Normal
I am booked on the Star in October, so I have been researching this myself. It is now a mandatory service charge. I am sure it can not be adjusted down. Not sure if it can be adjusted up. Also, I believe cash tips have to be pooled.The reason for this is the Freestyle dining. You might not see the same waiter twice. I understand this, but the cabin steward should be the same each day.There are articles in CruiseTravel about this. I know there were in 2004 and perhaps in 2005 (or in 2005 it may have been just letters to the editor.
I am booked on the Star in October, so I have been researching this myself. It is now a mandatory service charge. I am sure it can not be adjusted down. Not sure if it can be adjusted up. Also, I believe cash tips have to be pooled.
The reason for this is the Freestyle dining. You might not see the same waiter twice. I understand this, but the cabin steward should be the same each day.
There are articles in CruiseTravel about this. I know there were in 2004 and perhaps in 2005 (or in 2005 it may have been just letters to the editor.