audcc77

Using this line of thinking, the other people at the same level as me at work get the same pay as I do, regardless of my skill set and quality — and we know that’s not true. I think what some people are beginning to think is that the nominal tips were just that, a small additional amount added to your total cost. But now, paying hundreds of dollars for a family of 4, well — they want to know where that money is going. I can say from past experience that cleaning a room used by 4 people isn’t that much more difficult than cleaning up after 2 people.

Source? When our son bused tables at an upscale restaurant, he was paid about the same each week because the employer would adjust the pay based on tips, actually making up the difference or spreading around the overage. So basically it didn’t matter how well or fast he did the job, he got paid the same. I am interested where your information comes from which states that the cruise line doesn’t make up for shortfalls.

Stands to reason. If you wait last minute to buy cruises or land vacations for spring break, you pay more and get the scraps which are left. My sister does this all the time. Buy now for next year and the year after that. I’d rather lose a $100 deposit if I change my mind, than spend an extra $500+ for a subpar room later. But that’s just me. Sometimes people can’t schedule out that far. I schedule the rest of my life AROUND vacation. 😎. Always have.

One thing I have noticed about the cabins is that they are not as clean as they used to be. On the Mardi Gras a few months ago, our shower had a pinkish colored ring around the bottom where the sides and drip pan meet. Also, there were remnants of facial hair on the white shelving under the sink. Also had toddler handprints from sunscreen on the brown wooden walls and fronts of the drawers. The MG has not been in service but a few years and it’s starting to look shabby. The time prior, the bathroom floor drain had urine on it from the prior guest. “Oh, he’s going to clean that up tomorrow” I thought. Nope. I had to write a note as I just couldn’t let it slide. This was a suite. I believe the cabins are dirtier now due to the once per day cleaning, quick turnaround time, and lack of workers. They don’t seem to have anyone checking their work. Deep cleaning is needed or sometimes twice per day.

Or …. One person (me) can buy the internet, since DH says “I don’t need THAT …” Then one’s spouse STEALS it while she’s napping, making her think the internet isn’t working when she awakens. 🤷‍♀️

On a cruise on MG a few months ago, I had “value” and my friend had “social” internet packages. After we both bought the $5 chat, we realized texting on our iPhones was more reliable than the ship’s chat feature. No extra charges. Texting with my friends and family at home worked well too as long as they had an iPhone. I’m starting to just buy minimal internet access and then upgrade after boarding if needed.

Wow, Elaine. I didn’t realize how much I don’t do on my cruises until you’ve listed them here. 😳. Although I do eat in the lido. No worries for now. I left my tips in place, but the jury is still out on whether I will in the future. It still has not been answered: Who paid the mystery people behind the scenes when people cruised in the 1980s and you only tipped 2 people, the dining room & cabin and let THEM pass out tips to their helpers?

Yeah. That’s what I thought. You had me second guessing myself 😳 I just dug my account summary out of my suitcase and sure enough, only $10 additional, just ONE charge the entire cruise.

I am getting off the ship this morning on a 5-day cruise. I had the middle plan which I purchased months ago. when I got on board it asked if I wanted to upgrade to premium for $10. Since I wanted to watch the Murdaugh trial on YouTube, I upgraded and it worked perfectly. And I am on Sunshine so it’s kind of an older ship. I was happy with the internet.

Me too. It’s a lousy, thankless and tiring job which I did in another life. I can remember the happy feeling of getting just a dollar or two.

I’m not sure I agree with this. Before the cruise lines started the auto grats, I had never heard of people not tipping. Maybe that’s because it was customary to do it on the last night and there were no other places to eat other than MDR. Some people eat specialty dining all week and tip on that. They shouldn’t need to tip the dining room on top of that. I’ve always tipped both but it’s getting silly now.

I believe I read somewhere that you’re allowed to move your grats around from one destination to another. I told my cabin steward yesterday that I’ve never removed my tips ever but I was thinking of doing it this time, and which would she like best. I told her that in the past, I didn’t mind tipping people I didn’t see because the amount was nominal. However, they keep raising tips and it’s no longer nominal. I don’t have a problem with increasing my tips to the people I come into contact with. She said they’re not allowed to say which way they prefer. I’m thinking of going back to the old days and just spread the tips to the cabin steward and dining room and be done with it.

Thanks Ninja. That’s all I found as well.

How are the tips broken down in terms of $$$ to wait staff, cabin steward, etc? I’m happy to pay the April 2023 prices of $16 pp for a standard cabin but I just want to know how they’re broken down.

*sigh*. SMH. 😞

I cringe when I read these types of questions. I’ll probably get flamed for this, but as a sister and friend to 2 alcoholics, why in the world would a parent encourage this? Alcohol is an acquired taste so the the more you have it, it becomes more tolerable and then even tasty. Why start early? We used to bring whiskey in shampoo bottles to the skating rink as preteens. One of those teens is now an alcoholic. Her boyfriend being killed at 18 in an auto accident did not stop her from drinking. She is now 60 and recently slowed down. The OP’s son likely has had alcohol many times but I’m at a loss as to why a parent would push for this. Early drinking leads to higher lifetime alcohol risk. And don’t give me the stupid argument about being old enough to serve in the armed forces. IMO that too young too. 🤷‍♀️ Flame away.

If you go speak to the MD, it works best if you go at 500 prior to dinner starting. Or at least it did for me. I showed up at 2:00 and they said to come back at 5. I’m certain they will do their best to accommodate you.

Yes. It shows it’s here. I didn’t know that. Thanks Blerk!

Well my luggage is here. Thanks for the info.

I’m on Sunshine but my AirTag for my luggage doesn’t show up and I boarded hours ago. It doesn’t even show me on board I don’t think. 🤷‍♀️ Does anyone know if AirTags work?

I’m not sure, but MG had a free drip coffee machine in the Pig and Anchor. Unfortunately it was not available 24/7. Only during the time the P&A was open. Which was starting at 8:30 or 9 am. Better than the swill they normally have.

This is exactly what I did. I booked a seven day balcony on wonder about a year out. A few months later, I got $400 taken off. I then texted my friend and she only waited a few hours, and it ended up only getting her $200 off.

I had trouble on the MG in December. There seemed to be only 1 person on each side of the casino. What made it more difficult is the fact that I only play 1 slot machine and it’s not in the middle. Half the time, I had to get up, leaving my card in the machine, tip my chair, and go chase down someone. I don’t do cheers and I tip every time so I agree that there’s just not enough staff.

Location. I’m in a 4F interior which is a floor 7 cabin with a window in the front, underneath the bridge. It’s Next week. These are supposedly sought after cabins, although I don’t know why because they don’t have a couch. I’m wondering if I will be sorry now. I booked last minute and I’d have rather booked midship because I am now afraid that I’m going to be seasick. 😞

Really?!! I’d be happy with 1 cookie. Thanks for the tip. I’ll give it a try next week.