not-enough-cruising

If you want a scooter for the duration of the cruise yes; you need to contact one of the rental companies. (We use scoot around) if you just need a chair for boarding and disembarking, then no reservation needed.

Not a reasonable interpretation at all, just a closed minded interpretation of someone who happens to think differently than me on this issue. The amount of money I spend on anything is absolutely meaningless to me. Getting value for my money, is paramount. I have never eliminated tipping altogether

Says who? I’m much more upset about cruise fares than gratuities (not upset about gratuity increase at all, my feelings on that haven’t changed in a decades) Cruise fare increases are the main culprit in my list of upcoming cruises smaller than it has ever been. I have been booking lots of alternate types of vacations.

No, Judge Judy would look at the conditions of carriage and shrug her shoulders.

I must admit, seeing this type of question asked with some regularity, I wonder "what difference does it make?"

I really appreciate your use of the word "chump"; I think it is very apropos.

Luckily for us, providing context or meaning is not the reason we reward hard workers; so……win/win.

Anyone with an ounce of decorum would never mention a dollar amount that they have tipped in a public forum.

Maybe I missed it, but where did anyone on this thread advocate for withholding all tips??

We’ve all seen those situations; but public spaces are the responsibility of the corporation, I think we can all agree.

My point exactly, thank you. These are NOT tipped positions.

If it wasn't in poor taste I could go into the details of my financials, but rest assured, I can afford anything I want. Those that attend to my needs (on a cruise, at a hotel, at a restaurant.......) are handsomely rewarded.

It’s more than possible, they have all but admitted to it with the “other services” category on the official breakdown.

I don’t think you understand the idiom, that’s OK. You do you.

Very nice selective quote. It’s convenient that you failed to include the first part of the sentence stating that in my group, this is a multi factorial issue. It is NOT just $14 per week

Maybe Maybe not I don’t care, doesn’t change what I do either way

No, no hard facts (there isn't a hard fact on this entire thread). I do, however, have a rather large circle of cruise addicted friends across the nation; and there is no doubt, in this cross section, there has been a major shift in participation. We have a travel group that cruises together every February, 23 couples. Historically all but 3 couples participate in the auto gratuity. For 2024, Odyssey sailing that number has shifted dramatically, currently only 7 are planning on utilizing the plan. This is a multifactorial issue, no doubt, but the latest increase was the straw that broke the camel's back for many.

Especially the growing numbers that are opting out

Do they have a POS terminal in the suite lounge? I don’t ever remember seeing one.

No one ever considers it, and I doubt it happens because some is liked more than another, but ............................

I agree, hence my breakdown of the officer positions. Waiters, housekeeping, bartenders-all on 9 month contracts

I'm sorry, but this simply isn't accurate. I believe most contracts, outside of officer positions, are 9 month terms. However, I agree with you 100%, they are most certainly NOT underpaid

There are several such stories on the Royal boards as well from the last few years. Involuntary denied boarding (GTY room or assigned, doesn't make a difference) although not common, is also not unheard of.

The price for this item varies from ship to ship and week to week. I would suggest a per person post of $300-$350 would be in range.

The cruise industry has always been a massive target, regardless of the type of incident. There are 2 types of people in the world. Those that LOVE cruising, and those that think it is the absolute worse thing in the universe; no in between.