CtheW0rld

i would agree with the previous post. taxis are dirt cheap. i hit all the main sights, and never paid more than 3 or 4 dollars, US, except when i went over to the pearl tower which was about 10 bucks.

the cab drivers are nice and polite, but none that i had spoke a word of english. fortunately, the cruise line had a print out with the address in english and chinese. i just pointed on the sheet to where i wanted to go and the took me there. worked out well.

...Why should it fall on hard pressed passengers who are being fleeced left right and centre!!

nobody who is able to afford a cruise should ever be considered hardpressed. how dramatic.

Now that would make more sense. All staff would get a higher salary to start with. I totally agree with this approach.

Then we can put this topic of conversation to rest.

it wouldn't make any difference. then people would complain that it cost more.

This is a forum of ideas and concerns. No one should shoot down a cruise mate for what they believe in or for voicing their opinions.

I have been cruising for over 25 years and have never and I say it again never not tippped whether automatic or individual. It part of the cost and you account for it at the very beginning.

Shhhhh what else can I say

you sure made it sound like you don't approve of tipping' date=' and only tip when you feel like it:

The Costa Luminosa is using the EURO as the dollar on the ship.

Being a Canadian this may amount to about 15 to 16 dollars a day.

That will make it 171.00 CND for the 11 night cruise. I do believe

that this is just over the top.

 

If this is going to be automatic they, for goodness sake, should include it in the cost of the cruise period. As with your cruise and flight all services and taxes are added on and you get the full cost.

 

To charge it every day on your account is ridicules. I tip when a tip is due and give gladly. These people work extremely hard and deserve it.

Julie

The Costa Luminosa is using the EURO as the dollar on the ship.

Being a Canadian this may amount to about 15 to 16 dollars a day.

That will make it 171.00 CND for the 11 night cruise. I do believe

that this is just over the top.

 

If this is going to be automatic they' date=' for goodness sake, should include it in the cost of the cruise period. As with your cruise and flight all services and taxes are added on and you get the full cost.

 

To charge it every day on your account is ridicules. I tip when a tip is due and give gladly. These people work extremely hard and deserve it.

Julie[/quote']

 

as you say, they do work hard. if you can't afford the service charges, you shouldn't be cruising. perhaps they should be including it (like they do for europeans and aussies, who then complain about the fare being higher) but the do not.

 

pay up or stay home.

Being a Canadian and since I will cruise on Costa in September this information is very good. On other threads the tipping is now being called a Service Charge. So should we prefer to tip our cabin and dinning room staff with EURO's' date=' we will be able to do this providing we advised the Guest Services ahead of time. We intend to put down a cash deposit ( EURO) for our cabin. This is for drinks and shopping. Not the Service Charge (aka tipping)

Julie[/quote']

 

i don't know what you are hoping to accomplish by tipping in cash. it has been discussed at length that when you remove the tip, then tip in cash, the money must be turned into the pool. if you leave the tip in place, and wish to tip extra the individuals get to keep the extra.

 

btw - i believe on my last costa cruise (9/2009) it was called a service charge.

i hope they don't allow it anymore. are you worried about removing if you get bad service or are you cheap?

when i was there with costa last fall '09, i was able to see a water puppet show and a cultural dance show. i got the distinct feeling these were specially arranged for our excursion. had a good lunch, but i forget the name of the place. some hotel on a hill. sorry i can't be more helpful.

the best secret is to stay on the ship. you'll have it almost entirely to yourself.

thanks to the OP. I was considering one, but now i will not be booking one of those.

Also, people mentioned the capucino is free in breakfast room service, what about at other sit down meal time?

 

Thanks.

breakfast only. cappucinno is a breakfast drink anyway. no self-respecting italian would dare order it after 10:30. esspresso is the name of the game after that. you can get those for 1.5 euros and they are as good as what you will get in italy.