glentally

On 1/4/2024 at 3:44 AM, SG65CB said:

 

 They have been doing it for years to create a surf-and-turf dinner, and now they can't. If RC would make an exception to allow this I believe most complaints about the policy would go away.

Put a $5 bill in your hand and shake the waiters hand.  You will get both !

Been to the Forts, other than that refresh my memory where to go plus a good bar/lunch place

27 minutes ago, njkruzer said:

 Usually we head to old san juan, check our luggage for free at Barrachina's, then wander around.   Not sure why we didn't this time.  

Njkruzer - Thank You - I'll do that.  I am usually the first off.  I just asked because the reboarding isn't until 3 pm.  

I didn't post it to be shamed by "Be Kind / Don't be one that holds up the ship" ???

Flight out is at 6:30 pm. Either get off early but I have already done DT San Juan and the  Fort.  So I thought stay on the ship then head to Airport to watch NFL Playoffs on TV.

3 hours ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

 

Until I see how and to whom auto grats are distributed, I will continue to tip those I interact with and provide me service, directly, and in cash. 

Amen Brother. Happy New Year!  

4 hours ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

They do not know!

not according to "the experts". I think someone said it is posted on the walls in the bowels of the ship.  I have no proof but find it hard to believe 1500-3000 cabin numbers are posted and I would have to assume changed daily as people bail out of the mandatory tips.

PS I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express last night!

I am a solo traveler. Can I get a table for one at MTD?

1 hour ago, Cru1s1ng2009 said:

then why not tip if it is customary? if it is a societal norm from where you are sailing from, why not tip? 

There are a lot of different customs my love!

47 minutes ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

Boarding day in the WJ from 12 to 3pm 👌😁😝

Ha Ha keep your full time job!

I haven't seen any mention of it.

1 hour ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

 

I usually give them a call so....

You can call them on the phone from your cabin vs stand in the line of shame on the last day of the cruise?

3 hours ago, tvo7 said:

Just got off Harmony of the Seas and for 6 people interior, total around 725 in gratuities.  To me that sounds ridiculous.  

 

 

WOW TVO !  I was the OP and started this organised chaos.  I'm sitting here doing a solo NEVER thinking about families with 3 or more!!

6 hours ago, craig01020 said:

 

Sure beats arguing about vaccines and masks!  😂😷

Praise the Lord on that Quote.

I have some time to burn before boarding at 3 PM.

On 12/19/2023 at 7:44 AM, Moltar said:

I don't think I've ever been more impressed with a post. You won the internet today in my book. I couldn't agree more.

Your Welcome.  I love how passionate people are on their opinion.

31 minutes ago, sanger727 said:

 

Right, except on the back end they are losing their pay. It's as if your employer gives you an unexpected $200 bonus; so you are extremely appreciative. And then when you get your paycheck you were docked $180. 

Your math and comparison is fuzzy and murky.  Let me help you.  So it's like you got $30 from the 

person in Cabin 3003 and your money from the tip pool is now $0.50 less than if the $30 was given to everyone!

24 minutes ago, sanger727 said:

Seems like a selfish way to make yourself feel good by letting them think you are tipping them extra, and then taking back their normal pay to justify it. 

Let me explain it for you  sanger000.  The $20 or more I slip them is WELL OVER the $180  (pre Gratuities) they split up amongst 1200 employees.  Nothing Selfish. Why would you say that?  My previous post is below, nothing about MY pleasure? 

"I am amazed at the pleasure I see from the recipient receiving tips when not expected or larger than the normal. "

Being the OP I would like to thank Debgra6057 for jumping in the firepit for me. 

Someone said the whole thing is murky with mixed info from various people and assorted rules with how the cruise lines apply your tips.  Let me add to the murkiness. 

I was on a MSC cruise this year and another "tip expert" told me MSC uses the tips for their wages first and if the tips are not enough to meet the contracted wage MSC adds more.

I did the folded $20's in my hand and shook the hands of the appropriate people.  I travel internationally a lot and am amazed at the pleasure I see from the recipient receiving tips when not expected or larger than the normal.  Isn't that what tipping is?  I'm sorry but tipping the guy or girl running the dishwashing machine in the bowels of the ship doesn't make a lot of sense nor should I feel bad. When I was 12 and cleaning the bathroom and floors at the local restaurant no one shared their tips.  I worked hard, moved up to fry cook and eventually a waiter. That's Life.

On 11/29/2023 at 10:15 AM, PORT ROYAL said:

S = Ship Crew - Noisy and Rowdy 

H = Herds

T = Towles

Like an inside joke.  No one understands or thinks it is funny.

When can I flat out tell them to not include or apply to my room/account..

On the Splendia Saturday!  Can I get a table by myself or do I have to eat with a group?

3 hours ago, adam7392 said:

Yes you can.  I did roundtrip Trieste on Splendida a couple weeks ago. 

Thanks Adam and Mark.  I read numerous times Marco Polo was bad for Sim card purchase and there are several near the ship.  Adam did you like the ship? Any good late night places on the ship to meet single women as I am travelling solo or was it mostly couples?  Did you do any gambling?  I was wondering what the minimums are for craps and Roulette?  Euros I assume I use to buy chips?

3 hours ago, Mark_T said:

Which port?

 

In general dropping of your bags then going elsewhere is possible, but at some ports there isn't really anywhere nearby...

Trieste Italy.  

Sorry. My First International- MSC Cruise.  Can I walk up to the porters and hand them my luggage with the proper MSC tags on it and then go and pick up a SIM card nearby to the ship, then Board?

Can I get a table for one?  I like to eat, enjoy and move on. I'm not antisocial but never liked the large tables with unknown guests.