AnyMajorCruiseDude

We have done the UBD in inside cabins, oceanview cabins, window suites, and in different public areas ondeck. Its always great.

Nor us, but some here are advocating to remove tips and reward directly to the few that they interact with. This is a dangerous choice, no matter the supposed rationalizing that it doesn't reduce the overall tipping pool, which is misguided and only emboldened those who are prone to remove tips. Everyone involved in making your cruise fabulous should participate in the pool, and those that choose to remove tips and pay directly are simply trying to garner favor from those they tip by screwing the behind the scenes support staff. Less money in the tipping pool only converts to less money available for crew, regardless of your accounting theories. If you get great service, tip them on top of the auto gratuities!

Well, your contacts have told you one thing, and mine have told me another. Many we know have moved to other lines as the grass seems greener, but several of them have returned to their original line once the grass is not greener. In any case, they are all aware that they can make a good living on cruise ships, and continue to work onboard (with whichever line has the best deal). I have sat with crew and reviewed contracts from various lines, and the monetary compensation is all similar on a per hour worked basis. However, many we know opt for the "lousy" contract (ie, longer shifts, longer contracts, and fewer days off) because they are trying to maximize cash in the bank. None of the crew we know has ever recommended adjusting or removing the automatic tips, even knowing that doing so might increase their individual tips from us. They are more concerned with the welfare of their fellow seapeople, many of whom are their neighbors, friends and countrymen. Everyone on the ship works long and hard. They all deserve their hard earned pay, from whichever "bucket", and messing with the system doesn't necessarily benefit everyone.

Agreed. If everyone reduces or eliminates auto gratuities as some suggest, the supposedly "fixed" salaries for crew would have to be lowered due to the decreased pool available at some point. We choose to leave the auto gratuities oN, and tip individuals extra as warranted.

At this point, it is exactly that; an option. We submitted thru email this morning, A Sunday, and had credits posted within a few hours. If it becomes mandatory to submit via the "new" method, we will happily comply. If people object to receiving free obc because of the possible new system, that's their choice.

If anyone is interested

I was told I could not upgrade at all. When I asked why, I was told about the SD and Prizes situations. I did not ask about upgrading possibilities without those benefits as that would be a foolish option, imo.

Correct. They said the specialty restaurants were all full. And the prizes program not available. 3 day cruise on the Royal. We were on about11am. I would guess it's more prevalent on shorter cruises. The plus plan was fine given no access to those benefits.

Only makes sense. You paid to have that benefit. Can't use it without paying for it!

Just a warning. We figured we would use obc to upgrade onboard and save a few insurance bucks. Not available. Capacity controlled! If we want it, we book it that way.

We just got off a 3 day. No free suite dinner. But then we weren't expecting it....

It showed open on journey view on the app as of midnight after departure. We have done several 2/3 day cruises where they have opened the casino. Ymmv, I guess!

Maybe we will see you at lunch. Last time we sailed with you was with Matt O! Been a while.

Well, I will admit that I am happy with any bed on a cruise ship! And the 4 we had on the Crown were all fine. Princess Luxury beds all (we have one at home so I can compare....). Hope you get one too!

Don't worry too much. Have been on Crown 4 times over the summer and beds were fine, at least for us. Going on her again in October and hope my luck holds out!

Never poke 36!

I see your other post recommending making false/last minute insurance claims ha been removed. Any other recommendations for us?

Hey D. Harmony was great when we were on Majestic, and we would return in a heartbeat. Many have reported substandard food but we enjoyed everything immensely. We ordered as they recommended and were very happy. Also, we have been enjoying suite/mimosas breakfast thru yesterday, and will be doing same on Discovery in early October. If they do eliminate this fabulous benefit, we will have to reevaluate our bookings. But we have been assured by our friends onboard that we will be ok.

Your own theory or proven by facts?

Good luck and enjoy!

I did ask and was told suite benefits will be the same as always. Was referred to the Full Suite benefits pdf. Once I returned home, I also contacted Corporate Guest relations to ask as I was hearing all kinds of rumors about changes to suite bookings. I asked specifically about window suites and whether they would still receive the Full Suite benefits as listed. They responded that any S categories are considered full suites and would receive the benefits listed on that same pdf. Of course, they can always modify the list, but I felt confident things would remain the same. I also was very pleased with the officer they now have on board all ships (with or without a concierge lounge) who checked in with me numerous times, and set up special events for suite passengers. My impression was that there is a new recognition of the passengers who book suites.

Exactly!

Still a lot of confusion. I will ask again at the Suite party tonight

Yes. Haven't had it before, but a friend/manager onboard suggested and I said sure, lets try it at Crown Grill tonight. You apparently approve of this wine?