It remains pretty clear that if one wishes "gratuities" to go directly to the foks who provide him/her services on a particular cruise one must do so by distributing cash out of his/her own pocket without regard to whatever Viking is up to. Note that nobody is "left out" under this scenario because they still get the same level of "gratuity" that Viking provides via their secret distribution scheme. The person who chooses to opt out of the "gratuity" scam is simply signalling that he/she understands the reality of the situation and is unwilling to participate in Viking's shenanigan. For those readying their slings and arrows ----- no, I am not an "opt out" person - not yet. But I may well become one and will, at that point, provide at least the same level of "gratuity" as I do currently to the company slush fund. As stated earlier I am getting to where I feel no obligation to be upfront with a company which is not upfront with me.