General questions about FO

[grannygristle]

Firstly, I've been reading the other parts of this forum and mostly the views of Americans (not trying to offend anyone just pointing it out). There are various threads about tipping, auto-tipping, etc

 

So, what is the procedure on FO? I don't recall reading anything about auto-tipping but have taken note of the suggested amounts per person for certain crew members - what about the 'behind the scenes' crew? Are the tips collected and shared out? Or what?

 

Also, I've read about 'soda cards/stamps' - does FO operate this kind of thing too? - as a non-drinker I do tend to put away quite a quantity of Coke and lemonade.

 

Are there any rules about leaving a teenager on board ship during a port visit - there is one stop that my daughter (14) thinks she won't be interested in and would like to stay on board- I have no problem with this but wondered if FO might.

 

That'll do for now - I'm sure I'll think of some more:eek:

[merecat]

I was told on my FO cruise before Christmas that tips are pooled and shared out.:)

[Britboys]

Hi,

 

We are taking our first FO cruise in May - just a 4 nighter - but have cruised with several other lines. I think you will find that they are quite traditional, so you can expect to get given little envelopes toward the end of the cruise to put tips in. The current brochure recommends £2.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and the same for your table waiter.

 

I would be surprised if FO do the 'soda card' but it is always worth asking once you are on board.

 

I woudl think that FO would expect children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult at all times but if they have a youth crew on your cruise, there might be activities happening that could keep your daugther occupied.

 

Enjoy,

 

Andrew

[Goteborg]

When we took our early teens son on three FO cruises [black Watch] he and the other children were superbly looked after by the youth crew. On the last trip he went to breakfast with us, pitched up in time for dinner and apart from that we did not see him until the next morning.

 

That was a few years ago admittedly but I doubt things have changed much.

 

As for tipping, their policy is for passengers to tip individually using the envelope method [or it certainly used to be].

 

We enjoyed FO and, on reflection, the trips were marginally better than with P&O, especially the food. The ships are smaller and not so glitzy but very friendly and well organised.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

G