joeyancho

22 hours ago, Korimako said:

Am I right in thinking that on ships based in Australia/New Zealand, gratuities are already included in the fare and there is no need to tip?

Correctamundo. 

This topic makes my liver quiver. 

5 hours ago, Dreamscaper said:

I apologize.  I meant those who book the more expensive cabins may tend to spend more (including on extra tipping) than those who book lower category.  Of course this doesn't apply to everyone and those who book higher category shouldn't be expected to tip more or more often, but I would guess that it happens.

No need to apologize.  We're all friends here.  

49 minutes ago, Dreamscaper said:

Thank you.  I suppose what I meant by that was that perhaps the crew would expect extra tipping from the higher end cruisers that have deeper pockets but maybe not as much from the lower fare cruisers.  Right or wrong, not trying to spark a debate on who "should" and who "shouldn't"!

I don't think they have a right to expect anything.  How much money one has is no one's business.  I don't think they expect a tip beyond the daily gratuity.  But they do appreciate them. But I don't think they are  disappointed if they don't get extra. Also they type of room you book is not indicative of how much money you have.  Plenty of people with money cruise inside.   

OP please don't put yourself down by referring to yourself as cattle class.  Honestly everyone who takes a mass market cruise is cattle class.  Do not tip out of guilt.  You are already tipping the suggested amount that is set up by the company to make everyone happy.   That's all you have to do.  You're done.  Worrying about what others do will drive you crazy.  You are on vacation.   Worry is not part of it.  Bon Voyage. 

Maybe you could release a small picture.  Perhaps glued to a rock.  I can't imagine the pain a 15 year old boy feels at losing his father.  My heart goes out to him. 

7 hours ago, fla33023 said:

The MDR lobster tail showed up as $20.05 on the statement.

Was it worth the upcharge?  Was it served hot?

Almond croissants from International Cafe

Pistachio Dome

Filet of sole lunch

Booooo......hissss......bring back jazz music.

We just requested morning service.  

18 minutes ago, mlbcruiser said:

Thanks so much for replying and for the info., (even though it wasn’t good news for us). 

You can ask your steward for ideas on how to handle the situation.  Our steward,  on our last cruise said he would come twice daily if we wanted.  We said no, just ice.  We always had fresh ice. 

What does his passport say? 

On 6/9/2023 at 7:59 PM, SSPhone said:

Is it really that hard to fix a coffee machine? For the 2nd time in as many cruises the coffee machine in the diamond lounge is broken. 🤔 

Last cruise on Rhapsody and now Radiance. If you want a coffee you have to head down to deck 5. 

That machine is still broken???  It was broken on our May 4th cruise.   

On 6/20/2023 at 7:44 AM, Norwich Cruiser said:

Hopefully you’re not sailing an “ o “ class from Barcelona.

 

MTD is the worst experience with massive lines for both those with and without reservations mainly because of folks arriving back from shore excursions all at the same time.

 

Some folks who had 20.00 and 20.30 reservations were not getting seated until 21.15.

 

Luckily it didn’t affect us as we were traditional late seating.

 

 

This situation is not limited to just one ship. 

2 hours ago, mjkacmom said:

I’m pretty sure most private health insurance in the US can’t be used out of the country, we have Aetna, a pretty good plan, but always get travel insurance for medical.

True.  People should check with their carrier.   We have Kaiser Insurance and my plan covers me out of the country. 

16 hours ago, Eddie Wilson said:

 

 

Just have not travelled with Birth Certs before, which ginned up some anxt.

 

Gin is very good for that anxt. 

Just cruised the Radiance in May.  I loved it. It is obviously smaller compared to the newer ships. But you really get the feeling that you are on a cruise ship,  on the ocean,  as opposed to an amusement park.   Also venues are a much shorter walk.  The ship is in very good condition.  MTD seems to work better on the smaller ship.  Have you downloaded the Royal Caribbean app?  The app will have the daily planner so you can find out what time the shows are.  You can then schedule around them.  You can also make reservations for dinner.  If you don't have a reservation you can just show up when you want to eat and that works pretty well also.  I hope you enjoy the Radiance as much as we did.  Bon Voyage.  

5 minutes ago, C & C Love to Cruise said:

They don't look very good to me. 

Certainly not if you are watching your sugar intake.  

Jeeze....let it go. 

13 hours ago, fredmdcruisers said:

One person! Don't get your wrinkled panties or short shorts in a wad. Enjoy your cruise!

Pot of coffee in the morning...$2.00. 

27 minutes ago, Tlbecker1 said:

We have enjoyed the new menus, but things have changed.  You can always go to the Windjammer for more choices.

We are going with Princess for better choices. 

3 hours ago, BND said:

 why should the majority kneel down to the minority?

I don't know if you notice but this is the problem in America today. 

Weed is legal in Alaska.   I'm just sayin'......

Compression socks.  Put your feet up when you can.