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billylen

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  • Posts

    716
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About Me

  • Location
    Monrovia CA
  • Interests
    Music, Writing, Being a single Dad, People!
  • Favorite Cruise Line(s)
    Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess
  • Favorite Cruise Destination Or Port of Call
    Australia, Transatlantic, Alaska, Asia

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billylen's Achievements

Cool Cruiser

Cool Cruiser (2/15)

  1. I tend to travel solo. I love the longer cruises. Sure you meet people but just to get away. Only thing, careful of food intake!
  2. I am going through the renewal process now. I am doing it online. Firs a note about online renewal, I notice they stop taking online applications from time to time (not sure why). For example, the online system is not currently accepting new applications. I started the online process near the end of December. When I would check the status it indicated "in process." My next cruise is at the beginning of April so I decided to go into the pending order and add expedited processing (an additional $60). Within a week, I received notification that y passport renewal had been processed and is currently being shipped. Was it the $60, or was it just time? (It has been 8 weeks) I'll never know. Moral of the story? Make sure you allow enough time for receipt of passport. (or include expedited processing (and shipping!)
  3. Except for the last two we’re on the same page (but if I ran into the cashier or Ukrainian bar staff, I’d probably do the same πŸ˜‚)
  4. So, I woke up this morning and I see this thread has invented a life of it's own! 🀣 First, thanks to all who replied to my original post (question.) Just a little context...I have cruised since the 80s. Always sat at a table, large or small, always tipped (cash in envelopes) the usual suspects. And that was that. I'd say I usually tip above the minimum, the men and women work hard. The point of my original question is this...I now tend to cruise solo. I love it and over the years sometimes I do not care to sit in the dining room. Nothing personal, I'm just choosing to be in my head. So, if I used the old model I would tip those I came in contact with. I'm not saying that is right or wrong, that's just the way it was. Now with automated or prepaid, yes it is taken care of, but I wondered if I am paying for services that I am receiving elsewhere (UDP). The responses and exchanges have been in some instances lively. I was not trying to start WW3 🀣 I really do appreciate what another poster offered...the money is not going to kill me and regardless of who gets what, it will potentially serve them in greater ways...and I'm all for that. I'll keep the tipping on (or prepay)
  5. Yet, I can also choose to ask as well...all good...
  6. Naaaw, I just give 'em my first born....fair trade πŸ˜‚
  7. My son does too! πŸ˜… But I appreciate your comment...the few hundred will not hurt me and yes it could make a difference to those who work so hard for us. Good perspective!
  8. Well, the cabin stewards work their hindquarters off. Also, the various bartenders and specialty restaurants. There are also the one offs like in the windjammer etc. Not much for others unless I have a personal interaction with them that is worth tipping.
  9. Nope, I did not state that, and yes I will use the services you cited. Again, my purpose is to get a feel for how others view this topic. No drama, no attempts to get out of tipping, but there will be some double dipping going on and as the cruise industry is seeking tips from passengers to defray the effects of low salary I just want to weigh my options.
  10. It hasn't happened often but there have been times I did tip the cook/chefs, why because they work their a**es off and are probably seldom acknowledged.
  11. You actually touch upon the meat of my question. If I am paying for fees, and tips in specialty dining, then it seems redundant to also pay gratuities for serving staff. Also, another poster mentioned that in on-land restaurants that servers split their tips with other staff. That may be true in some establishments, but not all. But to anyone who is reading this, my intent is not to stiff anyone, but I am taking advantage of this forum to get responses on this topic...I'm not disappointed!
  12. I know this comes up from time to time, but thought I'd put it out there and let the chips fall where they may. I am going on a pretty long voyage. I have opted for the dining package (which has gratuities included). What is bugging me is I will not use the dining room. So, I feel like I will be tipping twice. So, my questions is is it poor form to tip my cabin steward only? I'm serious, so I'm reaching in hope of gaining insight. Thanks for reading.
  13. Y'all don't disappoint! THANK YOU!
  14. Wonderful suggestions, unfortunately for a few reasons I have to remain at the airport. But the train...hmmmm thank you again for the suggestions (and the links)
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