NJ&Ozzie

We think that all the mass market cruise lines have created this monster they call tips (which is anything but). Once upon a time when we first started cruising, passengers traditionally tipped a few crew members (waiter, assistant waiter, cabin steward) who provided direct services. Although the cruise lines sometimes provided "guidelines" most of us tipped what we thought was appropriate for the service rendered (for us this usually meant more then the guidelines). But now, the tip schemes are merely a hidden price increase to cruising. RCI (and its competitors) could easily increase the cruise fares and use the increase to better pay their crew. But this means they must be honest and advertise the true cost of a cruise ticket. Because the cruise lines prefer to 'lie" in their marketing (with their prices) they are rapidly moving towards mandatory tips (which is not a tip but merely a price increase). Perhaps if enough passengers balk at the RCI tipping scheme it will force RCI to deal with the issue on a more honest basis.

 

Hank

Hey Hank,

Interesting take on the whole tipping thing. We're new cruisers (only seven cruises in the past two years) but found RCI service can be great service to very mediocre. We've always paid our gratuities no matter what the level of service (maybe with a wee bit of grumbling). But you've given us something to think about in how we view gratuities for our upcoming cruises. I wholeheartedly agree the cruise staff deserve to be rewarded for good service but will definitely think about how I want my tips allocated.

Why do you think people feel responsible for the "back room" staff being tipped, when this never used to be the case?

NJ :)

Seems to me the people who report that staff prefers the old tipping method are only talking to folks they come in contact with (stewards, waiters, bartenders, etc.) I bet the behind the scenes workers who now also benefit from gratuities sure appreciate the new program.

Hi,

I've been following this thread with interest. My husband & I have been on seven cruises & always paid the tips as put on our Seapass account.

We find we're now at the stage of our cruising where we feel a little more casual so don't always go to the MDR for dinner for various reasons. There have been times we sucked up some mediocre service in the MDR & just paid our tips. And now we consider an option is to head to the Windjammer if the service is not up to snuff.

Now starting to really think about the tips situation - why are we paying for service in the MDR when we don't go there? Why wouldn't we tip the people in the Windjammer who look after us instead? And, of course, cabin steward who we find always do a fantastic job - or whomever else we feel has done a good job for us.

Thinking - shouldn't the "behind the scenes" people be paid a wage out of the basic cruise fare we paid?

I hadn't really thought about this before but maybe it would make sense for some people to remove automatic gratuities from their seapass account.

We'll definitely think about this more on our next cruise.

Cheers,

NJ :)

Funny, we already have the vpp card. Now just my wife is getting emails from rci to apply for the new signature card:rolleyes:

 

Wonder how they would like us trying to apply points to the same booking from two different cards#:eek:

We just email yesterday too about new Signature card. Think we'll wait until Jan. to see what happens.

Curious, if you apply for new Signature card, do you get those bonus points too? like when first applying for Platinum?

Cheers,

NJ :)

You're welcome.

 

It seems that RCI Marketing is really pushing for people to sign up for the new Visa Signature now. So, I've come to this conclusion. If the following benefits are important to anyone

 

• 10,000 Bonus Points after your first qualifying transaction* – redeemable for $100 onboard credit

• 2 for 1 airfare after making 3 or more transactions totalling at least $3,500 within 90 days of account opening (students not eligible)

• No Annual Fee

• Double points for purchases on Royal Caribbean, Azamara, and Celebrity Cruises

• Perks like Visa Signature lost luggage protection, Car Rental Insurance, Emergency cash and ticket replacement worldwide, and more

 

then apply for it now. You will be assigned a new cc number. Once you have activated your new Visa Signature card, you can then transfer your points from your current Visa Platinum Plus over to the Visa Signature.

 

If the above benefits aren't important to anyone at this time, then wait until January when your current Visa Platinum Plus will automatically be rolled over to the Visa Signature and the benefits will kick in after you've activated it.

 

Edit: for those that are going to stick with the Visa Platinum Plus Card, you will still be eligible for....

 

• Use your current card – no need to re-apply to enjoy MyCruise Rewards

• Double points for purchases on Royal Caribbean, Azamara, and Celebrity Cruises

• More rewards – choose cruises, discounts, upgrades, and onboard credit on three incredible cruise lines

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the info. Just catching up on this thread. So to clarify, I just received my Visa Platinum (it expired & now new expiry is 2016).

So should I call RC & ask for the new Signature card? Would it be beneficial for me to get this card now rather than wait till 2016?

Again, thanks,

Nancy Jo (NJ) :)