Vader1111 Posted May 4, 2011 #1 Share Posted May 4, 2011 I have just booked a cruise on the Radiance and I'm trying to work out how many US dollars I should buy before departure. In particular, I'm trying to work out how much I need to set aside for tipping (as my cabin mate chose not to pre-pay our tips). Can anyone let me know what the current rate is for tipping onboard, preferably in USD? I cruised with them 2 years ago, but the rate has probably changed since then. The "General Information" sheet they send you when you book states A$15 per day, but I have no idea how old that data is - it could well be based on an exchange rate of 80-90c, when the current rate is $1.08. I'd also love to know what the current cost of the soda card is, per day, in USD if anyone knows that as well. From memory it was about US$7 per day last time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted May 4, 2011 #2 Share Posted May 4, 2011 I have just booked a cruise on the Radiance and I'm trying to work out how many US dollars I should buy before departure. In particular, I'm trying to work out how much I need to set aside for tipping (as my cabin mate chose not to pre-pay our tips). Can anyone let me know what the current rate is for tipping onboard, preferably in USD? I cruised with them 2 years ago, but the rate has probably changed since then. The "General Information" sheet they send you when you book states A$15 per day, but I have no idea how old that data is - it could well be based on an exchange rate of 80-90c, when the current rate is $1.08. I'd also love to know what the current cost of the soda card is, per day, in USD if anyone knows that as well. From memory it was about US$7 per day last time. The information on gratuities is available on the Royal Caribbean Web Site which I added below. Also, when you are on board the ship you can have them added to your shipboard account. It is more optimal to charge them to your credit card then to convert money to cash. I would post your question about the soda card on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Critic Cruise Line Board. Keith On new or existing bookings that set sail before July 1, 2011, the suggested gratuities are: Suite attendant: $5.75 USD a day per guest Stateroom attendant: $3.50 USD a day per guest Dining Room Waiter: $3.50 USD a day per guest Assistant waiter: $2.00 USD a day per guest Headwaiter: $.75 USD a day per guest For new bookings that set sail on or after July 1, 2011 the suggested gratuities are: Waiter: $3.75 USD a day per guest Assistant Waiter: $2.15 USD a day per guest Head Waiter: $.75 USD a day per guest Housekeeping staff: $5.00 USD a day per guest Suite Housekeeping staff: $7.25 USD a day per guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynsteve Posted May 4, 2011 #3 Share Posted May 4, 2011 isn't it better to take US$ on board at the rate we get these days, using a credit card on board might incur a 3% charge. stevo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vader1111 Posted May 4, 2011 Author #4 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Thanks for that Keith. We're sailing in December, in a regular cabin, so the total comes to US$11.65 per day. I wonder how long it is since they updated their "RCCL General Information" sheet, given that it quotes a figure of $15 per day? By my calculation that's an exchange rate of 77-78c to the dollar, when it's currently around 108-110c. I had a look on the RCI Board and there were numerous threads regarding soda card prices, generally quoting $6 or $7 per day (+15% gratuity). My best guess is that it's $6 +15% = $6.90 per day. At this stage, my plan is to have them charge the gratuities to my shipboard account, which I will pay in cash (US dollars purchased before boarding). Once again, thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.