no problem. i think some people claim that they didn't know, but how could you not know, especially if you have been on a cruise before. That's nice your TA paid for them, I wish mine did (ha ha). I too feel like I don't like to pay thing in advance, but I always do with my gratuities especially how they have been increasing lately. One thing I don't have to remember to have extra money for once I'm on the cruise. Any way, I guess people have their own reasons how they do it.Just personal preference I guess.