Needs consistency

Beautiful ship and great food as usual.  This was me and my wife's 3rd time on this ship but this was the biggest let down so far.  Don't get me wrong we'll be back with royal Caribbean again, but the thing that disappointed us was the inconsistency that the staff showed in regards to tipping.  Here's the reality I'm a firm believer in tipping.  That's why I pre-tip before every cruise. (I realize this gets divided) and I don't mind tipping extra for service on the ship.  However there was more than one occasion when a server, especially on the pool deck, would wait for a tip and request one.  Fair enough, but then the next server we would get told us to not tip them and just relax.  Fair enough.... the worst part about this was a server, who I did not tip after one drink, and I hear him by the FROYO stand that me and my wife do not tip so no need to waste their time.  I let him know quick that's not the case, and he was pretty startled that I was right behind him... then for the rest of the afternoon I had to go the bar for service ( I know, first world problems).  It just made it very uncomfortable for me and especially my wife because she always like to make sure people are happy.  I feel this should either be a policy or not, since the same message isn't being spread to everyone that way there is no need for any confusion.  The other days were very pleasant, but that instance really rubbed me the wrong way.  I looked at it as that gentleman trying to say don't waste their time on me and my wife after I have spent well over 5 or 6 grand on your company over all was a big slap in the face.  Again, I understand this might have been a rare exception because over all everything is great, I would just really love to avoid any situation like that again