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.

Until our next respectful debate

Again, you are speculating because there might be a good number of solo cruisers in cabins that can hold up to two or more guests and those extra boat seats could be open. We just don’t know. You are also assuming that the potential new guest will spend more than the kid’s family and there’s no evidence behind it. Then, realistically the cost/benefit opportunity is not applicable in this situation.

I get the point and at the same time I know for a fact that the cruise has the ability to move and reassign muster stations and people to different muster stations as needed. Then, unless the cruise is at 100% capacity, your argument is flawed. But even if you were right, that doesn’t mean that a seat on an emergency boat costs $600.

I’m having a hard time making reservations for the Hiro show on Symphony. I tried both the app and the website. Based on your experience, is there an email for the reservations to request this? Or is it better to wait until we are onboard? Finally, do you know if any of the main shows on Symphony are age restricted? Thanks!!

I see your point. I just don’t agree with it because it doesn’t have anything to with the price the cruise charges. If that were the case, then seniors that are generally prompt to more risks and guests that have mobility issues will have to pay more due to safety. That’s not the case, then the same should be applicable to the baby. We are not going to solve this issue here but I appreciate your perspective.

I hear you and we are agreeing. I just find it interesting that you went from safety, to financials, to market, to policies, just to come to the same conclusion that at the end the company can do whatever they want to meet their goals. Have a good one.

Thank you for proving my point that it was never about safety or market conditions. It was clear it was always a money grab.

The customer side is also important. Is the family getting a larger cabin for the $600? No. Is the baby getting his own bed? No. Is the cruiseline taking care of the baby? No. Is the cruiseline entertaining the baby? No. As a stockholder, I would feel bad if my company is overcharging customers for nothing. Specially when RC sells itself as a Family oriented cruiseline.

Your previous post was mostly about safety reasons. Now you mention financial reasons. I tend to think is the latter.

I’m probably in the minority here but I don’t buy this analysis. I have sailed in European cruise lines where children under two were free. For Royal to charge $600 for a baby in a room with two paying adults is excessive.