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LegalEase

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Posts posted by LegalEase

    Beverage Package?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    It's been a long time since I have sailed on RCCL. I've been sailing mainly NCL for years now. We are booking the Allure, and would like to add the beverage package. Is that something I can do online? I looked it up, and received a message that says "it's either too soon, or this is something you have to book online". How much does this cost per person, per day? We would want the deluxe package, that includes alcohol, water, coffee, and soda. Finally, is there a drink or time limit restriction when using the package? Thank you for the help!

    Tipping in Rome

    in Italy Ports

    Posted

    This topic always gets some interesting comments. But, I would simply submit that the term "Ugly American" applies to fellow Americans who insist on imposing our American culture on other countries. There are various tipping "cultures" around the world which vary from the big tips (often 20% these days) given by North Americans...vs 0 % which is the norm in many countries (including Australia).

     

     

    Some Americans think they are doing the "right thing" by being generous with tips (when they travel) but the reality is that many locals resent Americans...who they see as rich Yanks who like to flaunt their wealth by giving big tips. And yes, quite a few Europeans are now taking advantage of our tipping generosity...while smirking behind our backs. The reality is they think we are foolish (but they still take the money) and I have had an Italian tell me that we are simply idiots to give away our money. It is a worse situation down under where we have been told by a few folks that they resent American's tipping because it is ruining their no-tip culture. One Aussie told DW and me that in Australian they "pay a living wage" and tipping is an insult. On the other hand, we have never seen anyone refuse to accept a tip :).

     

    As a long time world traveler, I think its smart to act like a guest...when visiting foreign countries. And part of being a guest is to learn something about the local culture (including tipping) and try to adhere to these standards....so as not to offend our hosts. There are many good web sites that will give you the tipping standards by country (and sometimes region within countries). Some travel magazines have even occasionally included pull-outs that set forth tipping standards by country.

     

    I do think that we Americans often feel uncomfortable not tipping...or tipping 5% (not uncommon in Italian restaurants where you get very good service). But once you get into the swing of things...its not hard to follow local mores.

     

    Hank

     

    This is very helpful, thank you!

    Margaritaville: 14.99$ cover on Breakaway only?

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Update: the test is completely failing, I saw one couple sitting there the entire cruise. And then when my family sat down near the Chill Bar at a table just to chat and play a game they had the nerve to ask us to move to "make room for the incoming lunch crowd". Are they blind?

     

    I wouldn't pay a cover for that restaurant. We enjoy going and having a snack. I wouldn't pay a flat fee to eat there.

    Once in a suite, always in a suite......NOT! What was your experience?

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    read my reply to this. I meant being tx differently in the common area.

     

    It's all part of the Haven experience, IMO. Any time we had to show a room key for anything, people practically tripped over themselves. I think they (the employees) are told to give VIP treatment to Haven guests. We ate in the MDR one night only because we wanted to see the Burn the Floor dinner show. They assigned a waiter and an assistant to our table, and only our table. It was a little comical, actually.

    Cursing with No Kids?

    in Disney Cruise Line

    Posted

    Hi All,

    We are not new to cruising but have never been on a Disney Cruise but are big Disney fans. How is doing a Disney cruise without kids? Looking at one of the Halloween cruises. We usually do the MNSSHP and have a blast. Are there other guests without kids? Thanks in advance.

     

    My adult daughter and I are taking our first Disney cruise soon. We are WDW locals, and practically live in the parks. That being said, we see on a daily basis how much parents don't watch their kids :o I don't expect any issues, but I don't expect a quiet ship either. We are going for the experience of a Disney cruise.

    Once in a suite, always in a suite......NOT! What was your experience?

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Last time I sailed I was in an aft penthouse on Jewel. This time next week we'll be in a balcony. To be honest, except for free breakfast and lunch at Cagney's, it wasn't worth it.

    Terrible Butler who gave us a hard time about dining in suite during rough seas to a concierge who you could never get ahold of when needed, it was a waste of money.

    Would only do a suite again if the price was right.

     

    It is a totally different experience in the Haven (real Haven - not like the Jade). I would never pay for a suite in a non-Haven ship!

    Once in a suite, always in a suite......NOT! What was your experience?

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    I found it to be true' date=' once we tried a suite, every booking after that was in a suite; until the most recent booking. Because of the increase in suite prices, we have booked a balcony for our next cruise, and though we are Platinum, know we will miss those suite perks! :( Though we have never been on a ship large enough to have a separate Haven restaurant, we always enjoy breakfast and lunch in the suite venue, as well as the larger bathrooms and cabins.[/size']

     

    If you have done this, what was your experience? Did you really miss all those suite perks? Did you manage fairly well in an "other than suite" room? Just want to know others' experiences.

     

    The prices are getting a little ridiculous. What we paid for a 7-night cruise in the Haven on the Epic is now what we are paying for a 5-night cruise in the same cabin (2-bedroom). I priced out the 2-bedroom suite on the Bliss, and they want almost $16,000 for 3 people. That is just ridiculous for a non-holiday Caribbean cruise.

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