Your comments, advice, suggestions (and illustrious prominence as a highly respected contributor) are fully recognised and appreciated (as have all those that have participated…..bless you).
I love to at least recognise good service and would be happy to offer a modest gratuity for service beyond the usual parameters.
But there is another consideration…. which frankly outweighs the guest’s approach.
I have always been appreciative and many times humbled by a significant number of ship crew with their consideration of others.
I often wonder if the “shoe was on other foot” how would they treat service.
And to be frank, I don’t think there would be any difference between the two (us and them…terrible expression but I’m not standing for President…..so get over it).
However there are crew where a thankyou and gratuity has genuinely meant a lot AND it has not always been immediately obvious.
So, I aspire to the “higher ground” and at least try to reciprocate with those amazing crew I have met over the years.
I have also recently learned that even “pre-tipping” has a “place” if delivered in a private and modest manner (for special occasions).
Yet nothing can surpass a genuine thankyou (with or without a gratuity) and I thankyou all for your valued consideration and varied advice: each and all is respected.