paddingtonbear

In Australia (and the UK) we go above and beyond to help people because we want to and because it makes us feel good. By introducing an expectation of tipping you are changing the culture of a country. That is not a respectful way to travel.

I disagree. If I do something well over and above my expected job duties, I am compensated for it by my boss in some manner. It might be a cash bonus, a gift card for dinner, or theater tickets. The surgery scheduler at my doctors office worked some magic when scheduling me for a procedure, I thanked her with a restaurant gift card. It's common courtesy to reward someone who helps you out above the service they are supposed to provide.

 

As I said, for normal driving, taking tickets, or storage of typical baggage, no tip is required. But if they stow particularly heavy or awkward items, take great care with fragile items, or perform some other task that is beyond the norm, it's a sign of respect and courtesy to reward them for their trouble and attention.

You are American your tipping/rewarding attitude/beliefs should be confined to the USA. When you are travelling overseas if would be more respectful if you observed the local customs rather than imposing the customs of your country on other countries.

I have trouble understanding why anyone would even think that US currency would be accepted in the UK. Same thing for GBP in the US.

Because of the (thankfully minority view) some Americans have:

>>yES US BANKS WOULD BE ABLE TO CONVERT IT EASILY BUT PEOPLE IN THE US WOULD NOT GENERALLY ACCEPT EUROS I WOULD THINK.....EUROS ARE JUST NOT AS GENERALLY ACCEPTED AS DOLLARS. AND YES, THERE IS PROBABLY SOME FEELING OF ENTITLEMENT AS ONE DOLLARS ARE ACCEPTED IN MANY PLACES SO IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE FOR THOSE FROM THE US TO ASK....SECOND....WE ARE CURRENTLY THE MOST POWERFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.....COMES WITH SOME EXPECTATIONS AND ...PERKS.....THOSE FROM THE UK KNOW THIS OR SHOULD....<<<

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Also used them a lot and agree absolutely no need to tip - unless of course you felt they had done an exceptional favour for you.

The qualification is unnecessary. Even then a tip is not necessary. A smile and thank you is all that is required.

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I believe that the customer service reps are reciting what they've been told to say but that doesn't make it correct. A true chip and pin doe not require you to use it a first time as a chip and signature card. It appears that what you and msmoger have is a card with chip that is primarily a chip and signature card but can use a pin as a secondary function in some cases. A true chip and pin has the pin embedded in the chip and it can not be changed by the card owner.

 

 

 

From everything I've read, there are only a couple of true chip and pin cards issued in the US and those are from specific credit unions (USAA had true chip and pin but has recently switched to a chip and signature - boo!). Barclay Bank appears to issue cards with signature required as the main cardholder verification method (CVM).

We have had chip and Pin cards in Australia for years and you can change the Pin in any atm or over the phone via a special program (so the operator can't hear). You can use s chip and Pin card on any purchase.

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Don't know about Europe but Brits call them face flannels.

Some Aussies call them flannels.

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But, the question was about tipping a 'British' tour guide.

 

 

 

From reading cruise critic, the local custom is to not tip.

 

 

 

Problem solved.

I agree about the tipping but the OP was actually talking about spending money in "local shops and pubs".

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as an absolute hater of road tolls,why the hell do we pay them.

 

count how many vehicles are in your state multiply that be the average amount of rego and see what figure you come up with per annum.and we still have to pay tolls, a bl--dy tax rip off.

 

where does all this money go that supposedly is to be spent on our roads.

The money doesn't go towards roadworks it goes to the company that built the roads. Transurban etc

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Please restrict your tipping culture to the US where it belongs. Many Europeans and Australians find it offensive that some Americans try to spread their culture around the world and then some people act as if they therefore deserve "better" treatment. Good manners and a thank you will be greatly appreciated.

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This.

 

We have a screen capture of our listing of diagnoses, medications and dosages as the first photo in our Camera Roll on our iPhones. The phones are ALWAYS with us when we're off the ship. The only med we use where we take the bottle is the one controlled substance DH takes. I really don't think my asthma meds would raise a red flag in any country.

This is a great idea! 😃

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Beauty, another solution, thanks. I am really working on a "crusade" to stop people taking surge protectors on ships.

You don't seem to be winning. : (

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Only reason I mentioned the buffet is that the dining room is only open for lunch on sea days, not on days you will be at a port at lunchtime.

Thank you caribill and homosassa, I didn't know about the MDR being closed. Thank you for the info on how to organise food at other venues! Very useful.

It's amazing how minute an amount of peanut my friend has to have for a severe reaction to occur. Luckily as soon as she's swallowed it she knows and can react quickly.

You know, if you want to promote the US in other countries one of the first and easiest things you could do is to respect the local customs, including going to a bit of trouble to have some of the local currency.

Milkshakes are not available on with the Royal or the Regal with the Unlimited Soda and more package.

 

I don't know why.

Because they do not make milkshakes anywhere on those two ships, thus no place to get them.

I would have thought it was pretty basic for any kitchen to have a milkshake maker.

I am very disappointed that the Royal doesn't have milkshakes.

It is one of the things I would buy the package for as I don't drink soda or lots of alcohol and I'm allergic to most fruit drinks. But, I am prepared to sacrifice a lot to find the best mocktail that I can drink. :)

Having read all through this thread now I feeling very confused. It would appear each ship has it's own variations.

 

What I'm looking for is a package that would include milkshakes/malts, hot chocolate, cranberry juice, and possibly bottled water. The last item is not that important.

 

I will be on the Diamond in May/June and on the Emerald in October.

 

Can someone clarify which package might work (or not)?

 

Thanks.

It is called Unlimited Soda & More Package.

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-gifts-celebrations/gifts-and-services/culinary-delights-wine/

No need to purchase in advance. Same price on the ship.

You can't get bottled water with the package but the ships water is as good as, if not better than bottled water. Or you can buy it separately.

I would tip in the local currency unless told otherwise.

 

Main currencies such as

USD for the USA,

EURO for countries in the Euro zone (as well as their local currency),

Pounds for the UK,

AUD for Australia,

NZD fro New Zealand.

 

However, as mentioned a lot of African countries and Island countries such as the caribbean prefer USD over their own currency.

 

:D

I would tip tour guides according to the local customs:

USA tip USD

UK don't tip

Europe don't tip

Australia don't tip

NZ don't tip.

I thought I read someone's review and they mentioned this, but I might be confused. Is there a soda package that includes free mocktails and milkshakes?

Yes. It is called Unlimited Soda & More Package.

 

You can read about it at http://www.princess.com/learn/onboard/gifts_services/cellars_culinarydelights/princess_cellars/index.jsp near the bottom of the page. No need to purchase in advance. Same price on the ship.

Milkshakes are not available on with the Royal or the Regal with the Unlimited Soda and more package.

I don't know why.

No problem using Anytime dining or also going to specialty restaurants.

 

In the dining room speak with your headwaiter. If in anytime, use the same dining room each evening so you will have access to the same headwaiter.

 

The headwaiter will bring the next day's menus (B,L,D) and work with you to select dishes that will meet your special needs or to see which dishes can be modified to meet those needs.

 

The selections will be kept by cabin number, so if you are in Anytime, just tell the waitstaff that the menu has been arranged and the cabin number. Also ask the wait staff to have the headwaiter (tell them his name) see you again to plan the next day.

 

If you want to go to specialty dining, see the headwaiter there a day in advance.

 

To safely eat at the buffet, seek out the a headwaiter there when you want to eat. Do not depend on others there to properly help you with these special needs.

Thanks Caribill.

My friend has an epi-pen level nut allergy so we'll be doing whatever Princess requires to keep her food totally nut free. I don't think we'll be eating at the buffet but we'll certainly check with the Head waiter on day one to confirm what we've learnt so far.

Since I'm one of those people who loves ANYTHING cooked by someone else I don't mind where we eat!

Since my granddaughter has a nut allergy. Can any tell me (i know it's kinda of a crazy question) dothey cook french fries etc. With regular oil, vegetable or canola. I'm just concerned if we are not aware of it first hand it could spell real trouble.

 

 

 

I don't know if anyone out there knows the answer to my question?

 

 

 

Thank you

A friend with a severe nut allergy is travelling with us next year and princess would like us to do Traditional dining. I guess so the can be better prepared.

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One way drop fees for car hire from Heathrow to Southampton are very high. Autos cost a lot more than manuals. Check prices before you lock this into your itinerary.

I don't know from first hand experience but have read that Stonehenge requires timed tickets unless you buy in advance there might be a bit of fiddling or waiting around if you visit by yourself.

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Just off the Royal and two of the production shows are excellent and well worth seeing! Colors of the World and Spectacular..... two of the best ones we've seen from an onboard entertainment cast! :cool:

Will these shows still be on the royal in June?

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It is the contract that princess can cancel the cruise or ports at anytime. Covering the cost of flights etc is the responsibility of individuals and is easily done with comprehensive travel insurance.

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it is so nice to hear some positive comments about the Regal. We are on the Royal in June and are very interested to hear good thing about the ship before we sail.

Just so we are on the same page

 

Flake = Fish

 

Potatoe Cake = Thin slice of potato in batter

 

That right?

Flake = shark

My DH is an extremely UNfussy eater. He won't eat shark and neither will I.

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I've never cruised before so was interested to know what was offered on a cruise so looked at all the Patters for the Alaska cruises. Unfortunately that cruise has been postponed and we're doing a British isles cruise first. The Patter for that cruise are very different to the Alaska cruises.

I'm not using them to plan each day as I still don't know what to expect but more to anticipate the cruise which adds to the excitement for me.

My DH has been impressed with the variety of entertainment, lectures and other things to do on board.

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