yogimax

What does this say about human psychology? We get more upset about a few bucks labeled ‘tips’ than over the hundreds and even thousands of dollars in cruise price increases? Go figure.

Which makes their claims of being “generous” without context or meaning.

I’m positive it happens. Many of us remember the days of the half empty dining rooms on the final night as folks avoided the embarrassment of not paying any tips. As a matter fact, I’ve seen no one on this board suggest what they consider to be an alternate tip to give or even what one person describes as their “generous” but never named tip.

If someone says their service on a cruise was so bad that it didn’t deserve any tip, I would wonder if they were actually on an RCCL cruise. Sure they can choose to withhold any tips but... The justification to totally withhold tips is based on a totally self centered ego where everything is about me, myself and I. Many folks, however, live by a different standard that involves love, concern and care for one’s neighbor, be they a room steward from the Philippines or a waiter from Indonesia.

Sadly, too many will justify in their own minds not tipping at all. I would speculate that a good proportion of those who remove tips don’t tip at all.

Either the $14 was the straw that broke the camel’s back or it wasn’t. So now you’re changing your answer. Please make up your mind.

Royal Caribbean must sure be stupid for giving away free cruises, especially to those who always win, or rarely lose, in the casino.

So $14 per week for a seven night cruise “broke the camel’s back for many.” If that’s true, it seems like “many” should find a cheaper form of vacation.

Baccarat? I don’t believe I’ve seen it on RCCL ships. House odds are still against the player.

Ha! Tolls alone from Queens to Bayonne run about $100 and parking for a seven night cruise is $210.☹️

Reaching Pinnacle is a lot more difficult for those of us who don't live in Florida. I would like to know what percentage of Pinnacles live in Florida and don't have the added expense of significant travel.

Happy Thanksgiving. Be thankful you had the resources and ability to enjoy a cruise.

Dogs get a free ride. Why is this cat being purrsecuted?

We were on one cruise with a good number of those who follow Jainism. Royal closed off a section of the Windjammer which was limited to the serving of food prepared for Jains. No other venue was closed and we actually enjoyed partaking of some of the Jainist foods. Not sure why Royal couldn't do the same thing for Yeshiva week. Closing part of the Windjammer would allow full use of the Solarium Bistro.

Sadly, not always

Like you, I enjoy Indian food. In my experience there will always be Indian food in the Windjammer for lunch. If you eat in the MDR at night, you can always ask your waiter for an Indian option. Enjoy!

"Early Booking OBC"? Can I assume this is something your TA offers, not Royal Caribbean?

o.k., you are entitled to your opinion but I'm afraid comments like yours tend to discourage others from even going. Who knows, they may actually enjoy the show, marvel at the costumes and walk away with a positive catitude. To those who haven't yet seen the show... give it a try. For us, CATS is by far the best show on RCCL!

What is it?

The problem is that at this time of year it could be too cold to sit outside. It just seems to me that Portside Barbecue is a dining venue and the limited indoor seating area should be for those who are actually eating. If there are empty seats... no problem but we had to stand around until the performer finished and people left.

Guy with a guitar in a cowboy hat. Finished with Sweet Caroline.

We went while the live entertainment was going on in the afternoon. Every seat was taken, not by those eating but by those listening and singing. We ordered the 2 meat dish and my wife and I shared it and had plenty left over.

I agree with you that there’s no need to tip for someone handing you a beer but making “exceptional service” the new minimum base line means you see no need to tip anyone. Are you really saying this?

As a self-admitted cheapskate do you not tip anyone? BTW, I confess to being a cheapskate who leaves the tips in place. Am I a gullible rube in your words? No, I understand the importance of financially saying “thank you” to those who have made my experience so much better by their exceptional service.

So you really believe the crew are being paid for the time they are at home? C’mon, the fact is they are only paid for the days they work and they have NO days off while they are on the ship.