Linda R

This is an attitude that usually develops from frequent cruising.  The more you cruise to the same destinations, the less interested you are in getting off the ship.  We almost never get off the ship anymore on Caribbean cruises.   It is also something that Royal has worked hard to facilitate !  They would much rather have you remain onboard and spend your money than leave the ship and spend your money.

Yeah, I really think they are just being nice when the say they appreciate these. Most places outside the states, hell, a lot of places IN the states, don't even know what these are and won't accept them. 

Every drink gets a cash tip. Ordering two? Double tip.

Regarding whether or not a staff member actually keeps the cash tips or puts them into a combined fund...I have finally decided that it isn't my business and I don't really worry about it.  I leave the tip I'm going to leave and what happens to it after it leaves my hand is irrelevant to me.  Sure, I would rather have the person who provided me the service get the money, but the tip sharing policy is not something that I have any control over.  The only thing I can control is whether or not I leave a tip, so I do.
I follow this "rule" whether it's a bartender or a meal server.  I tip at every meal whether I eat at a specialty restaurant or the Windjammer.  99% of the time I leave my tip on the table and depart the pattern.  What happens to that money after I leave is, and will always remain, a mystery.  It's simply none of my business.

Yes, being a generous tipper to the bartenders is not only the right thing to do but also can garner some nice perks. I could stand 4 deep at the casino bar and it’s guaranteed my red stripe beer is going to be handed to me first.

Having been a bartender back in my younger years, I always add extra $$ to RCL's amazing bartenders...it makes a HUGE difference in service quality. 🙂 

We bring about 100 bucks in 1's just to tip bartenders and drink runners on the decks or wherever. If we decide right away that we are probably gonna be at the same bar most of the week (this past cruise we made a nightly stop at the upstairs bar of Music hall) we leave them a 20 the first night and man are they happy to see us for the rest of the week, I don't drink alcohol, and once they knew that- every time I'd step foot in that room, they'd start making me a different virgin drink every time. It absolutely helps. Also, my wife was a bartender for 25 years, she would feel so weird if she wasn't leaving a cash tip on the bar. 

Go to your local bank and get you some $2 dollar bills to take with ya...We have found the bartenders really like the $2 bills for some reason.

I always tip the bartenders…they work hard for their money! 🎶 🎼 

Just take some $1 or exchange them.
This was my 7th RC cruise and for most I've had the DDP. I know grats are already added but I decided after reading facebook and blogs like RCBlog to tip a few bucks when getting drinks.
This was helped by winning $20 with my free slot rolls 🙂 
I have to say while you don't need to tip it really made a difference. 
I get beer mostly so it didn't impact the alcohol level but the friendliness of the staff (they were always friendly before but the level of friendliness increased) and the speed at getting served was improved.
Perhaps not noticeable if you haven't tipped before but I definitely noticed it when the pool bars got busy.
I will definitely be tipping bar staff in the future. 🙂 
 
 
 

You are exactly right. This is a one-way cruise, so folks have to pay to change their existing flights home to be from a different airport and earlier. Last minute flights are likely way more expensive. Travel insurance would cover that gap.
It could also cover any non-refundable costs for excursions outside of the cruiseline. If there were plans to stay in the debarkation city for an extended post-cruise trip, travel insurance would cover the costs to continue your trip.

I turned Pinnacle this year, during a cruise.   I was recognized at the C&A get-together at beginning of the cruise.  But did not get benefits until the next cruise.

While this was unavoidable, and RC did offer a nice compensation, you still might need travel insurance, in my opinion. Many flights will cost more that $600. Especially if that is per couple, not per person.  I also always have hotels pre-paid, before and after cruises.   There could be transportation to airport or train station.  

I turned Pinnacle this year, during a cruise.   I was recognized at the C&A get-together at beginning of the cruise.  But did not get benefits until the next cruise.

I would arrive an hour before your check-in time.  I have had no issues boarding at that time. 

In the GS, the sleeping areas can feel far more separated and private than in the Jr. Suite.  Both have plenty of room for three.  It really just depends on how much you value a bit more separation opportunity.

Room service for coffee and tea is complimentary.  And several places onboard have coffee/tea available, some 24 hours.  I have only seen coffee/tea makers in cabin in Jr suites and above.

We do B2B cruises all the time.  Most cruises in fact.  I always tip room stewart after each leg, and usually give them a tip the first day too.  The cabin stewarts can be changed at any time, and he/she may not know in advance.  Same with dining.  The table you had assigned for week 1 may change for week 2.  If it is the same table the wait staff is likely to rotate.  Tip as you go.  I always do.  And then never have to be concerned about it later. 

My first cruise was in the 80's, and was not much to research then.  No internet, etc.   I had a fabulous time!    I plan more now and have learned a lot of things.  Some are just things that make life easier  (magnetic hooks, better luggage, etc.) Also as you age the way you approach traveling, or things you do on a cruise change.  Just go with it.  Everyone learns from experience.  Just have a fantastic cruise and don't sweat the small stuff.  And then book your next cruise......and the next......

My first cruise was in the 80's, and was not much to research then.  No internet, etc.   I had a fabulous time!    I plan more now and have learned a lot of things.  Some are just things that make life easier  (magnetic hooks, better luggage, etc.) Also as you age the way you approach traveling, or things you do on a cruise change.  Just go with it.  Everyone learns from experience.  Just have a fantastic cruise and don't sweat the small stuff.  And then book your next cruise......and the next......

My tipping comes from having my son cruising with me that I knew would leave messes I did not see for the cabin steward.  Now that he is grown, I still tip the same way.  I give the cabin steward a tip at the beginning of the cruise and in the past would apologies for my sons' messes in advance.  Now I just give the tip in advance and let them know what I like and dislike.  On B2B cruises I do this for both legs of the cruise.  The dining room staff gets tipped after I get the service.  I worked in a lot of food service and some of the time I way over tip for good service and other times the base gratuity is all they earn.

Grand  suite also gets free internet.  Also usually double sinks in bathroom and tub.  All day access to CK and Suite lounge.  Jr suite just has CK for dinner.  Even though you will not be able to have the other 2  guests join you, you may want the experience once or twice just the 3 of you.  The GS is also larger with sofa living room area that may be nice for the 5 of you to visit in.  Or have room service together.  Just a thought. 

You could order room service if it's about wanting to stay in your stateroom. 

What about taking a thermos cup would I be able to fill it up with hot water the night before as I could probably get milk also from a drinks station? 

Unfortunately not retired, I have ways to go working for corporate 😭
I take any and all cruise when I can, If possible to forecast I definitely would. Nowadays the furthers I book out to is 6 months and I start lining them up from there.