide travel, it takes hard work to deliver a wonderful vacation to the passengers. Shouldn’t we show our appreciation for such hard work with more than the words, thank you. Saying thanks is good for you and others.
A Caricom national working on cruise ship once said to me that gratuities are very helpful to the staff because it may be a percentage of overall compensation. In other cases, the salary is fixed at a low amount, and gratuities, which are at the passengers’ complete discretion, make up the difference. Imagine working very hard during a voyage, to be told by the passenger who you served well, I left your tips with Service Desk, then later to find out this never happened. This is like working for a whole fortnight, opening your paycheck and seeing zero, especially when the guest told you how excellent the cruise was for them, and how helpful you were.
I am reminded that tips are meant to ensure prompt service. Shouldn’t we, as Caricom nationals, want to have a reputation of valuing the service of others? Why should you tip? Tipping is saying thanks, which is good for you and the recipient.
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Theo is travel professional and travel author with more than 15 years of experience personalising cruises, rail vacations and all inclusive resort getaways. His business niche includes small ship and river cruises, and international rail travel. Theo pioneered No USA Visa Cruises™, and Layaway Cruise™ in Latin America and the Caribbean. Theo is a certified cruise, rail and resort specialist. Contact him via email theo@cruiseandrail.net
Gratuities – Saying thanks is good for you and others. Reprinted with permission from The Tobago News