"All Gratuities Included," but still encouraged to Tip?

[Amethyst]

Yes, and I plan to discuss it with a tour company rep next week. We have a large deposit on another tour with them and there needs to be a firm understanding of policy. We are not paying to have peer pressure imposed on our vacations.

1) I'd have felt put out if I went on this supposed all-inclusive tour, only to hear constant pitch to tip even more. I honestly do not know what I would have done, had I been in OP's position. Knowing me, at the beginning I likely would not have tipped. But if the trend was everyone tipping even more, I suspect I would have given in. And then, post a nasty review when I got home. Or, at least that's what I think would have happened. OP was put in a tough position.


2) Re: tips on mainstream cruises. Even though they are added each day, I do tip extra if we use the same waiter, our cabin steward, and even the bartender. Tips are added automatically to the bar bill, but by being a sport and adding a whopping extra dollar, the bartender treats me better for the rest of the cruise (= a drink with a legitimate full shot). By the end of the week, maybe I've spent an "extra" 30- 50 bucks. That's a drop in the bucket vs the cruise cost, but likely means a lot to the people I've taken care of.

 

[cathy63]

Yes, and I plan to discuss it with a tour company rep next week. We have a large deposit on another tour with them and there needs to be a firm understanding of policy. We are not paying to have peer pressure imposed on our vacations.

That sounds like the best way to approach it.

 

[gauss]

Perhaps ask if the prepaid gratuities can be removed from you upfront payment for your next vacation?

I suspect the rep will say "no",and that you don't need to tip again.

Maybe take a bunch of dollar bills and staple a notice inside that says the tour company said tips were paid upfront. Then you would only be paying the $1 tip but at least your reason would be clear (ie not an insult for bad service) and you would be avoiding the peer pressure in not complying.

Another tactic is that when the guide starts talking about the tips, raise your hand. If they acknowledge you, mention that "My tour company (and specify the name) said that tips are included -- was that not the case for everybody -- perhaps there was a miscommunication?" You could also bring your trip materials with you where it states in writing that "all gratuities included".

-gauss

 

[MichaelB]

I've long believed that "service charge" is not the same as "gratuity", and that businesses that add service charges are just presenting the real price in two pieces, much like the airlines do. Some of the service charge may find it's way to the person performing the service, but businesses can allocate that money as they wish - or keep some of it to themselves.

 

[mickeyd]

"All Gratuities Included" means just that.

If another fellow traveler wants to spread around his excess cash for some reason that's his business.

 

[GalaxyBoy]

I’ve only taken a couple of escorted vacation packages, one being a cruise and another being a bus tour, and the constant begging for tips has really turned me off ever taking another one. The last straw was being herded back to the bus in Hawaii and being held captive by the guide while he told a long drawn-out BS story (without A/C) while we looked longingly out the window wishing we had more time for our stop. Then he had the nerve to hold out his hand at the end, which was dumping us at the macadamia nut factory gift shop.

 

[Amethyst]

We have traveled 3 times with this tour group, and neither of the previous TDs talked about extra tipping for guides, etc. This TD was a character unto himself. He did some other things that I did not approve of, but the other guests seemed to find amusing, so I won't complain to the firm about them. Among other things, he talked way too much about himself, and some of it was obvious BS and some was downright TMI. (Did we really need to know that his dad came out as gay before committing suicide, or that his sister was a ne'er-do-well who sponged off their parents?)

I’ve only taken a couple of escorted vacation packages, one being a cruise and another being a bus tour, and the constant begging for tips has really turned me off ever taking another one. The last straw was being herded back to the bus in Hawaii and being held captive by the guide while he told a long drawn-out BS story (without A/C) while we looked longingly out the window wishing we had more time for our stop. Then he had the nerve to hold out his hand at the end, which was dumping us at the macadamia nut factory gift shop.

 

[Moemg]

I went on cruise critic to the Regent seven seas board and there was no mention of tipping so this is not a usual thing . If you search other boards tips are a prime subject.
I have been on two escorted tours and the only time We tipped was at the end of the tour .Of course We had the same guide through the whole trip.

 

[World Traveler]

Lately I've noticed that a lot of fast food places (meaning places where you stand in line to place an order, pay for it, and then pick it up when they call you) are using an iPad system to process orders. They turn the iPad over to you and ask you to sign it. The places I visit automatically select the 15% tip option and leave it up to me if I want to change it to "No tip" or something else.

To be honest I'm not even sure who I'm tipping. The person who rang up the order, the cook who assembled the food? I mean these are places where I bus my own table after I'm done eating. I always select No Tip and have no concerns about doing so. It's just another example of being asked to provide a tip for service you haven't even received (or in this case won't ever receive).

This is really annoying. Iv'e also seen the Ipad used . I get tired of everyplace has a tip jar or puts the line on the receipt. How have the employee gone over and above their job description? I'm sure a lot of us had those minimum wage jobs that didn't include tips.

 

[Souschef]

On Cruise Critic, tipping is one of the "hot button" issues along with chair hogs and MDR dress.
We will be on a cruise next week, and the service charge will be added to our bill. However, I am taking a bunch of singles and 20's with me.
I tip the morning room service person a couple of bucks, and our cabin steward more because of our special requests. I am also taking some cash to tip the Lyft drivers on one of our ports.
When you figure the cruise costs $8K, it is down in the noise.

 

[Amethyst]

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' web site says:

SHOULD I TIP ONBOARD?
Gratuities are included in the cruise fare for all Regent employees. If guests feel strongly about expressing their gratitude to the crew, they should be encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser Office. This money is utilized for crew parties and events.

(This is consistent w/what others have said about being sure to tip non-Regent employees, such as shore excursion guides).

 

[Amethyst]

Closing the Loop

Spoke to the tour company rep, who apologized for the TD "reminding" guests that they can tip over and above the prepaid gratuities.

The company policy is that they (using our money) pre-pay generously, so that no guest is put in the position of wondering when to give, and how much.

As she said, by reminding people they can give more, the TD put guests on the spot; not what the company wants.

 

[RonBoyd]

The company policy is that they (using our money) pre-pay generously, so that no guest is put in the position of wondering when to give, and how much.

That is what I mean by putting the "management" function in the proper position. It is in a company's best interest to handle "performance" reviews itself and not expect the customer to do it. If the business is, indeed, looking out for the customer, one should rarely (if at all) be treated poorly. Tipping has a tendency to isolate management from any awareness of the customer experience.

Now if only the restaurant industry (in the U.S.) would get on board.

 

[deserat]

Lately I've noticed that a lot of fast food places (meaning places where you stand in line to place an order, pay for it, and then pick it up when they call you) are using an iPad system to process orders. They turn the iPad over to you and ask you to sign it. The places I visit automatically select the 15% tip option and leave it up to me if I want to change it to "No tip" or something else.

To be honest I'm not even sure who I'm tipping. The person who rang up the order, the cook who assembled the food? I mean these are places where I bus my own table after I'm done eating. I always select No Tip and have no concerns about doing so. It's just another example of being asked to provide a tip for service you haven't even received (or in this case won't ever receive).

I'm not tipping anyone in that situation.....I put zero or a line through it and total it with the total shown. I think it's rude as it is using a subtle (or not so subtle) psychological peer pressure to get you to cough up more money for them. In addition, you are correct - WHO is getting that tip? Why should I trust someone I've only seen for 2 minutes or so? Insanity....

 

[YoungSaver]

Please leave them negative reviews on the review websites. Even if they don't change their policies, at least you are informing potential customers.

 

[dixter]

when I am in this situation I have no problem asking the person telling the group to tip extra " Is the gratuity inclusive " and the person should answer " yes the gratuity is included.. " and if the person asks again for a tip I respond ... " here's your tip " don't walk alone in any dark alleys " " and we are done... most of the time the others in the group will thank me for being direct with the person asking ( begging ) for more money.

 

[Amethyst]

Sure, but remember, this guy was not asking for tips for himself. He was asking specifically for the safari guides, restaurant workers, etc.

The part that had me scratching my noggin, and bringing it to the forum, is this: I did not hear any other guests grumbling about it, and I did see them hand out cash (and felt guilted into doing so, myself). If I had made a flippant comment, the other guests would have disliked me for it, I am certain.

when I am in this situation I have no problem asking the person telling the group to tip extra " Is the gratuity inclusive " and the person should answer " yes the gratuity is included.. " and if the person asks again for a tip I respond ... " here's your tip " don't walk alone in any dark alleys " " and we are done... most of the time the others in the group will thank me for being direct with the person asking ( begging ) for more money.

 

[Sunset]

We have traveled 3 times with this tour group, and neither of the previous TDs talked about extra tipping for guides, etc. This TD was a character unto himself. He did some other things that I did not approve of, but the other guests seemed to find amusing, so I won't complain to the firm about them. Among other things, he talked way too much about himself, and some of it was obvious BS and some was downright TMI. (Did we really need to know that his dad came out as gay before committing suicide, or that his sister was a ne'er-do-well who sponged off their parents?)

I would certainly report this person's behavior to the company. Either they already know about it, or need to know. How else can the management evaluate the staff (since they don't ride along with the tours).

 

[brett]

We do not think that it is such a big deal.

If gratuities are included we have absolutely no issue in ignoring requests for additional tips. Does not bother us, does not make us feel the least bit guilty. Not certain why anyone would feel guilty or pressured in such a situation. It is self imposed guilt or pressure.

Just say no and keep you hands out of your pockets.

We think that the culture of over tipping has gotten out of hand in some countries. The only way to bring it back to reality is to follow common sense and not be concerned about impressing others.

 

[Amethyst]

Makes sense to me. After all, we rely on the "all-inclusive" tour company to know what the right amounts are, and to have charged it to us beforehand.

Moreover, the tour company rep was either a great actress, or completely taken aback by my report. So, that's that. Thanks all!

It is self imposed guilt or pressure.

Just say no and keep you hands out of your pockets.

.

 

[ivinsfan]

Sure, but remember, this guy was not asking for tips for himself. He was asking specifically for the safari guides, restaurant workers, etc.

The part that had me scratching my noggin, and bringing it to the forum, is this: I did not hear any other guests grumbling about it, and I did see them hand out cash (and felt guilted into doing so, myself). If I had made a flippant comment, the other guests would have disliked me for it, I am certain.

Any chance he did these tours regularly and had an "arrangement" that resulted in him getting a % of these extra tips.

 

[brett]

I picked up a pizza a few days ago.

Yes, there was actually a place on the credit card bill to add a tip.

A tip for what? To subsidize their wage bill? No thanks. No service was rendered. Should I also be tipping when I buy product at a retail store? Nope.

Had an email from Marriott a year or so ago suggesting that we should leave a tip for the maids. Ridiculous unless someone has gone out of their way to do something special.

I do not get this notion that employers feel that somehow I should subsidize their wage bill with tips to that they can continue with unrealistic pay scales. Besides, I know of some businesses who claim tips for the company.

This entire tipping regime, IMHO, has gotten out of hand.

 

[Moemg]

This entire tipping regime, IMHO, has gotten out of hand.

Absolutely , Last year we had a new air conditioning system put in when they were finished one of the installers was hinting heavily for a tip .

 

[ivinsfan]

I picked up a pizza a few days ago.

Yes, there was actually a place on the credit card bill to add a tip.

A tip for what? To subsidize their wage bill? No thanks. No service was rendered. Should I also be tipping when I buy product at a retail store? Nope.

Had an email from Marriott a year or so ago suggesting that we should leave a tip for the maids. Ridiculous unless someone has gone out of their way to do something special.

I do not get this notion that employers feel that somehow I should subsidize their wage bill with tips to that they can continue with unrealistic pay scales. Besides, I know of some businesses who claim tips for the company.

This entire tipping regime, IMHO, has gotten out of hand.

There is a pretty big difference between tipping the maid who cleans your room and tipping the person who hands you a pizza. When in a hotel multiple nights I will typically leave a tip on every night but the last night when they will need to do a room redo for the next guest. I leave it on a paper that says Thank you and I'm not shy about asking them for fresh toiletries, more coffee pods or whatever else I might need.

 

[ivinsfan]

Absolutely , Last year we had a new air conditioning system put in when they were finished one of the installers was hinting heavily for a tip .

Sometimes I love living rural. I got into a conversation with the owner of the company that drilled our new well. It was about homemade salsa the next day he brought me some jars of his homemade super hot salsa...a reverse tip!!!!