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I agree with you. They are raising these rates because approx 10% are pulling grats. Coincidentally the increase is 10% so there is a correlation. The days if additional tips has now disappeared I think.

Not passive. We see value in the employees contribution to your cruise. Some obviously do not value tipping at all. I believe in a model that rewards exceptional service but also recognize that some employees do contribute behind the scenes.

Precisely. I actually went to guest services to discuss this. What bothers me is that we are subsidizing the ones who remove. Very wrong model IMHO. I am not even sure when they remove tips that they payout to their cabin steward and waiters. The model should be 50% to al and the other 50% you allocate. Extra tips is not the correct model now.

So they are characterized as a premium experience in their marketing. They have to fulfill that expectation. It is my belief that all cruise lines are testing the limits. It will adjust as people start to be gypsies and not have a favourite line based on loyalty rewards. The rewards do not justify the huge increases. So far I have been loyal but giving serious thought to be going for the best deal.

I was just looking on a site that shows 2025 booking dates. Most companies that have released their TA’s for spring are really bumping up prices. My estimate is at least 50% more than my current RCL trip next month. The released cruises are with companies who are generally lower than RCL.

Absolutely the best cruise we have done. Tips, traffic is horrendous to get to Old Jerusalem so ideally if you have an overnight it would be better. We found the ship excursions too overloaded and would have preferred a more tailor made tour. Highlights and must see are Old Jerusalem and Western Wall, Temple Mount and Holocaust museum. Dead Sea is a bucket list, it is a long ride and very overrated IMHO.

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If you feel that you want to swap out then fine, it is much simpler to just toggle. It is a very small learning process. Do not be afraid to try new technology. I love the fact that you font have to swap out a sim. You could lose your main provider sim as they are so small. There are risks in everything. The price is so good for Airalo and works beautifully.

Just remember to turn off data on your main number when toggling or you will be charged roaming. It is easy when you look at settings. Just an on off toggle. As I said If you have time I would just go to an Apple store and they will show you to make you feel comfortable.

It is easier using an esim. You just toggle on and off in settings. Airalo is the one of choice. You can download it any time prior to leaving and then just toggle on when you are on the plane. It will auto connect when you arrive. For your purpose it will give you data so that you can GPS your walking from point a to b. For emergency calls I would just pay as you go. If you know you will be calling on a specific day then pay the day plan by turning on and off of esim. It is not as difficult as you make out. Alternatively you can go into an Apple store and they will Guide you.

Thats just semantics tip/resort fee. I resent resort fees as well as the fee is not necessarily beneficial to each individual. We are so neat and clean its just about making the bed. We get too caught up in he/she is so nice. It is their job and I expect nothing less than courtesy. Accounting practices loopholes are for the rich and corporates. Lets just have a flat tax where everyone/corporations is equal.

This thread is making everybody guilty about the “employees” of RCL. We are not their employer. If you go to a restaurant and tip 15% or so the server does pay out to kitchen staff. Let RCL determine who gets what. I was just calculating a 35 day back to back that we are taking and its 1700 Canadian in tips. Thats insane. And many on here want to tip extra extra extra on top.I get it if its a 3 or 4 day piss up in the Caribbean but not on long trips and clean non demanding adults, I just dont think its necessary.

And that is the way it should be. Why these posters say dont cruise if you dont like the status quo is not the answer. We have to evolve and make things better for all concerned.

Not quite sure why you think this requires extra tips or bribes? Isnt that their job. I assume when I go to a restaurant and tip that it is based on service. Remember they are getting tipped anyway unless you are removing tips. Not quite sure why you feel compelled to go over the top.

I also want to make it clear that I never remove tips snd also tip extra as I see fit. I am however reaching the point where I am reconsidering the extra tip.

It is about optics. Instead of showing the true cost of doing business they know that the price will reflect a higher and true cost of running a business. In my opinion it is sleight of hand and not 21 st century employment practice. The employee has to BEG a customer to give a 10 rating or else their remuneration suffers. This is wrong and we should not be pressured to do that. I know they work hard and they deserve more, but I am not the employer.

So these public companies are paying their staff 2 bucks an hour. And then ask the customer to ensure they have a living wage by supplementary tipping. Sounds pretty much third world to me. I thought shareholders are supposed to benefit from a well run company, not abuse. We should not be supporting this structure of pay. We are being used for shareholder profits. Not good optics IMHO.

BC’s Chief Medical Officer and the Canadian head both were in the news yesterday talking about another booster this Spring for aged and immuno compromised. They are cautious with no new restrictions. Maybe a “gentlemens agreement” had been made with the cruiselines for the start of the season. Just my take on it.

Canada removed this requirement at the end of October 2022. I am fully vaxxed so not an issue for me but mystifying why RCL would arbitrarily make this a requirement when authorities do not require it. It’s more just the hassle and the anxiety pre cruise when you are just looking to relax.

It is not a Govt of Canada restriction. The cruise ship restrictions were lifted end of Oct last year. Si not sure why RCL insists on testing when other lines are not. It is not a big deal but just another thing to think about while relaxing in Hawaii. Maybe they are wary that Canada can change on a dime and they dont want any issue’s at debarkation.

I am on Quantum and same notice was emailed today. I suggest waiting until check in in a couple of weeks. It gives more detailed info.

I was on the Odyssey when they released the Icon a month or so ago and people were falling over each other to book at double and triple the prices of current ships on RCL.at some point value has to be looked at.

Not sure when it was released but just booked the cancelled Eclipse on April 7 2024. It now goes from Santiago to Beunos Aries rather than Los Angeles then Buenos Aries to Rio and then Rio to New York. Great itinerary and well priced.

I was going to but the last time I called them they said that I had to talk to the vacation planner. I will give it another shot. Thanks for the input.

I agree but they spoke with a supervisor and basically said I would have to cancel and rebook which would compromise the deposit and OBC. I have been on 20 RCL cruises and never have booked onboard. This is new to me.