On WAVE, we will be using (along with Kathy & Frank and Wendy & David) private guides at three ports - Malaga, Santander, and Bordeaux. What is your experience and good counsel regarding tipping private drivers and guides? Does it make a difference if he owns the agency? (This is like the debate about tipping one's hair-stylist if he or she is the owner of the salon...) We have usually tipped private guides about 10 percent of the cost of the tour but are not at all confident that was appropriate. (The fact that one usually never sees the guide again for the rest on one's life makes it difficult to learn whether the tip was taken well or not - if the tip was too low, they will never have the occasion to spit on you; and if it was too high, they will never have the occasion to suck up to you again!) Thoughts, please.

Fred: I always tip the owner of my hair salon a full 20% as I am afraid he'll cut my ear lobe off or give me lousy cut knowing I did not tip on previous visits - when Tony and I have toured alone we have tipped 15% - with others I never figure out the bill just ask what do I owe? I remember we had 6 hr tour from ship into Rome (just two of us) - $500 it was excellent but we thought $75 tip was fine!!!

Freddie,

I have no advise for you...I simply do not know, but I can't stop laughing about your post!!

Betty

And along came Joanna and I'm still laughing!!!!

Betty

Fred -

We usually tip 10-15% depending on the tour guide. If there is a driver only, we usually give them a few $$$ depending on what kind of driving it is. If the tour guide is also driving, then it's toward the higher amount.

If they drive like maniacs, then they're out of luck. We have been known to tell them that I am one of "those nervous passengers" so that we have a pleasant ride and I have permission to control the car from the backseat.

So Kathy I can tell you aren't partial to NYC cab drivers????

I'm thinking 10% or less is the right number. They do this for a living, after all. Tipping is not as big a deal in Europe, as y'all know.

Of course, if we all love him to bits, and have an extraordinary day, then the sky's the limit!

I asked this same question. My sister and I and 2 teenage boys went to Italy and had private guides and drivers in 3 different cities. they were all arranged from here in the US but each one worked for a different company. Since my trip was packaged as a whole inc. hotels and some admissions to museums etc I did not know the amount from which to figure a %. I gave each one 50 euro. Of course I loved every one of them but given the reaction from one or two I am sure that this was waayyy over the top. (think big 'ol bear hugs at the end of the day)The point being who knows what's right? So I think the rule of thumb is whatever your pocketbook and conscience are comfortable with is the right amount.

I think you are right - conscience and pocketbook correct - of course I remember some cruisers talking about the the cost of the guide being high so therefore NO tip - seems those people are always the ones with the highest portfolios and they share that info??? - maybe how they got there - :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

For what little it may be worth, we have always tipped our private guides is Europe at about 10% -- up to 15% if the tour was really great. Tipping, it is true, is an American custom that has entered Europe due to American presence there. For example, some American mass market cruise lines (i.e., Royal Caribbean) have higher fares for English guests, because they include onboard tips in the fare for these, as the English don't tip like Americans do.

And another factor for us actually is the content of the tour compared with the price. If we feel the price/content relationship of the tour indicates it was a "rip off", we don't tip as much as we would if we felt this relationship indicated the tour was a good buy.

All in all, we do tip somewhat less in Europe than we do in the US.

Thanks,
Richard

I just close my eyes, JoAnna! Or better yet, walk. Can't win there for sure!

Fred, we're on the Navigator Monte Carlo to Copenhagen cruise stopping at many of the same ports but on different days. Would you please give me the websites and info on the 3 ports you mentioned. Thanks. Marilyn

Marilyn - Here is the contact info for the three private tours we're taking:

Malaga (for the Alhambra):
Email: Gerry Kerkhof gerry.kerkhof@spanish-fiestas.com
Website: http://www.spanish-fiestas.com

Santander & Santillana del Mar:
Email: Mike O'Rourke Mike@EuroAdventures.net
Website: http://www.EuroAdventures.net

(You will note the very Spanish names of both guys.)

Bordeaux:
Email: Jean-Denis Coulon jdcoulon@bordeaux-map.com
Website: http://www.bordeaux-map.com

Cheers, Fred

Thanks for the prompt response, Fred. Have a great cruise. Marilyn

Marilyn

For Lisbon, we're using www.toursforyou.pt
We booked a morning tour if Sintra and the Estoril Coast since our time is Lisbon is from 5 in the afternoon, overnighting until 2 pm the next day.

Fred is not on that one with us.

Kathy,

We used the same company last fall (for a similar cruise itinerary)and had Josue who was fabulous. He gave us an amazing tour of the city and even took us to the local spot for delicious pastries. We would definately use the company for a future visit to Portugal.
Have a wonderful time.
Cheers, Pam

Pam, like you we used Josue. What a great guy!! (I think it was Joanna, Tony, Tom, me, Olivia, Lawrence, ?? to Sintra).

I'd highly recommend requesting him!

Tipping is ALWAYS a big topic.
Perhaps that is one reason we love Radison...er, Regent so much because we don't have to deal with it.

In general, we Americans over-tip in Europe. Not that the europeans object, mind you!
I think that for a good or ok tour, 10% is ok. If the guide went above and beyond, then clearly more is in order.

Just to give you a feel for how Europeans think of American tippers.....
Pre-ROAR we spent 2 days in Amsterdam..we had a wonderful time!
By law in Amsterdam, tax and tip is included in your total at a restaurant..by law!
However, the custom is that you round it up to the next euro for a small coffee shop sort of space & up to the next 5 euros for a good white table cloth restaurant.
The very nice restaurant that we ate at included a short note with the check.. it read something like the following: we are often asked about grautities. We recommend that if you were pleased with the service that you leave 10 to 15%.
I can only wonder if that message is delivered to non-english speaking diners.

All I can suggest is that you check out local tipping customs on the web before you go anywhere & then tip as your heart dictates.

Doug (who has over & under-tipped around the world)

Thanks for the suggestion about requesting Josue. I don't think I have a name on that one so I will email them and ask!

Doug: I understand what you are saying - I have hard time not tipping and, believe me, I do not over tip - I guess what was mind boggling to me were the people who never tipped (for private and Rad excursions) and announced it as they thought cost was so high for excursions so why do I have to tip??? - always seemed to be same people we met who loved to tell you that bought Home Depot or similar at blah blah and now are retired - hey loosen up that wallet - Joanna

I usually figure 15% of the total cost for private driver and guide. When I am on an excursion from the ship, it is different. I believe Ngaire has guidelines for all-day/half day, and extra for the driver.

We always tip for good service. Many guides and drivers in Europe are quite surprised. Last year, our guide, Ab, in Amsterdam, was extremely surprised and appreciative. Our guide, Tanya, in Moscow, had tears in her eyes when our group kept slipping her tips. Both were outstanding guides and rightfully earned those tips.

To FRED et al..
Tip in Bordeaux alot (lol)..
You guys will LOVE Alain ..
Please send my warmest regards.
Claudia

The best tip for the "real deal guide/drivers is referrals..and they appreciate that sooooooo
much. If you really enjoy the person, get their card, email address etc., and send them referrals.
Tips are great..referrals are $$$$

Thanks, Claudia for the info - will tell him you said hi and that you referred us too.

Only 13 more days!