TRENNY Posted August 19, 2013 #1 Share Posted August 19, 2013 First Time Cruiser. What are the pitfalls on island visiting in the pacific? I have heard snorkelling is $50 on one part of the island and free on the otherside. Are islanders forceable in trying to sell jewellery etc - have heard arms should be folded not easily available to adorn jewellery? Agent told me you can advise the pursor that you do not wish to pay the gratuity fees - what happens in that case? Is tea and coffee onboard ship - free?:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie J. Posted August 19, 2013 #2 Share Posted August 19, 2013 Have never cruises in the Pacific but hope to some day! Ships usually will have snorkeling tours that you must pay for. Is this the $50 fee? Is it by boat to get to the reefs? We never do ship's tours anymore. If we aren't finding a beach to snorkel from, we find a local tour and usually pay 1/2 of what the ship charges - often for doing the exact same thing at same place. The gratuities are automatic tips for your waiter, assistant waiter, your room steward and waiters and servers in the buffet. These people DESERVE these tips!!! They work hard every day for 6-8 months with out a day off! A dining room waiter once told me when I asked, he is paid $75 a MONTH by the ship. They all smile all the time and help all the passengers and really earn their tips. We have often given cash, at end of cruise, in addition to the tips for extra good service. You can get hot & cold tea, coffee and juices for free in the buffet all the time. There is also ice and water there. You should join your Roll Call here. You can find out what others are doing on your cruise and can email each other with questions and arrange to do the same tours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted August 19, 2013 #3 Share Posted August 19, 2013 For all your Holland America questions, some reading on the Holland America board, here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=171 would be very helpful. Notice I said "reading". The issue of tipping, particularly for those from countries where tipping is not a normal, is a very hot one. As is the subject of employee compensation. Some reading on the appropriate Ports boards, here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.