c-boy

50 minutes ago, memoak said:

In my opinion a buffet is a buffet. Some are larger some are smaller but all are to be avoided when you can

1 hour ago, karatemom2 said:

I am with you. We NEVER use the hot tubs. The idea kind of makes my skin crawl. As you say - one’s imagination… ick. 

 

We are fortunate to have a nice hot tub we enjoy at home so definitely don’t need to share one with thousands of fellow passengers on vacation. 

The theme from jaws kept playing in my head

3 hours ago, LittleTinker said:

 

This is as it should be.....and thecrest of the country isn't going to make employers pay proper wages until everyone stops with the excess tipping.

I don't think the tipping culture here will be daunted by increases in hourly wages paid to staff working in the food and beverage industry.  

I'm not much for pizza ... or at least I wasn't until I read this article. Thanks Rafael 😉

3 hours ago, LittleTinker said:

Im in England.

I was posting really in response to the posters saying "What about the deck workers? And Laundry workers?"
So I asked Im not sure why Americans want to tip everyone. They are generally on a higher pay scale.

As for America itself....no, I will not tip unless the service is exceptional. Thats the way it is.

It will not change until people stop this practice that is clearly getting out of hand.

we/Americans don't tip "everyone" . Mainly those in the food & beverage service industry, not the lawn care service, checkout clerks or my ex wife/mayor. 

On 7/3/2024 at 2:52 PM, Wishing on a star said:

Gorgeous!

I think the Lillies are beautiful...  But, the strong scent of Lillies..  in a small cabin.  OMG!!!

Do you guys notice this?

No

12 hours ago, paddingtonbear said:

It is ridiculous.  Tips should be for service over and above the norm.  Some Australians are reluctant to go to the US because the tipping culture is so foreign and scary.  I feel really foolish sneaking a note into my pocket and handing it over even if it is deserved.  It's easy leaving a tip at a restaurant (Australians tend to round up or pay 10% at most) because you secretly leave it in the little folder!

 

Friends recently went on a Viking Cruise where all tips were supposed to be included but they were asked for tips on excursions, on the tender and at the end of the cruise over the top of the tips that had been included.  They aren't travelling with Viking again. 

I'm  afraid that our tipping culture has caught up with the service industry in Australia 

7 hours ago, dides said:

It's all part of bigger set of changes which have been discussed elsewhere where the walk-in restaurant will move to the Deck 9 aft areas where Butchers Block and Catch are located. Summarised here: 

 

 

...

14 hours ago, PR-Texas said:

I'm interested in this also.  We will be on the Royal headed back to Sydney from New Zealand.  Obviously we're not near the US but wondered if there might be an something on the menu for the US folks.

we were down under Thanks Giving day. The dining rooms were decorated, roasted turkey, stuffing, smashed potatoes, gravy, peas, and cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie with whipped cream. It was a nice surprise and we were grateful. 

1 hour ago, room with a view said:

Thanks for your prompt reply . Don't mind "dressing up "  ....quite like it !!!  Looking forward to all the restaurants on the Regal . 

 

there's the good ole'  UK spirit 

I guess my lovely wife and I will indulge in the Britto prosecco 

16 minutes ago, Seafan22 said:

Many people are saying just make the gratutity - or whatever any cruiseline chooses to call it - part of the price.  California's new 'Honest Pricing Law' will have a profound impact how cruise lines market in the US.  The law, which takes effect July 1, makes it illegal for businesses, including cruise lines operating in the state, to advertise or list a price that doesn't include all fees and charges.  Since advertising goes national, this may mean that we will soon all see bottomline pricing for cruises.

 

😄 California, the only state to shoot itself in the foot, and then hand the gun over to somebody else to reload.

18 minutes ago, Dcopperfield said:

The 'American' way of subsidizing staff salaries by way of gratuities is an absolutely baffling practice. 

It works , and for those engaged in the service industry here aren't complaining about it.

1 hour ago, Shmoo here said:

Disney has already put out a policy regarding ducks:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dcl-onboard-restricted-items-policy-updates-decorations-ducks-and-ashes-and-more.3936270/page-6#post-65235920

 

 

ya, it can get outta hand, especially when there's $$$ involved.

7 hours ago, LACruiser88 said:

Tonight we had our 3rd dinner at The Catch.  It was delicious!!!

 

We started with the "Fantastic Journey."  It was truly FANTASTIC!!!

 

The view was not bad either!

 

For our main we had the King Salmon with Parmesan Fries.

 

Dessert was again the Chantilly Lace (Ice cream and Chantilly Creme filled Profiteroles).  Wow!!!

                  you ate all that !

35 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

We are having a grand ole time with our friends from the Gold Coast of Australia!

 

The Aussies are a joyful friendly lot, except when it comes down to cricket 🏏 

4 hours ago, Neil_c said:

Just to agree but note on Cruises out of Southampton more people where formal wear. Guess its a cultural thing that Brits like to dress correctly. (awaiting flames)

  👍 well, we Americans have our own unique way of making things fit our narrative. 

 "But how would you get it through security?"   My wife will wear a 7X moomoo  and I will duct tape the case to her left leg, leaving the right leg free to kick the security personnel.    That case has been with us for over a decade. We learned early on that there's is a snow ball's chance in hell of getting through port security unnoticed. 

We go all in on domestic cruises... 

7 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

A few more...

 

 

 

I would be temped to jump over and swim to shore here to but, there's probably sharks 

6 minutes ago, LACruiser88 said:

One more....

 

 

makes a fella wanna dive off the side and swim to shore 🏊‍♀️

25 minutes ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

Tonight has not been a good experience... at all. Ugh. 

#naplestough

55 minutes ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

The floor is wet from the bed to the door 

well that sucks ! curious as to how the staff will handle this.

7 hours ago, Host CJSKIDS said:

Well ordering from the app didn't work well today. Ordered, who then preparing and then delivered. I don't see an egg sandwich and cappuccino in front of me! 

Good 😵 odiferous combination, your not getting on the elevator with me