katkell

So glad we didn't book for this period, we were there in December. Be interesting to know if they are letting future pasengers know about this, as a large percentage of people don't browse these boards. I would expect (like) a refund or Future Cruise Credit if i was booked to go to Egypt, after all that is a highlight of any cruise booking. I certainly wouldn't be satisfied with an alternative destination, such as Turkey as that is usually included in the itenerary anyway

Does anyone agree?

I travelled on the Classica last year and as an Australian had the tips automatically added to the cruise payment and was paid before the cruise actually began.

 

I tipped (in cash) at the early stages of the cruise and again at the end. As well as the automatic tip that was paid with the cruise tickets.

 

Why? To ensure that the service on board was good. It was more than good it was spectacular! In this case I got what I paid for extra special attention in the cabin and dining room and at the main bar. Nothing was ever too much trouble for either the waiter, the assistant waiter, the room attendant and the main bar. For me it was more than worth the extra cost and I just factored it into the cost of going on holiday.

 

Booked on the Romantic later this year and I fully intend to do the same. For me it is well worth the added cost to ensure that drinks arrive on time, the room is always perfect, the food order is correct and that if required specials in the restaurant are accommodated.

 

I am always happy to tip to ensure that service is great.

great idea, i would normally tip if i get fantastic service, but i may just tip to get fantastic service (over and above what we have already prepaid)

Lots of comments on tipping. This is what our waiter told us, if you do not fill your comment card out with everything excellent (food and service), they would not receive the full tip. Seems very unlikely that everyone they wait on will say everything was excellent (in addition, if they do not receive a high average they receive nothing - I wonder where that money goes?). Just make sure you tip those who assist you directly.

Hmm, I have never filled out a comment card, couldn't be bothered as it makes no difference in the long run. It is a subjective thing anyway. So what happens then? No comment card, no tips at all???? That hardly seems fair

nobody who is able to afford a cruise should ever be considered hardpressed. how dramatic.

How presumptuous to make a statement like that. There are plenty of people out there that save for years for their one and only cruise, and that money is hard earned. To suggest that people are loaded and can afford all the extra things like tips is ignorant. I don't know where you live but where I come from tipping is not customary. There are plenty of people that book a cruise and take an inside cabin - 4 berth, only eat in the dining room, don't go on tours, are strapped for cash, and then have to pay up for tips. Everybody has different circumstances and to presume that if you cruise you can afford all the other bits is just plain dumb.

Why is everyone fixated on this tipping crap. It is only relevant to countries that pay their service personnel low wages. It is a service industry and that is what they are paid to do. We have prepaid our gratuities as that is part of the price that is quoted, and I have no hesitation in tipping for extra good service, but it would have to be exceptional.

Yes the staff work hard and long hours and their contracts are long, but that is a matter for the cruise line not for Paying Customers.

I love how the person simply clears up that Yes its possible for some to have the charge removed and so many give the same story "oh it shouldn't be done" the staff works so hard for the money blah blah blah

 

This question gets asked by newbies every few weeks myself included at one point, and the answers given are usually NO or WHY WOULD YOU when the fact is Americans CAN have them removed/lowered. My question to the Euro/Aussie people who say it can't be. Have you tried? I'm not saying you have to do it, just wondering have you even asked the person behind the desk if its possible to have them removed/lowered while onboard before telling someone else NO. I'd bet 99% don't even ask just go by what the printed documents say.

We have been on Celebrity and Princess. Both times tips/gratuities were included in the price we pay up front, so why would we bother removing it while on board. We wouldn't get a refund, its just the price we pay, and even though in Australia the wages are higher and we tip when we feel the service is worth it, we know that when going on a cruise thats what the deal is, like it or not. Personally if it wasn't included, I would only tip for exceptional service, which is what I do anyway. I would have no hesitation removing gratuities if it was warranted. I have worked in the service industry and know all too well what low wages are and how glad I am to get a tip, but I would only expect it if I give the service people want. I have seen plenty of lazy people, in hotels and restaurants, and they certainly do not deserve a tip. Fair days pay for fair days work is what I say, I know how tey cut corners.

I have read this with great interest as I am going to book a cruise tomorrow with Azamara. Not impressed with online Aus prices, and conditions... ie non-refundable booking fee of 900 dollars each. Went online to Azamara, put in the country, Aus, everything comes up in Aus Dollars, ends up being 80 dollars cheaper than the cheapest Aus on line agent. Deposit is only around 500 and fully refundable up to around 70 days before sailing. Then went on line to the US internet agents, they had more staterooms available, but one of them had a 900 dollar deposit as well, couldn't find where it said it was refundable. But as to price the US fare, converted to Aus dollars was only 100 dollars cheaper, I was disappointed, but never mind I will contact Azamara direct tomorrow.

Aussie Gal, I noticed you have been on Azamara Quest, do you have a review somewhere. Appreciate the feed back, cheers