Well...days later and this poll is at 13 1/2% who remove. All the "sources" have said "10 to 15%". Even this poll backs that up.
With all the cut backs, I really do see that number rising spring and summer. I'm not saying it should, just saying it's gonna.
Only the automatic gratuities not removed at guest services at any time up until the morning of departure or by calling guest services from your cabin, are expected to be distributed.
I really got your one of the low % people. Sorry if I got that wrong.
For those who do think it's much less than 10%, your giving your fellow man to much credit.
Bottom line. Everyone is going to do, what they are going to do. I'm on a vacation, not a humanitarian aid mission. I tip in cash as I would on land. No better, worse. What employer and employee agreed to, is not my problem or concern. What happens to the cash after it leaves my hands, is not my business. Or my problem.
If you don't concern yourself with how people are compensated in other businesses, why care so much about this?
For me the crew signed a contract knowing full well not every passenger was going to tip well (or at all for that matter). It was an estimate. Royal could not guarantee tipping figures in writing. Royal and the crew member went into this agreement. I however did not. I guaranteed nobody anything. And bottom line removing automatic gratuities is allowed by Royal Caribbean. I don't put a gun to anyone's head.