Do the cruise lines need to start having folks tip the staff daily ? Or maybe include tips in the price ? All "servicie providing" folks need our support. They work without a promised dime !

This article is not just about "service providing folks" on ships, but all folks in the "service industry".  

Though gratuities are optional whether you dine on a cruise ship or dine in a restaurant, most folks choose to leave tips (unless they’ve had truly bad service).  What about the folks who don't, even after receiving good service ?

Besides the pocketbook, what about these "service providing" folks feelings ?  A person not receiving a tip can only think they did a bad job, right ?  Though folks need and want money (tips) to survive like the rest of us, just them thinking that maybe they didn't provide good service, has to leave them feeling devastating !

Maybe the “lump sum” of the tips onboard a cruise ship is too much for folks to fathom !  Then I suggest to these folks, tip as you go.  This also means your cabin steward and the folks that wait on you up at the Lido (café).

I’ve heard folks express, "Well no one waiting on me in the Lido (café)".  Oh yes they did ! Whether it’s the person who served your plate, the person who cut you a piece of desert, or the person keeping the drink station or a table for you clean.  So please don’t say that !

Did you know the cruise lines only pay these folks $75 A MONTH (heard this long ago).  The rest is up to what the cruisers give !  I’m not suggesting you have to tip over the suggest amount !  But if folks don’t opt to pay the suggested amount, the cruise lines may have to choose to increase the cost of cruising.   Don't these folks too, deserve to feed their family back home ?  

It’s been expressed to me, that often, folks who have never worked for tips or who don’t work on commission only basis, do not realize what it’s like for folks who do.  If 10 folks sit at your table to eat/drink and do not tip or call you, how will you fee your family tonight ?  Or you work on commission only, and folks call you for your expertise, only to buy from someone they don't know !  

Stop and think about it.  These service industry people, whether on a cruise ship, or right here at home, wait on you without every knowing if you are going to leave that tip or buy that product !  These folks are GIVING TO YOU unconditionally !  But unconditionally shouldn't mean to anyone, the act of taking advantage of someone !

You've heard, "time is money" ?  Then using someone's time is worth a little monetary value.  Whether it's a tipping for them waiting on you or reaching to someone who survives on commission, for their expertise advice !  Call it what you may, but not showing gratitude is a form o stealing !  I say, if you don't want to tip, turn to a "Fast Food" joint, where they at least make minimum wage.  And if you're not going to buy your product from an expert, then buy online (and I'm anti online because that takes money from your city/your own pocket) !
 

I have been in restaurants or in stores and watched consumer/customers treat service folks awful !  Acting like it’s the service persons job to bend over backwards !  Well, guess what … You’ve not given them a dime, so how can any of us “expect so much” ?  I know I’ve personally chosen to take a better look at how I think about this.

Only once, I had a customer tell me, “I’m paying you…”.  Whoah ... I guess this person forgot my services are complimentary.  My customers do not pay anything to me, for servicing and managing their cruise.  Unlike most waiter or waitress positions, I’m actually fortunate, if I run across an un-greatful client/caller, I can say “Bye” !

Some folks must truly forget that many services out there are provided for folks services without a cost !  Look at banking and our tellers.  Yes, the teller is paid, but not the bank for providing the service.  Most all "Customer Service" is provided complimentary.  And like in our business, we don't charge an extra dime for access to our Customer Service, over the cost of the product !

The thought for the day is, remember our "service industry folks" !  Put on that happy smile and be overly appreciative … Upfront … FIRST … Even before them !  Continue to think of it as, "they are doing YOU a favor", whether it's providing a service or expertise ! Remember, you may need them again one day in the future and  why not have them remember the "good in you" !