nyce

Keep in mind everyone tips on this cruise line because it is included in the price.   And some give extra tips.

If Regent means what they say on their web site which is absolutely no tipping because it is charged in the price of the trip  then they need to tell their staff what the rules are too.    Otherwise it is just a sales pitch and we still are made to feel uncomfortable onboard.   The staff does not seem to keep it a secret  if someone gives them a tip.     The reason Regent needs to handle this a little better is because they make up rules, charge us more and then implementing them becomes our burden.   None of us really know if the staff gets the tips that are built into the price and if so how much do they get?    Some of us presume that they don't see any of it and feel guilty about not tipping someone who took good care of them.   I think this is the elephant in the room.   

I have gotten help with loading a heavy purchase into my vehicle at Costco .   They refused the tip and helped with a smile.   He said it was his job and that he was treated well by the company    Not a bad idea.

Yes to all.  Everyone palmed the cash but it was obvious in the dinning rooms.    I agree with you .  We did not tip everyone, just special people.   We did not tip in the reservation specialty restaurants which are not easy to get into at a reasonable hour.  They were available around 8PM or later.   I noticed that the one night that I was able to get into one of them a couple walked straight into the restaurant and went directly a table for two unescorted.   Everyone else waited to be seated.    The staff automatically brought them their drinks.   How did they know what they wanted?   Why were they treated different from the rest of us?  Did they tip well?   Who knows.

On our tip list was the female housekeeper who did a beautiful job keeping our room clean and making the bed.   She worked hard and lots of hours and I doubted that her pay was very high.    I wanted to give her an extra tip.   There were four others that I tipped for similar reasons.    But I tipped no one else. 

BTW, the food was very good as well as the service.   The weakest restaurant service and food wise was the Italian semi buffet.    Compass Rose, the steak house and the French Restaurant were all great.   After eating in the two reservations only restaurants I really didn't care if went back because Compass Rose was equal in quality and service.

I think the cruise line that makes these rules on tipping should enforce it because it is awkward when some tip extra.    You are correct.    

Just returned from Voyager cruise.   I knew that tipping is included in the price but once on board things were different.   A lot of tipping going on everywhere and no staff member ever declined.  After watching this go one I tipped too.      I was not aware of the new rules on the web site that others have mentioned in this conversation.   The price seems to include tips though.

I had one experience that seemed like tipping may have made a difference. Went to the Italian restaurant one night.   It is one of two restaurants that has a no reservations policy, first come first served.  One window table for two was open and not much else.    We were told that they were holding it for someone.    I mentioned this restaurant was advertised as a no reservation restaurant.  The person in charge told me that it wasn't a reservation, it was just on hold while the couple went to the bar for a drink.   He walked away to take care of something else and we simply sat at the table.       Service was fine.  

In the Spa there is new management.   Canyon Ranch is out.     They automatically charge a significant extra charge that everyone (staff and customers) considers a tip.   I don't recall exactly but maybe it is 18%.  Massage cost for 50 minuets is $175 so the 18% seemed generous.    There was another line on the receipt for "additional tip".  So in the spa tips are required and extra tips encouraged.

Tours were not great, too much time sitting on busses.    In Melbourne the bus guide closed with saying the she hoped we enjoyed the tour.   A few clapped.  So she repeated it again and added I really hope that you appreciate my tour.   The driver got on the mic and said And me too, I hope you appreciate my driving.      

Yikes. Still more silence. Is there a total media black out on this ship?

I will be taking a cruise on National Geographic Quest next month. The new build ship launched months ago. I have searched the internet extensively and not a single real customer review. I saw the press releases from Linblad but no honest to goodness non travel agent reviews. I have not even read a single post from professional posters that monitor the boards.

Has anyone out there taken a voyage on the Quest? Would love to hear any and all comments and reviews. Are we the only ones who ever booked on this ship?

Getting very worried.