December 1, 2011
For the first time since 2001, Carnival Cruise Lines is raising gratuities 15% or by $1.50 per day, effective today (December 1, 2011).
Old verses new tipping guidelines
Stateroom attendant- up from $3.50 to $3.70 per day
Dining room service – up from $3.50 to $5.80 per day
Alternative services (distributed to kitchen, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members) – up from $1.00 to $2.00 per day
The change will also come with no longer being expected to tip the Maitre D. Senior Cruise Director, John Heald, said on his Facebook page, “Now obviously if you feel that the Maitre D did something special for you or that he or she did an outstanding job then yes, please do tip them but it is no longer expected.”
Though tipping remains optional, passengers seem to be adapting to the change without hesitation. Cruise Radio listener Heidi Dawson told us, “I have no problem with the increase.
Those cabin stewards and waiters etc. work very hard for their money.”
“These new guidelines place Carnival in line with most other cruise operators. Tips are automatically added to guests’ on-board Sail & Sign shipboard accounts however guests are free to adjust the gratuity amount up or down at their discretion,” Carnival said in a statement.
Earlier this year Royal Caribbean hiked their daily gratuity from $9.75 to $11.65, the first time in 13 years.
Source: Carnival
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Carnival eliminates Maitre D' tipping
One less tip to worry about on Carnival Cruises starting tomorrow, as the Maitre D' will no longer expect departure compensation. The cruise line is removing them completely from the current gratuity system.
According to a posting today by John Heald, the line'scruise director: "They will not be part of the new $11.50 gratuity at all and there will be no announcements or videos that mention you should tip your Maitre D'."
No further details were given, but it appears the Maitre D' crew members are happy. So, it appears Carnival is compensating them in some way.
"Now obviously if you feel that the Maitre D' did something special for you or that he or she did an outstanding job then yes, please do tip them but it is no longer expected and the envelopes will be removed from the cabin," said Heald.
The changes go into effect for cruises starting Dec. 1-4 on all ships, except Carnival Paradise, where the procedure will begin on Dec. 12.
Source: Examiner.com
