I just took my first cruise. What do you think about the tipping policy?

I was totally confused by the tipping. I opted to tip as i go but I found that the staff actually seemed insulted to receive cash. Which definitely caused me to tip less but there is no way I'm giving 40 dollars a day and not know what kind of service I'm going to receive.

It's an interesting policy - I went on a cruse with Holland America. And they have the same policy. So towards the end - I didn't tip anyone except the ones that are helpful. I personally handed the money to them and said thank you for a job well done. I'm sure that the policy makes it fair and (I guess) builds the team or whatever, but that's a little bit like socialism. No competition - breeds lazy employees. Why? Well they're gonna get a chunk of that $10 tip anyway, so why work harder? The benefits of working hard is minimized - and the value of a job well done is almost diminished. I don't like it - but it's they're cruise ship, not mine. As they say, when in Rome...

It is the standard policy that the management is implementing to all the staff. For them it is fairer to avoid competition among their staff. It is also one way to promote cooperation among the team. If they get a fair share of the tip given to them chances are they will work as one. Though at one point I can also see where you're coming from but I guess the best answer to your question is that is is their POLICY.