Chuck586

I suppose whether it is worth it depends on the subjects of the photos.  In my case I have a mug better suited for radio than television so it probably would not be "worth" it, no matter the cost!!

They mean a lot....the people that have the white or pearl colored cards own the ship....
(It's a joke folks, don't shoot me....lol)

I have seen probably 15 posts in the last year about tipping onboard.  I think the way that Royal (and most cruise lines for that matter) structures the tipping system so it is intentionally foggy.  
I just looked up the current Q&A regarding tipping and it seems to say two different things.  It says that you will be charged a $14.50 per person per day pre-paid gratuity which will be applied to your account.  That gratuity is then "shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience."   A few paragraphs below it says that "A 18% gratuity is automatically added to all beverages, mini bar items, and spa & salon purchases."  So if you read both of those statements it sounds like the bar staff, for example, will receive a share of the $14.50 gratuity, but you will also be charged 18% against any beverages.
It is never clear if the 18% goes into the tip jar for everyone or if it goes to the individual that brought the drink.  It is also unclear if the gratuity fund into which one is contributing on a daily per person basis will go to those who serve that person or are just divided equally among the hotel crew.
It just seems to me that these policies are intended to keep everyone confused.  I think most people will tip at the time of service as they are receiving their drinks or food as that is what we are all trained to do.  

I don't know how I missed this thread but I am just now catching up.  Lots of great information!
As for the Michigan State Cup, I can give some insight.  It was given as a gift because someone obviously has great taste in schools.  Go Green, Go White!

An exclusive forum opens up when you hit diamond status. 

Suites are worth it to some but not to others.  That is why Baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors.  Everyone enjoys something different.

Suites are worth it to some but not to others.  That is why Baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors.  Everyone enjoys something different.

Suites are worth it to some but not to others.  That is why Baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors.  Everyone enjoys something different.

Between the loss of the Seafood Tower and the cancellation of the cupcake class I may just cancel my whole trip....
Maybe I'll think about it first...lol

While this wasn't on the ship, it was during a cruise excursion.  Let's just say it was on St. Martin and was at Orient Beach.  I will only say that it was a parade and leave the rest to everyone's imagination.  Simply put, some things cannot be unseen.
I am reminded of the words of caution given to us by our tour director as we were being let off the bus:  "Those that can, don't and those that do, shouldn't!"  More accurate words have never been spoken.

Between the loss of the Seafood Tower and the cancellation of the cupcake class I may just cancel my whole trip....
Maybe I'll think about it first...lol

While this wasn't on the ship, it was during a cruise excursion.  Let's just say it was on St. Martin and was at Orient Beach.  I will only say that it was a parade and leave the rest to everyone's imagination.  Simply put, some things cannot be unseen.
I am reminded of the words of caution given to us by our tour director as we were being let off the bus:  "Those that can, don't and those that do, shouldn't!"  More accurate words have never been spoken.

Between the loss of the Seafood Tower and the cancellation of the cupcake class I may just cancel my whole trip....
Maybe I'll think about it first...lol

While this wasn't on the ship, it was during a cruise excursion.  Let's just say it was on St. Martin and was at Orient Beach.  I will only say that it was a parade and leave the rest to everyone's imagination.  Simply put, some things cannot be unseen.
I am reminded of the words of caution given to us by our tour director as we were being let off the bus:  "Those that can, don't and those that do, shouldn't!"  More accurate words have never been spoken.

While this wasn't on the ship, it was during a cruise excursion.  Let's just say it was on St. Martin and was at Orient Beach.  I will only say that it was a parade and leave the rest to everyone's imagination.  Simply put, some things cannot be unseen.
I am reminded of the words of caution given to us by our tour director as we were being let off the bus:  "Those that can, don't and those that do, shouldn't!"  More accurate words have never been spoken.

While this wasn't on the ship, it was during a cruise excursion.  Let's just say it was on St. Martin and was at Orient Beach.  I will only say that it was a parade and leave the rest to everyone's imagination.  Simply put, some things cannot be unseen.
I am reminded of the words of caution given to us by our tour director as we were being let off the bus:  "Those that can, don't and those that do, shouldn't!"  More accurate words have never been spoken.

That's bumper sticker worthy right there.

Between the loss of the Seafood Tower and the cancellation of the cupcake class I may just cancel my whole trip....
Maybe I'll think about it first...lol

Between the loss of the Seafood Tower and the cancellation of the cupcake class I may just cancel my whole trip....
Maybe I'll think about it first...lol

Being constantly at the front of the line for the flow rider might be worth the price of admission for my 13 year old!

Being constantly at the front of the line for the flow rider might be worth the price of admission for my 13 year old!

I'm always available if you want to make others happy too!!!   
 

I will never wear a tie.  Formal night seems more like work than a vacation for me.  I have enough of the ties at the office -- vacations are for getting rid of ties.  But to each his (or her) own!!

I will never wear a tie.  Formal night seems more like work than a vacation for me.  I have enough of the ties at the office -- vacations are for getting rid of ties.  But to each his (or her) own!!