Royal Caribbean Increasing Gratuities May 1st

[annie, Glasgow]

Hi all

A 55 cent increase in the daily gratuity rate.

Suites now $16.50

Other cabins $13.50

If you prepay gratuities before April 14th, the old rate applies.

Annie

[Taffy, Wales]

Hope one you give us some good news Annie

Wonder just how far they can increase them before people cancel or refuse pay the full amount....Taffy

[cymrucruiser]

Fair enough increasing them if really need to. But they should honour the existing rates to folk who have already booked regardless of when the rate increases for new bookings. Or is it 'coz so many folks don't bother that mugs like me get stung with increases for doing the decent thing and paying them without question.

[annie, Glasgow]

Hope one you give us some good news Annie

Wonder just how far they can increase them before people cancel or refuse pay the full amount....Taffy

I was thinking the same Taffy.

With the relative low value of sterling, the service charge/gratuity for a family of 4 on a 14 day cruise totals over £500 - ouch!

Some Americans say they tip extra

Annie

[annie, Glasgow]

Fair enough increasing them if really need to. But they should honour the existing rates to folk who have already booked regardless of when the rate increases for new bookings. Or is it 'coz so many folks don't bother that mugs like me get stung with increases for doing the decent thing and paying them without question.

Hi

Many feel the same.

On the majority of my cruises, I try and 'persuade' a TA to make a contribution to them.

Annie

[Wilba]

It will just mean even longer Queue's for "Those Who Wish To Tip Personally"...........Wilba

[ilovesunshine, east yorks]

Gratuities will soon cost more than the cruise.

[Wilba]

Gratuities will soon cost more than the cruise.

You could be right if you add on $92 per day for a Drinks Package.................Wilba

[Little Red Rouster, Lancaster]

It will just mean even longer Queue's for "Those Who Wish To Tip Personally"...........Wilba

And why not Wilba. Still not compulsory. As one would say 'they are starting to push the boat out' on gratuities. It does not seem much 50 cents but times that by say 3500 passengers for a 7 day cruise is $12250 increase. Based on $13.50 per day is now $330750 for a 7 day cruise. If , for example, you work out how much say 1500 crew would get per week that equates to $220 each. That is if passengers paid their dues. Not bad.

[carol, welwyn garden city]

I just had a text offering Navigator of the Seas in October for 7 nights from £399! Perhaps all the prices will come down and they will charge more for tips!............................................. ............................Carol

[Wilba]

And why not Wilba. Still not compulsory. As one would say 'they are starting to push the boat out' on gratuities. It does not seem much 50 cents but times that by say 3500 passengers for a 7 day cruise is $12250 increase. Based on $13.50 per day is now $330750 for a 7 day cruise. If , for example, you work out how much say 1500 crew would get per week that equates to $220 each. That is if passengers paid their dues. Not bad.

I'm not disagreeing with you, just emphasising how farcical the whole tipping/increase thing is.............Wilba

[annie, Glasgow]

I just had a text offering Navigator of the Seas in October for 7 nights from £399! Perhaps all the prices will come down and they will charge more for tips!............................................. ............................Carol

and drinks

Not unlike some airlines, low fares and loads of extra

Unsure if the fares will come down much in the peak holiday period - they may do if the Americans stop travelling.

Annie

[Wilba]

In the past I could be called a fan of RCI as I was impressed with their WOW factor compared to the British staid and stately cruiselines, but when they started building Monstrosity Holiday Camps of the Seas I felt it time to move on.

With increases in Drinks, Grats, Shuttles etc; they like their sister company Celebrity have found a niche at the rear of my back burner..........Wilba

[Little Red Rouster, Lancaster]

I'm not disagreeing with you, just emphasising how farcical the whole tipping/increase thing is.............Wilba

Agree with you Wilba. It is all an unnecessary pain up the unmentionable. Who does pay, who should pay, who isn't paying, what you are if you don't pay, queue at the pursers desk. In my opinion there is only one way to deal with this and that is having passengers agree at the time of booking a cruise to pay gratuities by signing to that effect. This would give the cruise line full authority to charge the onboard accounts.

[annie, Glasgow]

Agree with you Wilba. It is all an unnecessary pain up the unmentionable. Who does pay, who should pay, who isn't paying, what you are if you don't pay, queue at the pursers desk. In my opinion there is only one way to deal with this and that is having passengers agree at the time of booking a cruise to pay gratuities by signing to that effect. This would give the cruise line full authority to charge the onboard accounts.

PITA is a useful acronym - cuts down on the typing too.

Annie