uvadover

I loved Odyssey last summer. Would be amazing to do transatlantic and just enjoy the journey. Have fun and keep us posted.

So the dishwasher is covered by your cruise fare, but not the guy who carries the plate to your table? You seem to know everything, so are you privy to a compensation approach whereby the waiter is more reliant on tips than those in the kitchen?

Kusadasi / Ephesus was one of our most favorite ports ever.

Shore Excursioneer - Naples Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Hike with Lunch or Wine Tasting Excursion Did Pompeii in the morning before it was very busy, then Vesuvius in the afternoon which never gets particularly busy because it is quite a strenuous walk.

When you resort to yelling, you've lost. But it clearly touched a nerve that removing auto-gratuities is typically the sign of a miser, who will gladly stiff the staff to save a few bucks on an otherwise awesome vacation.

Phew!

2 dinners, a snack, and 2 desserts - in one night. We're doomed.

All you really care about is paying less. For all of the people gloating about removing auto-gratuities, and focusing on the few people they choose to "reward," not a single cruiser ever says they pay anything close to the same amount overall. Instead, we have math about giving a guy $20 and pretending that is generous. On your next cruise, I hope that your dishwashers and laundry staff do a job on-par with your gratuities.

I'll go out on a limb to say this saves you money on your trip.

Literally speaking, tipping is not mandatory. But it is customary. Folks who remove the auto-gratuities justify it by saying "oh I definitely tip more...but in cash," or "I am only giving it to the folks who directly provide me service," or "I am going to teach the cruise line a lesson," etc. But ultimately, they are just screwing a lot of hard working folks who make cruising so darn desirable that a bunch of people spend countless hours on this message board arguing about it, after having an amazing time on their vacation.

Has there ever been a poster who touts the fact he/she declines the auto gratuity without declaring that he/she GENEROUSLY tips in cash?

Lobster is a unique issue here. It brings folks together in unity, and/or divides them/some/others in their perspectives on preparation, size, extra ones in the MDR, and presentation throughout. I certainly enjoy a good lobster, but it's hardly a focal point of my cruise - seems like many folks see this as a make or break issue on whether they truly enjoyed the experience. The funny thing is that lobster is very easy to prepare at home. No, maybe you don't have access to fresh Maine lobster, but if you just want to make a previously frozen tail or order a whole one online, it might make your cruise experience a bit more broadly focused.

Absolutely fun and worth it - even for the unlimited pass. No, it's not Universal Studios roller coaster flying 100mph and upside down, but it's a great ride from the top of the mountain, meandering thru a tropical canopy of trees, with awesome views of Labadee and the ships in port. It's a unique experience that's a bit of a throw-back (e.g. manual brakes) but strikes the right balance for almost all ages.

We did the All Access tour on Oasis and it was awesome, especially if you are a cruise geek. See the galley; see the laundry; see the "mission control" where they show how they monitor the engines and water purification and exhaust; see "I-95" and the corridors where they store the massive amounts of food; then obviously tour the bridge. It isn't cheap but it was a highlight for me. The guide was great, and you get to interact with different staff members throughout, who are clearly proud of their areas. Granted, I didn't take the same tour when we were on Odyssey this summer, but I would imagine it is just as great. Not quite the same size ship, but I would expect very similar stuff - if not even better with some new technology. I would highly recommend it. And of course, you can always lock in now, cancel closer to the voyage, or get a better price in the meantime. Regardless, I think it's worth it.

FWIW, the Android version of the app is super glitchy. To the point it was barely usable on our recent cruise. When I needed to jump on, my family members with iPhones seemed to have much better luck.