Airbear232

DW and I have been discussing this. IMHO, the “gratuities” should be in the fare and you can tip extra who you like. We’ve generally done the recommended tips and then added more for special recognition. We’re considering now going forward to remove all daily gratuities and put our money to tip those who provided service directly to us. Some may agree or disagree with us, but we want the control back.

Hopefully, Royal follows suit before the end of the year.

Agree, stunning hotel!

Have fun, beautiful port and great local food.

Why would the whole region be impacted? Seriously! The Arabian Gulf ports are all stable (safer than US cities), clean and beautiful.

Not comfortable in Turkey? Current environment? Istanbul is one of the safest cities in the world. You’re far safer there than in most major US cities. Great people, food and sites.

DW and I have been on EOS five times. It’s a beautiful ship. I think Royal has been the most innovative when it comes to design. The Voyager class was the first with the Royal Promenade and Studio B. Compared to other cruise lines, not many ships measure up to Voyager Class. However, Royal’s newer classes all offer more in terms of onboard experiences. If you cruised on an Oasis or Quantum ship, you won’t have all of their amenities. Enjoy your trip.

Back in the day there were benefits and better OBC, but in recent years I think its honestly a disadvantage to book with Future Cruises.

Book in advance, we made the mistake last year of assuming we could get a deal at the pier but they were sold out. Have a great trip!

We’ve sailed many times out of Cape Liberty. Reality is sometimes you get rough seas especially off Cape Hatteras. Time of year also plays apart with Hurricane season. However, the Oasis class ships are the most stable. And, the month of May will hopefully be good weather for you. Your daughter, if she’s had a bad experience, may want to try scopolamine patches. Costco are usually very reasonable for them.

On shore, it’s seems they are often difficult to deal with. I’d maybe bring it up in the cruise with guest services. Show them the email showing original purchase and I’m sure they’ll accommodate. Good luck.

Unfortunately, it happens. I was once the other people and grabbed someone else’s bag. Same bag, tag and lock (so mea culpa, I didn’t read the tag). This turned out not to be bad. The people’s whose bag I picked up, saw only one bag left that looked like theirs with someone else’s name. They called my number. I was on the transfer bus for the airport. Good fortune, they were going to be on the same bus. Really nice people, I felt quite foolish.

I think it all depends on where you live and your household situation. In Toronto, I think the current living wage calculation is between $34 and $40 per hour.

So, every economist in the capitalist world doesn’t regard a person working full time hours on minimum wage as fully employed? Every economist believes minimum wage is only for part time students to make pocket money? I don’t agree. I think this discussion has strayed. I won’t convince you of anything nor will you convince me. Best wishes for many happy cruises and tip or don’t tip as you see fit.

According to who? Your definition doesn’t align with either how the government calculates unemployment or the realties of the workforce. It’s not 1950 anymore.

Oh economic savant, how ever did you come to that conclusion?

Whatever you tip is your prerogative. Regarding living wage, it was meant to highlight the disparity between minimum wage and what is actually needed by a person to more than just make ends meet. No one earning minimum wage in NA can make ends meet.

Well, we always erred on the side of paranoid caution (yes, we bubble wrapped our kids) and wouldn’t leave any child by themselves.

Don’t go! You sound like you’ll be anxious. Send me your tickets, I’ll send you pictures! 🙂

Not Starbucks but all other venues on ship. And, Royal now uses Starbucks for coffee so even better.

Apparently there are many longshoremen who do not even make $25/hr. There is no “free market”, some level of government always influences/regulates the economy. When the economy tanks big business is always there with hat in hand to be bailed out by the government.

Minimum income necessary to meet basic needs and attain basic standard of living.

Oldest = Majesty Newest = Symphony Favourite = tie Explorer (our first on Royal) and Allure (Oasis class and has Mamma Mia)

As others have noted, you can use it any way you choose. We don’t drink, but we enjoy mock tails, lattes, fresh juice from vitality spa and water.

I’m just going to throw this out there for those who are adamant rehashing this discussion about tipping porters (and it is absolutely your right to do with your money as you wish). For the sake of argument, let’s say the longshoreman’s salary is based on a more modest $25/hr with benefits - do you support a living wage for all of those on minimum wage where you live?