General Cruise Discussion

[RooFlyer]

Tip individually I understand but how does one tip to crew fund?

On SilverSea s I've been on, you go to the 'reception' desk, say you want to make a donation to the crew fund, give them the $$$ or cc, & they receipt it and you get a nice thank-you letter afterwards. The crew fund as I understand it goes to crew amenities, shore excursions etc, not cash-in-hand. Much more equitable to those 'behind the scenes'.

 

[Quickstatus]

Much more equitable to those 'behind the scenes'.

How would any of the crew know you are a crew fund patron?

 

[RooFlyer]

How would any of the crew know you are a crew fund patron?

I don’t think they do necessarily. You just do it because it’s a nice thing to do (when you see how hard some of these people work it’s not difficult to do and we don’t even see the guys down in the engine rooms etc) and it’s a good substitute for tipping just the people you interact with.

but perhaps they are told or let know somehow. drron or Mrs.drron might know.

 

[Quickstatus]

it’s a good substitute for tipping just the people you interact with.

Agree - they are often poorly paid. Donate to CF, but you might still be seen as a TA (tight a) if the crew you interact with don't see tips.

 

[RooFlyer]

Donate to CF, but you might still be seen as a TA (tight a) if the crew you interact with don't see tips.

All the three cruises I’ve done have gratuities included in the fare. Therefore, I have no problem with not shelling out individually although I do occasionally if some service has been very good.

And I always individually tip at the end of the cruise. Most of the individuals who you directly interact with such as waiters bar staff, the room cleaner etc. are going to be Filipino or Indian and not really in the expecting-an-ongoing-tip class of say Americans working in hotels etc.

 

[Quickstatus]

All the three cruises I’ve done have gratuities included in the fare

That would be a factor for me if I choose a C.

Are the higher end J/F cruises gratuity included?

 

[tgh]

I assume the culture varies across cruise lines; being a ta aussie, I do not tip directly and seldom even add to the Crew fund.
I can't imagine any way to actually quantify variations in service with my name and face added to the cf register

 

[Quickstatus]

bribe

= Tip before service IMO

 

[Pushka]

= Tip before service IMO

There’s absolutely no need to do a cash tip to the server as there is a tip added to the cost of the drink automatically.

Post automatically merged: Jan 9, 2025

I don’t think they do necessarily. You just do it because it’s a nice thing to do (when you see how hard some of these people work it’s not difficult to do and we don’t even see the guys down in the engine rooms etc) and it’s a good substitute for tipping just the people you interact with.

but perhaps they are told or let know somehow. drron or Mrs.drron might know.

I understand at least on Cunard that the cabins are noted. Well that was before the 2019 thing.

 

[love_the_life]

On SilverSea s I've been on, you go to the 'reception' desk, say you want to make a donation to the crew fund, give them the $$$ or cc, & they receipt it and you get a nice thank-you letter afterwards. The crew fund as I understand it goes to crew amenities, shore excursions etc, not cash-in-hand. Much more equitable to those 'behind the scenes'.

Yes that's what we do.

 

[love_the_life]

I don’t think they do necessarily. You just do it because it’s a nice thing to do (when you see how hard some of these people work it’s not difficult to do and we don’t even see the guys down in the engine rooms etc) and it’s a good substitute for tipping just the people you interact with.

but perhaps they are told or let know somehow. drron or Mrs.drron might know.

I had heard that the names/cabins of those who had made a donation were listed somewhere.

 

[VPS]

Timely email today

Can You Remove Prepaid Gratuities On a Cruise? Should You?​

https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles/can-you-remove-prepaid-gratuities-on-a-cruise-should-you?lid=i6mac10dg7uu&crm_source=58226&crm_pos=au&crm_cid=dcbd2ff7-d444-4def-86e1-8de711cba375&crm_rid=ycGxeIgB4ZnXyT5mP5Hd&crm_cname=01.09.25%20AU%20Insider%20-%2010%20Terrible%20Cruise%20Habits%20You%20Must%20Break

 

[VPS]

And also something about solo cruise cabins

https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles/which-ships-have-solo-cabins?lid=77bwazvass5m&lid&crm_source=58226&crm_pos=au&crm_cid=dcbd2ff7-d444-4def-86e1-8de711cba375&crm_rid=ycGxeIgB4ZnXyT5mP5Hd&crm_cname=01.09.25%20AU%20Insider%20-%2010%20Terrible%20Cruise%20Habits%20You%20Must%20Break

 

[drron]

On Silversea we board with an envelope containing cash and on the front the words Crew Fund. First stop is reception to hand it over.
Not only are you names but your photos are posted on the crew notice board so that they can recognise you.

 

[Quickstatus]

On Silversea we board with an envelope containing cash and on the front the words Crew Fund.

How is that not a bribe?

Do you give a set amount depending on number of nights. @Pushka says USD20/day

 

[Pushka]

On Silversea we board with an envelope containing cash and on the front the words Crew Fund. First stop is reception to hand it over.
Not only are you names but your photos are posted on the crew notice board so that they can recognise you.

Is that instead of the auto gratuities that are added automatically when they aren't paid prior?

Post automatically merged: Jan 9, 2025

How is that not a bribe?

Do you give a set amount depending on number of nights. @Pushka says USD20/day

Up to $20 a day. Depends on cabin. Some might even be more but have never paid for a suite.

 

[drron]

There are no auto gratuities on SS. This is a direct donation to the crew fund. The majority will help the lower ranks of crew. basically the officers get zilch. So hardly a bribe.

 

[Pushka]

There are no auto gratuities on SS. This is a direct donation to the crew fund. The majority will help the lower ranks of crew. basically the officers get zilch. So hardly a bribe.

Ok that makes sense. Agree with the allocation to those who do the hard work and not seen.

 

[TheRealTMA]

There are no auto gratuities on SS. This is a direct donation to the crew fund. The majority will help the lower ranks of crew. basically the officers get zilch. So hardly a bribe.just

There are no auto gratuities on SS. This is a direct donation to the crew fund. The majority will help the lower ranks of crew. basically the officers get zilch. So hardly a bribe.

You believe that? Just like 3 star Michelin restaurants in London with tips and service charges that never went to workers but were kept by management.

 

[Pushka]

You believe that? Just like 3 star Michelin restaurants in London with tips and service charges that never went to workers but were kept by management.

The crew members are usually willing to talk about whether or not the gratuities are handed out to all.