Board_Shorts

4 hours ago, clean1owner said:

Someone sticking their nose where it doesn't belong, and being given a response that NOBODY can verify,  3 crew members that should be fired, or a Troll just trying to get a bunch of peoples panties in a wad by trying to come up with a different approach to start another tipping argument/thread.

Just wow. I have no words.

On 11/27/2018 at 11:18 AM, not-enough-cruising said:

I really don’t think that a “tipped employee” is a good source of information regarding the compliance and/or distribution of gratuities. 

On 11/27/2018 at 11:37 AM, cruisinfanatic said:

I'd like to know how this subject even comes up unless super nosy

On 11/27/2018 at 12:13 PM, The Fun Researcher said:

The line at guest services must have ran around the entire ship, maybe more than once!

On 11/27/2018 at 1:44 PM, setsail said:

Shocking you fell for this, one of the oldest stories in the book.

18 hours ago, Joseph2017China said:

First, I would never ask a person, how much money they make, or how is the tips.

4 hours ago, clean1owner said:

NEVER in my cruising life have I had the desire to ask a crew members about their tips from a previous cruise.

OP Here.

My gosh, while I've been out enjoying Aruba and Curaçao, this thread seems to have become rather unfriendly. Not that I didn't expect some disagreement of course, I did NOT expect personal attacks, thankfully this reminded me why I stopped using CC quite some time ago.

I now realize that I should have explained that this information was NOT provided by tipped employees.

I have an old (we're in our 20's) friend from home who works in theater production on NV, hence my numerous wonderful cruises on this ship.

Because of him I have also been introduced to numerous others over many cruises on NV. Theater cast for example (I've actually just got to bed after meeting up with a production singer for example, we even discussed this thread.)

I have no reason not to believe an old and very trustworthy friend, or other close friends and performers. They have no reason at all to lie, especially not to me.

I'm VERY happy to say that on the 5 night cruise before this 9 night which I was also on, following the transatlantic, the figure was back to around normal at 14% removals.

I don't appreciate the personal attacks, I'm not used to that, but I'm very aware that CC is renowned for this so I'll say no more about that.

I don't think I'll be returning to this thread, I stay far away from negativity, unless something "in my opinion" needs to be addressed.

Thank you to everyone for some great ideas and suggestions, let's hope Royal really do read this forum.

"In my opinion" just like in Australia, gratuities should be included in the displayed travel agent or website price for EVERYONE. Not only Australia.

Do please remember that without gratuities/tips/auto-tips/the Australian system, very few of us would be able to cruise. The astronomical cost of paying a living wage to tens of thousands of tipped employees would obviously cause prices to become extortionate. So please let's all do our little bit if we can.

The current system usually works well "in my opinion".

The Navigator service is as wonderful as ever. I have extremely deep respect for this crew.

Thank you all for your comments 🙂

Bonaire tomorrow! 🌴🏄🌞

Linda! How absolutely wonderful to wake up and see the beginning of a brand new 'Bit of a Blog' from you!

You are BY FAR my absolute favorite blogger/reviewer.

I sailed with you on Oasis in the Med just prior to the dry dock in 2014 and I adored reading your blog when I was home.

I'm REALLY looking forward to this...

Have a wonderful cruise!

And may I just say, you're looking fabulous!!

Currently on a Navigator B2B, which directly followed the transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Miami. I have now heard the figure of 60% from three completely different crew members.

That makes it difficult to believe that this figure is not correct.

I know the sailing had an itinerary change (to a far better one in my opinion) and an issue with a stabilizer, but surely this doesn't warrant punishing your stateroom attendant, waiters, and behind the scenes staff? They are certainly not to blame.

Any complaints should be dealt with by guest services or by contacting Royal after the cruise.

As much as I hate to say this, it does have to be said. The vast majority of guests were British. I sincerely hope they at least preferred to pay cash instead of auto, but still, everyone is not covered using this method.

I know tipping is not the same in the UK, and guests may not have realized the effect they had, but "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".

When in Britain, do as the British do.

When on a cruise, do what cruisers are expected to do.

I never thought I would take part in a tipping thread, let alone START one.

But this upset me after experiencing the wonderful service on this ship.

WOW. That's all can say. For a company that prides itself on high technology and a futuristic image. That's a ridiculous step back! I found the page 'BloodGem' but I doubt I'm going to spend any time writing an email, first to check if they still know my preferences, and second because a can of Coke and bottle of water is really not worth the time.

I wonder if I'll still get what I always have  done or if everyone now has to go through this procedure.

This will save big bucks, but as everyone knows - Don't Upset The Loyals!

Well I've just checked-in for our B2B next week. The format of which has completely changed since I last used it.

It was so simple!! Which makes me slightly worried that I've somehow missed a few pages that were in the old type online check-in. Still, I have my SetSail Passes in hand -  which have also dramatically changed, and my Bag Tags, which are the same as ever, thank goodness!

I do apologise because I know this will all be old news around here, I haven't visited for a while, so go easy on me. I'm also negotiating this new forum - my beloved CruiseCritic has changed so much too! I feel lost! (So much to get used to!) :D I've tried a few different ways of find my answer, but to no avail (the closest I got was a man asking if could take his bottle of Gin onboard in 2006 :D

SO finally, my question...

Do Diamond/D+/Pinnacle still get welcome aboard "Amenity Gifts"??

I've searched the Royal Site And their FAQ's. Then searched the C&A website for links to "Onboard Preferences" as it used to be called. I found it, but it's all about something else now.

I just wanted to check if our preferences were still the same after all this I.T. work, and perhaps if I wanted to change anything.

If they do actually still exist, could someone please point me in the right direction?

Many thanks!

Interesting. I suppose anyone can search Google and come up with Royal Caribbean Blog as easily as I did.

I think that's probably the way most of us found it. Any links to it are blocked on CC, which I agree does sometimes seems a little authoritarian.

We are just a group of people who all joined this forum to discuss our shared love of cruising... sometimes it would do us all good (myself included) to remember that fact. It is the ONLY thing that everyone here has in common - We all love cruising!!

I fully understand your hesitation about sharing CC with potential newbie cruisers, I've had the same thoughts myself and will usually refer them to YouTube instead.

Thank you for making me open my mind this evening. I'm by no means one of the "moaners" but I'm far from being a "Cheerleader".

I'm going to try to do my little bit to make things more light hearted when I can. :)

Most of the people that wear those tank tops think that they look a lot better in them than they really do.;)

Right? ;)

I heard he's on his way to Second Seating MDR in this pic... :')

????

This kind of thing...

What's the difference in what a dressy tank top shows and what a strapless or halter dress would show on a woman?

 

If I saw a woman worth a dressy tank and formal pants that wouldn't bother me.

Unfortunately I was referring to the men! It's a running joke on CC that when shorts were not permitted, people would ask if "nice" or "dressy" shorts would be ok for dinner? I expect the same thing will now happen for men and teenage boys in tank tops.

Why? Because these are 'usually' the seasoned cruisers who will regularly pay a premium for the nostalgia of old. IMHO of course!

Careful with your stereotypes, sorry, opinions, there. I'm a mid 30s male and like to think "I know how to dress". That's one reason I love to cruise. How other people dress doesn't really affect me, wear what you want, I'm not looking at you. However I'd like a little more clarification of what is now expected, and this is just adding to the confusion, not helping it.

By the way, the only time you'll see me wearing the "Board_Shorts" from my username, is when I'm on the Flowrider ;)

Isn't "Smart Casual" suggested for dinner? Shorts are only included under casual attire. I'm not sure tat I see any change.

Their new website guidance and "What to wear for dinner" video states that complimentary dining, including the MDR and Windjammer are now "Casual", their description of which, includes shorts and tank tops.

However, their live tweet above this post states that MDR is now a "Smart Casual Venue", and describe it as "a step UP from your typical dinner wear"

Don't worry if you're confused. I think we all are. :rolleyes:

Do you happen to have the YouTube link ?

 

I remember seeing

"What To Wear"

Clarification from Royal

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

That quote entirely contradicts their new YouTube video and website guidance.

What are we supposed to think?

I think we all knew the day shorts were allowed in the MDR was coming, - at least legs are kept under the table, but tank tops? In the MDR? I'm sure there will be some "nice" and "dressy" styles, but no thank you.

Correct, but IMHO, people have been waiting for the day when they see that shorts are acceptable in black & white from RCI. They are now "assuming" that shorts/tank tops are acceptable in the MDR.

 

Erik says that the MDR follows the above dress code. If that is true, then why did they insert "the right look will vary by venue"??

I hope you're right, I really do.

RCI's brand new "What to wear" video on YouTube this week.

"Most of the complimentary dining options on board are 'Casual', including the Main Dining Room and Windjammer"

"When you're onboard, the right look will vary by venue".

 

I see no reference to the above statement that shorts/tank tops are being allowed in the MDR at dinner.

But you see no reference that they're not being allowed either. Expect to see a lot more "skin and hair" in the MDR from now on, depending on the bravery of the welcoming team. :o

You'll only find it on on Quantum, Anthem, Ovation and Harmony at the moment.

Keep in mind for most ships pre-Oasis design, although not a guarantee, rooms that are in far forward or aft sections of the ship are more likely to have indoor Muster Stations.

I've never realised that before, but thinking about it, yes you're absolutely right. Looks like I'm in luck on Freedom next month, we're very far forward. Indoor it is... hopefully!

People proclaiming that RCI is reaching a tipping point, or soon it will be the straw that breaks the camel's back, or saying the same thing through some other commonly-used phrase. It never happens because the cruise line is paying attention to what the typical consumer is saying with their actions rather than their words.

I must apologize for the confusion here. The "Camel" to which I refer, in this instance, is myself.

And the as yet unknown "straw" will be whichever future event carries me away to pastures new ;)

Funny that you mention the pen and paper. Apparently RCI gives neither to the cabin attendants either. Two weeks ago on Freedom I asked our cabin attendant for something. He asked me if I had a pen. After I gave him a pen to use he proceeded to add my request to the list that he had written on the palm of his hand.:rolleyes:

It seems the cuts run deeper than we think! It's all starting to make sense. Great first impression eh? :rolleyes:

It's known as "Interporting" and is common in the Med.

This thread should explain everything...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2464772

It is available but not as part of dinner. Only regular coffee is included. After dinner espresso is included in the coffee package.

I've sailed mostly on Freedom and Voyager class ships which have both indoor and outdoor muster stations. I always hope for an indoor station because of the incredible difference in how you are treated. Let's say your muster station is in a dining room - just arrive, get your card scanned, find a seat, relax and pay attention and leave when it's over.

An outdoor muster station is a whole different story on Freedom and Voyager class. You arrive and will be led you your specific line, you MUST stand in straight lines, facing forward, don't worry, you WILL be told if you are out of line or not facing forward, NO mobile phones, NO talking, NO eating or drinking, an outdoor muster is a very intense experience. This continues until the very last of the stragglers have arrived, so perhaps around 30 minutes, by which time people around you are starting to get annoyed. Finally, the 5 minute demonstration will take place and you'll be permitted to leave.

For this reason, I always hope for an indoor muster station. Such an enormous difference!

Please, if you have trouble standing for long periods of time, request a seat or indoor muster station.

I posted this in another thread but I feel it applies here too.

This is all such a shame, we love Royal and have always sailed with them.

The saying "the straw that broke the camel's back" springs to mind. So many cutbacks, removal of small or even tiny touches that make a cruise special - Remember that little pink flower on your table in the MDR? If you hadn't noticed, they've gone. The RC pen and notepad on your desk? Of course there's so much more as others will remember.

The Cruise Compass didn't used to be filled with $ signs. You'd have a chance to chat with your stateroom attendant because he/she didn't have to take care of so many rooms. Plus of course Room Service was complementary, it was all just part of cruising.

Now look at the fact that the company made $1.2 billion profit last year... and that fact makes all these cutbacks a lot harder to swallow, it's not as if they're on the brink.

Yes the prices have come down and maybe I'm naive in thinking all of these small things could continue.

I don't know what the straw that breaks the camel's back will be, but I feel we're getting close.

I believe that I am RCI's target demographic; mid 30s, couples and families with kids, and as much as I love Royal and will continue to cruise with them for now, my partner is now very eager to try other lines.

I'm trying my hardest to justify why we should stay with Royal, but it's getting much more difficult.

I have a feeling our cruising future will be a mixture of RC and Princess if what I've heard is true. So many friends have told us we'd love Princess, they say it's "how things used to be", I don't know if that's true. For me, as long as the camel's back can continue take the weight - Royal is "home", for now.