Cruise Talk: Tipping When "Tipping Is Included in Fare"

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Topic: Tipping When "Tipping Is Included in Fare"

Shipshape Shipmate
First Class Passenger
Member # 422

posted 09-09-1999 09:40 PM

My husband and I just returned from the transatlantic repositioning of Holland America's Maasdam from London to Boston. HAL's policy, as stated in its brochure, is that tipping is included, and nowhere on the ship did we encounter any solicitations for same. However, many of the passengers (including ourselves) to whom we talked felt compelled to tip additional to the hardworking Indonesian cabin stewards and dining room waiters and busboys. On the other hand, other passengers stated that they would not tip even though they had received excellent service because they felt that this is one of the hallmarks of HAL, that the ticket contract price included tipping.

We are going to sail soon on Radisson's new Seven Seas Navigator. (We understand that her first two voyages were cancelled due to late shipyard construction), but that she is now sailing. In any event, the fare allegedly includes tips. According to the brochure, "Gratuities are not expected and are included in your Seven Seas Navigator cruise fare." Are there any of you out there who have cruised on Radisson before? Do you find that most passengers tip additionally? Thanks in advance for your help.

Posts: 26 | From: Boston, MA | Registered: Mar 99

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 09-09-1999 09:58 PM

Here we go again! I am re-printing this directly from HAL's brochure.
"A long-standing tradition of HAL is our "tipping not required"policy. Because you are our guest, it is our goal to make sure you receive the finest service possible. Our "tipping not required" policy ensures that the professional and gracious service you receive on board is truly sincere, and that we are dedicated to providing you the most relaxed cruise vacation, not simply performing service in return for tips. You are free, however, to extend monetary recognition if you wish; it's entirely up to you. (Company policy prohibits us from suggesting how much.)"
First of all tipping is NOT included in the price of your ticket. Having travelled over 18 years with HAL we must say we have never been solicitated for a tip nor have we felt compelled to tip. However we have always tipped for the excellent service the Indonesian dining room and cabin stewards and the Phillipino bar waiters/waitresses have given us. Do not ever think tipping is included in the price of your cruise ticket on HAL cruise ships. I do not know what brochure you read where tipping was included. You should never feel compelled to tip.

[This message has been edited by sympatico (edited 09-09-99).]

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 09-09-1999 10:34 PM

Sympatico beat me to the punch on tipping. The post is exactly what I was going to quote. Here's another quote - "Holland America's no-tipping required policy extends to this ship (Ryndam review) and while the subject never appears in print in daily programs nor is it discussed in lectures by cruise staff, most passengers gratefully offer gratuities to a crew which serves so well."
Never ever on our many, many cruises have we ever been solicited for tips - never have we left one of the 'dam' ships without tipping - our stewards, waiters, etc. etc. have always deserved our special thanks.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 09-09-1999 10:39 PM

P.S. - " HAL's policy, as stated in its brochure,...."

In which brochure and where did this entry appear?

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99

CruzQueenNC
Just Boarded
Member # 98

posted 09-10-1999 09:33 PM

I've cruised on the Radisson Song of Flower six times and never tipped extra. We truly believe the brochure, that the tip is included. I've always had fabulous service that can't be beat.

Posts: 2 | From: Wilson, NC USA | Registered: Sep 99

Darlene
First Class Passenger
Member # 112

posted 09-12-1999 05:53 PM

I'm not sure of the current policy for HAL; however we've cruised on 3 of their ships (Statendam, Niew Amsterdam, and Westerdam and have always tipped when we received good service.

We're scheduled to sail on Radisson's Seven Seas Navigator in January. Based on their policy, and from info from my travel agent, they do have a no tipping policy. Please let me know all about your trip and whether or not passengers were tipping. Have a great cruise.

Posts: 61 | From: Canada | Registered: Sep 99

mitch
First Class Passenger
Member # 708

posted 09-12-1999 07:04 PM

After reading the Holland America Cruise Atlas the line that may confuse many is "tipping not required policy" I'm afraid I had jumped to the same conclusion. It does not say anywhere that they are included in the price so re-read as I have.

Posts: 87 | From: australia | Registered: Aug 99

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 09-12-1999 08:00 PM

CruzQueenNC - There was no need - you tipped before you even sailed. Radisson comes up front Ð and their rates reflect it.
Holland America Line says "tipping not required" leaving the decision up to the passengers. We're still of two minds as to whether it's a good idea to pre-pay all tips. There are pros and cons -
WeÕve done many cruises and only once has a cabin steward not been tipped. Travelling as a single, Trans-Atlantic, on the Rotterdam V1 - 2nd seating - my steward informed me that he had so many people on 2nd seating that he did not quite know how to cope and would I mind if my cabin was 'made up' between 6.30 and 7.00 p.m. Of course I said that was not convenient - he could come any time after 7.15pm. He didn't agree or disagree but for the first four nights appeared between 6.20 and 7.00 pm. Ð and was denied entry. It was a running battle. Finally I had a word with the Hotel Manager/Housekeeping and made sure that my "Do not disturb" sign was hung on the door. He still tried!
Breakfast was another hassle - regardless of time requested, this steward tried to deliver at least 45 minutes earlier.
Under these circumstances I would certainly have resented prepaying that cabin steward - he did not earn or warrant a tip. Dining room stewards, bus boys, bar waiters etc. did receive tips - all were most attentive, helpful, and courteous - in the tradition of Holland America Line.

[This message has been edited by Green (edited 09-12-99).]

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99

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