Double dipping on tips
By Joanie
@Freelanzer (10743)
Canada
March 16, 2017 6:46pm CST
I have often agonized about tipping someone when tips are already included. We I go on a cruise or an all inclusive resort all gratuities have been included in the total package. However, I still see guests tipping and so I often feel inclined to do the same. I have no problem with servers double tipping on tips except that I don't feel it is fair to the others since not everyone gets the extra tips. The other issue is that you appear to get much better service when you leave an additional tip on the table. Do you tip over and above the tip that is included in your bill?
9 people like this
8 responses
@Mike197602 (15514)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 17
Cruise lines often treat their staff terribly.
I've seen a couple of very recent documentaries about this and the gratuities included thing and they often don't make it as far as the employee.
Even in famous restaurants management take a cut and that's the rule rather than the exception.
In my hotel all tips are supposed to be handed in to reception and split at the end of the year...in practice I know exactly what some front of house staff pocketed and know I didn't see even a tenth of what they took as I'm in the kitchen.
So I'd say you can't win whatever you do to be honest...just do what you want to do at the time.
Tips often don't make it to the back of house staff though so if you can find a way of tipping the dishwashers etc then I'd do it
3 people like this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
17 Mar 17
That is what \I worry about. I don't mind giving the extra ti but I don't think it is fair that it goes into the pockets of a few servers and not shared with the other restaurant staff
2 people like this
@Mike197602 (15514)
• United Kingdom
17 Mar 17
@Freelanzer you may find this interesting...I agree with a lot of it but not all.
It's a comprehensive breakdown of cruise tipping but places a lot of honesty on the gratuities included which I don't believe reach the employees.
Here are our tips on tipping, so you won't be lost at sea when it comes time to show your appreciation for the cruise crew.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (349221)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Mar 17
We don't tip in Australia as a general rule but we faced the same problem on a cruise ship. Tips are included in the total bill so that the 'unseen' helpers also get a share which is a good thing. I must admit we tipped our cabin 'boy' as he gave good service.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 Mar 17
@JudyEv, Is tipping not done there by law or by custom? Does that mean that servers are paid a decent wage? They are not in the US.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (349221)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Mar 17
@JamesHxstatic We've never tipped in Australia. Very occasionally now people might. Our servers all get a basic wage and shouldn't need to rely on tips.
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94912)
• United States
17 Mar 17
No I don't double tip if I know gratitude is included.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
17 Mar 17
I think it is fair since if you give extra tips not everyone gets it just a few.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94912)
• United States
17 Mar 17
@Freelanzer And I live in a state where people get paid minimum wage at least and tips is extra.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
17 Mar 17
In certain situations (Disney) the amounts added to the check are not for the servers. Even in the salons, the fees added are not for LMT or cosmetologist. Employees have to act like they get taken care of, but that is not the case.
2 people like this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
17 Mar 17
That is a sad commentary on these cruise lines if that is what really happens.When I book a cruise or an all inclusive vacation I am told upfront that the fees added are for gratuities. One cruise I was on charged an additional 25.00 per day to cover this.
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 Mar 17
I don't know of anywhere I go in Oregon where tips are included in the bill. I do suppose you would get better service if you add tips anyway.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
17 Mar 17
You do even though you really don't need it on cruises and all inclusive vacations. In some cases you are just 2 feet from the bar yet some find it difficult to go and get there "all included drinks" and depend on the server to bring it to them.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
18 Mar 17
i sometimes leave a tip, but it is not much. anyway, all tips are collected here and then distributed evenly to all the waiters/waitresses, cashiers.
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
18 Mar 17
Should be but who is watching the servers when they pocket all the cash and customers have creative ways of slipping cash to servers.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
19 Mar 17
@Freelanzer yes, that will be a problem, unless somebody is watching over them.
