5waldos

2 hours ago, Simon-t said:

I always tip when in North America because it is respectful to follow local customs and practice. I think  what can irritate some people outside North America is the apparent insistence on tipping in Europe, Asia etc because of US cultural preferences rather than following local custom not to tip in every situation.

 

 

 

I will admit that it is hard not to automatically tip. Seems a bit like cheating somehow. But when in Rome, bite your tongue and do as the locals do. Better in the end. 

4 hours ago, ggo85 said:

In the end, we will never know the intricacies of every guide’s financial arrangement or situation. We make our choices based on our culture and personal preferences.  

Interesting. How do you feel about Australians, for example, coming to the US and NOT tipping in restaurants or in other situations where Americans always tip because of their culture and personal preferences? 

SS doesn’t actually stock up on wines at local ports, do they? I assumed that the wine would all come from their suppliers, perhaps focusing orders based on the itinerary. 

The late afternoon appetizers are only mentioned as available in the upper cabins.  I am going to assume that they will appear if requested even in steerage? 

So the wonderful upgrading led to significantly smaller cabins and closets.  Funny that isn’t mentioned anyplace. I will miss the walk in space. 230 sq ft is now potentially 153 sq ft. Quite a significant change. 

Am I remembering correctly that cabins on the Explorer before the changes in 2018 had walk in closets? Or is this my imagination? 

Finally- 10 days out, An upgrade from Adventurer to Vista. Which will suit us very well. And I can stop the obsessive checking! Yes one of the luxury suites would have been nice but never imagined that was in the cards. 

8 hours ago, david63 said:

Irrespective of culture, local customs or expectations I suspect that in any country all those working in the tourist industry these days, especially those where cruises are involved, will accept tips without hesitation.

More's the pity. 

47 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

Three is good

One for each and a spare if one desires.

Four would be wastage.

What happens with us is one each then we try to split the extra one if it is tasty. This usually results in a pile of crumbs. 

31 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

I am seriously interested in knowing in which countries tipping is considered an insult. I was told Japan is one, where else?

I understand that in Fiji it suggests an obligation. And until recently I believe that in Australia it was considered insulting. 
 

The link above is very helpful. 

Not all cultures are tipping cultures. In some places it is considered an insult, in others it is bad luck. Rarely will it be refused (manners, etc) but local customs should be respected. It can feel awkward for those of us who see it as a reward for a job well done but isn’t part of the reason we travels is to learn about these differences? 

1 hour ago, ropomo said:

There are those that can't even reach that standard 😉

Our first Silversea cruise was in the Galapagos shortly after they began service there. The staff was not well trained yet and many resented the change from a tip based cruise to an all inclusive. Silversea was required to keep the local crew onboard. I had had far better service on Carnival. Rooms not serviced by 4 in the afternoon, blankets taken and never returned, reception never answering the phones, I could go on and on- I sometimes wonder why we gave them then another chance. 

Just now, Daveywavey70 said:

Manners.

Not sure how that equates to manners. They look prettier in odd numbers but why not 4 of things? Or 2 of things. 

2 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

 

 

 

A cabin for two people and everything offered in 3s. Why? 

4 minutes ago, Lois R said:

And you never know, you might get a surprise (a good one). I was upgraded just a few days before my recent cruise to a Silver Suite.......had no idea that was coming!  Biggest cabin I ever had! 

I think this may be why I want to find out where we will be. Not that I anticipate such an upgrade but the closer it comes to sail date, the more a small part of me says- well gosh- Somebody has to be in those upscale cabins! And I really don't want to get caught in thinking that way as it is far more likely that we will be pretty much where we booked. And yes, I could call but guess I don't care enough to pick up the phone- besides- it will jinx my chances!

3 hours ago, crusinbanjo said:

It’s not uncommon, Mrs Banjo and I have not been assigned a cabin for our cruise in a few weeks, and past cruises were not assigned until just a few days before embarking.

I guess I don't have the patience that I wish I had! 12 days out and I really really want to know. It's not like it really makes a big difference- we are on the Explorer and will mostly be out of the cabin anyway except to collapse after excursions.  And it is beginning to look like we may be in transit (4 days home to port) before we find out where we will land. 

😀

4 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

 

Yes,  caviar is served with all the "fixins".  I prefer it simply with good butter and a baguette.

 

A good butler anticipates.  Came back from a wet and muddy hike to find this set up along with a hot bath already drawn.

 

 

 

Returning from dinner this is what my messy muddy shoes looked like, without asking.

 

 

You can ask for canapés every day.

 

 

🫠That all looks lovely. Hope that our butler is as attentive. They aren't always quite as good as your's obviously was! 

On 9/16/2023 at 1:03 PM, machotspur said:

 

 

The American thing of wishing to tip on a 'gratuity inclusive' cruise is alien to me - and many others onboard I suspect.

 

Thank you. I could not agree more, and I am an American. For exceptional service (for example, my cabin mate was ill nearly an entire trip and out butler took amazing care of her- she tipped him generously) I choose gratuity inclusive cruises to avoid the entire tipping experience. I tip generously when in cultures where it is expected, but avoid doing so where it is not. 

53 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Complimentary. 

It has been a while but my memory (which has certainly been known to fail me) is that caviar was available but was an extra. Very nice to know that it is complimentary. Do they serve it with the entire set up- toast points or blini, etc? 

13 days out today and still waiting. My previous experience could not have been more different- I switched from a specific cabin to GTY when they became available. I was assigned an upgraded cabin that afternoon. Booked Explorer, upgraded to Vista Suite. 

Caviar? That would make an awfully nice thing to come back to after a day on shore. Is it complementary or an added charge? 

I rarely ask for much from the butlers but had a very difficult time of it on one of my last voyages. Laundry went off early the morning before docking, to be returned late afternoon. It didn't return. And when I asked about it, nobody seemed to know anything about it. If finally turned up in my cabin at about 2am. 

1 hour ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Hard to choose a graphic from the limited menu here, since all three apply:  Like, Haha, and Thanks!

My- I am honored!

I can't wear stilletos on land! But I bet she is still strong enough to keep me from a face plant if the seas got at all rough! And should we be lucky enough to have her on board- we will certainly remember to take note of what shoes she is wearing!

She could have also been selected for her charm and her smile although that doesn't seem to come across the same way when referring to the first woman Captain. (And before anyone thinks about jumping all over me- it was intended as a mild joke- both here and previously when referring to the other Captains. Never know when someone will be hyper sensitive and insulted.)

I remember the occasion well nearly 10 years later- still have the glitzy scarf I wore. What was most memorable about it was standing just outside the restaurant chatting with the Captain and several others when a wave hit us and I fell into his arms. He was a lovely man so it was not a bad thing although a bit embarrassing- I would have ended up on the floor if he hadn't been such a strong gentleman!

Thank you all! Happy to have the answer.