I'm normally a lurker on this board and rarely post unless I feel I can add something. That something is the fact that I totally agree with Joebat1 and Dean. My wife and I have cruised many times and I can honestly say we have always given more then the recommended amounts unless the service was not what we expected from our previous experiences. Since you state you are a first time cruiser, when you get aboard take note of the way the room stewards and dining room staff work and the hours they put in. If you have some time, talk to a few of them about their job and how many hours they work. I sincerely find it hard to believe that knowing the facts, anyone would "stiff" these employees unless their service was awful. We have received great service, good service and even at times service that I thought should be better. But I could never bring myself to reduce or to not leave a tip. Instead, I told the staff member what I thought should be improved and that I was dissapointed and then gave them the tip. Did it teach them anything for the next cruise? Who knows. All I know is that my conscience was clear that this person did not serve me for nothing. Bring some beer on the ship in a suitcase and later figure how much you saved and that will cover some of the crews tips. The most important thing is to enjoy your first cruise to the max so that as soon as you get home, you'll be thinking about going on another one. Have a great cruise, relax and follow your heart. -Bill
