Royal Caribbean quietly raises a key onboard fee
The cruise line's timing for sharing the announcement seems questionable (but that was probably not intentional).
Within the media industry, there are a sort of thoughts about when which is best to release bad news. Back within the print newspaper days, public relations companies tried to ensure bad news came on Fridays so it can per chance disappear by Monday.
That logic not applies within the digital era, but there are still how to hide bad news. One tactic is to release your bad news at the same time a rival has something a lot worse happening.
Related: Royal Caribbean shares a scary Hurricane Milton update
As an example, if your CEO is being fired for having an inappropriate relationship with the other member of the C-Suite, maybe press release that after a competitor's CEO has been arrested for murder. That is an extreme and not going scenario, but the core logic holds.
No person will, to demonstrate, notice which you may have got got you may have got got a pimple if the person who sits next to to procure a purple mohawk and a nose ring over the weekend.
Burying bad news can work, but it definitely's not always appropriate. That makes a newest Royal Caribbean decision questionable. Yes, the timing became almost definitely set earlier than we knew that Hurricane Milton would happen, but on this case, a delay would have made a sort of sense.
Sign on for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to economize for your next (or your first) cruise. Image source: Nora Tam/South China Morning Post by technique of Getty
Royal Caribbean is raising its every day gratuities
Royal Caribbean, like most cruise lines, charges a every day gratuity for each passenger onboard. These are added to your shipboard account every day and get split between service workers including waiters, bartenders, room stewards, and others at the back of the scenes that passengers do not see.
You are in a position to technically scale back, or delay those every day gratuities by going to guest services and products, but it definitely's regarded as bad form to have a seriously look into this. Royal Caribbean, because the cruise world braces for Hurricane Milton, has quietly shared that which is increasing its every day gratuities.
"Starting November 1, 2024, the cruise line will raise the every day gratuity rate by 50 cents per day, bringing the brand new rate for traditional cabins to $18.50 per person, up from $18, and suites to $21 per person, up from $20.50. That's the same quantity for all passengers, regardless of age," the Royal Caribbean Blog first reported.
More Royal Caribbean:
- Royal Caribbean has a beverage package policy you're going to have the ability to not like
- Royal Caribbean adds a partner passengers ought to be happy about
- Royal Caribbean shares a key warning to passengers
- Popular Royal Caribbean and Carnival port on 'think again travel' list
That is a small increase, but the previous increase in gratuities became lower than twelve months ago.
Gratuities may very well be paid in advance or onboard. They're the same price, but paying in advance locks in current pricing.
Be the first to appear the right deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign on for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Royal Caribbean may most likely have pressed pause
Royal Caribbean shared the news of the value increase in a weekly email newsletter sent to travel agents.
"For brand new reservations, the adjusted gratuity amounts are effective as of November 1st, 2024. Guests booked before November 1st, 2024, can opt with a view to add prepaid gratuities earlier than sailing to make some of the most of of the present rates. On or after November 1st, 2024, regardless of when the booking became created, gratuities paid while onboard are subject to the brand new, increased rates," the cruise line shared.
While which is a small increase, some passengers already resent the every day gratuities. Many argue that which is just a strategy for the cruise lines to advertise a lower cost by passing off one of many crucial price of paying their workers to passengers.
If Royal Caribbean (or the other cruise line) simply added gratuities to its basic fares, prices would upward thrust significantly.
For varied people booking a cruise. a pair of dollars here or there just shouldn't ever be an argument. Many folks pay the every day gratuities and tip extra for folk who offer unheard of service.
That is common to present added tricks to bartenders ($1-2 per drink), room stewards, and waiters. That is not required, but it definitely's appreciated.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share a strategy to get the right price for your cruise
Putting off every day gratuities and "handing them out for your individual" punishes workers who do laundry and other service jobs that should not passenger-facing.
A request for comment from Royal Caribbean on the timing of the announcement became not immediately returned.
Are you taking a cruise or attracted to taking one? Consult with our Come Cruise With Me webpage to have all your questions answered.
What's Your Reaction?
