BennyandBo

That plate of food was sad. Like hospital food sad. Actually maybe worse.

With so much food already included, I just can't see the expense. Maybe one meal at a particular place if something pops out at me, but that would be it.

Airlines now charge for checked luggage and carry on. Extra clothes for one meal is more then most folks want to spend these days.

Well, everyone's comments make me feel good about choosing to not spend extra money on the dining plan. Lol.

Yes, I was. Your turn. LOL.

I'm fed up with people looking to get a break rather than pay for insurance like the rest of us. That's how I feel.

If Royal bends and gives them something for nothing, who do you think pays for it in the end? The rest of us. Those who do buy insurance and pay higher cruise prices when fcc are given out to those who cry.

Did you request ice? If so how long did it take? Etc

I don't see it as a reasonable question. The circumstance is they didn't purchase insurance and want something even in credit form for basically nothing.

It's not your place to decide what is relevant in this thread and what is not. I was very much on topic

I didn't and don't see it as "time of need" though. I read it as looking for a break to salvage some money/credit after the fact. And I wasn't lecturing because my comment was really to everyone on the whole. I'm sorry when anyone gets sick and wish them well. And yes it stinks when something gets in the way of your trip. But this is what the insurance is for. Getting a future credit is hardly a "time of need" problem. Lol

Fed up was and is how I feel about people looking for a break after being forced to learn a lesson and loose money because they thought they would save a few bucks on insurance. Why? They don't like to spend money on insurance? Who does? Again, that's how insurance and life work. I would be rich if I got back all the money I have spent on insurance in my lifetime. Gee I wish I had bought insurance after the fact should come with a financial cost. Otherwise nobody would pay for insurance.

What does compassion have to do with anything? Do you have compassion for the other car driver in the accident who didn't bother to buy insurance because it costs money? And as far as future credit goes I don't see that either. Why should Royal put out for that expense? And someone saying they will buy insurance in the future should pay the price now for not having bought it. That's how life (and insurance) works.

Food porn always appreciated. Thanks.

I'm actually getting fed up with people who have this question. I pay $120 per person, per trip, for travel insurance. Why should anyone else get special treatment. I'm sorry for anyone who gets sick and wish them well. But I don't get a refund if I don't use the insurance, why should others get off the hook for the cost of it by asking for special favors.

Always inside. It's a place to shower and sleep to me. Nothing more. Also, best sleep in dark room.

Automatic gratuities can be removed at guests services anytime up until the morning of departure for any reason. Or by calling guest services from your cabin.

My excursions sold put 9 months in advance. 3 months is really coming to the party late.

You will not see it go down between now and August. It's peak travel time. They have no need to lower anything.

If you don't like the cut in service. Automatic gratuities can be removed at guests service anytime up until the morning of departure for any reason. Or by calling guest services from your cabin.

It's a cruise and a vacation. An over abundance of food is and always has been a huge part of the cruising experience.

A cruise isn't a land restaurant. You can't compare the two. Food has always been a huge part of cruising. I don't think anyone likes having their meals micro managed like they are 5 yrs old.

Automatic gratuities can be removed for any reason up until the morning of departure by going to guests services and requesting they be removed. You may also call guests services at any time from your cabin to do so.

My Mother had the same M to F 9to5 job from 1969 to 2011. Well over 40 years. Was a single parent. Retired at 68yrs of age. And was only make $39k after 41yrs of holding down the same job. Nobody ever felt sorry for her. Nobody ever cut her any slack. She took nothing from the government. Yet, she survived without anyone going on endlessly agonizing, worrying, and speculating about her poor life and how she survived. And $39k in 2011 in NYC was really nothing. It made $2k a month in the Philippines look rich. Nobody should work 40 plus years and spend every night killing roaches after dinner. But she did. She would die if people ever did talk about her and say that poor woman works so hard for nothing. Then she got cancer and was gone within 6 months of retirement. My point is people have it hard all over the world. Even here in your own country. Maybe others lives look so tragic to you because you have so much more and they have so little. You agonize, argue, and debate their finances more then they do. It's what they are use to and more then anyone back home makes. My Mother would say $2k without U.S.taxes isn't bad. And when it comes to tipping, not everyone can add a cent over the suggested amount. And some do see auto gratuities amounts as pushy and high. Not everyone has the same perspective, because not everyone lives the same life. And in the same world. These cruise ship salaries are not as nearly as tragic to the crew as they are to you. They don't go on and on about it. They just get on with it.

Not enough was talking about the removal of auto gratuity. That in and on itself doesn't mean or imply no tip at all. Cash tips are still tips. You took removing auto gratuity and went right to not getting paid one penny.