RocketMan275

paying for services received is not a bribe.

One way or the other, you're paying the wages of the crew.

Breaking news: you do pay the crews wages. Just like you pay for fuel for the ship, the food you eat, etc., etc. All the expenses of operating the cruise line is paid from revenue from the passengers.

I take pics of nametags. It has nothing to do with manipulating the workers to work harder. I usually wait until the last day before debarkation to take those pictures, far to late for manipulation. Has more to do with my declining memory.

I don't think so. For example, Beyond Meat revenue has dropped 34% in the first nine months of 2023 on weak consumer demand.

What difference does it make if I choose to treat it as a service charge or if I choose to treat it as a tip?

Actually, it's not at all uncommon for the front of the house to share with the back of the house. If you don't wish to feel 'less' then don't remove the tips.

Why wait till the last day? Do it on day one and be sure and inform the crew why you did so.

You've pretty much covered all my tips. I would emphasize how contacting the pre-cruise concierge can improve the cruising experience. If anything, I would have added the room steward to the list of those you need to establish a rapport with. The one mistake we made on our Prima cruise was booking two extra specialty dining meals. We found we were just as content dining in the Haven restaurant.

I always get a kick out of those who do not want 'recycled' water.

Have you already booked your dining reservations? You can do that prior to checkin.

I believe using a computer is the easiest/fastest way to check in, the keyboard and monitor are far bigger than a cell phone. Getting the earliest check in time at the pier is IMHO overrated. Check in time isn't the same as boarding time. I've found that earlier arrival at the pier only ensures a longer wait prior to boarding. IMHO, it's much less stressful to arrive later and avoid the long lines to check in.

I've never understood the fascination with bottled water. Water is water. The ships water is the same as that in the plastic bottles.

The size of the 2 bdrm balconies depends upon the ship and the deck. On the joy, there are 2bdrm suites with large balconies on deck 17 that are two or three times the size of the 2bdrm balconies on deck 18. Deck 17 on the Joy has the Haven bar and lounge.

While enforcement may vary, NCL prohibits bring water on board.

Book it through your TA.

So, you don't need to buy water?

You can ask your steward for a pitcher of ice water. Much cheaper.

No.

Sorry for the confusion. Wasn't referring to any of those on this ship/excursion.

There have been reports of the same couple being late at every stop the tour makes.

True, there are no passenger planes that can carry 4000 people at one time. NCL had to use multiple aircraft. And, it is very difficult to charter a large number of aircraft at one time.

I don't understand your dilemma. Once, I mentioned we needed to decide on how to spend some OBC. She told me not to worry about it, she would ensure it was spent.

Those passengers were not left to fend for themselves. They were provided food and lodging, air transportation home, a full refund, and a FCC equal to their fare.

Our next cruise is on Encore, Jan 2025. Curious, what class of cabin did you book? Pictures?