PWP-001

You're splitting hairs and missing the point of the post. So let me rephrase: Someone noted that they are outlined in The Compass... which also isn't published and automatically given in paper form to guests. Further let me clarify with an example: In my professional industry I would get a monthly publication delivered first class mail in paper form that was approximately 22 pages. Most of the time, when I heard the squeak of the mail slot and looked over to see "The Ledger" as it was called, drop to the office floor, my world would stop and I would read it cover to cover-- because it was filled will important regulatory and mandatory items, including deadlines. At some point, we received the "good news" that The Ledger would be available in PDF form rather than delivered in paper form. Guess what? Hardly anyone --myself included-- read it as religiously as when it was in paper form-- even though it contained the same type of critical information we needed. Instead, we'd end up receiving no less than 3 to 5 emails nagging and reminding of that important stuff that was in The Ledger that no one read anymore! That's exactly what happened on my recent RCL cruise: I didn't read one word of The Compass. Oh, I saw the QR code pasted to the wall in the rack near Guest Services where the The Compass used to be available, but didn't bother to scan or download. So the usefulness of The Compass to convey important information has diminished. In paper form, I read The Compass from cover to cover, and was sure to see anything deemed important. In summary, to make it crystal clear, so that you aren't mislead again: Since neither a customs form or The Compass is automatically placed in every stateroom without some intervention, PERHAPS it wouldn't be a bad idea for RCL to deliver and place in every occupied stateroom a standard "Disembarkation Reminders" paper that addresses procedures, the elimination of paper declaration customs forms for most people, explanation as to when a form must be completed, and a reminder of duty exempt limits. THAT, to me, would be good service on RCL's part. And perhaps would curtail embarrassing or stressful situations as the OP started this thread to relate. PS- Since I've read here that I can request that my room steward deliver The Compass daily, that's what I plan to do on my upcoming cruise.

After reading the OP's account of the incident, I don't know how this situation could be seen as anything but a lack of knowledge and an innocent mistake. I beg to differ at your claim of "very clearly documented," as I've spent a good 20 minutes at CBP.gov trying to find a concise listing of items, limited amounts, and dollar amounts for import duties and couldn't find it. From years ago I remember there's a dollar exemption and there's also a limit to quantities of certain items, such as alcohol and tobacco products. Or at least there used to be. This used to be spelled out of the customs form... which aren't required or handed out to cruise line passengers prior to disembarkation anymore. Someone noted that they are outlined in The Compass... which also isn't published anymore. It's all online and out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind. I do think that --in the name of good service-- on board shops SHOULD make it a policy to include a blank customs form along with the receipt and give a brief mention that this may be an item that needs to be declared. Someone earlier commented that it's a personal responsibility to know all of these details. Well, yes, sure-- if we were living in a world of Brain Wizards! But the reality of the world is that we don't all exist at that level of greatness. Afterall, some can't even distinguish between smuggling and an innocent mistake.

I was on a Panama Canal cruise where I won four taxable jackpots, meaning each was more than $1,200. In fact, the total was over $24,000. I used some to pay down my on board account, but walked off the ship with over $20,000 in my pocket. I answered YES to the question about having more than $10K and I was taken to an office by the agent reviewing my form in the line. In the office, I pulled out my W-2G to show the agent that completed a form, and I was on my way in about 5 to 10 minutes total time.

Your understanding aligns with what I cut/pasted here from the AMEX website. Adolfo2's exact words were "many moons ago." I will guess that any travel agency that still has the contract to offer CPP is grandfathered in. I became a Platinum Cardmember back when it was a "by invitation only" card. Back then, which was prior to the internet, they offered PTS: "Plantinum Travel Service," an exclusive team to help with cardmember travel needs. Only the first time I called to book a Royal Caribbean Cruise that my aunt and uncle asked me to purchase as their gift for my parent's anniversary, the AMEX agent scoffed at the idea that she would have to waste her time to book a simple 7 day cruise. Read: not enough commission. Today, things have changed: do it yourself on their website or wait way too long to speak with someone. What hasn't changed is their focus on generating profit for shareholders. Given their current "relationship" with Expedia, it's all about funneling business through American Express travel. And as GetToLivin points out, their prices aren't always the best.

Actually this is a quote from a brief history of tipping and it's something that I've heard from other sources which I cannot remember to cite: Tipping—which may have originated in the taverns of 17th Century England, where drinkers would slip money to the waiter “to insure promptitude” or T.I.P for short Tipping was done in advance.

If you ever spend time talking with service employees (meaning not officers) you MAY have one or two tell you they endure the tight living quarters, 7 days a week work schedule, etc., simply because they get to "see the world." But the majority are doing so to support family members in their home country. And every extra dollar they earn is another one they can send home. They pick up on the extra cash tippers quickly. There have been times where there's a line of people waiting for drinks, and a cocktail server will see me and ask what I want to drink, bypassing the line. At a crowded bar, my drink won't stay empty long, as I'm asked if I'd like another. In the casino, playing at a table, I'll drop a $5 chip on the cocktail tray when my drink is delivered, and the cocktail server is back asking me if I'm ready for another when my drink is down to 1/4. But let me add that whether it's the $1 cash in a bar or the chip in the casino, it is always accompanied on my part by a sincere thank you and smile to show my appreciation for good service. I'm sure some (or hopefully many) will think it's crazy and unnecessary to tip, since there's something already tacked on for a gratuity. That's okay; they don't have to change their habits.

Such as this topic we're discussing?

As an AMEX Platinum cardmember, I think you may be referring to this benefit: "Cruise Privileges Program" which is one of the many benefits available to Platinum Card members. But just like the many, many other benefits that come with the card, there's a lot of fine print that separates your understanding of the benefit from the reality of qualification from the benefit. I have pasted all the hoops to jump through that are listed on their website. (Log-in to our account, then making sure your Platinum Card is selected if you have multiple cards, navigate to benefits and drill down to Travel, to find this particular benefit and Learn More.) The most important part of this benefit --like many of their other travel related benefits-- is the requirement that the travel (in this case a cruise) is booked and paid for through American Express Travel with your AMEX card. I looked this up because common sense and my 40 + years as an Amex Card member told me that AMEX was simply NOT going to dole out $200 credits for simply paying for a cruise using their card. I've always looked at these benefits as AMEX sharing a part of their profit earned from my purchase and from their travel volume contracts they have with cruise lines and upscale hotel chains (Fine Hotels and Resorts which includes ONE ANNUALLY $200 statement credit, breakfast for two every morning of stay, noon check-in based upon availability, guaranteed 4pm check-out, and usually a use it or lose it property credit that generally cannot be used towards the hotel's daily resort fee or valet parking.) Cruise Privileges Program Cruise Privileges Program ("CPP") benefits are valid only for new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel. CPP benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion® Card Members (Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card. CPP benefits are non-transferable. Participating cruise lines and program benefits are subject to change. The benefits of an onboard credit and amenity are valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights and require double occupancy; the eligible Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked; the total cost of the CPP booking must be paid using an American Express® Card in the eligible Card Member's name. Onboard credits and amenities cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated; blackout dates, category and fare restrictions may apply. Onboard credits and amenities may not be available to residents outside of the 50 United States. Onboard credits and amenities apply per stateroom, with a three-stateroom limit per eligible Card Member, per cruise. For new CPP bookings with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $100 for inside and outside staterooms, $200 for balcony, verandah, and mini-suite staterooms, and/or $300 for suites. For new CPP bookings with Cunard, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit (in USD) of: $300 for all Queen Mary ocean-view staterooms category EF or higher, and/or Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth ocean-view staterooms category FA or higher. For new CPP bookings with Ama Waterways, Oceania, Regent, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea, Uniworld, and Windstar, eligible Card Members receive an onboard credit of US$300 for all stateroom categories. For new CPP bookings, Centurion Members receive an additional US$200 onboard credit on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea. Onboard credits will be applied at checkout upon completion of the cruise; credit amounts in local currency may vary due to foreign exchange rates; credits are subject to cruise line terms and policies; credits cannot be used for casino charges, gratuities or other similar charges. Any unused portion of a credit is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash. Other restrictions may apply. Onboard amenities vary by participating cruise line and are not available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos and Silver Discoverer. Onboard credits and amenities are not available on Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings.Extra Membership Rewards® points: CPP-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward® point per eligible dollar spent on new CPP bookings made with participating cruise lines through American Express Travel; separate airfare and other charges associated with such bookings are not eligible. CPP bookings must be made using the eligible Card (described above). The extra points will be credited to the Card Member's Membership Rewards account 8-12 weeks after completion of the CPP cruise. For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms. Seller of Travel American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms.California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694

Until Royal institutes something that works and they are willing to enforce, how about this: We live in a society where small children can do no wrong: running wild, being loud, misbehaving... all without discipline. So I think a few mommy and daddies should TRAIN their young'uns to laugh and run through the pool areas, PULLING EVERY TOWEL OFF of an empty lounger and dropping them in a pile over to the side! "Oh, I'm sorry, but there wasn't anything on any of the chairs when I came out, so I don't know what you mean about reserving this chair."

Since you mentioned Freedom as your ship, I'll share that for the August 19, 2022 3 day cruise, I had The Key and lunch in MDR. While the menu states Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, they passed off the normal MDR small shrimp cocktail. As she served it to me, I called out the mistake, only to be told this is all they had. I don't know if it was a 'one-off' for my cruise or just RCI cutting a corner. The crab cakes at breakfast for disembarkation were very good, if that helps sway your decision. If you do decide on The Key, I'd be interested if they pull the same shrimp switch.

I was infuriated to learn that even though I paid double for three cabins, to each sail solo, that I would have to pay more than just taxes and port fees for a second person to join in one. This is recent and was for a LOTS sailing Nov 2022. Here are the specifics: A was booked solo, but now A doesn't want to go, so I thought I could book B in to share with A, just paying port fees and taxes. Then at last minute, would cancel A for a refund of A's port charges and taxes, so B would sail alone. (I planned this shenanigan's because I was pretty sure that RCI wouldn't permit a straightforward name change from A to B.) Well, since B never confirmed in time, I canceled A's room for 75% cancel fee and got 25% back plus tax & pc's. These are for a cheap, cheap 3 day cruise mid-week in an inside cabin, so not much money. Here we are two weeks later, and there's a price drop for balcony's, so for my cabin and another inside cabin for C, I was able to pay $150 to upgrade to a balcony for each of the two cabins. OP... don't know booking pace for your cruise or room type you booked for SIL, but you MAY have luck adding and upgrading during a fare sale: if the cabin type originally booked for SIL has gone up, it could be cheaper to upgrade to a higher cabin type that's discounted more during the sale for a reasonable price, extracting greater value. In general, while there seems to be greater cruise demand and cruise lines are burdened with tremendous debt acquired during COVID shutdown, I think we'll see pricing policies that border on gouging. Whether it's cruise fares or $500/hour beach cabanas, they're most likely the norm-- at least for awhile. To me, it's just price gouging to essentially say: "Yes, we know we made you as a solo traveler pay as if two are in the room, but now that two are really in the room, we're going to reprice your room at current rates. We are NOT GOING TO EVEN CONSIDER that it's better for us to have two 'buying units' in the room rather than the solo traveler, with double the potential for us to earn in the casino, bars, specialty restaurants and excursion desk. We know it could be better for us, but we still want you to pay up to our current pricing." Ugh!

When I sailed on Princess Cruises 2013 - 2017 the upcharge to eat in their specialty restaurants (Italian or Steakhouse) was $25. In my mind, I thought the rationale was that the cruise fare paid included all meals, but if you wanted to pay a little extra for a meal, you could enjoy one of their specialty restaurants. At first, there wasn't a limit to what you could order. It seemed to be a tradition in the steakhouse that after ordering your steak, the waiter would automatically ask: and how many lobster tails. When I asked for just one, I was served two. At some point that all changed to a strict "limit one" entree by the end of 2017. My Chops dinner for one, without ordering any upcharge items, was $69.61 during my August 2022 FOTS cruise. There didn't seem to be much price resistance, as all the specialty restaurants were sold out. I've since realized that not everyone was paying that price, given sales on UDP's, and comp meals for certain elite guests, I think I'm learning is the case. What comes to mind is an insider employee comment about a high-end steakhouse in a well-know casino in South Florida: "Over 90% of people dining are on comps." The pricing, long before COVID, was sky-high-- even taking into consideration that they only serve PRIME meat. Those not being comped appeared to be fleeced for their meals, and those on comps usually ended up with dinner checks in excess of their comp voucher. I begin to wonder is RCI has employed that model as well: offsetting the comps with excessive pricing.

Before commenting, I did read all of the posts, including the sidebars on economics and someone's scolding and demonstration of superiority by placing his wealth on display which I hope he put away and zipped up. So back to the topic of Internet service... I'm new to RCI and I was on board Freedom of the Seas in mid August 2022. I had Voom Streaming Level service because I purchased The Key. I was quite impressed given my standard was from Princess Cruises 2013-2017 where the internet was so slow, that even email was difficult, it seemed. So with my iPhone in airplane mode, I was quite surprised to stream music and even get a phone call at sea (I think, though could be wrong) that was clear and not choppy at all. Would I have been experiencing that new technology on my Aug 19 - 22 cruise on FOTS? Did I set myself up for huge disappointment with Internet service for my upcoming cruises on Liberty, Harmony, Grandeur, and Odyssey that I have booked Nov 2022 - Mar 2023?

Nope, they could all fit comfortly inside the small serving dish/glass: not hanging over as yours are. They definitely were the ones served in the MDR as I saw others order that evening.

I was on FOTS 08/19/22 and that was a first time purchase of The Key. I assumed the food was prepared in the MDR galley, just as the Chops upsell items on the MDR menu probably are. The thing that was disappointing was the shrimp cocktail served were NOT colossal sized shrimp but instead the smaller ones on the MDR menu every evening. I pointed this out to the server as she placed it in front of me, and her response was "we don't have those today."

Perhaps you mean "vegas" in another country. Because in Las Vegas, NV, USA the following applies: From IRS Pub 515: Gambling winnings (Income Code 28). In general, nonresident aliens are subject to chapter 3 withholding at 30% on the gross proceeds from gambling won in the United States if that income is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business and is not exempted by treaty. The tax withheld and winnings are reportable on Forms 1042 and 1042-S. Chapter 4 withholding does not apply to these proceeds. This is from page 38 of 57. There sure seems to be an incredible amount of misinformation and misleading statements about taxation in this thread.

It sure has! People have shared stories describing illegal money laundering as they mentioned buying several small money orders mailed to themselves for deposit on different days to avoid reporting. Another has described tax fraud, collecting non-winning tickets to claim them as their own gambling losses. And several have misrepresented tax laws.

This is a VERY misleading statement. From 2021 IRS Pub 54: If you meet certain requirements, you may qualify for the foreign earned income and foreign housing exclusions and the foreign housing deduction. If you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien and you live abroad, you are taxed on your worldwide income. However, you may qualify to exclude from income up to $108,700 of your foreign earnings. In addition, you can exclude or deduct certain foreign housing amounts. See Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Housing Exclusion and Deduction, later. You may also be entitled to exclude from income the value of meals and lodging provided to you by your employer. See Exclusion of Meals and Lodging, later. Part of those requirement limit the number of days the taxpayer may be in the US. So, wandering off to Thailand for a summer and taking a job mean EVERY PENNY would be subject to US Taxation,

Provided that a taxpayer itemizes their deductions on their federal income tax return, the taxpayer may indeed deduct their losses to the extent of their winnings from gambling. As an aside, I am guessing that a tax auditor would be very interested in a tax return where a tax preparer claimed gambling losses based upon another taxpayer's non-winning tickets found in the trash.

OMG!! Please, please, please let's hope that Pinnacle Lady we read about in another thread, that cut the line in Windjammer -- simply by flashing her pin-- not ever read this thread because I think she will implode and take out anyone living in a ten mile radius! OP, the responses on this thread are why one should practice ultimate discretion when it comes to comps and special perks.

Actually, your comment needs clarification. You are correct when you say "monetary instruments," but your comment that it "doesn't matter if it is cash, checks" is not accurate. Not all checks are "monetary instruments" by definition: in the context of this this thread, if the casino did write a check on board made payable to the winner, "Mr. Jack Pot Winner" and Mr. Winner has NOT endorsed the back of the check, then it is NOT by definition, a monetary instrument. From the instructions on the back FinCen Form 105, which is the form US Customs will complete when returning with $10K or more of monetary instruments: Monetary Instruments— (1) Coin or currency of the United States or of any other country, (2) traveler’s checks in any form, (3) negotiable instruments (including checks, promissory notes, and money orders) in bearer form, endorsed without restriction, made out to a fictitious payee, or otherwise in such form that title thereto passes upon delivery, (4) incomplete instruments (including checks, promissory notes, and money orders) that are signed but on which the name of the payee has been omitted, and (5) securities or stock in bearer form or otherwise in such form that title thereto passes upon delivery. Monetary instruments do not include (i) checks or money orders made payable to the order of a named person which have not been endorsed or which bear restrictive endorsements, (ii) warehouse receipts, or (iii) bills of lading. In my first post, I shared personal experience and referred to FinCen Form 105 as a CTR, short for Currency Transaction Report, and that is not accurate. Domestic banks use CTR's. Lastly, I don't know what that long, long, comment from someone earlier sharing their experience was trying to convey, but I can tell you that I had absolutely NO ISSUES when I brought back large winnings. I declared it on my paper form (2017) with a YES. The agent escorted me to the office where I took a seat while the agent behind the counter looked at my form and got the a Form 105 and called me up to him. I volunteered my W-2G but he said he didn't need it. I was out the door in less than 5 minutes total.

Decades ago one could pack a bag and show up at the port on sailing day for a last minute deal. TSA and security changed all of that: now you can't even get into the port without a reservation. Today, I'm pretty sure that cruise lines, just like airlines, turn over a manifest to TSA in advance of sailing, so "last minute" isn't the same as it used to be.

I know you asked specifically about RCL -- which I am interested to get some confirmation -- but I can share with you personal experience on Princess Cruises. On two different cruises I was lucky to win jackpots > $10,000. I would have preferred a check, but was told that it could be done, but would be processed on shore and mailed to me. I took the cash. This did mean that I had to declare it; that only took a few minutes for customs to complete a CTR. Casino operations on ships don't have the same regulatory scrutiny as do land based casinos do in the USA, but they certainly do have their own internal controls and regulations that mirror land based casinos. It's just good business. Part of that is making immediate winning payouts in cash.

These are sometimes called Pre-Comps, meaning your cruise is comped before you do any gambling. There's no obligation to play: no one's going to knock on your stateroom door and tell you to get down to the casino. Your actual play during the cruise will determine how much of your room incidentals (drinks, excursions, photos, gift shop, etc.) will be comped off your bill, if any. These are post-comps. Visit the casino host desk and ask, if not displayed, points needed DURING THE CRUISE to earn a certificate for a free cruise. If you hit one of these marks, they will give you a cert which you are advised to take to the Next Cruise desk your final night so you can book what you were awarded with the certificate. If you don't book it then, there's only a very short window to book before it expires. Chances are very good that if you play enough to earn a certificate, then afterwards you will get frequent offers to come back. As for this comp cruise, if you decide to go and not gamble, then you just might not get future offers.

So Royal Up IS taking you to the Prom! Congrats! I hope you have a great time. Can I ask... what did you upgrade to? Or don't you kiss and tell?