Tipping at the steakhouse

Agreed. We tip for outstanding, personal, and friendly service along with our smiles and friendly demeanor. We also tip early in the cruise, sometimes in cash, and the word and results travel quickly. We have always tipped at the specialty restauraunts along with our obvious appreciation for good food and great service.

My Hubby and I always tip a little bit more when we have great service in all the situations above, but I hit on something that was also appreciated by all the staff on our last cruise.

I had brought 5 pounds of assorted chocolate pieces with us (impulse buy, what can I say). I also had brought clear "treat bags and curly ribbon" (don't ask my why, another impulse purchase) and $60 plus one dollar bills. I fold origami dollars and on our first afternoon at sea, I folded all the dollars and made up little bags of chocolate and origami folded dollars in the clear treat bags.

I used as tips through out the cruise. I was amazed that the chocolate was appreciated as much as the cash!

It was a December cruise and I was cutting 6 point snow crystals from gold and silver foil, for fun. I was surprised how many of the staff asked for them.

Main point I'm making, that as well as cash, there are other things that say "thank you" as well. We had leftover soda cans and bottled water that we left our room steward. Why haul it home when they appreciate it and they would have to purchase, otherwise.

Hope this isn't too far off topic. Thanks!

No, they don't...not nearly as often as they should be. yes the gratuity is included in the fare...(we don't prepay it because sometimes the onboard credits we get will offset it) BUT, a few months ago we had a big discussion re what happens to the so-called included gratuities..and how they're divvied up. Not going to belabor it, but it was embarrassing to discover the machinations the cruise lines use. Point is, clearly some folks should be tipped, especially for outstanding service...your cabin steward(s), your "regular" bartender (if you have one), wait staff especially if you get great service and/or plan to visit that restaurant again. MDR staff, for the same reason. No one can force you to do this. Some say they "get enough" and its "included anyway"..

I have been on four cruises but the last one was six years ago. The same lady was at the international cafe every night of the cruise because I just had to have decaf coffee and a chocolate fruit cupcake before bed. I gave her $20 on the last night and she seemed shocked. I guess they don’t get tipped very often🥺

Yes...not just there, but any restaurant where you feel the service was outstanding and attentive. Its not necessary to overdo, because it IS included in the bill...but especially if you plan to eat someplace again, you can actually ask for the same wait staff...

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, we do as the service (and we were on Valor) was outstanding.

Exactly how we operate.

Technically the service charge for dining there includes the gratuity but, as always, if you receive outstanding service an additional tip is very much appreciated by the crew. Enjoy the meal, and happy cruising!