icf75

Not specifically cruise related, but there is a current discussion on a British Disney forum r.e tipping.  I'm interested to know what US citizens generally tip in restaurant's, as it seems there is a growing expectation that 20% is the going rate for decent service? (or sometimes just avg service).

I do feel a sense of pressure to tip when I probably shouldn't.

26 minutes ago, Ryan79 said:

You don’t get it both ways. You either pick and have 100% say in the room locations or Royal does. 

Im not concerned about location just opposite rooms

Im looking to book a sea view balcony room and an opposite interior. Is this only possible via the 'pick your own room' option or is it possible to phone up and get them to do it via the 'we pick your room' rate?

Isn’t this just a form of bribery 

I’m not gold status until after my cruise. Does anyone know why I was offered 10% off my beer last night?

im not on the package 

Can you change tiers during a cruise or do the points add up after a cruise is completed?

Hi, currently on western med cruise with pay as you go drinks. Was surprised to see a tax added to the cost of my drink. Does anyone know what this is and whether it only applies in ports? 

Got back in and all my show bookings have gone!

Same here

What should I expect? I would assume that the bed should be put away in the morning at the very least

It seems to me that some tip in order to receive better service rather than reward good service?

Wow you Americans certainly do like to tip LOL!

Am I right in thinking that the rooms now only get serviced in the morning? If this is correct am I liable for making up the trundle bed every night?

Is it possible to purchase a one device plan and use it as a hotspot for other devices?

Im considering walking around with a pitcher from playmakers for myself as its quite good value 

Soon to be travelling on SOS, do drinks prices vary amongst the bars are all the prices the same?

Also confused as to the size of the beer offerings, some menus don't show the amount of liquid, whereas some state this?

Also do Playmakers sell pints of beer? i've read contradictory information.

Am I right in thinking that with traditional dining I can't guarantee a certain table size? Is this only possible with MTD?

Heres a diferent spin on it, if auto gratuities are paid in advance im guessing there is no real need to tip any extra (unless exceptional service).  As the staff dont know who has done this and who hasnt, therefore if  im at bar recieveing a drink and dont tip, im now considered 'tight', and person next to me orders drink and tips now considered 'generous'.   Using the same bartender everytime could lead to Mr/Mrs generous recieiving a better service (although it shouldnt!)

Also is it possible to remove for example half the auto gratuity (before the cruise as ive already added it) and then tip cash when necessary?

14 hours ago, ScottD said:

I would feel terrible if I removed it. They rely on it as part of their salary. It's not fair that Royal (and most cruise lines) do it this way, but it's not fair to the employees to remove it. If you feel like they should get more...then tip in cash on top of it. We brought 100 in ones last week and used them at the bars after each round of drinks. Left our room attendant 25 on the first night and additional money toward then end. Gave our server a cash tip but not a ton because we only ate there 3 nights. I actually felt bad about the lack of cash I saw being left for the bartenders 

Not sure if this is a 'culture' thing but I dont feel I should tip a bartender to get me a drink(especially if its just one drink). I certainly dont do this in the UK.  Is this the norm on the ship?

Can anyone reccomend 3rd party excursion compmaies for the following:

Palma Mallorca, Provence,Florence,Rome, Naples

TIA

Can the codes be shared amongst anybody?

I note that one person with a two device option is cheaper than two persons with a device each. Is this too obvious? but is it possible for me to buy one two device option for one of my children and the other child can use the 'second device'?

Can someone explain this please?

I have booked 4 people in an ocean balcony room (3d) on symphony with the third and 4th guest going free. However if I were to book 2 adults and select an ocean balcony room (4d)the adult price is £200 pp less than what I have paid ( it’s even less if I don’t select the room)

I appreciate it’s a different room grade but it is the same size. It makes a bit of a mockery of an offer if RC merely bump up the other fare?

is this normal?

Hi,

Are the  drink prices the same at every venue? or do they vary? Is there a 'happy hour' anywhere?

TIA