filamino

I noticed in a description of a suite where it mentions a stocked bar that it also said the first drink was on them. Not the first setup but the first drink. I called and the agent explained that the fully stocked bar, whether their standard selection of bottles or customized for mega suites, was basically a convenience and not free - other than the first drink you make is on them. Really? So I explained my conundrum in that if the suite came with an open bar, one set of 750ml bottles, say just Gin and Vodka, maybe Rum, I’d go for it. But for the sheer convenience of making my own drinks and paying for them - like are they measuring the bottles (?), a standard balcony would be fine. The other perks aren’t that important, including Richards Club which also is advertised with a full bar, but drinks are not complimentary? She seemed to agree a standard balcony would be great and that I am going to have so much fun I won’t want to be tired at night or sleeping in late from over consumption. Sure, agreed. But I just don’t get it. 

Thank for offering and providing the updates so far. We’ll be in our first sky suite on her soon and I’m curious about the Butler situation. Was it the person who escorted you to your suite? If not, did someone stop by, offer to help with anything or have you asked for anything of them? Do you expect to see them occasionally or expect you’ll need them for anything? Thanks so much!

There’s a time on every cruise when I discover I’m virtually alone and anonymous without a way for anyone to find me other than by chance. I’m not lost, I’m not going anywhere, I’ll eventually turn up, but for a moment I’m invisible and it’s awesome.

I don’t know where we rank on the tipping scale but tend to tip along the course of our cruise rather than extra at the end. One trip I had a blast giving away gold dollar coins, but they’re heavy and I think some of the crew didn’t know what they were, at least at first. 

I’d guess I average $20-$30 a day which breaks down to an extra $1-$2 per drink to bartenders or bar servers who are especially pleasant, $5 for a friendly housekeeper in the hallway, $3-$5 when receiving room service. I have never had a butler or required concierge services. We don’t usually order bottles of wine or I suspect I would tip the sommelier. Our next cruise is a 4-day in a jr suite so I am curious if I’ll feel inclined to tip the butler for whatever they add to our stay, but expect it’ll be $5-$10 here and there, maybe an extra $20 a day if we see them a lot. With that said, my DH has a different perspective on tipping, has never worked in the service sector, and is of the mind that additional tips are rarely necessary. I just like saying thank you with a few dollars, and if I had more money I’d give more.

Loved your whole story and reading every word of the review. Thank you so much for taking the time to share!