Yes, tipping is a thorny subject.
But that's about removing / reducing auto-tips.
The auto-tip / service charge means you've paid your dues, so I take the same view as yourself - I'll tip, but I'll not tip twice for the same thing.
As other posts, leave auto-tip in place & you're fine..... with a few minor exceptions
- if you use room service, a small cash tip is normal.
- I have no idea about butlers, those cabins are out of my league :o. Ditto kids' clubs, I'm way past that age.
- it's normal to tip porters at the port in the US, but not in the UK or Europe altho' many Americans do.
The auto-tip is effectively crew wages (they receive little other cash), and it's shared amongst all hotel-side crew including kitchen, laundry, etc.
If the US cruise lines were up-front & included decent wages in consequently-higher cruise prices I'd voluntarily tip on top. But they don't, so I only "tip" once.
Ditto the mandatory service charge on drinks. So I ignore the space on the tab for "gratuities", which I regard as over-kill
JB :)
ps. Oh my, didn't Shrewsbury make your team work hard last night :p
