Some Musings on Etiquette (Hey what's that) When in Cozumel and Other "Stuff"

[Jax]

Jax, I don't see how watching the news and violence on TV would have anything to do with tipping. Obviously, these divers made an informed choice to travel to Mexico for their vacation. Why should that have an effect on the way they tip?

Perhaps I misunderstood. When you said tipping was way down, I thought it might be because there are not as many Americans coming to Mexico. This leaves a greater than normal percentage of European guests, and Europeans are not accustomed to tipping.

Now, I think I understand that you are saying, "Of all the tipping, the proffered amount is lower than usual." Is that correct?

 

[JenLoves2Dive]

Perhaps I misunderstood. When you said tipping was way down, I thought it might be because there are not as many Americans coming to Mexico. This leaves a greater than normal percentage of European guests, and Europeans are not accustomed to tipping.

Now, I think I understand that you are saying, "Of all the tipping, the proffered amount is lower than usual." Is that correct?

Yes. exactly!

 

[Jax]

Perhaps I misunderstood. When you said tipping was way down, I thought it might be because there are not as many Americans coming to Mexico. This leaves a greater than normal percentage of European guests, and Europeans are not accustomed to tipping.

Now, I think I understand that you are saying, "Of all the tipping, the proffered amount is lower than usual." Is that correct?

Yes. exactly!

Damn. That's just wrong. If you can't tip at levels 12 years old, WTF? How about drinking one less brew and giving it to the crew?

 

[DandyDon]

Sometimes I do make a point of tipping as the boat approaches the dock, and in plain view of the others - to help suggest the idea.

 

[Brules]

Sometimes I do make a point of tipping as the boat approaches the dock, and in plain view of the others - to help suggest the idea.

Someone doing this very thing many years ago alerted me to the tip the boat guys procedure. So remember - new divers or even experienced ones may not be aware that tipping should be done! I do what Don does and have had several people over several trips pull me aside and ask "oh my gosh are we supposed to tip - we had no idea".

Be sure to be somewhat discreet though, theres a fine line between broadcasting it and preaching it.

 

[rorhound]

Along with tipping, on our last dive of the trip we also give the guys on the boat whatever we're not taking home with us, beer, snacks, etc...... Makes their day. As mentioned earlier, lunch or dinner at a nice place is appreciated too. They take care of us when we're down there, not a bad idea to take care of them when we can.

 

[DandyDon]

Along with tipping, on our last dive of the trip we also give the guys on the boat whatever we're not taking home with us, beer, snacks, etc...... Makes their day. As mentioned earlier, lunch or dinner at a nice place is appreciated too. They take care of us when we're down there, not a bad idea to take care of them when we can.

I left a 12 cup coffee maker and some coffee liqueur behind last time.

Waiting to see how Jen will get all of post 1 in her Sig.

 

[MMM]

I do realize that some people wait to tip until the end of the week, but how can they possibly distribute the tips evenly? Even if you have the same dive master every day, the captain and first mate can change. I never forget to tip. Lots of times I also bring snacks and lunch on board for the guys, as well. They really work hard for those tips!

It depends on who you are diving with. I pretty much know with 95 per cent certainty who will be on the boat with me. So I'm able to leave until the end and say "plus give this to so-and-so if it is not the regular crew OR tip the non-regular staff only on the day of the dive. The regular crew knows I always tip at the end of my trip or every couple of months, whichever is less. Call it a layaway plan!

 

[blue steal]

I left a 12 cup coffee maker behind last time.

Don has probably left quite a few coffee makers behind.
I like to tip right after we get off the dive boat when everyone is around. those guys do work hard.

 

[DandyDon]

Don has probably left quite a few coffee makers behind.
I like to tip right after we get off the dive boat when everyone is around. those guys do work hard.

In Coz, in Roatan, Holbox, etc. If someone doesn't want one, they can find another use.

I like to tip every trip so they know I am not going to stiff them, in case of crew changes, etc. Some places like FIBR on Roatan encourage you to wait until the end but there you know you have the same crew. Coz is pretty different.