not-enough-cruising

Excellently articulated. Side note: interesting AMA on Reddit addressing some of these tip distribution questions.

Terrorizing the city for years and have yet to make it to Labadee. I don’t think there’s much chance that’s going to change

Thank god for US travel insurance.

We have a winner for “nonsense post of the week”

And those crew members that are doing very well will tell you, without exception, they much prefer cash tips over the prepaid shell game.

Sorry, didn’t see or smell anything of the sort.

Hmm, went on Allure for 4 different weeks when she was in Galveston, I guess i don't pay close enough attention because I thought she was in pretty good shape

Neglected ships? I have yet to encounter that particular issue.

plus 18%

I agree with you on the employee compensation, in principal. However, public facing financials show none of these lines pay their crew any better than Royal (or any of the other mainstream lines), there is very little disparity in crew compensation when comparing like to like. I have never felt intimidated regarding gratuities.

Also, including it in the fare makes it revenue and there are other financial implications for the company in that case.

So does Virgin and many premium brands in the US

It’s a growing phenomenon, no doubt about it

No one is advocating a “no tipping” policy

No I wouldn’t be able to cruise at all under those wages, because I (and you) live in a first world country. One needs to stop looking at the crew compensation through American or Western European eyes. NO ONE on the ship is working 84 hours per week; this is illegal. The maximum work hours are stipulated, by international convention, as no more than 72 hours on any 8 day period, no more than 14 hours in any 24 hour period. A MINIMUM of 77 hours rest is mandated every 7 day period.

No, I have never been asked a reason why, it is just done, without question

Nowhere does it say “recommended” wages, it is a mandated minimum guarantee. As well as maximum hours allowed to be worked in a 7 day period as well as minimum hours off duty in any given 36 hour period. regardless, folks take the jobs knowing terms, and they keep signing up. https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_845493/lang--en/index.htm

Because it is set by the International Labour Organization and is published every year.

I wonder how folks will respond to this “mid time” as it doesn’t seem to coordinate well with the 2 set listed times for evening entertainment

Exactly, thank you. We all know what the minimum pay scale is, the “behind the scenes staff” is doing just fine

I agree; nearly 900 nights at sea among multiple lines, certainly not enough.

They get a paycheck

I use Trawick International for travel related issues and Geo Blue for medical and evacuation.

Calm down; I’m just starting the facts, I never said you could t find what you are describing. All I said was a travel policy that continues primary medical coverage upon return to your country of residence is very rare-that’s a fact. I don’t need a TA to handle insurance for me. I have used annual policies for a long time; one for travel related issues, one SOLELY for primary medical and evacuation. I know exactly what they cover, and have no surprises.

Cup is included in any of the 3 drink packages