GBfromOz

The most obvious answer is because you know the cost/wage model of the clothes or fridge doesn't include gratuities. Conversely, you know the cost/wage model of a cruise does include gratuities. Just like if you were traveling in the U.S.

 

So you can disagree with it all you like. Only the staff get hurt by your choice, not the company. If you really do disagree you shouldn't participate in the industry.

Good points Bekka.

Naomi you have cruised out of the States so you know that their service based industry relies on gratuities for survival as wages are extremely low. The same goes for cruise lines that employ hotel staff under similar contract conditions, even if they are operating on this side of the world.

These people work constantly for 6+ months, away from their family and loved ones. They deserve the money they earn including the gratuities.

Please don't remove them just because you can. Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should. It isn't right.

Australians all believe that everyone deserves a fair go. It is what makes Oz great. Let them.

Let it go and move on.

Nice way to be none judgmental and understanding of someone else's point of view.

 

Don't expect you to agree with me but expect better than a character attack. Will it make you feel better if I go stand in the corner???

 

I am not cheap just don't like how this whole tipping thing is done. What can I say I'm just someone with a different view on this subject than you.

Sorry that you feel that way.:(

I have been at GS when other people remove their gratuities, seen them avoid the dining room on the last night and dodge their stateroom attendant on disembarkation day. It stinks.

Stopping thinking of it as being optional and just factor it as part of the cruise cost and you will feel much better about it in the long run.

Traveling gives you a chance to embrace differences in the places, people and experiences you find.

This is just another difference from home and tipping should not be optional.

Agreed, the fact you got a bargain (or not) cruise price doesn't affect that tipping is done separately and the price is based on not including wages.

 

I prefer the concept of the employer directly paying the wages rather than the customer, but that's just how this model is and because I paid a lower cruise fare because the employer hasn't paid all wages doesn't mean I get to rip off the staff serving me.

Totally right guys.

The total cost of a cruise is the stated fare, taxes/port fees and gratuities. This is the price of the cruise. If it is greater than your budget, don't go! Simple.

Saying that we have a different tipping culture in Australia is a crap excuse for being cheap and trying to save a few dollars. Those that do should be ashamed of themselves.

More of the view.

I have some photos from our December 2012 cruise.

Yay!!

I love watching the new builds come together. Thanks for starting the thread :)

It took a long time to load properly but I can search the U.S. site ok... Very slow.

Aussie site not at all.

I am having trouble as well... Not able to search at all on the Aussie or US sites.

Website issues??

Becoming more and more common with Royal :confused:

We are currently cruising back to Sydney after being affected by TC Pam and are sad to report the death of a passenger at our last port of call, Mare'.

He was pulled from the water after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Very sad end to a very trying cruise.

I will be surprised if he doesn't talk about further commitment to the region and also make a deployment announcement to Wow the travel agents.

 

 

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Could be a confirmation of springaussie's theory that Quantum will make a visit to Oz. That would certainly Wow everyone.

We cruised Mariner 4-12 Nov and there were only two alcohol packages advertised.

These were: Select @ $26/day and Ultimate @ $42/day + 15% gratuity.

There was also the non-alcoholic Royal Replenishment @$14/day + 15% gratuity.

Hope this helps. :)

Wow... Your own personal ice show.. That's impressive!

Possible explanations include:

1. You are some kind of celebrity and need to remove yourself from the little people. Hopefully not a Kardashian. Those people are oxygen thieves.

2. You are über rich and instead of lavishing in private luxury, you like to cruise with random strangers but enjoy alone time during ice shows.

3. You are the first member of the new C&A tier Super Elite Pinnacle Plus and this is just one of the many perks.

4. You have experienced an extremely rare IT glitch on the robust RCCL web site. Very unlikely... I know.:rolleyes:

I would buy a reduced cost drinks package for sure

 

 

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I would as well, just like many others who are currently on the edge of deciding if it would work for them. A small discount would be the tipping factor for me.

I don't drink enough for a package, but I would purchase something like MSC offers; X amount of drink vouchers for $70 to use anywhere/anytime.

What about all types of drink packages, including non-alcoholic?

There has been much conjecture recently about the introduction of 3 electronic drink vouchers preloaded onto D and up accounts, and the flow on effect of reducing overcrowding in the DL/CL during happy hour.

This could be expanded to promoting a small token discount on drink packages as part of D and up perks.

Would more Diamonds and up purchase a drink package if a small incentive was offered?

Welcome to Cruise Critic GB. You picked one of the more interesting threads to join! :D

Thank you for the warm welcome!

I must confess though that I am not entirely new to CC. I mostly lurked under the previous username snooze'n'cruise. It turned out to be quite similar to another user who has been posting recently. So, to avoid any confusion I decided to pull a Prince and change up my moniker.

Please note the new signature :)

I have never booked a guarantee before, but this would certainly make me pause before booking, particularly with the suite option. It is a logical progression. Would anyone accept a balcony or lower if a suite guarantee was purchased?

The OP should get what they paid for, regardless of the initial cost or potential loss to Royal.

My two cents.