This. I had this experience at the Aulani Spa. I have a great experience and planned to add an additional tip above the 18% I knew was automatic. When I checked out the 18% was automatically added and there was no spot on the receipt or at check out to add an additional tip. I walked away a bit confused and figured they did not want additional tips. It was only later I learned I could have asked to add an additional amount on, but its not promoted.
We've only had brunch since they added the A La carte menu. I hate the idea of being handed an itemized receipt like that at a meal on a cruise and the Pre Fix is just too limited to be enjoyable.
In speaking to servers over the years they have said it just comes with the job that some international guests come from cultures where tipping is not only not common, it's an insult. Nice the cruise lines are looking out for their staff
There was a time (years ago) that the extra cost included the gratuity to the server. But it was like pulling teeth to find out how much of it actually went to the server, and many people just added their own tip to ensure that their server got something.
I completely identify with this! I've always wondered what to tip, and it seems crazy to me hearing about tips of $30 a person, as I've never eaten anywhere that expensive (even at the nicest nearby restaurants that I'd put above Palo), but I understand for some people this is a totally reasonable tip. Still, 18% is lower than I've ever tipped at Palo on my own.
Yes! She thought people were no longer leaving tips since the auto gratuity was on there.She thought that she should get the automatic gratuity AND a tip on top of that?
Well I will say, until I read a thread on these boards explaining it, I didn’t know the automatic 18% that is added to drinks, palo, etc. is a shared/pooled tip and not all of it goes to the specific server or bartender. So we usually add a dollar or two to each drink at DCL bars and add extra tip at Palo. Of course it’s a personal decision how much to tip but I mention just in case that helps explain why a server might justifiably be disappointed if guests were not giving anything beyond the 18% pooled tip.
Yes, this is the case. Also, in the MDRs, the 18% autogratuity is also pooled. Any additional gratuity that you add to a bill for wine, beer, mixed drinks, etc. is shared by your assistant server (who usually manages the drinks) and your server.
We are gold cruisers and have never eaten dinner at Palo. We enjoy the MDRs too much to justify skipping an included MDR dinner for a paid meal. I think people go to get a date night sans kids but I like spending time with my kids on vacation. Some people also really dislike the pirate night menu for some reason and go then.
Actually, they are even charging 18% on some merchandise now as well. On the Wish MV, they were selling the cooler (without anything in it, just the cooler bag with Wish Maiden Voyage on it). So we paid an additional 18% just for someone to hand us the bag. I thought that was a little much…
Yes, I do. Palo on the Fab Four (I've never dined there on the Wish, so can't comment about that) has a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, unlike the MDRs, and higher quality food and service than the MDRs. For Remy, that is all true to an even greater degree.
The only part of palo dinner we enjoy is the chocolate soufflé otherwise I have no interest paying more a just okay meal. We do however enjoy the brunch, but dinner no thank you.
I agree with this, we typically tip above 20 % but sure yes it’s fine for the server to explain 18 % was added and says it’s split between these people but then to ask for additional, I am not a fan of that. Even tipping in the US has gotten out of control every place you go these days is asking if you want to leave a tip.
You can adjust or remove the gratuity in the app. Takes ten seconds.
