PWP-001

Here's the link for the port's ship movement: https://pevvesseltraffic.broward.org/webx/ Look at the TO or FROM columns to determine dock/terminal Note it only goes out seven days.

I had fun on a weekend cruise recently. And I could say: "Don't miss the casino! Spend all your time there It's great!" But what if you don't gamble? Searching on YouTube for videos of the ship allowed me to find plenty of content on the ship. I was able to watch, learn and find the things that I know I enjoy. By taking the time to view, you'll answer all your questions yourself rather than getting answers from strangers with their bias as to what they like, which might not be according to your personal tastes. Invest the time, read threads on here and draw your own conclusions.

This is funny! Several years ago I think I remember with NCL's similar program the meter started with POOR, rather than RCI's WEAK. Too bad I've read that RCI's IT team isn't that great. Otherwise they should program the SUBMIT button, for ridiculously low bids to change to FORGET IT! I'm encouraged by reading in another Royal Up post that there have been times that "weak" bids have been fruitful. I'll guess is really has to do with specific cruise occupancy, though I wouldn't be surprised if they've set a behind the scenes NO WAY minimum to disregard, say a $25/pp bid on a suite. I usually book a balcony but for the first time I've booked a junior suite. I took up the invitation to bid on a Loft Suite; if it comes through, nice. But if not, I'll be happy experiencing a JS for the first time.

Dear NeepierRoad, It's not you. It's me. I've moved on because at heart, I'm simply a gold digger and have found someone else that treats me better and sees to my needs who has more money. Let's still be friends! Fondly, your friend, Royal Up lol Cheer up, NeepierRoad: maybe Royal Up with come to their senses and see what they're missing out with you, perhaps surprise you at the last minute. I think we've all had these hurtful experiences. There's always another fish in the sea, or cruise for an upgrade.

I can tell you from my own conversations with crew members, the cash preference is specific to "cash tip vs. signing an additional gratuity to a check. In this particular circumstance, cash goes in their pocket whereas the additional gratuity added goes into the gratuity pool. The practice that the OP describes and what I have used myself, goes right to the crew member in full.

I would agree that whoever is paying the high price probably isn't familiar with RCL and probably isn't aware of what pricing used to be. I will also state, that while I can't think of an occasion where I would pay these prices, it's no reflection on the passengers that do. It's an optional purchase for which they perceive value whether its exclusivity, privacy or service. I have to believe that RCI on that day will assign one or two staff members to provide exclusive service for those guests. (Cynically I'll add, that EVERY staff member would probably fight to be on service... just to get an up close look at who paid that much to sit in the shade.)

Here's what we know for sure: The OP's original intent was a $75 gratuity that was mistaken for a $15 gratuity. The OP's feels it would be insulting to give a $15 tip rather than $75 to the "special crew member." The OP wants to resolve this so the crew member gets the $75 as intended. The OP was seeking help on how best to communicate with RCI to get the intended $75 to crew member. Others through this thread have learned that you really can charge a specific gratuity to your folio. A few have confirmed this is a viable option for tipping citing their own experience in doing so. One apparent "mind reader" even shared with us what the crew member was thinking, lopping on a guarantee to their claim. Personally, at least I am sure that the OP did NOT intend this to be yet another discussion of auto-gratuities vs. individual gratuities.

It's hard not to think of Martin Shkreli when I see they've set the price at $3,500 for what can be about 7 hours of use. In case you've forgotten or don't want to look it up, Martin Shkreli is the pharmaceutical executive that raised the price from $13.50/pill to $750/pill causing huge controversy. (Before anyone chimes in and points out that Shkreli was convicted and sent to prison, that had nothing to do with this price increase. Other than, perhaps, Karma.) There was a great deal of outrage and controversy over the pill price hike, whereas with the Crazy Cabana Prices, I just conclude and see it as RCI price gouging. T Obviously at least one passenger sees value as the executive is quoted, stating someone paid $4,000 for the single day use-- probably fighting back a snicker as he mentioned it. There's a sour taste in my mouth, and the take-away from this is a need for me to scrutinize the price of every RCI offering that I'm truly interested in. Now I question each: "Is it really worth it to pay this much for this experience?" Personally, at that price or specifically $3,500 and even with seven hours of use, as I lounged in a chair in the shade of my cabana, I'd image every 60 minutes reaching over to a pile of money on the table for $500 to pluck off the table and just throw in the water.

I've done this on NCL several times for several staff members. With NCL, they give a copy of the form that actually has a number on it. I was able to thank the crew member in person by handing them an envelope with the completed form so they could see what to expect. For all those who have commented: "I've never heard of this," well now you're in the know. For all those who have commented: "Why not just pay cash," one answer is: this can be no different than the decision to pay a restaurant gratuity by credit card at home. (Notice I stated "restaurant at home" because any additional gratuity added to a beverage check or specialty restaurant check go into the pool and not directly to the person who served you.) Lastly, OBC is currency: the cruise line required the passenger to buy something (usually a cruise) to get the OBC. (And for those that want to split hairs, "but RCI just gave me the OBC" "shareholder benefit" "compensation for a complaint" it's all the same, currency all relating back to your purchase of a cruise.) The crewmember gets the gratuity as part of their pay, never knowing whether you settled your folio with cash, obc or american express.