billylen

On 2/26/2023 at 8:01 AM, oceandream said:

Would be interested to hear your experience on a long cruise, between 30-90 days. Any tips, advice. Thank you fir sharing.

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!

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!)

1 hour ago, pcur said:

 

• $20 for the casino cashier to get coffee when she was flying home to South Africa the next day : a 30 hour flight
• Half my (small) casino winnings to the Ukrainian bar staff in the DL to send home to her mother.

 

 

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 😂)

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)

1 hour ago, Carnival Cheerleader said:

Tipping is all on you. No need to ask anyone else what they think. Adjust your gratuities as you see fit.

Yet, I can also choose to ask as well...all good...

2 hours ago, soremekun said:

If don't take out a home equity loan to cover additional tips (every time you cruise), you're not tipping enough.

Naaaw, I just give 'em my first born....fair trade 😂

3 hours ago, TYMAN said:

My thought is, it's a few hundred dollars that will make more people happier than me keeping it in my pocket. Yes, I've been blessed. 

 

PS....I can't take it with me, and my son has more $$ than me. Ha!

My son does too! 😅 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!

3 minutes ago, cruiselvr04 said:

 

If you remove gratuities, can you specify which ones or is it all or none? No I’ve never done it.
 

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. 

13 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

because this same staff also works in the buffet and MDR lunch, so it's not like OP is not going to use their services at all.

 

so, do you have unlimited specialty dining, and will never use the buffet for breakfast or lunch, MDR for breakfast or lunch, Solarium bistro if applicable, or any other eateries besides the specialty ones? At all?

I still wouldn't cancel auto gratuities, though. MDR personnel are not the only recipients.

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. 

43 minutes ago, topnole said:

Been a long time, but I worked in several restaurants when I was young and never once did a place do what you are suggesting.  The only folks who got tipped out based on bartender and server tips were the bus staff (aka busboys back in the day), hostess staff, and bar backs.  Never seen any place where folks tip cooks, dishwashers, etc..   Not saying it doesn’t exist somewhere, but I’ve never heard of such a practice to this day.  

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. 

1 hour ago, ONECRUISER said:

Little different then OP's question but funny thing when they started having pay Restaurants the Fee/Service Charge for that was supposed to be the Tip. Even said so in Royal Press Release 24yrs ago

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! 

1 hour ago, Rusty_lock said:

How long is long?

28 days

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.

Y'all don't disappoint! THANK YOU!

1 hour ago, marazul said:

My first thought is to stay in Rome instead of the airport hotel,  

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2882786-late-nite-arrival-to-fco-for-ncl-cruise-next-day/page/2/#comment-64054438

 

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)

Will be staying at airport hotel for a day and a half before my cruise. (Staying at airport hotel) Any ideas about tours or activities that begin and end at the airport would be appreciated. My first time in Rome...hope to see a little of it while I am there. Any suggestion are welcomed. (will be there November 3rd to 5th)

I notice that purchasing a package pre-cruise seems like a better deal. Yet when I get onboard I have notices some deals that include lunch in a specialty restaurant. Just wondering what has been your experience (same for internet)?

3 minutes ago, GTO-Girl said:

 

Thank you for posting this wonderful positive response!!  

 

So nice to see someone with a great outlook on what could have been a challenging situation!

 

 

Here’s the funny part...my flight is departing at 350. I was grumbling all week about that...guess it worked out after all! 🙂  Last thing...most folks I was around took the whole situation in stride...I heard no complaining...honest, I didn’t 

1 minute ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Do you have any idea of when the first shuttle from PC arrived at TPA?  Curious about potential flight issues.

I am guessing around 930am. I strolled off the ship about 730 and really took my time. Travel time to TPA was about 2 hours. I had a buddy that left about 30 mind earlier for an 1130 flight. I think he made it...I’m guessing the first busses arrived at TPA between 915 and 930

Just arrived at TPA after the shuttle from PC. It is hard when you’re onboard to know how bad the waves would have been if the ship would have continued to Tampa. But I do know this, Royal did an outstanding job of mitigating potential risks to passengers and crew. Certainly some will complain (even I would have enjoyed the rocking and rolling) but the line handled the situation well. There were plenty of busses, snacks and options for drop off. Folks this was textbook handling...good job!

What GS cabin were you in?

Or Were you in a JS?

Me GS? :'):') Well I have sailed in a JS a few times, but as a solo cruiser I usually do balcony. This time I was rowing with others on Deck 3 Ocean View

Thanks for sharing! How did you keep busy on the sea days?

Well, there were many activities including talks (most were very interesting...at least to me). I also read a lot. But mainly I would look out and look up. There is something so peaceful about being out in the open water....

Trying to get the high points of my recent cruise experiencedown before they fade into the next cruise….

Travel to Ship

I flew out of LA the day before the cruise and arrived inAmsterdam the morning of the cruise. Many on this site arrived days (if notweeks) earlier and they had the right idea. It is tough when you arrive dropyour bags off and go exploring after being up for about 24 hours!

Check In

Check in was a little weird. The cameras that took photoswere not working properly. Also, they could not find my card for the cruise. Iwas hoping that meant that I was going to get an upgrade to a Royal Suite butno such luck. It took them about 15 to 20 minutes to track down my card (ormaybe made a new one.)

Amsterdam

I won’t spend a great deal of time in the review on theports although the Anne Frank House was an interesting experience. Amsterdam isa fascinating city…also stayed out of the coffee shops…walked about 4 to 5miles….

Back to Ship

Made my way back to the ship…it was bout 3PM. Already had mycard, but when I arrived to get on board there was probably the worstbottleneck at the gangway I have ever experienced. From what I gathered it wasbecause of the malfunctioning cameras at check in. Security had to retakephotos of guests as they arrived on the ship so that process slowed everythingdown.

Brilliance of the Seas

Ok my overview of the ship…I think she looks great! Therewere working to make her even better during the cruise. I believe they hadcontractors onboard working on improving the wireless system and replacingvarious doors.

Cabin

I was in an OV on deck 3 (3500). It was at the very front ofthe ship on the starboard side. The cabin was neat and as I was sailing solothe space was fine. The cabin steward (Reuben) was very good. He figured out myrhythm pretty quick and there were no issues during the 17 day sailing. Iappreciated his care. (side note: I try to make my footprint really small…Imean..these men and women work their you know what’s off)

Entertainment

There were many acts all were great…Diva of the Seas (what aname!) I thought she was great….David Naster…fantastic…(laugh…always laugh,right!) I enjoyed some of the talks…I thought the singers and dancers providedsome good entertainment…with the exception of “Tango” the shows were new to me.I enjoyed them all. Orchestra…fantastic…rhythm section…wowed me (really)…hornsgreat guys…just great.

Mike the CD, really competent, fun and I believe he was sickwith a cold, but he did what troupers do…and did it well…

Dining

I want to spend a few lines reflecting on the food in themain dining room. There is always this “discussion” about the food qualitygoing down on RCI. Before I left for this cruise I decided to take a look atthat… Here is my take…Yes, there have been changes. I mean it took them days tocook the bacon more and the sausage less. (lol) Yes, there was no lobsternight; gone are the days of faming cherries or baked Alaska…but the product isstill pretty good. I also asked myself the question…. “if this was my firsttime cruising, would I enjoy?” The answer is yes. But do I miss the chilled soups…doI miss the extravagance (and waste) of the midnight buffet? Sure… But it wasstill pretty good

The servers Milos and Anak (sp) were great…really great…(really)nothing but praise for their care and service…

Specialty Dining

Chops great…but they are getting skimpy on the sides (I likeasparagus)

Giovanni’s great…Ossobuco…too good…service in bothoutstanding

Izummi - Here is mything with this place…I never quite got it. I mean, the food is good, trieddifferent things…I also admit not much of a sushi fan, but still felt I ammissing something… Well, this trip I asked the server to just “take care of me”.His name is Januarius… He brought out some sushi roll…and then what seems to beanother type of roll…and then a udon noodle dish. WOW! I GET IT! I mean is wasa fantastic meal…I had to thank him over and over again..it was a pretty darngreat experience.

Sailing

We had to thread aa needle on this cruise. I mean hurricaneFlorence was to the SW and there was a disturbance behind us and abut threestorms waiting for us near Bermuda…The captain did an excellent job of keepingeveryone informed and the although there were a couple of day of minor rocking(which I like) there were no scenes from “Life of Pi” Captain (The Master) dida great job.

Ports

Only thing I will say about the ports (Including Azores) isthe weather was awesome!

The brilliance staff and crew were great…this was my second time on her and it was better than the first…and that was awesome too.

I resisted but had to share my approach. Years ago I did get a couple of massages on board. They were ok, but not stellar. And as another poster stated they did try to sell me product. What I do now (not all the time but several times) is I will either do a little research on ports of call (internet or here on CC) or look around port for massage services. Of course remain mindful of safety etc. I have had some of the best massages in Alaska, Mexico, Europe for half the price. Sometimes the therapists have booths or offices near the ports. (Once I had a knee problem and a therapist I found online in Alaska spotted the issue and through her technique solved it...years ago and it has never come back!) Just a suggestion...

Just a caution (or two)

1. As a previous posted stated be aware of the baggage policies for the airline you choose through A2C for they will prevail..

2. Also be aware of the seat policy. (I learned this the hard way) For some airlines the price will include your seat at whatever class you select. However, for some airlines seat selection will incur an additional charge.