DocLC

I'm not sure if this is true on European sailings. I was under the impression that the bar prices were higher, at least for sailings out of Southampton, and no extra gratuity was charged. (Essentially, the prices were raised to factor in a hidden gratuity.)

 

Edited to add... You are right for most sailings, however. I just wanted to add an exception that I believe may exist.

I think you may be correct. I've been reading a lot of reviews for European sailings on RCI and one of the complaints is the high price of drinks at the bars. I think they may preload the service fee into the cost of the drink instead of adding on afterwards.

I mostly listen to cruise related podcasts to help the time pass and to add to the excitement. I must admit that I've listened to various RCBlog podcast episodes repeatedly just in case I missed something. YouTube videos help as well and have the advantage of giving you a good feel for the ship.

I'd say it's worth trying.  One of two things could happen.....

 

1. Someone will cancel randomly

 

2. Someone will cancel when final payment is due

 

#2 is most likely to happen but I'd be on the wait list if you really want that sailing.

I agree with Matt. Given that there's no penalty for canceling prior to final payment, there's always a chance that someone will cancel as they may be holding multiple reservations waiting to decide which one will be best for them (e.g., airfare costs).

I say go for it. My one experience with Celebrity had quite a young crowd, but that was during Spring break. I've also been on other lines that skewed way older and never had a problem because of it.

I'm wondering whom I'm supposed to tip in this situation....

I'm sure the service fee will apply just like in any other venue including the cabin's minibar. We used the self-serve wine dispensers on another line and were surprised that a service fee was added.

Note, also, that a venue may appear that you don't recognize as the soda package and or a drink seminar is billed to a specific venue even though it's actually the charge for the special vent or beverage package.

We did the Legend out of Tampa years back. It was a great port to cruise out of and a very scenic departure. Unfortunately, I can't comment on the ship, yet, as I don't sail on her until July 2015, although I'll be on her sister, Jewel, in January.

 

Kris