I don’t have a problem with the automatic gratuities, as long as the money is actually going to the workers. These people work long hours 7 days per week, and I usually give extra to our cabin steward and others who directly take care of us.
I cruised many years ago when the ships were small, and I loved the personal touch with the crew members that I got to know. I hate formality, so I felt excluded on "formal nights" which I spent in my cabin. Today''s megaships are like a floating Las Vegas, and if that's what you like, that's where you should go. Unlimited alcoholic drinks encourage drunks. I usually booked cruise line excursions because back then they knew the best places to see, they were safer, and they always got back before the deadline. The cruise is a good place to truly vacation away from online demands. I prefer that the cruise fare include all the amenities and not nickel-and-dime me for "extras". I wouldn't mind children on board, but lately too many parents just turn them loose without any rules or guidance.
Auto gratutituies are disgusting. The cruise line should pay their staff appropriately and charge customers appropriately. Then tips can go back to being a genuine gesture given to someone that offers exemplary service. I pay it because it's the current system to ensure people are paid a decent wage, but cruise lines need to be reminded as often as possible that the practice is absolutely immoral.
1. Loyalty: I cruise only with Princess due to one MAJOR PERK. Free Military credit. Depending on the length of the cruise you can get $50 to $250 Au. 2. Formal nights: I don't often get the chance to dress up so I actually enjoy them. 3. Cabin choice: I always book an interior cabin as you can create your own day/night. And being a solo cruiser it the most cost effective option.
Our next cruise is on Windstar Star Breeze, we chose a porthole cabin, it’s about the same size as a balcony cabin. Their balcony is just a Juliet - I don’t want to pay that much for fresh air. No matter which cabin you get you’re all going to the same places.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 It's simple, People had more discretion, decorum & restraint. When they went on these trips they were better dressed, but that also came with more common sense and respect. You didn't see fights every other month. People cutting in lines, trying to sneak a case full of booze on board. Vacations (of all types really) were thought of as a luxury and privilege, not to be taken for granted, not an entitled right. Even the lowest class stateroom today would be at or near first class on many ships from the past, but it's not appreciated.
I've been on one Cruise, and it is called 70,000 Tons Of Metal. It is a Cruise dedicated to the genre of music known as Heavy Metal. I loved it, and plan on going back, every year. It is on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. The only other Cruise I want to go on is Headbangers Boat. However, going on ships like "Icon Of The Seas," sounds tempting.
No. What? Anytime Dining does NOT let you eat "anywhere" you want. Of course, any person (even those with assigned late or early dining times) can eat anywhere they want if it's in one of the non dining rooms. But what "Anytime Dining" does is let you eat at one of the Main Dining Rooms (MDR), for seated service, with the same menu, but on a flexible schedule. It's NOT ANYWHERE ANYTIME. That's the buffet.
Great video! Always showing both sides for each topic! Very interesting. You hear the first part and you think "that's true", then you hear the other part and you think "that's also true." 😅
While I do pay the automatic tips they are really a surcharge so I get why people have an issue with the way cruise lines handle this. Prefer the old method of cash but also understand some cruisers didn’t tip, either due to their culture or because they were just cheap! Seems a no win for the cruise line.
@ and that’s why it’s a 100% hidden fee…. Again, before checkout though, it asks you if you want to auto pay gratituity, and discusses how it works and how even if you don’t pre-auto pay gratituity, you will have to pay it after or during the cruise, so again it’s 100% a hidden fee-to make the cost look lower like you said. And I am again grateful that it’s not just completely hidden until after you pay for the cruise. It is at least shown and attempted to be added to your bill before you pay.
Balconies can be on the opposite side of the sunset or sunrise and be in the shady side of a cross Atlantic cruise. Also interior cabins are so nice and dark. We love the darkness.
Carnival doesn't allow loyalty between brands. Meaning we have traveled Seabourn, Princess and Carnival and for some reason they don't care. If people think the old days were better, my suggestion is to try an upscale line. No tipping, drinks covered and smaller ships
We love Royal but may switch to Celebrity or even silver seas once we hit pinnacle. That way we can take our status with us. With formal nights- we hate getting dressed up. Royal isn't strict so we just wear dark pant and dark long sleeve tees to be less distracting while being comfy.
Have you done a Viking Explorer cruise? If yes, what do you think about it. We like the smaller ships and recently started doing river cruising - different and in many ways better but still with some minus. Looking forward to good weather in Antartica in February.
Do you mean a Viking expedition? We did do one in the Caribbean as part of a preview cruise. Great vessel. We sailed to Antarctica with Atlas and it was phenomenal. Have you watched our Antarctica video?
I actually find the service in the main dining room way too familiar. I have great respect for crew, I am a very easy passenger, I pay auto gratuities and tip above and beyond, rarely need anything, it takes a lot for me to complain. But I am not an MDR fan. I switch up my drink order… it sucks if they automatically bring you something you don’t want that night but you drink it anyway to be polite. I am an introvert, a true introvert, I just want to order my dinner, I don’t like chit chat, it makes me awkward. I end up not going to the MDR because I find the whole thing very stressful. To each their own…
Imagine removing the gratuity when their are hundreds or more staff working towards the cruisers comfort. There.are.also other cruise podcasts recommending not to tip extra! These people think that they are plantation owners and treat the staff as such.
Hard to be loyal to one cruise line when you live downunder, there are such limited options from here. We have to spend big on airfares to get places before we can even start a cruise sometimes. Not keen on formal night and having dresscodes. I do prefer smaller ships though as too many people just ruin a cruise especially when parents dont rein in their children. And even let them into adult only areas, Dont think I'll ever try a mega ship just not what Im looking for in a cruise.
Adults only seems like a good idea, but then people forget that every 18-21yo thinks they're an adult, so you really gain nothing, imho. I experienced this on a cruise for my honeymoon 12 years ago, and unfortunately, not having children, didn't realize we booked during spring break. All the hot tubs and the primary pools were full of young kids and teens and the "adults" pool (Royal) at the back of the ship was all the college-age kids (we were in our 40s). We ended up spending most of the time in our room (not a bad thing on a honeymoon) and only being able to use a pool while in port. If it's truly "adult", then exactly what age should that start???
People aren’t all looking for the same experience. While I’ve had truly lovely cruises on other lines I prefer the older (smaller) Disney ships mainly because I’d rather avoid the party crowd. Yes yes, I know this appeals to many but it was never my thing. I want peace. But all those children, you say… Disney is the best at strictly enforcing “adults only” areas. The level of service is very good. I also like the rotational dining - servers accompany cruisers as we nightly move from one dining room to another. And no, we are not constantly bombarded with Disney characters, though there is an awful lot of theming. All of which is to say what floats my boat may not be right for you, just as the party all the time “fun” ships sound awful to me. And that’s okay. Hooray for different strokes.
My cruise mate does not believe in tipping when we go out for the day i like to leave a small jesture to acknowledge their work.....she doesnr....what should I do ?????please answer
Kissing up to cruise lines by glamorizing loyalty perks and ignoring the hidden cheats cruise lines breech contracts like NCL latitudes levels like Platinum and above attaining 75 points at about 7 cruises and getting special perks, but don't stay in a cab8n with another Platinum and above or your 2 specialty dinners for two are removed by NCL by them stating PER CABIN when this is a benefit for sailing on 7 cruises with NCL, but NCL seems to think you and the other Platinum and above in the same cabin don't BOTH deserve 2 Specialty dinners for two! Even the behind the scenes tour for Platinum and above is NOT the same tour as those who pay the $149 charge.
Yes cruising was better in the past; more affordable, and relaxing. Automatic gratuities are the norm and don’t bother me. Asking for more bothers me; One cruise line gets you few perks so cruise itinerary over line; Dress nice for formal night, jeans, shorts and t-shirts should get banned Yes the big ships are too bigs; Buy a drink package if you drink. If not - don’t. Once you go balcony you probably don’t want to go back; Yes pay more and do cruise line excursions the added insurance is worth it; Buy wifi if you need it otherwise don’t; yes its expensive. I’d rather they not be all inclusive because then I’m paying for something I don’t care for. Adult oriented doesn’t matter to me; I’m fond of Princess and am in their “elite” status which isn’t worth it.
Do you tip in restaurants and bars on land? For many workers in these places, tips are vital to their making a living wage. I personally prefer the prepaid gratuities so I can pay for them in advance. But, I don't like the shared gratuities because that doesn't reward those who give better service.
It is not usual to tip in Australia apart from exceptional service. Service staff are well paid and that is covered in the price of drinks and dishes served. It’s a cultural thing. Trouble is cruise lines really take advantage of tipping. They should pay their staff appropriately. My thoughts anyway. Cruising is not for me anymore.
Like many, you just skim the surface in referencing all of your points. As well, from your nose bleed status on your favorite line just how can you relate to all of the people that scrimp and save to maybe able to afford one cruise a year? It's obvious that you have your favorite wants, especially for cabins and dining. But neglecting the many reasons for alternative views does a big disservice to those new to cruising. To you, an outside cabin does not exist and the many downsides of fixed time dining on the new megaships is not evan hinted at.
Cruising has been ruined by TH-camrs and so called influencers. These people take the enjoyment and excitement out of cruising with their constant complaining. It’s unfortunate that we will never have the eye opening experience of boarding a cruise ship for the first time. We are bombarded with privileged cruisers who have made it their job to clickbait people.
@ you’re correct, I should stop watching TH-cam videos on cruising because TH-camrs take away the enjoyment and excitement out of cruising with their constant complaining and clickbait. I appreciate your advice. Enjoy your next cruise and happy Thanksgiving.
Folks who withdraw gratuities on the last day should be charged a 50% penalty. It screams “cheap bastard.” As for Formal Nights, they’re a relic from the past, particularly on Family Friendly ships. And finally, no one stops to think how darned difficult it is on the wait staff to serve folks at a group of tables where everyone is coming and going at different times. It’s easy on the guests and murder on the staff.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
I don’t have a problem with the automatic gratuities, as long as the money is actually going to the workers. These people work long hours 7 days per week, and I usually give extra to our cabin steward and others who directly take care of us.
We feel the same way. Who do you typically cruise with?
I cruised many years ago when the ships were small, and I loved the personal touch with the crew members that I got to know. I hate formality, so I felt excluded on "formal nights" which I spent in my cabin. Today''s megaships are like a floating Las Vegas, and if that's what you like, that's where you should go. Unlimited alcoholic drinks encourage drunks. I usually booked cruise line excursions because back then they knew the best places to see, they were safer, and they always got back before the deadline. The cruise is a good place to truly vacation away from online demands. I prefer that the cruise fare include all the amenities and not nickel-and-dime me for "extras". I wouldn't mind children on board, but lately too many parents just turn them loose without any rules or guidance.
Why?
Auto gratutituies are disgusting. The cruise line should pay their staff appropriately and charge customers appropriately. Then tips can go back to being a genuine gesture given to someone that offers exemplary service. I pay it because it's the current system to ensure people are paid a decent wage, but cruise lines need to be reminded as often as possible that the practice is absolutely immoral.
We pay it too as the crew are amazing. Who do you typically cruise with?
Do you really think cruise workers get our gratuities? They get a fraction of what we pay. The rest as they say, goes into 'Consolidated Revenue'.
@@Aust-NZ-SPandtheworld and the revenue of the company pays the workers. Try to read the words I wrote.
Yes! They avoid employee tax for the tipped amount of income. We pay tax on the compulsory tips.
Being paid that way tips the behind the scenes as well as the crew you see !
Fewer passengers. That’s me. I do smaller ships now. River cruises are amazing.
1. Loyalty: I cruise only with Princess due to one MAJOR PERK. Free Military credit. Depending on the length of the cruise you can get $50 to $250 Au.
2. Formal nights: I don't often get the chance to dress up so I actually enjoy them.
3. Cabin choice: I always book an interior cabin as you can create your own day/night. And being a solo cruiser it the most cost effective option.
Traditional Dining--get to know table mates well, know and be known by your waiters, enjoy making stronger connections.
That’s what we enjoy! Which cruise line do you typically sail on?
Our next cruise is on Windstar Star Breeze, we chose a porthole cabin, it’s about the same size as a balcony cabin. Their balcony is just a Juliet - I don’t want to pay that much for fresh air. No matter which cabin you get you’re all going to the same places.
Alaska is the only time that I need a balcony, for the sightseeing and the cold air.❤️
That was our first time getting one. What do you typically book?
Old cruising WAS better AND worse. The ships were worse, less to do and not as comfortable, but the PEOPLE were better, both in crew and passenger!
How were the people better?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 It's simple, People had more discretion, decorum & restraint. When they went on these trips they were better dressed, but that also came with more common sense and respect. You didn't see fights every other month. People cutting in lines, trying to sneak a case full of booze on board. Vacations (of all types really) were thought of as a luxury and privilege, not to be taken for granted, not an entitled right.
Even the lowest class stateroom today would be at or near first class on many ships from the past, but it's not appreciated.
Crew is a crapshoot. But I've found Royal Caribbean crew treat us like royalty
@@ddc163264. That’s it. Perfectly explained.
I've been on one Cruise, and it is called 70,000 Tons Of Metal. It is a Cruise dedicated to the genre of music known as Heavy Metal. I loved it, and plan on going back, every year. It is on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. The only other Cruise I want to go on is Headbangers Boat. However, going on ships like "Icon Of The Seas," sounds tempting.
That kid at 1:42 had me cackling 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I've re-watched out over and over
Are we missing something?
@Eatsleepcruise1 the child in the pool 😂😂😂 I was thinking "That's a nice pool" then he just threw himself in there 😂😂😂😂
Me seeing your comment as it happened 😂
No. What? Anytime Dining does NOT let you eat "anywhere" you want. Of course, any person (even those with assigned late or early dining times) can eat anywhere they want if it's in one of the non dining rooms. But what "Anytime Dining" does is let you eat at one of the Main Dining Rooms (MDR), for seated service, with the same menu, but on a flexible schedule. It's NOT ANYWHERE ANYTIME. That's the buffet.
You’ve obviously never been on a Regent cruise. Yikes.
Great video! Always showing both sides for each topic! Very interesting. You hear the first part and you think "that's true", then you hear the other part and you think "that's also true." 😅
Then-then-then-it regards time!
@@amandareiche9083, grazie per la precisazione, ho corretto il testo
Thanks for watching. We tried to show both sides of each issue.
While I do pay the automatic tips they are really a surcharge so I get why people have an issue with the way cruise lines handle this. Prefer the old method of cash but also understand some cruisers didn’t tip, either due to their culture or because they were just cheap! Seems a no win for the cruise line.
Yes and yes. Every luxury brands like Viking still have the suggested tipping.
Interesting insights, thankyou. Cannot locate the link you mention to Shore Excursions Group???😃
Auto gratuity is 100% a hidden fee. The only grateful thing is that it’s stated before you pay.
But it's separated from the fare to make the fare look lower.
@ and that’s why it’s a 100% hidden fee…. Again, before checkout though, it asks you if you want to auto pay gratituity, and discusses how it works and how even if you don’t pre-auto pay gratituity, you will have to pay it after or during the cruise, so again it’s 100% a hidden fee-to make the cost look lower like you said. And I am again grateful that it’s not just completely hidden until after you pay for the cruise. It is at least shown and attempted to be added to your bill before you pay.
Balconies can be on the opposite side of the sunset or sunrise and be in the shady side of a cross Atlantic cruise. Also interior cabins are so nice and dark. We love the darkness.
Great video! Very interesting subjects and perspectives. Cheers! 😀
Hi, not sure where to find the information about the shore excursions?
The link doesn't seem to be there.
Thanks 😊
Carnival doesn't allow loyalty between brands. Meaning we have traveled Seabourn, Princess and Carnival and for some reason they don't care. If people think the old days were better, my suggestion is to try an upscale line. No tipping, drinks covered and smaller ships
Today you do not cruise; you ride on a floating amusement park, and it shows.
We love Royal but may switch to Celebrity or even silver seas once we hit pinnacle. That way we can take our status with us. With formal nights- we hate getting dressed up. Royal isn't strict so we just wear dark pant and dark long sleeve tees to be less distracting while being comfy.
Have you done a Viking Explorer cruise? If yes, what do you think about it. We like the smaller ships and recently started doing river cruising - different and in many ways better but still with some minus. Looking forward to good weather in Antartica in February.
Do you mean a Viking expedition? We did do one in the Caribbean as part of a preview cruise. Great vessel. We sailed to Antarctica with Atlas and it was phenomenal. Have you watched our Antarctica video?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 No I have not watched your Antarctica video, but I will be looking for it now - thanks!
I actually find the service in the main dining room way too familiar. I have great respect for crew, I am a very easy passenger, I pay auto gratuities and tip above and beyond, rarely need anything, it takes a lot for me to complain. But I am not an MDR fan. I switch up my drink order… it sucks if they automatically bring you something you don’t want that night but you drink it anyway to be polite. I am an introvert, a true introvert, I just want to order my dinner, I don’t like chit chat, it makes me awkward. I end up not going to the MDR because I find the whole thing very stressful. To each their own…
Imagine removing the gratuity when their are hundreds or more staff working towards the cruisers comfort. There.are.also other cruise podcasts recommending not to tip extra! These people think that they are plantation owners and treat the staff as such.
I totally agree.
Right now it's Princess, have a week planned aboard the Sun Princess next May. But considering MSC Yacht Club for our next cruise.
Hard to be loyal to one cruise line when you live downunder, there are such limited options from here. We have to spend big on airfares to get places before we can even start a cruise sometimes. Not keen on formal night and having dresscodes. I do prefer smaller ships though as too many people just ruin a cruise especially when parents dont rein in their children. And even let them into adult only areas, Dont think I'll ever try a mega ship just not what Im looking for in a cruise.
Adults only seems like a good idea, but then people forget that every 18-21yo thinks they're an adult, so you really gain nothing, imho. I experienced this on a cruise for my honeymoon 12 years ago, and unfortunately, not having children, didn't realize we booked during spring break. All the hot tubs and the primary pools were full of young kids and teens and the "adults" pool (Royal) at the back of the ship was all the college-age kids (we were in our 40s). We ended up spending most of the time in our room (not a bad thing on a honeymoon) and only being able to use a pool while in port. If it's truly "adult", then exactly what age should that start???
Horizon bound in 2026. First time cruiser here
Awesome. Let us know if you have any questions. What itinerary?
People aren’t all looking for the same experience. While I’ve had truly lovely cruises on other lines I prefer the older (smaller) Disney ships mainly because I’d rather avoid the party crowd. Yes yes, I know this appeals to many but it was never my thing. I want peace. But all those children, you say… Disney is the best at strictly enforcing “adults only” areas. The level of service is very good. I also like the rotational dining - servers accompany cruisers as we nightly move from one dining room to another. And no, we are not constantly bombarded with Disney characters, though there is an awful lot of theming.
All of which is to say what floats my boat may not be right for you, just as the party all the time “fun” ships sound awful to me. And that’s okay. Hooray for different strokes.
Nice transitions
I have only heard great things about the last Margaritaville ship!
My cruise mate does not believe in tipping when we go out for the day i like to leave a small jesture to acknowledge their work.....she doesnr....what should I do ?????please answer
Ignore her….you’re doing a good deed…karma!
Kissing up to cruise lines by glamorizing loyalty perks and ignoring the hidden cheats cruise lines breech contracts like NCL latitudes levels like Platinum and above attaining 75 points at about 7 cruises and getting special perks, but don't stay in a cab8n with another Platinum and above or your 2 specialty dinners for two are removed by NCL by them stating PER CABIN when this is a benefit for sailing on 7 cruises with NCL, but NCL seems to think you and the other Platinum and above in the same cabin don't BOTH deserve 2 Specialty dinners for two! Even the behind the scenes tour for Platinum and above is NOT the same tour as those who pay the $149 charge.
Yes cruising was better in the past; more affordable, and relaxing.
Automatic gratuities are the norm and don’t bother me. Asking for more bothers me;
One cruise line gets you few perks so cruise itinerary over line;
Dress nice for formal night, jeans, shorts and t-shirts should get banned
Yes the big ships are too bigs;
Buy a drink package if you drink. If not - don’t.
Once you go balcony you probably don’t want to go back;
Yes pay more and do cruise line excursions the added insurance is worth it;
Buy wifi if you need it otherwise don’t; yes its expensive.
I’d rather they not be all inclusive because then I’m paying for something I don’t care for.
Adult oriented doesn’t matter to me;
I’m fond of Princess and am in their “elite” status which isn’t worth it.
Cruising has lost the elegance,, and somewhat pampered situation, of former cruising.
So, you are in the nostalgia camp?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 I enjoy the somewhat elegance, and to be pampered at times.
I'm firmly in the casual attire camp, my food will taste the same regardless of what I (or anyone else) is wearing.
There are still plenty of opportunities for elegant and pampered cruising - if you are willing to stay away from the mega ships.
Cruising has changed so much. Feel more like cattle now
I hear there's no casino on Disney's ships. Boo
It’s a family cruise lines catering mostly to children…go book somewhere adult oriented cruises
Rubbish about tipping😢. Cruise lines should pay appropriately and all would be ok. It’s all crap this tipping. Obviously is best for the cruise line.
Do you tip in restaurants and bars on land? For many workers in these places, tips are vital to their making a living wage.
I personally prefer the prepaid gratuities so I can pay for them in advance. But, I don't like the shared gratuities because that doesn't reward those who give better service.
It is not usual to tip in Australia apart from exceptional service. Service staff are well paid and that is covered in the price of drinks and dishes served. It’s a cultural thing. Trouble is cruise lines really take advantage of tipping. They should pay their staff appropriately. My thoughts anyway. Cruising is not for me anymore.
Like many, you just skim the surface in referencing all of your points. As well, from your nose bleed status on your favorite line just how can you relate to all of the people that scrimp and save to maybe able to afford one cruise a year? It's obvious that you have your favorite wants, especially for cabins and dining. But neglecting the many reasons for alternative views does a big disservice to those new to cruising. To you, an outside cabin does not exist and the many downsides of fixed time dining on the new megaships is not evan hinted at.
Aren’t you wonderful
🙏
Cruising has been ruined by TH-camrs and so called influencers. These people take the enjoyment and excitement out of cruising with their constant complaining. It’s unfortunate that we will never have the eye opening experience of boarding a cruise ship for the first time. We are bombarded with privileged cruisers who have made it their job to clickbait people.
No one is forcing you to watch.
@ you’re correct, I should stop watching TH-cam videos on cruising because TH-camrs take away the enjoyment and excitement out of cruising with their constant complaining and clickbait. I appreciate your advice. Enjoy your next cruise and happy Thanksgiving.
They haven't ruined my cruising, because I don't follow that nonsense.
Folks who withdraw gratuities on the last day should be charged a 50% penalty. It screams “cheap bastard.” As for Formal Nights, they’re a relic from the past, particularly on Family Friendly ships. And finally, no one stops to think how darned difficult it is on the wait staff to serve folks at a group of tables where everyone is coming and going at different times. It’s easy on the guests and murder on the staff.