Colombia20102018

Like others have said, everything has to be perfect. In my case, I had to take the train around 8:50 or so. The difference is that the train station is within walking distance of the port, but the airport is not.

Let’s do the math. At $3.55 per guest per room per day. Supposing that this is true and that Royal Caribbean is giving them that money and assuming double occupancy, let’s round that up to $7 per day per room. Now let’s assume each Stewart is responsible for ten cabins. That would be $70 per day, $490 a week or $2100 a month just in tips. Most guests leave a little extra. Let’s say on average $50 per room. That’s another $500 per week for ten rooms or another $2142. That totals $4212 a month just in tips on average. Now, I understand that they also have a base salary and don’t have to pay any costs on board. They get a shared cabin, good food, gym, internet, and other amenities. Let’s say the salary is $800 a month. Then give or take they could make about $5000 a month. If these assumptions are correct, 80% of their income is based on tips which is extremely exaggerated. Now, some rooms are for four people and suites pay more tips, then the amounts are even bigger. I have a hard time believing they make this much. What are your thoughts?

Let’s do the math. There was a recent post showing that the room steward gets about $4 per guest per room per day. Supposing that this is true and that Royal Caribbean is giving them that money and assuming double occupancy, that’s $8 per day per room. Now let’s assume each Stewart is responsible for ten cabins. That would be $80 per day, $560 a week or $2400 a month just in tips. Most guests leave a little extra. Let’s say on average $50 per room. That’s another $500 per week for ten rooms or another $2142. That totals $4512 a month just in tips on average. Now, I understand that they also have a base salary and don’t have to pay any costs on board. They get a shared cabin, good food, gym, internet, and other amenities. Let’s say the salary is $500 a month. Then give or take they could make about $5000 a month. If these assumptions are correct, 90% of their income is based on tips which is extremely exaggerated. Now, some rooms are for four people and suites pay more tips, then the amounts are even bigger. I have a hard time believing they make this much. What are your thoughts?

I haven’t seen anyone mentioning this so I will throw it in just in case. St. Martin is a two country island. One half is French, the other Dutch. While in theory you can cross freely from one side to the other, one might be aware that regulations might be different.

The other day in the Aquatheatre, two ladies kept chattering during HIRO. The finally shut up when the performers got them soaking wet

I found the cinema on Jewel to be a big plus. I enjoyed multiple movies there during sea days.

Instead of charging for pizza they increased the gratuities

This was all week long. I asked one of the staff and pretty much said that’s the way it is.

If my memory doesn’t fail me, there was lobster night in Voyager sailing from Denmark

If the menus are not that different then what’s the issue with bringing the old ones back?

There was no lamb shank or braised lamb in either cruise. One was a 12 night and the other a 7 night.

Last week on Symphony both the café Promenade and Sorrento’s had only water to drink. I understand that Royal wants to increase their sales by selling more drinks or more drink packages. This should not be forced. The guests should have the option to decide if they want the included complimentary option or buy another drink. This should not be forced. Complimentary drinks are not really complimentary. They are included as part of the fare, therefore the customer is paying for them. They should be available 24/7 wherever there’s food and at multiple other locations.

By now I had the chance to try the new menus in Jewel in August and in Symphony last week. I have to start by saying that the service is still great and that they deserve credit. The food situation on the other hand is not so good. The appetisers and desserts are okay but the entrees are weak at best. I missed lobster tail night, the duck, the lamb shank. The new options are so unattractive, small, and unoriginal. This same food is almost always available at the buffet too. Are there any serious efforts to bring the quality of the food back?

Let’s hope for some good weather. I will be aboard too

That really sucks. I will be in Symphony this Sunday and was looking forward to some good food. My last cruise was on Jewel and the food was so so. Is there a chance that you had a cold or something that would affect your sense of taste? I’m not familiar with the casino rules so I can’t comment on that. I hope you have a fantastic time in Italy.