Tipping always seems to be a sticky topic - and I think the problem is that the definition of a tip has changed.

In the old days a tip was an expression of thanks for service over and beyond that which was expected. Yes, in some cases there were certain minimums one was expected to cover, but the concept of tipping remained nothing more than a declaration of thanks.

Nowadays, tips have become part of the wages for service personnel. The staff, more often than not, depend on the tips as part of their income.

I think the issue is not whether to tip or not, nor is it about how much to tip - it is to understand what is actually meant by the word "tip".

Which is to say we have no choice in the matter? That "tips" are part of the wage and are therefore required no matter the level of the service? One wonders then why the cruise lines don't just pay their staff a living wage, adjust the price for the cruise and we can stop worrying about what to tip, how much to tip, and when to tip.

Tips weren't considered a part of our wage when I was an entertainer on the cruise ships, but we were sure grateful for them when they came along. Ten years ago, for a poor piano player in the quietest part of the ship, tips were a welcome compliment that told me I was doing something right for someone there. It was a boost to the ego, but I certainly didn't expect it, nor claim a right to it!

Is there any issue more vexing than tipping on cruise lines? We have all, I feel sure, been tackled by first-time cruisers worrying about the right thing to do. The angst has spoiled the final couple of days for many. Seagull is on the right track .... with a modification. I suggest cruise lines simply pay their staff a liveable wage and add the cost to the price of the cruise.

What a jolly sensible solution, JollyRoger. It’s a policy pursued by several cruise lines we’ve been on – Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Hebridean Island Cruises for example include all staff gratuities in their fares. What a relief at the end of the trip not to worry about it.

Great idea, yes, and sensible. But there’s no way you’re going to get all the cruise lines to agree. It will never happen. Here’s why. They’re afraid it will inflate their advertised prices and make it appear that they’re charging more than their competitors.

These days, on the feeble excuse that they want to be helpful, cruise lines lines dictate what passengers should tip and enforce this by actually telling passengers that a specific amount will be added to their shipboard bill at the end of the cruise. In the old days it was left to the discretion of the passenger and was a reward for good service. No more.

Tipping on cruise lines is not “tipping”. It is a surcharge, nothing less. You’re given no option really. We were on the Carnival Imagination in December and our table waiter was superb. So what happens ... at the end of the cruise we coughed up and tipped him generously as a reward for good service.