TXcruzer

You never noticed the $750 deposit never showed on your CC statement??

Have you ever seen the ships they built SPECIFICALLY fror the Chinese market?  Icon and it's accoutrements are not at all what the "affluent consumer base" in China is looking for.
 
You may want to check your "most affluent" claim.  The Chinese government is doing everything in its power to prevent this very thing from happening.  The Chinese government usually gets their way.

It is called luggage valet and its not really new.  It was a service offered on many ships from many ports.  The service was a victim of the pandemic, but there have been reports of it making a resurgence in recent weeks.
Its a very convenient offering, we took advantage of it often in the past.

They are not refusing to honor anything THEY put on their website.  You, unfortunately, seemed to have misunderstood how this process works.
 

Icon class makes no sense for the Chinese market

EXPECTED %, yes is listed; one always has the option to do as one sees fit. I could care less what they expect, they will get what I feel they have earned.

With the exception of Virgin Voyages, name one direct competitor to Royal in the North American market that includes tips in the fare.
 
Hint:  There are none

A pot of coffee at your door every morning has nothing to do with the key, and is still free and readily available.

Hopefully without misspelling!🤣🤣🤣

EXPECTED %, yes is listed; one always has the option to do as one sees fit. I could care less what they expect, they will get what I feel they have earned.

"Adam Ruins Everything" really?? A satirical comedian is your argument?  
Sorry, in modern society (at least in the US) a gratuity is a reward for good service; it is something to strive to achieve.

Royal already hits you up for 18% per purchased drink or on the total cost of the package.  That is more than adequate.  Now on free Diamond or Casino drinks you might want to add something,  but it really has started to depend, how generous is the pour?  Seems that lately past 9 months they are measuring more, generous pours less often.  Compound that with the fact that most bars the bartenders pool tips.
Jmho but tipping extra helps very little in the overall scheme.

You know you claimed to not want to tell people how to tip and then say this last ditch statement all people make in this argument. LOL.
What would be the point of telling staff? Hopefully to try even harder for a cash tip. Not to give it bare minimum because an automatic gratuity isn't coming.
To answer your question about being curious how service changes when this is done. It's been my experience that service stays exactly the same. If anything it improves.
If anyone has concerns about service changing wait till 2 days before end of trip to have automatic gratuities removed. 
I personally think the crew should know. That way the hay a chance to really try hard for your cash. But knowing and doing less will only result in another trip to guest services to complain about them and try and get them sacked for bad service. Treating guests with cash in their pockets less than because of removal would be shooting themselves in the foot. 
I also recommend splashing some cash on day one. It let's them know you roll cash in hand. I give my cabin attendant $40 when we meet and say just keep the clean towels coming. Bang we understand each other. Same in MDR. Also, know your schedule. If you won't be in MDR every night, tip as you go. It's an extra trip to run around last night with cash for everyone. 

Furthermore, let them know I have removed the auto gratuity.  When someone knows they are working for a cash reward, I believe service improves.  Where is the incentive to perform when you know you are already guaranteed a pre paid minimum? THIS is how gratuities are supposed to work.

And that means nothing. Is someone who doesn't like that system and wants to tip in cash ever going to be happy? Your playing word games. This is like suggested attire in the MDR. Bottom line is you can remove, without being questioned. Why complain about service? So now people who read what your saying will feel they need to complain about potentially great service because they feel an excuse like that is required. Dangerous game to play with a crew members job. This is why Royal seems to have a don't ask, don't tell policy. Occasionally they may say is everything OK? And trust me hearing yes followed by whatever like I tipping cash makes them happy they don't have a complaint on there hands. 
I can't speak for others but my last trip automatic gratuities would have been $240. I spent $765 in cash tips. Made specific people very happy.
Frankly the services of those I did not have individual contact with stunk anyway. Public restrooms were discussing etc. But I'm not falling for subsidizing the crews salary. Pay your executives less. Pay your share holders less. Pay your employees more. 
Next time I will trash a random specific employee to justify the quote think is gospel. See that doesn't sound right. Just be honest. Repeat....Royal Caribbean guest services does not require a reason of poor unsatisfactory service to remove automatic gratuities.
I can understand not agreeing with folks who do this. That's your right. Free country and all. But don't twist the reasons acceptable by interpreting the quote the way you see fit vs how it's actually done. And how it actually plays out. It's an option that exists. And that's how it works and plays out.
Cash tippers aren't cheap. They just don't fall for the mind games. There is nothing gratuity about automatic gratuities. 
I know...I know. I'm the devil now. 
A. It's how I feel.
B. It's how it really works / plays out when people do it.

In my experience, Airbnb fees have gotten to the point that it’s never a feasible economic proposition. 

My annual policy, for the last 5 years or so, has been with Trawick International
 
Have had 2 small claims and was pleased with the process and resolution.
 
The nice thing about most annual policies is they cover a myriad of things ANYTIME you are a set distance from home (mine is 100 miles)

Generally speaking, CFAR coverage is not offered in an annual plan. 

My annual policy, for the last 5 years or so, has been with Trawick International
 
Have had 2 small claims and was pleased with the process and resolution.
 
The nice thing about most annual policies is they cover a myriad of things ANYTIME you are a set distance from home (mine is 100 miles)

We have used GeoBlue Travel Insurance for our annual insurance for the last several years as it works with our corporate insurance policy. It works for us but this not not to say it is for everyone. Since we cruise about once a month it is very affordable for us and covers us for all the intangibles that may occur on our travels. Be sure to research all your options and choose what works for you.

My annual policy, for the last 5 years or so, has been with Trawick International
 
Have had 2 small claims and was pleased with the process and resolution.
 
The nice thing about most annual policies is they cover a myriad of things ANYTIME you are a set distance from home (mine is 100 miles)

My annual policy, for the last 5 years or so, has been with Trawick International
 
Have had 2 small claims and was pleased with the process and resolution.
 
The nice thing about most annual policies is they cover a myriad of things ANYTIME you are a set distance from home (mine is 100 miles)

Fascinating fiction

People are exposed to viruses everyday. There is no reason to contact Royal about an everyday occurrence. 
 
I hope you are feeling better soon. 

People are exposed to viruses everyday. There is no reason to contact Royal about an everyday occurrence. 
 
I hope you are feeling better soon.