Grandma Dazzles

Automatic gratuities of $12 per person/per day are automatically added to your sea pass account. I believe it is slightly higher for suite guests.

This covers your cabin steward, waiter, assistant waiter, head waiter. Even though you may not eat in the main dining room each evening, the waiters rotate and also work in other locations, so by tipping automatically you are also covering all locations. Drinks have an automatic 15% gratuity added to the tab (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

You should, however, tip room service delivery people - they are not covered in the automatic gratuity.

It is really much simpler just to leave the automatic tips in place. Even though you may prefer cash, by leaving the automatic tips in place you do not have to carry cash (unless you wish to tip someone extra). The ship is basically a "cash less" society as everything is charged to your sea pass card.

There are numerous threads on tipping - some get quite controversial and heated - you can search them for more information.

Enjoy your cruise!

thank you everyone!! I feel a lot less confused :) and YES, we of course we will be flying in early...i think actually two days early. I have way too much anxiety to risk missing the cruise!!

 

I have one last question: i have read that the time you are to be back at the ship on port days is according to the ship's time and not the local time, correct? If so, how do you usually keep track of the time? Just a watch set to the cruise's time? And how will we know the cruise's time? Are there a lot of clocks on the ship? And this is the last question I promise...how far in advance do we need to be back at the ship to avoid having the ship leave without us??!

Keep your watch set to ship's time - that way you won't have a problem. The Cruise Compass - a small newsletter delivered to your stateroom each evening - will give all the information on time for each port of call. It will spell out the time to be back on board. You should definitely plan to be back with around 1/2 hour to spare ...... depends what your plans are for the day. I would never risk being back with just a few minutes to spare - as I posted earlier - the ship will not wait for you! There are several ports where there are bars close by and you often see people running for the ship - and again - they will leave!

First time cruisers are often encouraged to take RC shore excursions - that way they are sure to be back at the ship on time. If the excursion had a problem they could contact the ship, and they will wait for their own excursion. It gives a little peace of mind in a new environment/country.

Regarding price changes - much can depend on whether you booked directly with RC or if you used a travel agent. Keep checking the prices on line, if the price goes down, RC will credit you back the appropriate difference. This is up until the final payment date - even though you have already paid in full the cruise itself still has a "final payment date." After that time you can upgrade but not get a "refund" back. You have to check this yourself - RC will not notify you that the price has gone down. If you booked with a TA you can keep asking your TA to check - you may be locked in to a certain price, or your TA may not refund - they may have different rules. RC will not discuss your reservation with you if you booked with a TA. They will direct you to your TA,.

Towels are provided for pool and shore excursion use.

Sounds like you plan on being off the ship a lot - make sure you check your times carefully. The ship will not wait for you - even just a couple of minutes. Whatever time you are due back, make sure you are early! Always check ship's time.

Notice you are also from Wisconsin. It is a good idea to arrive at your port the day before. It can be risky to fly in the day of a cruise - weather, mechanical, crew delays, etc.

Usually you can board after 11:00 a.m. RC often tells you 2:00 p.m., but many people arrive around 11:00 or noon.

Keep reading and researching - there is a lot of information on Cruise Critic and similar websites.

Enjoy your cruise!

A couple of additional comments - assuming you will use one of the previously mentioned packing methods that you are comfortable with.

You can have laundry done on board - there is usually a laundry "bag" special. You can also handwash a few things if you have to and hang to dry.

Evening dinner clothes can be worn more than once, and I don't just mean "formal night" - I am thinking long pants/blouses/shirts, etc. During the day I find t-shirts etc.. get pretty sweaty. You may find you just wear swimsuites and coverups during the day - depends on your plans. Don't obsess about having shoes to match outfits, etc.

Try to cross pack so that if one suitcase is lost or delayed you don't lose all the clothes for one person.

Watch your weight on the cases - pack a few heavy things such as shoes in each case.

Remember the TSA rules regarding liquids ...... if you have the time plan to purchase your toiletries (especially for that number of people) on your way to the pier - cuts down on weight and possible spills.

Same thing if you plan on purchasing wine to take on board - has to be in your packed suitcase for flying - can be heavy. Either wrap well in plastic bag or purchase on the way to the pier.

Make sure you remove all tags from your luggage - just have the airline tags on - you should put your RC tags on after you claim your bags at the airport.

You can normally take a carry-on per person - check your airline rules and regulations regarding luggage restrictions. You might prefer to do this rather than just take one carry-on.

Old fashioned tip, but I do it anyway! I put a note on top of each suitcase with the name of the ship, dates, etc. just in case a bag gets lost. I figure that way the airline can forward the bag to me - not send it home!

Enjoy your cruise!

I also think 50% is kind of high, but everyone is different and likes to do different things.

As far as shore excursions, you can pre-book and so you can look at them on line and know how much they will cost. Many people prefer to do private excursions (not booked with the cruise line), and they can be cheaper; however, you need to be careful regarding timing. If you book with RC and for some reason the trip is delayed (flat tire, accident, etc.) the ship will normally wait for their own excursion. They will not do that for a private excursion and you could be stranded and have to fly to the next port at your expense. For a first time cruiser I think it is safer to stick with the ship's excursions.

Also, bear in mind you don't have to do an excursion in every port. Some times it is nice just to get off the ship for an hour or so, walk around, take pictures, etc. The ship can be so relaxing when it is empty! If you try to do something in every port you can end up tired and rushed! Safe some tjhings for your NEXT cruise!

Also take a water bottle along - easy to fill with water/lemonade on the ship (no charge), you just have to use a glass to fill, not put your bottle to the machine.

Enjoy your first cruise - relax and look forward to your next cruise!

Is soda a free choice at meals? How much is one if you order it by the pool? Thanks

Soda is not free. Free drinks include non-bottled water (regular glass of water), some ships have flavored water, milk, chocolate milk, coffee, tea, lemonade/punch type of drink, orange/apple type juice (not fresh squeezed). These drinks are available at meals or in different locations depending on the ship.

I believe soda is around $2.50 a can plus 15% tip - just like ordering an alcoholic drink. There is a soda package for just soda, and also some of the drink packages include soda. This is for fountain soda. It is really a question of deciding how much you would drink to see what is worth it to you.

Does anyone happen to know if you have to pay gratuity on sodas even if you've already pre-paid the gratuities online prior to the cruise?

All drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, that you pay for have an automatic 15% gratuity added - you will clearly see it when you sign your tab. This is entirely separate from the regular prepaid gratuities, or if you do not prepay, it is in addition to the daily gratuities that are billed to your account.

Spring break/Easter break can vary anywhere between March and April. Depends on the schools, different areas of the country, etc. Easter Sunday is April 5, 2015.

Have sailed frequently in March and never had any problems, but this was on 7-day cruises; not sure about shorter cruises.

Perhaps depends what you are looking for. The Brilliance is a beautiful ship, but it is smaller than the Liberty. It does not have the main promenade, ice rink, H2O zone for kids, etc.

Go to the RC website and read the description for each ship and amenities availlable - that may help you decide if it is a good "fit" for what you are planning.

Agree with previous posters that longer cruises usually have an older clientele; however, RC is still very family oriented towards all age groups.

If you mentioned what time of year, I missed it. If it's during snow season, I wouldn't. If it's January or February, we usually fly two days early but we also like Fort Lauderdale a lot and tend enjoy our time there. I think our snow season is a little shorter than Salt Lake City's.

Several people have mentioned winter/snow delays - have been delayed on more than one occasion by heavy thunderstorms/rain in Florida. Once due to land in Miami and we were diverted for over 4 hours and landed in Orlando. We were held there until Miami cleared. In other words, anything can happen - not just snow.

Price wise it is a tough decision. However, if you choose to go with the red eye, I would definitely make sure that alternative arrangements were available, just in case there was a problem. The trouble can be once you are in transit your bags are gone ..... plus if airlines "have you" either on board or in the gate area it can be hard to make a change.

Too many responses to quote you all but thanks to each of you for your replies. It will be our first time sailing with DDs and although they are well behaved (in public at least! LOL!) I will find an other quiet spot to read next to them when they will want to spend some time with their mama! :rolleyes:

They have travelled many times before but different kind of voyage, so on this first cruise it is important for my DH and I to teach them that rules should be respected when living on board with so many travellers.

Thanks again! :)

Nice response - I am sure you will have a wonderful cruise with your family. Lots of places to sit and read - you will find your favorite!

One point, many cruises ago we were seated with the staff captain and other officers for dinner. A lady at the table asked about the roof - he told us just to request - call the bridge or ask any pool attendant and it could be opened or closed.

Very subjective. Technically, no. You are not allowed to bring any water or soda on board. However, many people report that they do and have no problems. I think it really can vary from port-to-port, ship, and time of year.

Solarium is a very nice quiet adults only pool area. Some of the chairs and loungers have more padding than the regular pool loungers.

There is a small bar, but waiter service is available so you don't have to get up to go for a drink - waiters roam the area. It is very relaxing.

On the Oasis/Allure there is a restaurant enclosed inside the solarium (have seen children in there, but not many). The breakfast and lunch is more of a "healthy alternative" choice restaurant (no charge). On an evening it changes to a for-a-fee restaurant.

Another question ... we have the Allure booked for 3/08/15 for a GS and we booked during the BOGOHO sale on May 1st and we got a pretty good deal but that cruise will cost us $2,337.24 more. Of course, it is a GS but we probably would not use the CL very much (if any), we do not drink. Mainly picked this cabin because we have never been in a GS and would like the extra room BUT $2.337 more would be another cruise!!

 

We would be cancelling the 3/08/15 cruise and taking the 9/28/14 cruise instead. The pros for changing would be:

 

Cruise is sooner rather than later (hate waiting)

Eastern Caribbean vs Western

Anniversary is 10/04

Less children on board during this time

 

The cons would be:

 

A GS instead of B2

Spring break 3/08 for some areas

 

 

 

Just another few things to consider about my situation.

Obviously a personal decision - but just a comment regarding the concierge lounge. Even if you don't drink, the lounge on the Allure and Oasis is totally different from any other ship. Particularly enjoyed the full breakfast and lunch. Service was excellent and a nice quiet place to sit and eat. So different from other ships.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the Oasis or Allure have ever gone to the Caymans. It is strictly a tender port, and they are too big to use tenders.

On the Allure last October there was a sign saying they would be open at 1:00 p.m.

Make sure you sign the book to make an appointment. I signed up for 2:00 p.m. and when I returned there was a long line - people were told to sign the book and make an appointment. Many were quite upset as the appointments were already scheduled well into the evening. This was not to book a cruise - lots of different questions and/or problems.

Believe the legal drinking age on RC ships is 21. You could find yourself in trouble for providing "shots" to the 18-year-old - would suggest checking out further before doing this.

If you are a Vera Bradley fan they have a lanyard/small wallet that is excellent.

As of 01Jan2014, the Florida minimum wage is $7.93/hour (£4.73) without tips. If you are an employee that receives tips, the minimum wage is $4.91/hour (£2.93). The Florida tipped wage applies to employees like waitresses, waiters, bartenders, valets, and other service employees who earn more then $30 (£17.89) in tips a month. Either way, would it be so bad to tip them even if they made minimum wage?

Thank you for the information. Realizing cruise ship employees are not Florida residents/employees, I think that this explanation may perhaps make sense to non-American residents who do not understand the "tipping culture" here and why people tip, both on a cruise and on land.

Very well said. Many of the posters in this thread like to rant on about the injustice of how RCI pays their employees, and how they SHOULD pay them more ..... yada, yada, yada. BUT THEY DON'T. Plain and simple. You can discuss what they should do until the cows come home. When you decide to opt out of gratuities, you are shafting a real live individual person right then and there. This is not some theoretical discussion about economics - this is a crew member who worked really hard to make your vacation the best it could be, and then you shafted him under the guise of ideology. If you are participating on this thread, then you 100% know and understand that crew are paid a stipend of $25 per week, and the rest of their income comes from tips. You are knowingly accepting the service from that crew member, and then choosing to not pay them. That is low. Really, really low.

 

While tipping may not be a part of YOUR culture, it IS the way crew are paid on every single mass market cruise ship. So please do not tell us that you are removing the tips out of principal. This is not principal, it is cheapness plain and simple.

Very well said!

I am British by birth, but have lived in the U.S. for many years. As a frequent visitor to the UK I really do understand the difference in "tipping cultures." However, I also love to cruise and realize how the staff are paid on all cruise lines for the mass market, not just RC. People would be very upset if the cruise fare on RC suddenly increased, especially if they were comparing prices to another line that did not include tips.

As far as paying minimum wage, I wish someone with better knowledge than I would explain the U.S. minimum wage laws. Cruise line staff are not the only people to work for a "small salary." Many jobs in the U.S. - bar tenders, waitresses for example, also work on the same system. So it is not just cruise line employees.

Also, as I posted earlier in the thread, babies/children/teens should be charged their tips - they probably make more mess, use the facilities, linens, restaurants, etc. just like adults. I have walked past the doors of cabins with multiple passengers, cribs, etc. when the steward has been working, and wouldn't have known where to begin cleaning up!

I am a "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" type of person. I try to learn about a country and culture before a trip so as to do the "right thing."

I do not like the flaming and name calling that often happens on these boards, but I do wish that people would accept the information they have been given, either by their TA or cruise line, or other cruise critic members, and leave it at that.

NO, no one 10 and under has to pay tips , you must be the first or someone made a huge mistake. Call your Ta or rci and demand they be removed right away

Everyone, including children, pays tips This is not a mistake.

Gerif,

 

I think I'm as much entitled to a RC cruise as anyone else.

 

When booking RC should let people know this is the case with gratuities.

 

The level of tipping is the same for children or adults.

 

Is it fair that 2x10 year olds should have $300 dollars added for gratuities as well as their parents ?

Yes, it is fair. Children are treated wonderfully on a cruise - the staff go out of their way to cater to them everywhere on the ship. Also, kids are more work to clean up after and still use the same number of dishes, towels, beds, etc. Many people actually tip extra if they have kids as they realize how messy they are.

Don't want to start another tipping war thread, but please accept what everyone is saying.

In addition, the daily $12 per person does not include tips for room service (you should tip $1-$5 depending on the size of the order). There is also an automatic 15% added to drink orders as a tip. It is also customary to tip in the Diamond/Concierge lounge if you use it and also the kid's programs, as these workers are not included in the daily charge. The daily charge includes your room steward and dining room staff throughout the ship, regardless of where you eat.

Hope that helps - enjoy your cruise!

I am sure lots of people will have wonderful advice. I think it is a great idea and you will have a good time.

One thing, make sure your credit card is a "chip card." We had lots of problems on a cruise in 2012 because our credit cards did not have the chip - numerous places would not accept. We used ATM to get cash instead; fortunately had enough funds in checking accout without needing to contact our bank. A lot of people said they have not had a problem with this, but we definitely did and it was in multiple locations in more than one country.

Again, have a great cruise!

Airlines are tightening up on the "carry on" plus a backpack and/or large purse - recently have seen people made to check one of them. There just is not enough room in overheads for all the stuff people are carrying on.

Also, wonder what people do with toiletries when they just do carry on - thinking particularly sunscreen - I always need and take a large bottle/tube/aerosal of sunscreen - how do you handle this?

I have learned to pack well - e.g. week in Europe followed by TA cruise - but I know I couldn't do just a carry on!