NotPayinExtra

How really really annoying, this must be for the passengers.

When they stop calling it a gratuity, we will talk. Charge more and pay them more. Take less profits. I didn't invent this game/system. I'm not the one making billions. Also, I tip more in cash then any automatic gratuity. I just dish it out my way to who I want. This is something the cruise line allows.

Oh I hope you give cards instead of tips. I hope you stiff everyone. Exactly what I wanted to happen. I win. Welcome to the dark side.

Again, I'm not saying people shouldn't tip. I'm saying it's an option to remove automatic gratuities. I'm also saying it's just wrong to tell others how to spend their money. I personally find that really really annoying.

Great point. People are choosing to cruise on a very family oriented cruise and then complain about the kids. Every ad I have seen for Icon has kids in it. Celebrity is much more adult oriented and Virgin is adults only. If you book Icon, then you should be accepting of children being onboard. I hate the pools being closed, but as Matt said, it is not just kids who are causing the problem. Most of the issues with other passengers that we have ever experienced on a cruise were caused by adults, not kids. The above quote is yours from a month ago. The reality of 2k kids taking a daily dump and pools closing becomes quite frustrating when you are the one who spent a ton of money. LOL.

Try this on. I don't tell other people Not to tip. Or to tip in cash. I just point out ALL the options. Not just the ones you like.

Question is how old is your child? And are they potty trained? That's where this all goes wrong. Parents who let children they know could cause a problem (because they are not trained/too young) go into the pools. Not only ruins it for the adults, but the other children as well.

And I 101% disagree. Articles should state facts, Not opinions. The writer and publication of the article should remain neutral. Also, removing the automatic gratuity doesn't necessarily mean "not tipping". That assumption is your "faux pas".

What the heck does the way the industry does things have to do with an article pushing it's own opinion and agenda on its readers.

Really, what I love (Hate) is how the blog tells you what You (Not them) should do with Your (Not their) money. I find that article insulting. State the facts, not a personal opinion. Point out the ups and downs of it all, but please don't tell me what to do.

Go to guest services at anytime and request the removal of the automatic gratuities. It's quick and painless.

Ok, so I'm booked on Beyond for next May. I picked early 6pm. I get assigned one of the four dinning rooms and have to go to it every night? Or if I want to try them all, just show up other nights at 6pm at the others?

Omg. They do. There is a flag (purple) right next to every life guard stand. This is the same signal you would find on any beach. Purple flag is symbol for sea creatures such as jellyfish. Look it up. It's a universal notification at any beach.

This is very helpful. We have the 6pm dinning for next year on Beyond and I still am trying to understand how it works. Everyone says you can go to the dining room of your choice. It stands to reason all won't have a table ready and waiting at 6pm. Having to wait 25 minutes might as well be anytime freestyle dinning though. Thanks for the real time report.

Those pools with 3 feet of water in them ARE for the adults. The ship is a toddler hell hole. They are allowed to "go" almost everywhere. Including in pools. (Get it. LOL) What more on a cruise ship you could possibly ask for to include for toddlers is totally and completely beyond me. As far as cabins. None have "decks". Some have balconies. Jeeeez, do five minutes of research before spending that kind of money. Between websites like this one and countless YouTube videos there is zero reason to not know in advance what the cabin will look like. Or what any and all of the ship will look like. Your computer is the best brochure ever. Use it. How you people can't find out info on the Internet before a trip, but find websites to complain after the fact never fails to amaze. Also, how anyone can say that ship doesn't have enough stuff for small children is just wild. For me it was a one and done Major Mistake due to everything being toddler friendly. And I researched my backside off. At least I went into it with as much knowledge as I could. The rest was endless shock of parents who thought deluxe beverage package means you don't have to parent all day. And Royal Caribbean doesn't give a fig. But, know before you go. Something, some effort, details, photos, videos, reviews. Then, like me, you earn the right to complain. I was armed to the teath with info and still grossly underestimated. If you don't bother to learn anything, expect nothing.

Sorry but ultimately this is someone looking for something for nothing. This has nothing to do with one individuals health issues. Life happens. That's what insurance is for. And for the rest a $100pp change fee is more than fare. Do I get free health care or car repairs because something bad happened to me? No. That's why you have insurance. If everyone who didn't have insurance got what they wanted by crying about problems, we would be where? If personal medical issues were a get out of cruise free card, the company's would go bankrupt. I'm sick of people who cry "problem" and don't have insurance. The rest of us don't get our money back when all goes well. It's an expense. It's no fun. However, it is a good idea. Congratulations you each saved about $75 bucks on a cheap policy.

Do you have health insurance? Do you have car insurance? If someone in your family was diagnosed with cancer, would a $100pp change fee be in your top 100 thoughts? Pay the $100pp and save your energy for what is really important. Just my humble opinion.

I don't think so.

So you don't buy travel insurance and you don't want to pay a $100 pp change fee. Unbelievable.

You want Royal Caribbean to make the information on the configurations of the state rooms more specific in the website. If I finally guessed right? I don't see anything wrong with the descriptions personally. More importantly other than send a letter or email I can't imagine how anyone could help you with that.

You want help getting Royal Caribbean to give you a cabin that you feel is safe for your children without paying for an upgrade? Because you feel pullmans are too dangerous? That's what I'm getting from what you wrote. If I'm wrong you will need to simplify your story.

Unfortunately it doesn't say it all for me. What do you hope to accomplish? I truly don't understand?

Ok I've read every post. Question. What exactly do you want assistance with?

Circling back to what I believe prompted this post. What is the official deal with this Room Service situation? Can you just pay the $7.95 fee a second time for more items or what? How does it now work? Matt????

So can anyone confirm this? Matt??? If you want more can you just pay another $7.95 fee?