TXcruzer

So because you don't like something it's inexplicable that others do? Good attitude.

I've read elsewhere that Royal takes a percentage for processing and handling the money. Can I prove the person's who have written that are correct? No? Royal Caribbean charging folks a fee for doing something? Hmmmmm. Sure sounds like a possibility. 

We just got back from several BtB's, (2 months straight of sailings) and the gratuities are getting out of hand. So, I went to guest services to ask just where tips are going. They handed me a pre-printed list and I was very surprised. Back in the day, tips were split between the Cabin attendant, Waiter, and assistant Waiter. Now...if you look at the list, there are several others added, such as " other hotel services" staff and others behind the scenes we never see or use directly. @ $6.50 per day per guest. If we order something to the room, there is already a 18% tip added to the bill. So why are we paying it twice? (Royal, though making it what seems easier to get it pre-paid so it is out of our minds...but as a way for the guest to subsidize the payroll system) So I asked them to remove all the daily gratuities, and we went back to doing it old school. We went back to handing out cash again. Because of all the changes in the MDR, and reduced quality of the meals and reduced options. We find that we are using the MDR less and less. Maybe a small inconvenience, but when I use the MDR, I hand the tips directly to the recipients just prior to leaving from dinner...just the way we do it when we go out to eat at home. I knew that the staff would like this, but was surprised that they were more excited about it more than I thought they would be. Of course, I informed them how I would be handling it from the start, so that they did not think they would be getting twice the amount. You would be surprised just how much what I consider as "fluff" in the amount you tip per day.  $6.50 per day x 2 = $13.00, for 7 days = $91.00

Excited about a Quantum ship in LA? Yes.
 
Excited about lame 3-6 night itineraries? No.

Last year this was correct, however, both ride share companies now have a contract with the pier

Financial debate aside my humble opinion is I pretty much think I prefer another Oasis class over an Icon class. I just think the Icon class has become an amusement park at sea. I like my vacations to be relaxing. Guess I’m showing my age 😂😂😂

Silly click-bait article 
This thought process is applicable to any ship 

Silly click-bait article 
This thought process is applicable to any ship 

I see a repositioning cruise in my future

I see a repositioning cruise in my future

I see a repositioning cruise in my future

I am going to find a way to work the term “band aids and burnt hair” into a conversation; that’s awesome!

I am going to find a way to work the term “band aids and burnt hair” into a conversation; that’s awesome!

Drive by in process.

I think I saw "Band Aids and Burnt Hair" play at a dive bar in college.

I am going to find a way to work the term “band aids and burnt hair” into a conversation; that’s awesome!

I am going to find a way to work the term “band aids and burnt hair” into a conversation; that’s awesome!

So just to clarify, you allowed a misunderstanding regarding some sea pass cards and a “rude” crew member named Miguel ruin a vacation on Symphony? Something stinks of band-aids and burnt hair with this story. 

Well I went the website and dug around, it looks like the CFAR "upgrade" is offered only on single trip policies, not to an annual policy

Wow!
That could be a game changer in an annual policy.  How much does it add to the premium?

Robots have young robot families back home they send money to. Cut them a break.

Gratuity on Bionic Bar is the one I find most excessive

Gratuity on Bionic Bar is the one I find most excessive

Gratuity on Bionic Bar is the one I find most excessive

Gratuity on Bionic Bar is the one I find most excessive