chris9757

We are also boarding the Regal in April (29th - same as you??). We also want to do Chef's Table and plan to go to Passenger Services as soon as we board!  We have done it before and loved it!!

14 hours ago, tanyaewa said:

Imo it’s inconsiderate to be tipping in a currency other than your own.  If you were a tour guide in Alabama what would you do with a handful of Rubles  from a Russian tourist?

I guess if Childersburg,  Alabama, was a tourist destination, with tourism bringing an influx of capital and jobs into the area, maybe there would be systems in place to convert whatever currency was tendered.   If our jobs were created and supported by visiting Russians, I think I would say bring the rubles!!!   I was asking because I didn't know - I never suggested that other currencies be used.  I was seeking clarification regarding conflicting information.  And ... the results are still conflicting.  lol

9 minutes ago, mrandmrsdd said:

We tipped US& for St. Petersburg, kroner for Denmark and Iceland because we were there 3-5 days and did our own things in other countries,  so no tipping then. 

Great info!  Thanks!

What about tipping guides and drivers?

I'm getting conflicting information about tipping tour guides and drivers, as well as occasionally paying for the use of a public restroom in Scandinavia.  I really don't want to exchange for all these different currencies in these different countries, and try to keep up with the exchange rates.    One site told me tipping in euros is acceptable for this, although those countries don't use the euro.  What are the options for tipping?  Euro?  USD?  Other options?  We are using independent tour companies all the way.

I'm getting conflicting information about tipping tour guides and drivers, as well as occasionally paying for the use of a public restroom in Scandinavia.  I really don't want to exchange for all these different currencies in these different countries, and try to keep up with the exchange rates.    One site told me tipping in euros is acceptable for this, although those countries don't use the euro.  What are the options for tipping?  Euro?  USD?  Other options?  We are using independent tour companies all the way.

Word of warning! We booked mini-suite - club class was not available, so we were put on a waiting list to be upgraded if/when club class mini-suite became available. It became available, and we paid the extra money to upgrade. Guess what! You LOSE all the perks of any promotion you originally booked. Two specialty dinings (one each): GONE; Onboard credit $300 (150/each): GONE. It's in the fine print if you upgrade, you lose those. Our travel agent didn't even know it. Buyer beware!!!

Update: Our travel agent was able to restore the specialty dinings, and 1/2 of the OBC. Not sure how she did it, but we'll take it!!! Thanks for the insights provided here. Big lesson learned!!!

Word of warning! We booked mini-suite - club class was not available, so we were put on a waiting list to be upgraded if/when club class mini-suite became available. It became available, and we paid the extra money to upgrade. Guess what! You LOSE all the perks of any promotion you originally booked. Two specialty dinings (one each): GONE; Onboard credit $300 (150/each): GONE. It's in the fine print if you upgrade, you lose those. Our travel agent didn't even know it. Buyer beware!!!