royal caribbean my time dining gratuities royal caribbean my time dining gratuities

We have had really wonderful waiters in the WJ, some that even remember my DH loves those ranger cookies and will bring him some when they see us. I understand that once upon a time prepaid gratuities were required for MTD. She also told us about gratuities added to the Seapss account. 0000011404 00000 n 0000003836 00000 n The flexible option allows you to select your own dining time and table companions on a daily basis. Below is a line-by-line look at policies for automatic gratuity charges (called service charges or crew appreciation charges at some lines). If you want to use My Time Dining you must pay for tips in advance. Display as a link instead, You can choose a different time each day, so you can fit dinner around the rest of your onshore and onboard plans. It can be awkward to eat with a complete stranger, and this dining option also makes it easier for folks who just want to enjoy their getaway at sea. 0000006450 00000 n document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dine as you want, when you want. 0000420293 00000 n If you want, you can even try to switch onboard. In this case, no gratuities will be charged to your onboard account. Most of the biggest cruise lines automatically add some type of service or gratuity fee onto passenger bills. If you are purchasing a dining package or plan on eating dinner in one of the other complimentary venues, you may not find yourself putting too much thought into what dining style you'd prefer. You'd likely pay it at final payment date. But its definitely not for everyone. Royal Caribbean gratuities for children and infants Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. . If you pay them onboard, it will be charged automatically each day of the cruise. However, many people now prefer to enjoy more flexibility with dinner, so cruise lines have either done away with traditional dining altogether or set up an alternative option. Flexible seating works very much like standard restaurant seating. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? It is recommended that you book a table though. 0000424501 00000 n But its not strict. That is really the biggest flaw with My Time Dining. 0000892388 00000 n 0000738152 00000 n Cruisers should also bring cash to tip the porters who bring their bags onto the ship (usually $2 per bag), as well as tour guides in port ($5 to $10 per person for half-day tours, $10 to $20 for full-day excursions and $2 for non-guide drivers). Your browser is outdated and does not support many of the modern features of this website, In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. My Time Dining is only applicable to the Main Dining Room on your ship. The exact times, however, will vary according to your cruise itinerary. Still reserve a table if you can otherwise, you might be waiting with a grumbling stomach until a table becomes free if you just walk in. If you prefer to pay for tips once you're on board your cruise, youll generally find that the gratuities automatically appear on your bill. 0000735845 00000 n Royal Caribbean | MY TIME DINING DAILY RESERVATIONS Have you noticed over the years that daily grats have been increasing almost every year to make up for the non tippers. If you want to change to My Time Dining, youll need to speak to Guest Services within the first two days of your cruise. 0000738858 00000 n Some people like to get to know their wait staff and sitting with other people at a table is not a problem, while others like to dine anytime they feel like it and prefer to eat with just their party. Rather, you will be seated wherever there is availability. If you dont like tipping in advance to your service, and you would rather leave generous tips individually, there is nothing stopping you from going the extra mile to tip your waiter or waitress each night you use the My Time Dining option. What is My Time Dining? | Royal Caribbean Cruises Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. If youre not someone who has cruised before, you might not be aware of traditional dining times on cruise ships. 0000897240 00000 n Probably because it makes it less confusing than diving up the tips. This website uses cookies in order to offer you the most relevant information. Alas! trailer <]>> startxref 0 %%EOF 158 0 obj <>stream 0000755470 00000 n For lines that do have them, service and gratuity charges are touted as a convenient alternative to the practice of cash tipping on cruise ships something that once was common. Ive worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and now my blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. With My Time Dining, you can simply walk up to the host stand to be seated or make reservations in advance for your preferred time. When planning your other evening activities, make sure that you allot yourself at least 75 minutes for your Main Dining Room experience. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Are you sure that isn't an Iglu Cruise rule? Guests who have signed up for My Time Dining will have their SeaPass card designated with the dining room and deck number. 0000017159 00000 n CC Help Jenn Prior to checking out, you will have to make a decision on dining style. If you are choosing My Time Dining because you are not a fan of either set dining times, you will need to ensure that you make nightly reservations as soon as possible via the Cruise Planner. To this day it still references dynamic dining in the cruise planner even though that is long gone. You cannot paste images directly. You post the same made up garbage in every thread. 0000901423 00000 n 0000027181 00000 n Could you please tell me how I can improve it? Royal Caribbean "My Time Dining" Review - Direct Line Cruises A beginners guide to picking a cruise line, Use these credit cards to maximize your next cruise vacation, 9 times you do not need to tip on a cruise, The best cruise booking perks and which ones are actually free, pay $16 for what the line now calls a crew appreciation charge, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. If not, you might be stuck eating even later than the second seating! 0000006046 00000 n You can then book dinner in the Main Dining Room for any time you want, or just walk in without a reservation. 0000704363 00000 n It's kind of a runaround to personally get to everyone who is included (my opinion). If you arrive as soon as the Main Dining Rooms open, you will be able to be seated shortly. Here's how it works on Royal Caribbean: As of September 7 th, 2022, the automatic service gratuity of $16.00 USD per . Related: 9 times you do not need to tip on a cruise. Royal Caribbean does make it easy to enjoy flexible dining with My Time Dining, so just make sure you sign up to it if you want to decide when you eat each day. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. As soon as you place the deposit for your cruise, you will gain access to the Cruise Planner. 0000819210 00000 n This allows you to decide when you want to eat, and who you want to sit with, instead of traditional dining where you have set times and sit with the same group each day. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Yes. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. M&-]f_Le}BXJ.D7CCx. 0000011539 00000 n In this line of thinking, lines with these charges are essentially breaking out a good chunk of onboard labor costs as a separate line item on your bill. Traditionally, dinner on a cruise ship has been served at two specific seating times. I am looking at cancelling my gratuities when I get on board. Royal Caribbean "My Time Dining" Review. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. What is Royal Caribbean's service gratuities (tips) price and policy? Princess, for example, has added a Princess Plus plan as a booking option. Answer (1 of 4): Fares purchased on the Australian website will always include pre-paid gratuities. 0000005096 00000 n Some guests choose to recognize particularly exceptional service with an additional cash gratuity on the last night of their cruise. By My Time Dining is one of the options you'll get to choose from when you book your cruise. As I mentioned, most of the time you will be eating with just your party, but if you prefer to eat with others you can still request it. Throughout the cruise, you may be able to change your My Time Dining reservations on the app or by calling the dining hotline from your stateroom's telephone, but it is dependent on availability. 0000828884 00000 n Can guests move between My Time Dining and Traditional Dining during their cruise? And, unlike the typical service fee or resort fee found at a land resort, they are not per room. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. If you are unable to book show times in advance via the Cruise Planner when you are making your My Time Dining reservations, you may end up booking a dinner time that clashes with one of the shows. Hi! The closer you get to your cruise vacation, the fewer reservations you may find. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. 0000767892 00000 n Similarly, if youre on a higher-end ship that lists gratuities as being included in the fare, that means just what it says. At some lines, these charges run as high as $25 per day. Related: Use these credit cards to maximize your next cruise vacation. On a typical seven-night cruise, thats nearly $600 in fees. Royal Caribbean Dining. Please don't disrupt the system that works that was put in place that is fair to crew and guests . ;p, You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By 6 Things You MUST Know About Formal Night on a Royal Caribbean Cruise. It is much simpler, and fairer, to leave them in place. 0000902670 00000 n Reservations are strongly recommended. 0000417308 00000 n The others could make a separate My Time Dining reservation for 8:15pm. They work very long hours all day long. After sneaking a peek at our dining table the 1st night out & seeing we were seated with 4 elderly women, we decided to consider switching to My Time. If you cancel prepaid gratuities, you can visit Guest Services once you are onboard and request they discontinue automatic gratuties. Online, you can only book My Time Dining for up to eight guests. January 11, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. Speciality restaurants require reservations but they dont have traditional dining times. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. My time dining and gratuities - Royal Caribbean International - Cruise My Time Dining - Gratuities?? - Cruise Critic Community has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. You dont have to do anything. Please note, you can only choose one dining style per sailing so once they join you they must use My Time Dining for the rest of the cruise. Some people assume that, because My Time Dining offers more flexible dining, it has a more flexible dress code. 0000427335 00000 n Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Additionally, if you are traveling with a large party, you might find Traditional Dining to be easier. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. If you tip personally in cash, those people must turn it in or face dismissal. For your convenience, prepaid gratuities are automatically added to your flexible option reservations. Royal Caribbean charges a gratuity of $16.00 per person, per day. Have you noticed over the years that daily grats have been increasing almost every year to make up for the non tippers. This may not seem like a big deal if youre new to cruising, but cruise ship waiters are exceptional at their job and they are very good at learning all about you. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. And that's before you add in any additional tips you wish to give to your room service or favorite bartender or autogratuities tacked on to bar, restaurant and spa bills. Unlike Traditional Dining, you will not be seated at the same table with the same wait staff if your choose My Time. Yes, My Time Dining is flexible. Hi, I'm Jenni. To ensure quick seating, we encourage guests who have selected the Flexible option to place a reservation for each evening. If not, just leave blank, How to book My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean, What you need to know about Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining, Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining. 0000913572 00000 n If youre late then your table may be given away, and youll have to wait for another one. Quote tiny260 Members 2.4k LocationOklahoma Posted January 11, 2019 I think you probably have had you questions answered already but I wanted to show an example. 156.1k. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. If you dislike tipping on cruise ships, but can't afford to sail on an all-inclusive line, look for promotions when cruise lines with service charges throw in free gratuities as a booking incentive. If you get one of these packages for free as a booking perk, as with the aforementioned Norwegian Cruise Line promotion, you may still be required to pay the gratuities on the free perk. We have my time dining and according to the threads it looks like the gratuities are asked to be prepaid. but it's so much better to leave the automatic tips in place and just give extra cash to those you feel deserve it. Even if I opt out of automatic gratuities? please click here to update it. If you have multiple people in your stateroom or travel party, you can make multiple reservations each evening to accommodate everyone's preferences. Royal Caribbean. When making a reservation you will be offered "My Time" or traditional dining times (i.e., 5:30 pm & 8:00 pm). What we experienced was that their program is NOT really "My time dining", it is RESERVATION time dining. 0000417078 00000 n #4. 2010 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Whats Included in a Royal Caribbean Cruise? 0000419103 00000 n Royal Caribbeans award winning dining program, My Time Dining, offers flexible and traditional options. However, each ship does also offer specialty dining for an additional fee. |, www.royalcaribbean.ae is part of Royal Caribbean Arabia owned by Safeen Tourism LLC the Sole Middle East Representative of Royal Caribbean International, 2023 All Rights Reserved | ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA. Im sorry you never received a tip in your years of "slogging your guts out." 0000015069 00000 n I don't know if you have cruised before, but the gratuities cover more than your wait staff in My Time Dining. You need to contact your TA and have her add it to your invoice in order to prepay gratuities. At the same time, you will be able to add prepaid gratuities and vacation protection, if you choose to do so. Others tip their room service or wait staff at their favorite bar, either early in the cruise in the hope of getting better service or at the end to thank them for enhancing the vacation experience. Automatic Gratuities were added to lessen the event of "skipping out" on tips and to make sure MTD waiters were tipped. Our new My Time Dining option allows you the flexibility to choose when you want to dine each evening, giving you the chance to enjoy your meals at your own pace. I'm travelling with guests from another stateroom who selected Traditional Dining. A lot of people still prefer the idea of traditional dining where you sit for dinner at the same time every evening, with the same party and with the same waiter. There is a $9.75 gratuity per day that is required and this actually covers not only the wait staff but your room steward as well. Even if you only plan to eat in the Main Dining Room a couple of times during your cruise, it often makes sense to choose My Time Dining so that you can pick the time you want. 0000901330 00000 n Youll be told which restaurant to go to based on your choice. 0000916923 00000 n I understand that once upon a time prepaid gratuities were required for MTD. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Started August 27, 2021, By This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Why is it combined? 0000736952 00000 n 0000901784 00000 n document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); About Us | With Traditional Dining, you will have the same reserved seating each night of your cruise, and there are two seatings to choose from: first (early) and second (late). 2011-2023, Cruise Fever . The best way to fully take advantage of the My Time Dining program is to make your reservations before you board the ship! Now you have a choice to prepay gratuities or not with either Traditional or MTD. Many smaller and higher-end cruise operators are folding tips and gratuities into their base fares. 0000844607 00000 n Can I reserve the same table or waiter at the same time in My Time Dining? Never feel pressured to add an extra tip when you've already paid one. So therefore it does not show on our invoice. Heres how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise. Lines with such charges include both of the two giants of the cruise business, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, as well as Norwegian, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises. My Family Time Dining is a dining option for families with children ages 3-11 years that aims to help kid's complete dinner within 45 minutes, freeing parents to enjoy coffee and . Since they are not . The longer you wait to arrive, however, the longer you will have to wait for an available table. Once you have decided on the perfect ship and itinerary, you are ready to move forward with the cruise booking process. There is no need to remove the "pre=paid" or "included" tips. I suspect that the automatic tipping is a hidden charge for the customers who already paid to go on the cruise to subsidise the company's wage bill. A list of those who do this is available to the staff. Their website explains it as such: "By selecting My Time Dini. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. You can post now and register later. 0000841664 00000 n 0000022522 00000 n Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. The rates listed are per person, per day. 0000026625 00000 n A world of culinary exploration awaits you onboard Royal Caribbean. There is a $9.75 gratuity per day that is required and this actually covers not only the wait staff but your room steward. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. 0000841939 00000 n Royal Caribbeans award winning dining program, My Time Dining, offers flexible and traditional options. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills, dining room wine purchases and Lotus Spa services. We know booking a cruise can be a complicated process, so if you need any help or would even like us to fill out your information for you please get in touch. For your convenience, prepaid gratuities are automatically added to your flexible option reservations. You do have to prepay your gratuities in order to sign up to My Time Dining. My Time Dining Frequently Asked Questions | Royal Caribbean Cruises 0000005676 00000 n My confusion is to do with the My Time Dining - If gratuities havent been prepaid, do we still have the My Time Dining thats on the invoice?! Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. If you do not prepay gratuities, they will be charged to your onboard account automatically, on a daily basis. 0000005866 00000 n Search Multiple Sites at Once Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). In that sense, the current system is more equitable than the old system of cash tipping, which favored certain workers, lines say. A lot of cruisers were actually upset when they heard about My Time Dining and vowed to never sail with Royal Caribbean again if this was the only option. You can change your dining time on your Royal Caribbean cruise using the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbeans website. Main Dining Room on Allure of the Seas If you feel anyone has been particularly helpful you can always tip them extra in cash. Please check your email and click the link to confirm, and you're all set! HW[U5}@iy% $Q'i'xNg2f(-E2obIcUHQ?/yZ!X}qu`?x %PM-*9:^C^%4eKYT,wybq6hkG7w@N5r~ wj,_u';d'QLOC >g18&fa[2.K\TXHkAnA;C:j>, F nf9|t&ix2KXRlb@}dnMqe@Vc8pXN-:{d2{sPVuINq?1k0BaL ;>9tH4w%E3@NH"e&z j9VMF}|^~*h hXH9K You also do not get to know the wait staff as well, since you may be seated in a different area every night. Some people also like to pay their service charges in advance for budgeting purposes. That is how it works for those employees who get paid with tips. Contact Us Get support by Phone or Email 866-562-7625 Email Your Questions Locate a Travel Agent Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Pasted as rich text. What happens if I cancel the gratuities? Read on to learn all about cruise ship tipping culture and how much you'll need to tip on your next cruise, based on which cruise line you're sailing. The benefits of My Time Dining are that you decide who you eat with, and when. Be warned that the receipt often includes a line for an additional gratuity, even when one is automatically added. I'm travelling with guests from another stateroom who selected Traditional Dining. 0000006714 00000 n Upload or insert images from URL. April 7, 2008. This website uses cookies in order to offer you the most relevant information. 0000005911 00000 n Wondering if anyone can help out with this? Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. If your line raises the rate between the time you pay and the time you sail, you wont pay more. What happens if I cancel the gratuities? Can they join me in the My Time Dining Room. ?xtp~?f~j)Br$7q,,"Sf%SXAii%1O=]rlsE"V3ueGWY^U?h2/?7>V1yP GoW}wA[5!>0yuoe Fortunately, Royal Caribbean still offers both traditional and My Time Dining options. The Dining experience was Excellent as were the Waiting Staff, the only gripe, there had to be one, was the cost of the Wine. Unlike traditional dining where a dining time is assigned to you guests who opt for My Time Dining can eat in the Main Dining Room anytime they like during dinner hours, according to times availability. They say the money is shared not just with front of house crew, such as room attendants and waitstaff, but also with behind-the-scenes workers. Read more: Whats Included in a Royal Caribbean Cruise? On a cruise ship there are so many activities and fun shows, that it can be easy to lose tract of time, and not having to worry about being at diner at a specific time works for some people. The cost of that package is typically $109 per person, per day. If you have an issue with how the crew get paid don't withhold your tips since that will only penalize the crew. 0000422260 00000 n Sorry- Im not expressing myself too well! However, a lot of people do uphold the dress code, so if you turn up in a t-shirt and shorts then you may look out of place. 28 0 obj <> endobj xref 28 131 0000000016 00000 n 0000019016 00000 n The problem is, I cant see anywhere how to prepay the gratuities? Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. You don't have to tip on these cruises because the line is already paying gratuities to the staff on your behalf. The traditional dining experience allows you the choice of either early or late seating times for each day of your cruise. Instant Real Time Pricing My Family Time dining is currently unavailable throughout our fleet. Planning a cruise? If youre already booked and have chosen the flexible option, you can easily pre-reserve specific days and times online. Guests can only participate in one dining style per sailing. Many cruise lines will tack an automatic gratuity charge onto the bill for extra-fee drinks, restaurant meals and spa treatments. I will pay for fantastic service but can't stand getting it shoved in my face and HAVE TO pay gratuities. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. 0000422815 00000 n ( use to happen frequently). 0000690334 00000 n 0000902161 00000 n Also if staff are chastised for receiving cash, why do all the posts advocate tipping over and above the automatic gratuities for good service? Reservations are strongly recommended. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Since you stated that you have already paid you cruise in full I would not go back to your TA just to pay them, I would just pay them at the end of the cruise when you settle your account, there are 2 different rates, one for regular rooms which I believe is $14.50 per day, per person, what you see on my picture is for a suite which is $16.50 PD, PP. So if I cancel my gratuities what will be added to my account for my time dining. How much to tip on a cruise is a question that trips up many first-timers. We can honor requests to change only once based on availability. My Time Dining usually begins around 6:00pm and lasts until 9:30pm, giving you a wide range of times to choose from. Breakfast in the Main Dining Room is first come, first serve, regardless on whether or not you selected My Time or Traditional Dining. 0000737498 00000 n It also means you arent limited to eating at 5.30 pm or 8 pm you can choose any time between 6 pm and 9.30 pm for your table. When making a reservation you will be offered My Time or traditional dining times (i.e., 5:30 pm & 8:00 pm). Privacy Policy | 0000897721 00000 n Read on to learn what My Time Dining is, the benefits that it offers, and how to book. Check here before booking an award fare. Early dining is around 6 pm, while late dining is closer to 8:30 pm. 0000891696 00000 n Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. That's because some cruise lines tack daily service fees onto passenger bills yet many travelers still hand out additional cash gratuities, either as a matter of course or for exemplary service.