not-enough-cruising

No, no hard facts (there isn't a hard fact on this entire thread). I do, however, have a rather large circle of cruise addicted friends across the nation; and there is no doubt, in this cross section, there has been a major shift in participation. We have a travel group that cruises together every February, 23 couples. Historically all but 3 couples participate in the auto gratuity. For 2024, Odyssey sailing that number has shifted dramatically, currently only 7 are planning on utilizing the plan. This is a multifactorial issue, no doubt, but the latest increase was the straw that broke the camel's back for many.

Especially the growing numbers that are opting out

Do they have a POS terminal in the suite lounge? I don’t ever remember seeing one.

No one ever considers it, and I doubt it happens because some is liked more than another, but ............................

I agree, hence my breakdown of the officer positions. Waiters, housekeeping, bartenders-all on 9 month contracts

I'm sorry, but this simply isn't accurate. I believe most contracts, outside of officer positions, are 9 month terms. However, I agree with you 100%, they are most certainly NOT underpaid

There are several such stories on the Royal boards as well from the last few years. Involuntary denied boarding (GTY room or assigned, doesn't make a difference) although not common, is also not unheard of.

The price for this item varies from ship to ship and week to week. I would suggest a per person post of $300-$350 would be in range.

The cruise industry has always been a massive target, regardless of the type of incident. There are 2 types of people in the world. Those that LOVE cruising, and those that think it is the absolute worse thing in the universe; no in between.

No, not really, multiple threads over the last couple years about confirmed cabin holders being involuntary denied boarding

Also nothing about being guaranteed passage either, actually just the opposite

Absolutely NOTHING

There is no failure to fulfill the contract, because the verbiage in the contract 100% allows for this.

This happens several times a year.

Why exclude MTD from opting out?

Sounds very similar to a normal uneventful cruise for us as well

You have me confused with someone else. I could not care less about the breakdown, I don’t pay the daily charge.

Of course the cruise line does. You beat them to the punch and have your TA do it, but if you had not done that, then everyday they would charge you an arbitrary pre set amount, and give you the option to remove it. The drink package is a silly argument that doesn't even fit into the discussion; the price of the drink package returns to the purchaser a tangible product.

When you buy a couch the furniture store does not ask if you would like to add on a preset arbitrary amount of money to the transaction.

You are being scammed

True

A perfect example of “I don’t like the answer so I am going to continue stomping my feet and make a scene until I get my way”. All the while, not recognizing the facts of shared C&A status, and realizing the whole scenario is moot.

No, no, not even close

TA credit usually shows up on day 2

There is no “per stateroom” limit.