I have to admit, I probably over-analyze this, but I give a lot of thought to tipping, and I just got a pamphlet from Viking River Cruises in anticipation of my cruise next week, and the tipping "suggestions" have me a little hot under the collar.
First, my philosophical viewpoint based on residency in the U.S.: Tipping is a longstanding custom that has, in effect, been incorporated into American law. Certain jobs assume that tips will be given, and thus are either not subject to Minimum Wage restrictions, or have a lower MW assigned. The IRS requires some people (e.g., taxi drivers) to report a minimum tip income in recognition of reality. So, for example, as far as I'm concerned "Baristas" are not entitled to tips because they benefit from the MW laws, unlike table servers. When I do tip, a range of 10-20% is appropriate, depending on the quality of service.
In Western Europe, table servers (almost always men) are paid a good wage, and thus tipping is not required. You are paying a premium for your meal, which in effect includes the tip. If the service is EXCEPTIONAL, one might throw a Euro coin on the table.
Cruises are an altogether different category - or at least that's what the cruise lines want us to believe. It doesn't follow the U.S. custom (virtually all guests are American), nor does it follow European custom.
Viking River Cruises recommends 2 Euro per day, per guest for the Tour Director, and 12 Euro per guest per day for the ship's staff. If you go on any guided tours, 3 Euro per person per day for the guides and drivers.
Do the math. For a typical couple traveling together in one room, 28 Euro per day as a TIP for the "staff." For each of, say, 500 staterooms on the boat.
So on top of the $10,000 that we are paying for the cruise itself, they want us to fork over another $350 or so as a TIP? Aren't they paying these people? What does my ten grand pay for? If a typical maid takes care of ten rooms, the tip alone (for a 10 day voyage) would be 2,400 Euro!
My experience is that the maid service on cruises is quite good, but it's not my obligation to pay the maid a "salary" on top of what I've paid for the cruise. I think a 50 Euro "tip" should be plenty for both of us.
Thoughts?
First, my philosophical viewpoint based on residency in the U.S.: Tipping is a longstanding custom that has, in effect, been incorporated into American law. Certain jobs assume that tips will be given, and thus are either not subject to Minimum Wage restrictions, or have a lower MW assigned. The IRS requires some people (e.g., taxi drivers) to report a minimum tip income in recognition of reality. So, for example, as far as I'm concerned "Baristas" are not entitled to tips because they benefit from the MW laws, unlike table servers. When I do tip, a range of 10-20% is appropriate, depending on the quality of service.
In Western Europe, table servers (almost always men) are paid a good wage, and thus tipping is not required. You are paying a premium for your meal, which in effect includes the tip. If the service is EXCEPTIONAL, one might throw a Euro coin on the table.
Cruises are an altogether different category - or at least that's what the cruise lines want us to believe. It doesn't follow the U.S. custom (virtually all guests are American), nor does it follow European custom.
Viking River Cruises recommends 2 Euro per day, per guest for the Tour Director, and 12 Euro per guest per day for the ship's staff. If you go on any guided tours, 3 Euro per person per day for the guides and drivers.
Do the math. For a typical couple traveling together in one room, 28 Euro per day as a TIP for the "staff." For each of, say, 500 staterooms on the boat.
So on top of the $10,000 that we are paying for the cruise itself, they want us to fork over another $350 or so as a TIP? Aren't they paying these people? What does my ten grand pay for? If a typical maid takes care of ten rooms, the tip alone (for a 10 day voyage) would be 2,400 Euro!
My experience is that the maid service on cruises is quite good, but it's not my obligation to pay the maid a "salary" on top of what I've paid for the cruise. I think a 50 Euro "tip" should be plenty for both of us.
Thoughts?
