I am on that cruise (Harmony). The Captain was expecting the hurricane to move faster northward. When it stalled the Captain announced that he was turning around. I was glad that he tried his best to make it. He announced that he was staying at least 150 miles from the hurricane. It seemed all good to me.
We’re on the Sun Princess, unable to dock so getting a few free days waiting for Milton to arrive. Love our captain, lots of updates on progress of the storm, evacuated 3 ill passengers, and staying out of the storm’s effects. ❤
I think… that cruise lines should pay their crew a salary sufficient that gratuities don’t represent a significant portion of their income. Let’s have some transparency here: how much are they getting paid and what increases have there been? These are multi-billion corporations, after all.
I’m tired of cruise lines constantly raising gratuities. Our last cruise on Celebrity this year our gratuities were almost $30 pp a day, for a 7 day cruise that’s over $400 on top of our fare and we are expected to tip everyone on top of this. We usually tip an extra $300 to $400 for all the people whom we see everyday. By the time it’s over we have spent an additional $1000 just for tips and gratuities. As gratuities continue to increase I think we will see people less likely to tip on top of the gratuities.
We used to tip staff individually but don’t now since we did a ‘behind the scenes tour ‘ and saw all the unsung staff below decks who have exactly the same background as those client facing stars.
That’s really strange. We were sailing on Harmony of the Seas in 2019 late August during Hurricane Dorian. Our 7 day voyage was extended to an 11 day sailing due to the hurricane being in the Bahamas and blocking our path back to Port Canaveral. The port was actually closed. We just hung out in Cozumel for four days. Must be a different captain because ours was extremely cautious and kept us out of harms way. I even sent an email to RCCL headquarters after returning commending them on how well they handled the situation 🫤
My father-in-law was a navy ship captain, retired after 20 years at he helm of some big boys. he said if it was a fast moving storm, it was okay to sail “toward” the storm, which is different than sail “into” a hurricane/storm, as by the time the ship gets to storm location, it has moved on, leaving surprisedly calm waters after stormy seas. Originally Milton was much faster, then it slowed, then picked up speed again and made Florida landfall hours sooner than originally predicted. RCL has full time meteorologists on staff and they had to be monitoring all the ships in the gulf and making decisions on what was the safest course of action. The u-turn, I am sure came from corporate orders based on advice from operations & logistics landside staff
I enjoy the late night comedy shows. I just sit in the back! Lol…. I absolutely agree that cruise lines should just include the costs of the gratuity in the cost of the cruise!
I had a cruise about 6 years ago leave as the hurricane was coming to land. We went straight into it full speed instead of away from it. The boat was rocking very badly. Then it tilted and paused. Many things tipped over. The ship then slowed down drastically, and it was better after that. No clue how into the storm was better then away from it
The reasons the cruises (and hotels in regard to resort fees) don’t add gratuity and WiFi packages to the price of the cruises is because they have to pay a commission/percentage to third party people/company that sell bookings for their cruises. Let’s say they pay a 5 or 10% commission to travel agents that sell their cruises. Let’s say they currently have a cruise that costs $2k+300 in gratuity+175 for a WiFi package. By separating it--they only pay the 5-10% commission on the $2k. If they made it all inclusive and charged $2475-they would have to pay the 5-10% commission on the entire thing. Not only that-by separating the charges-it also makes it so that their cruises appear to be priced lower-which is deceiving imo.
Saw that too, crazy looking move in that old ship. What about Viking Neptune on the West Side trying to make it to the closed Ft. Lauderdale Port Everglad. Seems too close for comfort.
I pray for you and all the other Floridians that are in the path of the storm. I always go to the late night comedian. Love it. If someone can't handle it, they shouldn't go. I agree with you in regards to the tipping situation, I wish it would just be rolled into our cruise fare so we wouldn't have to worry about it...maybe California can pass a law to include that too (not really)!!!! Stay safe!
There is a big difference between heading into a hurricane vs heading towards a hurricane. The hurricane winds may not be affecting the ship though the choppy seas due to the hurricane may affect the ship. This was a relatively fast moving hurricane. So, going towards a hurricane that is moving away from you may not be as dangerous as you fear.
I think if they include the gratuities in the price, there will soon be pressure to tip beyond that. then we will be paying more for the cruise and feeling forced to tip. Not sure we would gain anything.
Jayson, you and your wife, prayers to you. I went through Hurricane Fran, in 96, in NC. I was 2 hours inland, on a cat 2, and still got severe damage to trees and flooding;75 to 80 MPH. Royal Caribbean should relieve the Capt. of his duties, for approaching a hurricane.
There's only ship that I know of that might sail into a hurricane:Queen Mary 2.Basically she's an ocean liner and was designed for the North Atlantic. Rumor is she was designed to handle a rouge wave, don't know on true it is. On it in late April when it was rough no problem, plan to be on it in Dec.
There are several cruise lines that do include gratuities. Celebrity for a while had an all in, but they’ve recently dropped the gratuities. The first line I found including gratuities, no option was Azamara, while recently sold they still do that. Oceania also includes gratuities. And, from there you get into even higher priced cruise lines.
Hey Jayson. Hope you guys are staying safe. Sounds like you are well prepared. Hard to believe you've been in Florida for 25yrs. Thinking about you here in Tennessee. GBO!!!!!
I don’t think these cruise lines will ever add the tips into the package deal because from their perspective the lower they show the price the more people will book. But I was wrong and never thought I’d see the day that they would include Port fees and taxes that’s been awesome. Thanks for all that you do.
The main reason the cruise lines do not want to include tips are two fold. 1. They need to pay social security tax in a number of different countries. 2. They will have to raise the price of the cruise and that will raise the taxes on the cruise..So the cost to you will end up being much higher. They will also reduce services as well. This is what Oceania Cruise just did. They took away cruise credit and wine and beer at dinner. And replaced it with no tips charged! They saved millions over the year. That starts January 1st 2025. But it will cost the clients.
If cruise lines can include gratuities in the cruise price, surely they can include WiFi as well? Almost everyone needs it, so include it. Simplify the booking procedure. It could very well sway you to cruise with a cruise line that does include it?
I feel like cruise lines are raising gratuities because so many people remove them. This really annoys me because I would never do that and I’m absorbing their cost. A cruise guest made a video about HOTS and people were so ugly to her calling her a Karen, not realizing the frightening conditions that Captain put them in.
Comedy shows are awesome. Especially the adult shows. We love them. If you heckle the comedian, you can expect to be heckled. I am not in any position to judge what any captain does. It might be he went as far as he could before turning around to keep moving? Not like they can go into port. 🤷♀️
I have always thought the price should be the price. If the gratuities are the staffs pay for the most part, it should be included in the cost of the room. Quit playing with words.
I think social media folks like you shame that captain into turning around away from the hurricane. I have no words to explain why they would even go near that. Any updates from you would be appreciated
The crew is going to get paid either by the cruise line or via gratuity. Either way the passenger pays - does it matter? They raise the cost of the cruise or raise gratuity. I’m thinking the tax situation is what is driving the way the crew is paid. I don’t know the tax structure of different countries but I tend to believe this is the reason. Captains will follow the directions of the ship’s shareholders or owners. Captains are doing their best in my opinion. They wouldn’t take a chance if they thought it wasn’t prudent. They probably navigate according to the information they currently have at the time.
I saw a bunch of NCL cruisers were pissed that Iceland was cut from their intinery to avoid 2 storms. I sure don't want to cruise through storms and rough seas! I would choose to see more of Norway instead. Usually the Captain has more sense and experience.
Amen to wifi and tips being included! No reason not to do this. Also, no reason to get wound up over comedians-- if youre an adult, you know what to expect! If youre offended, then dont go-- plenty of warnings about the show and its content. Whining has become a sport🤦♀️
Holland America, amongst others, are knocking on the all inclusive door by offering the Have It All package, sometimes as part of the cruise deal. This includes crew appreciation and Wi-Fi. It would be good if others followed suit and this somewhat bizarre and ridiculous situation regarding crew tipping could be a thing of the past. Can't come too soon.
Prices of everything have gone up the last two years. The cruise line s are just passing out on. Whether you pay it up front in your fare or pay it at the end really makes no difference and it offers those who just don't want to pay it am out by going to customer service and complaining about everything to have it reduced.
I saw it going there and I thought to myself dis guy is crazy is he a Norwegian because they love doing those kind of things the Hormney was not the only ship that was out there there was a carnival i think it was carnival Breezes they need to be more careful with people life
No don’t go to comedy things on ships as they are usually not our sense of humour . Often they are only on the ship for one or two stage shows . Thinking of you thru this storm / hurricane hope you stay safe and not too much damage
Bag the comedy shows,the real entertainment is on deck. I agree, why not just include gratuities in the cruise price. If they sailed me into a hurricane I’d demand a refund.
Just Like Disney the cruise lines have given in to their own greed. It would be a very simple thing to add tips and internet to the bill when StarLink is on all ships. It's just flat out greed anyway you look at it.
are you seriously comparing carnival pricing to Virgin? Yes those things are included but the cruise fare is MUCH higher on Virgin. Please compare apples to apples going forward.
I do not go to the comedy shows because I don't think it's ok to make fun of people. Who knows what happened in this instance, but every one I've been to the comedian picks on people in the audience. Most everyone laughs, and the people being picked on try to laugh too, but you can tell they are insulted and hurt. There are plenty of things that can be funny without making fun of people. I hate seeing other people hurt this way.
Lets face it ....These gratuities are not gratuities, they are a hidden surcharge. Thats it, end of story. Just include it, and if I am willing to pay the total I will book, if not I won't. quit the games. Many more increases and I am afraid I unfortunately will not be able sail.
Cruise News: Will The Hurricane Cause Major Cruise Disruptions? ----> th-cam.com/video/UAxC6c1MfPI/w-d-xo.html
I am on that cruise (Harmony). The Captain was expecting the hurricane to move faster northward. When it stalled the Captain announced that he was turning around. I was glad that he tried his best to make it. He announced that he was staying at least 150 miles from the hurricane. It seemed all good to me.
We’re on the Sun Princess, unable to dock so getting a few free days waiting for Milton to arrive.
Love our captain, lots of updates on progress of the storm, evacuated 3 ill passengers, and staying out of the storm’s effects.
❤
I think… that cruise lines should pay their crew a salary sufficient that gratuities don’t represent a significant portion of their income.
Let’s have some transparency here: how much are they getting paid and what increases have there been? These are multi-billion corporations, after all.
I’m tired of cruise lines constantly raising gratuities. Our last cruise on Celebrity this year our gratuities were almost $30 pp a day, for a 7 day cruise that’s over $400 on top of our fare and we are expected to tip everyone on top of this. We usually tip an extra $300 to $400 for all the people whom we see everyday. By the time it’s over we have spent an additional $1000 just for tips and gratuities. As gratuities continue to increase I think we will see people less likely to tip on top of the gratuities.
We used to tip staff individually but don’t now since we did a ‘behind the scenes tour ‘ and saw all the unsung staff below decks who have exactly the same background as those client facing stars.
Cruise lines need to include the tips in the fare
The tips and service charges are included. It's one of the reasons why I go on cruises with P&O Cruises UK.
I go to all the shows and really enjoy them.
If they are raising gratuities on Royal are they going back to cleaning rooms 2X a day??? We prepay gratuities!!
That’s really strange. We were sailing on Harmony of the Seas in 2019 late August during Hurricane Dorian. Our 7 day voyage was extended to an 11 day sailing due to the hurricane being in the Bahamas and blocking our path back to Port Canaveral. The port was actually closed. We just hung out in Cozumel for four days. Must be a different captain because ours was extremely cautious and kept us out of harms way. I even sent an email to RCCL headquarters after returning commending them on how well they handled the situation 🫤
My father-in-law was a navy ship captain, retired after 20 years at he helm of some big boys. he said if it was a fast moving storm, it was okay to sail “toward” the storm, which is different than sail “into” a hurricane/storm, as by the time the ship gets to storm location, it has moved on, leaving surprisedly calm waters after stormy seas. Originally Milton was much faster, then it slowed, then picked up speed again and made Florida landfall hours sooner than originally predicted. RCL has full time meteorologists on staff and they had to be monitoring all the ships in the gulf and making decisions on what was the safest course of action. The u-turn, I am sure came from corporate orders based on advice from operations & logistics landside staff
Stay safe, we are praying for you all here in Ga.
Keep us posted!
Even in the Navy we didn't run into a typhoon. But a couple did run into us. Not nice on a Fletcher class destroyer.
I enjoy the late night comedy shows. I just sit in the back! Lol…. I absolutely agree that cruise lines should just include the costs of the gratuity in the cost of the cruise!
I had a cruise about 6 years ago leave as the hurricane was coming to land. We went straight into it full speed instead of away from it. The boat was rocking very badly. Then it tilted and paused. Many things tipped over. The ship then slowed down drastically, and it was better after that. No clue how into the storm was better then away from it
The reasons the cruises (and hotels in regard to resort fees) don’t add gratuity and WiFi packages to the price of the cruises is because they have to pay a commission/percentage to third party people/company that sell bookings for their cruises. Let’s say they pay a 5 or 10% commission to travel agents that sell their cruises. Let’s say they currently have a cruise that costs $2k+300 in gratuity+175 for a WiFi package. By separating it--they only pay the 5-10% commission on the $2k. If they made it all inclusive and charged $2475-they would have to pay the 5-10% commission on the entire thing. Not only that-by separating the charges-it also makes it so that their cruises appear to be priced lower-which is deceiving imo.
Did you see Margaritaville, she went around Milton and joined up with harmony. Also a carnival hanging around.
Saw that too, crazy looking move in that old ship. What about Viking Neptune on the West Side trying to make it to the closed Ft. Lauderdale Port Everglad. Seems too close for comfort.
I pray for you and all the other Floridians that are in the path of the storm. I always go to the late night comedian. Love it. If someone can't handle it, they shouldn't go. I agree with you in regards to the tipping situation, I wish it would just be rolled into our cruise fare so we wouldn't have to worry about it...maybe California can pass a law to include that too (not really)!!!! Stay safe!
Yes it should be included in the fare
I don’t mind paying. Just include it in the price.
I’m with you and can;t believe a Captain would knowingly do this. Jason I love your channel and enjoy what you cover.😊
There is a big difference between heading into a hurricane vs heading towards a hurricane. The hurricane winds may not be affecting the ship though the choppy seas due to the hurricane may affect the ship. This was a relatively fast moving hurricane. So, going towards a hurricane that is moving away from you may not be as dangerous as you fear.
Obviously it was a problem and that is why the ship turned around for sometime before resuming the intended route.
I think if they include the gratuities in the price, there will soon be pressure to tip beyond that. then we will be paying more for the cruise and feeling forced to tip. Not sure we would gain anything.
How u get drone shot at the ports?
Jayson, you and your wife, prayers to you. I went through Hurricane Fran, in 96, in NC. I was 2 hours inland, on a cat 2, and still got severe damage to trees and flooding;75 to 80 MPH.
Royal Caribbean should relieve the Capt. of his duties, for approaching a hurricane.
I go to the late show I am on carnival cruise now.
In a couple of days I'm going on my first P&O cruise which includes gratuities
Stay safe Jason!! That captain was crazy to do that.
There's only ship that I know of that might sail into a hurricane:Queen Mary 2.Basically she's an ocean liner and was designed for the North Atlantic. Rumor is she was designed to handle a rouge wave, don't know on true it is. On it in late April when it was rough no problem, plan to be on it in Dec.
There are several cruise lines that do include gratuities. Celebrity for a while had an all in, but they’ve recently dropped the gratuities. The first line I found including gratuities, no option was Azamara, while recently sold they still do that. Oceania also includes gratuities. And, from there you get into even higher priced cruise lines.
Hey Jayson. Hope you guys are staying safe. Sounds like you are well prepared. Hard to believe you've been in Florida for 25yrs. Thinking about you here in Tennessee. GBO!!!!!
Good information I was wondering about the cruise ships with Milton as well Bravo
How are you guys after the storm?
Thanks, good info here.
I do not tip, until service has been received....
Thanks for letting me know what cruise line I am not safe on. It will be a major deterrent for me the next time I cruise!!
I don’t think these cruise lines will ever add the tips into the package deal because from their perspective the lower they show the price the more people will book. But I was wrong and never thought I’d see the day that they would include Port fees and taxes that’s been awesome. Thanks for all that you do.
The Tornadoes were the worst in Martin County and surrounding counties 🌪️
Carnival is still currently at $ 16 per day
The main reason the cruise lines do not want to include tips are two fold. 1. They need to pay social security tax in a number of different countries. 2. They will have to raise the price of the cruise and that will raise the taxes on the cruise..So the cost to you will end up being much higher. They will also reduce services as well. This is what Oceania Cruise just did. They took away cruise credit and wine and beer at dinner. And replaced it with no tips charged! They saved millions over the year. That starts January 1st 2025. But it will cost the clients.
Take a look on Cruisemapper at the Viking Neptune. What are they up to being where they are?
My husband and I love the late night comedy shows. He always wants to sit right up front, hoping the comedian will make him part of the show.
If cruise lines can include gratuities in the cruise price, surely they can include WiFi as well? Almost everyone needs it, so include it. Simplify the booking procedure. It could very well sway you to cruise with a cruise line that does include it?
Put it in price because it will make it better for us who have to save for are Cruises
Hi... A few shows ago smoking was brought up, question Do you have a problem with people who smoke on a cruise ship in the designated areas?
sometimes we do...depending on how tired we are
I always go to the late shows
Prices will start getting 2 high tips should never b part of pay
Be safe out there.
I feel like cruise lines are raising gratuities because so many people remove them. This really annoys me because I would never do that and I’m absorbing their cost. A cruise guest made a video about HOTS and people were so ugly to her calling her a Karen, not realizing the frightening conditions that Captain put them in.
We go every night and we are 55+
THAT CAPTAIN MUST HAVE BEEN SMOKING SOMETHING REALLY STRONG !!!!!!!!!!
We love the late night shows.
Yes I do go to the comedy shows and I do mostly find them funny.
Stay safe!!
Comedy shows are awesome. Especially the adult shows. We love them. If you heckle the comedian, you can expect to be heckled. I am not in any position to judge what any captain does. It might be he went as far as he could before turning around to keep moving? Not like they can go into port. 🤷♀️
I do go to the shows but I don't make noise also my phone is off
They do it because the lower the cruise fair the more people will impulse buy. Then the back end fees kick in. It's a sales tactic that works
Regarding tips you can always dispute it your not obligated to pay them what they are asking
I have always thought the price should be the price. If the gratuities are the staffs pay for the most part, it should be included in the cost of the room. Quit playing with words.
I think social media folks like you shame that captain into turning around away from the hurricane. I have no words to explain why they would even go near that. Any updates from you would be appreciated
Not safe if the weather is bad I hope everyone is ok
They want the cruise to seem cheaper without tips
The crew is going to get paid either by the cruise line or via gratuity. Either way the passenger pays - does it matter? They raise the cost of the cruise or raise gratuity. I’m thinking the tax situation is what is driving the way the crew is paid. I don’t know the tax structure of different countries but I tend to believe this is the reason.
Captains will follow the directions of the ship’s shareholders or owners. Captains are doing their best in my opinion. They wouldn’t take a chance if they thought it wasn’t prudent. They probably navigate according to the information they currently have at the time.
It should be included.
Must be ❤is a Captain from Nord Sea, to him is a normal sea with big waves!😊
There is also the Queen Anne that is sailing in 6 to 7 meter waves now going around Portugal. Do not understand this
Stay safe
I saw a bunch of NCL cruisers were pissed that Iceland was cut from their intinery to avoid 2 storms. I sure don't want to cruise through storms and rough seas! I would choose to see more of Norway instead. Usually the Captain has more sense and experience.
Glad I was'nt on that ship. Going on my 1st cruise in January. Also wish they would include gratuity in fare too.
Be safe.
Yes, I go to the late/R comedy shows. I DON’T sit close to the stage though.
We don't attend the late night comedy as it's too vulgar for us. Personally, I think including the gratuities in the cruise fare is a good idea.
I believe Anthem of the Seas did something similar in February 2016
Amen to wifi and tips being included! No reason not to do this. Also, no reason to get wound up over comedians-- if youre an adult, you know what to expect! If youre offended, then dont go-- plenty of warnings about the show and its content. Whining has become a sport🤦♀️
They’ll never give WiFi or anything else away as they’re greedy prix - all of them, yet we still keep coming back.
Holland America, amongst others, are knocking on the all inclusive door by offering the Have It All package, sometimes as part of the cruise deal. This includes crew appreciation and Wi-Fi. It would be good if others followed suit and this somewhat bizarre and ridiculous situation regarding crew tipping could be a thing of the past. Can't come too soon.
He must’ve been high on something they confiscated from me boarding passenger lol🤦♀️
Prices of everything have gone up the last two years. The cruise line s are just passing out on. Whether you pay it up front in your fare or pay it at the end really makes no difference and it offers those who just don't want to pay it am out by going to customer service and complaining about everything to have it reduced.
NOT FOR ME
I saw it going there and I thought to myself dis guy is crazy is he a Norwegian because they love doing those kind of things the Hormney was not the only ship that was out there there was a carnival i think it was carnival Breezes they need to be more careful with people life
Love the late comedy shows
No, we don't go to the late night shows. They're usually pretty crass.
not for me .
No don’t go to comedy things on ships as they are usually not our sense of humour . Often they are only on the ship for one or two stage shows . Thinking of you thru this storm / hurricane hope you stay safe and not too much damage
Just include it in the price. We are over this!!!!
Bag the comedy shows,the real entertainment is on deck. I agree, why not just include gratuities in the cruise price. If they sailed me into a hurricane I’d demand a refund.
If the cruise lines stopped charging for internet access it would effect the bottom line!!
Perhaps they should pay their crew a better wage😊
Just Like Disney the cruise lines have given in to their own greed. It would be a very simple thing to add tips and internet to the bill when StarLink is on all ships. It's just flat out greed anyway you look at it.
The increase is not that big of a deal, Royal just will do what they want, it’s about advertising he lowest price
are you seriously comparing carnival pricing to Virgin? Yes those things are included but the cruise fare is MUCH higher on Virgin. Please compare apples to apples going forward.
Never! not a prude (retired navy) but just not enjoyable to my wife and me.
In places like Australia, the gratuities are included in the price. Well, excluding bar and restaurants. The gratuities for the general crew.
I do not go to the comedy shows because I don't think it's ok to make fun of people. Who knows what happened in this instance, but every one I've been to the comedian picks on people in the audience. Most everyone laughs, and the people being picked on try to laugh too, but you can tell they are insulted and hurt. There are plenty of things that can be funny without making fun of people. I hate seeing other people hurt this way.
Lets face it ....These gratuities are not gratuities, they are a hidden surcharge. Thats it, end of story. Just include it, and if I am willing to pay the total I will book, if not I won't. quit the games. Many more increases and I am afraid I unfortunately will not be able sail.
The captain should have been fired!!!!
Late night shows are great. If you don't want more adult type comedy, dont go. Problem solved
Not me, I don't go to late night shows, I don't think they are funny, they can be demeaning.
Yes I go but when the comedian is not funny it can destroy a good day.