To tip or not to tip that is the question

Looking at most of the posts on tipping in the US comes from Aussies. Kiwis and Brits, I thought I would clear up a few facts.Most service jobs are paid a minimum wage from a low of $5:00 an hour to $8:00 an hour. They get no fringe benefits like medical insurance, which if you live in most western European Countries and Australia and New Zealand you take for granted. Also there tips are taxed not what they make but what the IRS tells them made so they have to pay a tax on tips they didn't receive. I've lived in the US for 51 years, also President of a Local, and the legislative representative. A lot of the time I can't believe the dislike about the US posted on this Forum.

Hi there Moktay, not against the USA just telling it like it is on US owned ships.
Les, most passengers sailing from Oz are well aware of the of the situation and even first timesr get the nod from those who have sailed before. Business from Oz is so good that more and more ships, bigger than the last, are sailing from here in the season, all full.

But in London last year we had dinner in a good pub, when the winger brought the tab he said, 'I have left a space for you to add my tip'. I then informed him that the culture of Oz was not one of tips. But I did give a five to his assistant who did most of the work.

Thanks for the explanation John. Makes me more determined not to go as seems that instead of enjoying and relishing the trip paid for one has to learn all the bloody rules as well. At least you are fully aware now mate that the chances of meeting up with me on a cruise (as a mate once said to me) you would have more chance of getting a head job of a ghost.

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Originally Posted by moktay

A lot of the time I can't believe the dislike about the US posted on this Forum.

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Think you're reading us wrong Moktay (wish we had a real name to talk to, apologies if that is your real name) we don't dislike the Americans or USA, we are just commenting upon their perceived peculiaralities as we see them, which you may not now see having lived with them so long. Having visited the USA on many occasions I have found invariably kindness and politeness from them in their own country, but some, when over here, are surprised that we speak 'American' and that we have towns and villages called after theirs, surely you can see the funny side of that and that it is deserving of a comment. No doubt the average American thinks we are funny and have peculiar ways, well that is even if they know we exist which I also found doubtful when visiting the land of opportunity and their grasp of history seems to be conditioned by what Hollywood tells them. If this latter remark upsets you then I apologise, but in Yorkshire we call a spade a spade (except when in Brixton!)

I have some very good and wonderful American friends , and have never been against the USA or it population , I do however wish some American imports had not made it over here , including the Grey Squirrel , the Signal Crayfish , No win No fee lawyers , and the Disney channel . I celbrate the differences that our countries have , but love the differences . Unfortunatly some people in America can be very insular , and Hollywood tells stories with a bias beyond the truth , let us celebrate those differences and keep them there

#####we love to moan moktay ....im always moaning about the beloved ....but i do like her ...regards cappy

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Originally Posted by moktay

Looking at most of the posts on tipping in the US comes from Aussies. Kiwis and Brits, I thought I would clear up a few facts.Most service jobs are paid a minimum wage from a low of $5:00 an hour to $8:00 an hour. They get no fringe benefits like medical insurance, which if you live in most western European Countries and Australia and New Zealand you take for granted. Also there tips are taxed not what they make but what the IRS tells them made so they have to pay a tax on tips they didn't receive. I've lived in the US for 51 years, also President of a Local, and the legislative representative. A lot of the time I can't believe the dislike about the US posted on this Forum.

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does the wife know about her though ?

And What sort of tip do you give her, or is that too personal a question. If Pat ever sees some of your posts Cappy you"ll be getting your head in your hands. Cheers John S

I have never been on a cruise, and have no intention of doing so, but when do you get to decline to pay the tips?, is it something you tick at the beginning of the trip?. If its at the beginning of the trip, does your steward know that you will not be tipping?, in which case service may not be good, maybe soup doctored etc, perhaps this is why they have an outbreak of sickness on these ships from time to time, in otherwords a passenger list of tight sods!!!. I think tipping is a degrading system. Most of the above is in jest, but as an ex fireman, we used to carry out what was termed *special service*, maybe , to supply a hydraulic platform to assist a builder in a difficult location, there was a charge by the authority for this, but we were not allowed to receive tips, and if the builder were to give money, it was donated to a charity, and he would receive a receipt for this, KT

When I sailed with the Croatian crew the second mate was telling me one trip they were in Montreal and the captain and the mates went ashore and had a meal.The captain paid the bill and gave the waiter $50 Can. tip the waiter kicked up a fuss and was shouting so that is what you think of my service etc.the captain gave him another 50 bucks.I said the captain should've taken the 50 bucks back and give him nothing.The dock road in Montreal is far different now than when we used to go there,I went into a bar opposite the CPR berth and got a small beer $3.25 I gave her $4.00 75c change straight into her apron pocket.I stayed stood by the bar I wanted to ask directions,she approached me and in a very loud voice said "would you like your change back sir".
Regards.
Jim.B.