One of the reasons cruises have become a vacation phenomena is the ability to make good on their pledge to provide fun for all ages and interests — and teenagers, of course, are no exception.

When it comes to planning a family vacation, teenagers can often be the toughest members of the family to please. Teenagers fall into a unique category: They are at an age when they are beginning to mature and discover the adults they are going to grow into, and have out-grown many aspects of a vacation that appeal to kids, but since they are still learning to navigate the adult world, they’re not ready to venture out on their own completely independent of adult supervision.

Another factor to consider is that teenagers, while they all fall into the same age range, are at a phase in their lives where they often have vastly different interests and personalities than their peers. Think of a high school yearbook, and all of the different personalities, styles, groups, teams, clubs, opinions, interests and many other aspects of person that define the students in the yearbook as individuals.

A perfect vacation for a family traveling with teenagers is one where teens have opportunities to balance time spent with their parents with time spent and hanging out with other travelers their own age, and which offers a broad range of activities and diversions for teenagers to choose from. This is why cruises are ideal for families with teens.

All the major cruise lines have features onboard their ships that are geared specifically to teenager passengers, including “Teens Only” sections including nightclubs (with juice and soft drink bars), sundecks, and lounges. Some cruise ships even offer teen-specific spa treatments and shore excursions. Typically, these activities are led and supervised by a certified member of staff, an adult recruited from teaching and educational programs at colleges and universities, in order to find staff that has training and qualifications necessary to work with kids and teenagers.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is another top choice for families with teens. Ships like Adventure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and of course, their new Oasis of the Seas (which is currently the largest cruise ship in the world) cater well to passengers of all ages who like to dabble in a variety of onboard diversions, particularly those who enjoy being active. Ice-skating, rock climbing and the sports courts appeal to all ages, and there are dedicated teen lounges called The Living Room, as well as teen discos and an outdoor area dedicated to teens.

Disney Cruise Line strikes a perfect balance for families who are traveling with both younger children and teenagers. Most teens won’t be as enthusiastic as their younger siblings when it comes to character meet-ups, they will enjoy events like deck parties and karaoke, and their own places to hang out, play games, listen to music and more.

Carnival Cruise Line is very popular with families, and has plenty to offer teenage passengers. Carnival Liberty, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Freedom rank high on the choice of ships. Favorite features include: The Seaside Theater (a poolside cinema) which boasts with a large LED screen (22 feet wide) and an incredible sound system and shows movies, sporting events and concerts; late night parties in the teen-only disco for passengers 15-17 years old, as well as organized sports and games; 12-14 year olds have their own events, including parties, games and sports. Teens have something to do just about every hour of the day, which makes time spent as a family always feel like a choice and not an obligation.

Get started planning your cruise today by booking online at discountcruises.com, or calling 1-866-457-SHIP to speak with one of our cruise experts.

New York City is known for being the home of Broadway Shows, Wall Street, the United Nations, Times Square, and far too many other places to list here. Additionally, New York City is home to two fantastic and very popular cruise terminals, one located in Manhattan and the other in Brooklyn. The following is a look at a few destinations you can cruise to from New York City’s cruise terminals this summer:

Eastern Caribbean

The islands of the Eastern Caribbean rank are among the most popular destinations for North American vacationers, and cruises are no exception. Cruises sail from New York to islands like Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, the Bahamas, and Turks & Caicos on a regular basis during the summer months. On all of these Eastern Caribbean islands you will find incredible beaches — considered by some to be among the best in the world — and plenty of ways to enjoy yourself by doing as much or as little as you want. Each offers something a little bit different than the next.

Turks & Caicos still has the feel of an off-the-beaten-path destination in the Caribbean; Grand Turk boasts one of the best cruise ports in the Caribbean, with its own beach a swimming pool, cabanas for rent and even a surfing simulator. Puerto Rico has a rich history, with many museums, as well as plenty of natural attractions like the Camuy River Cave Park and Toro Negro Forest & Lookout Tower. In Nassau Bahamas, spend make a daytrip to the famous Atlantis Resort. Magen’s Bay Beach in St. Thomas has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is well worth an afternoon. For a diversion close to the cruise port, St. Thomas’s has a fantastic butterfly sanctuary.

Cruise Lines and ships you will find sailing this destination are:
Norwegian Jewel sailing year round till the end of 2011 doing a 7 day Bahamas Itinerary.
Norwegian Gem sailing mid November of this year till the end of April 2011 doing a 7 day Bahamas Itinerary.
Carnival Miracle sailing now till the end of September 2011 offering 2 Itineraries. (San Juan/Puerto Rico, Saint Thomas, Grand Turk) or (Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Nassau).
Caribbean Princess sailing early May 2011 to July 2011 doing a 9 day Eastern Caribbean and Bermuda Itinerary.

Bermuda

Though it’s clear cerulean waters and sandy beaches sometimes result in Bermuda being associated with Caribbean destinations, this British territory is actually closer to the United States than it is to the Caribbean Sea.

Located in the North Atlantic, a few hundred miles off the east coast of North Carolina, Bermuda’s location makes it a perfect port-of-call for cruises departing from New York City. Likewise, the island’s many attractions make it a perfect destination that appeals to a variety of travel interests. The famous pink-sand beaches and blue waters are well-suited for relaxation and sunbathing. The coral reefs surrounding the island make for magnificent snorkeling, while the more than 500 shipwrecks in the surrounding waters appeal to scuba divers. For those with a keen interest in culture and history, Bermuda offers colonial-era buildings, museums, and old naval fortifications. Golf is popular year-round, and there are nine courses to choose from. For shopping, visit the city of Hamilton, where you can buy quality imported items from Great Britain antiques, and handmade artworks and crafts made on Bermuda.

Cruise Lines and ships you will find sailing this destination are:
Norwegian Gem sailing now till end of October 2011 doing a 7 day sailing.
Carnival Miracle with two 7 days sailings in April 2011 and two sailings in October 2011.
Holland America Veendam with sailings May 2001 till October 2011.
Caribbean Princess sailing early May 2011 to July 2011 doing a 9 day Eastern Caribbean and Bermuda Itinerary.

Canada/New England

Of course, south isn’t the only direction to cruise in when you depart from New York City. Itineraries that sail to ports in Canada and New England are also highly popular. Canada’s vast regions offer a variety of experiences, from enjoying unspoiled wilderness, to immersing in the ambience of historic Old Quebec, the cradle of French civilization in North America. From Connecticut to Maine, New England’s picturesque coast offers many stops for cruise travelers, and is famous for its colonial heritage, beautiful fall foliage, shimmering lakes, fresh seafood and dramatic mountains. Whale watching, vineyard tours, and snow activities are popular diversions.

Cruise Lines and ships you will find sailing this destination are:
Carnival Glory sailing 4, 5 & 7 day sailings now through the fall and starting back up in June of 2011 till end of fall 2011.
Cunard Queen Mary 2 offers 5, 7, 9 & 10 day sailings on a handful of dates in fall of 2010 & 2011 and some sailings in July of 2011.
Holland America Eurodam offers 2 sailings in September 2010 and 2011.
Norwegian Dawn offers 7 day sailings mid September till October 2010.
Norwegian Jewel offers 2 10 day sailing in the month of October this year.
Norwegian Jewel offers 7 day sailings mid September till October 2011.
Caribbean Princess offers 7 day sailings August 2010 till October 2010. This ship is also sailing 7 and 10 day sailings starting in May 2011 through fall of 2011.
Crown Princess offers a single 10 day sailing in September & October of this year and a single sailing in September of 2011.

Transatlantic

Roughly a half-century ago, ocean liners were the preferred method of luxurious leisure travel to Europe. Today, transatlantic cruises are a much sought-after experience by travelers looking to enjoy all the comforts of modern cruise travel mixed with a touch of classic luxury. Transatlantic cruises also depart from New York City on a regular basis and arrive in destinations all over Europe, including Copenhagen, Barcelona, Southampton and many other ports-of-call.

Cruise Lines and ships you will find sailing this destination are:
Cunard Queen Mary 2 offers 6 & 7 day sailings from now till December this year and next year they will begin these sailings in spring 2011 till December also.
You will find Holland America, http://www.discountcruises.com/cruise-lines/princess/?leadsourceid= Norwegian Cruise Lines,

Ready to book your next cruise? Book with Discount Cruises toll free at 1-877-999-4970 (We are located in South Florida the world’s cruise capital)

She has worked in the cruise industry and lived in South Florida ever since graduating from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. She started her cruise career working onboard the cruise ships where she thought she would go onboard for a few months to get some hands on experience here in the Cruise Capitol of the World and ended up staying onboard for six wonderful years! While onboard she was a Gift Shop Manager for the Duty Free Shops and met “Mr. Right/Wright”! As a shipboard and shore side employee she has worked in cruise sales and operations with Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Holland America Line. Earlier this year she earned her Commodore status with Princess Cruises. She has sailed the Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda, Mediterranean, Europe, and South America, so she can be of assistance to you when planning your cruise itinerary.

She is thrilled with all of the technology offered by our cruise line partners which allow her to provide current cruise availability, specials and discounts for our clients. She is happy to be part of the discountcruises.com organization where we truly are the World’s Cruise Experts!

For recommendations or reservations call Susie Wright at 1-877-999-4970 ext 204 or email her at: wrights@discountcruises.com.

It’s a question that our cruise experts are asked all the time: Can I bring my pet on my cruise vacation? As a general rule, pets are not allowed on cruise ships. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. But before we get into those, an explanation of why cruises cannot accommodate pets:

There are two major reasons why cruise ships do not allow animals onboard. The first is that, while cruise ships are designed with the comfort of passengers in mind — with cozy stateroom accommodations and all the amenities of a high-end hotel — cruise ships are not a very comfortable environment for pets. Animals like cats and dogs need their own places to play, their own places to eat, and their own places to relieve themselves. Unfortunately, cruise ships do not offer these amenities for pets, and to date, no cruise line has built a cruise ship with specific onboard facilities for pets (though it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that this idea was explored at one time or another at board meetings at a few different cruise lines).

The second major reason why cruise ships do not allow pets is legal complications: cruises ships (as well as other vessels) have to abide by strict health and sanitation codes designed to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and crew. These regulations restrict, and often times prohibit, the presence of pets onboard. Cruise ships also stop in multiple ports of call in multiple countries, each with their own laws, codes and regulations regarding entry requirements for animals.

Cunard Cruise Line’s Queen Mary 2
Cunard Cruise Line has taken passengers on voyages around the world for more than a century and a half, and has a reputation for luxury that predates air travel by decades. It is also the only cruise line that offers special kennel accommodations for pets. On all transatlantic crossings on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 between New York and Southampton, England (both eastbound and westbound), special kennel accommodations are available for dogs and cats. Kennels are spacious and air-conditioned, and there are indoor and outdoor play areas for the pets, so owners can rest assured that their friends are traveling in comfort. These sailings are typically six or seven nights in length, and during that time pets are under the full-time care of a Kennel Master who takes care of feeding, walking and cleaning. Pets are never allowed in cabins or in places outside these designated areas, but owners will have opportunities to visit and spend time with their pets during the cruise. Since there are only twelve kennels on the ship, space is limited.

Service Animals
Cruises have a well-deserved reputation as a vacation that is fun for everyone, and cruise lines go to great lengths to ensure that their ships are easily accessibly and accommodating to passengers with disabilities, including passengers who require the assistance of a service animal. The most common assistance animals are guide animals and hearing assistance dogs, but many dogs of many breeds work to assist people who face a variety of challenges. Service animals are permitted by most major cruise lines, but policies vary, and like any passenger aboard a cruise ship, service animals will need their proper documentation to board. Passengers traveling with a service animal will need to make sure all vaccines are up to date, provide records, and may have to contact the Department of Agriculture for information on policies for their ports of call. Travel agents can help with all of these arrangements.

Treat Your Pet to Their Own Vacation
When you’re going on a cruise, the best option for your pet may be a vacation of their own. There are numerous “Pet Hotels” throughout the US that provide pets with a relaxing, fun place to stay while their owners are away from home. Specifically designed for the comfort of pets, pet hotels offer amenities such as caregivers on call 24/7 to keep pets company, a full-time veterinary staff, accommodations with air-conditioning and air filtration, special play rooms for dogs, daily cleaning services and much more. discountcruises.com’s team of cruise experts can help you make arrangements at one of these hotels for your pet while you take your cruise.

Ready to book your next cruise? Call discountcruises.com toll free at 1-877-999-4970 (We are located in South Florida the world’s cruise capital)

In the mood for something slightly different on your next cruise vacation? Why not book a voyage on the world’s most famous shortcut, the Panama Canal?

About the Panama Canal

One of the greatest engineering feats of all time, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via a 50-mile artificial waterway that stretches across Central America (flanked by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east), linking the Caribbean Sea with the Gulf of Panama. It consists of numerous artificial lakes, manmade waterways and three locks (devices used for raising and lowering boats between sections of water of different levels).

The first attempt at building a canal across Central America was undertaken in the 1880s by the French, but was unsuccessful. Under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt, the United States began picked up the project in 1903, starting constriction from scratch, and by 1914, the Panama Canal that we know today was opened.

Originally used for the purposes of shipping and transportation between the east and west coasts of the United States (and still an important shipping route to this day), the Panama Canal has emerged as an important link between the fantastic ports-of-call that lay on either side of Central America. Because of its historical significance and impressive engineering, the Panama Canal appears on many must-see lists for serious globetrotters. It also has wide appeal to a large number of travelers who are seeking a fun, relaxed vacation that features stunning beaches, eco-adventures, and of course, a fun onboard experience.

Ports of Call

Panama Canal cruises depart in Florida, from ports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, or from California, from San Diego or Los Angeles. Cruising the actual canal is usually accomplished within a single day (during daytime hours, which allows plenty of time for scenery gazing, photo-taking and getting a firsthand look at one of the most historically significant waterways in modern history). In between cruising the canal, cruises stop in some of the most popular ports-of-call in the Western Caribbean, including the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Los Cabos and Acapulco, as well as ports-of-call in Columbia, Costa Rica, and of course, Panama. The variety of stops on a Panama Canal itinerary is one of the most appealing aspects of the trip for travelers.

Cruise Lines

Most major cruise lines offer Panama Canal cruises, including Princess Cruises, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America. Itineraries vary in length, between seven days and a full two weeks. Panama Canal cruises usually sail between the months of October and April.

Ready to book your a Panama Canal Cruise? Book with Discount Cruises toll free at 1-877-999-4970 (We are located in South Florida the world’s cruise capital).

If you are a traveler in your twenties looking for a fun getaway with your friends, or maybe a romantic trip with someone special, a cruise vacation could be the perfect choice for your trip. Cruise vacations offer many different ways to have fun, from enjoying drinks poolside, to scaling rock walls and rounds of mini-golf, to living it up during late nights in the casino and nightclubs onboard. They are also highly affordable.

Presented in no particular order, here is a look at the top cruise lines for young adults:

Royal Caribbean
The founders of “the Nation of Why Not,” Royal Caribbean has proven itself time and again as one of the world’s most innovative cruise lines. They were the first cruise line to add rock climbing walls to their ships (several other cruise lines have since added their own), and other unique features you’ll find onboard include ice-skating rinks, mini-golf courses, sports courts (which accommodate basketball, soccer and volleyball) and Royal Caribbean’s signature FlowRider® surf simulator. While a Royal Caribbean cruise offers fun for travelers of all ages, this robust list of onboard diversions has a definite appeal to youthful travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation and activity.

Royal Caribbean’s fleet of more than twenty ships sail to over 250 ports around the world, in destinations that include Asia, Europe, Alaska, and of course, the Caribbean, a long-time favorite destination for it’s stunning tropical islands as well as it’s close proximity to the US.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line sails under the slogan Freestyle Cruising®, a concept that extends through every aspect of the experience you will find aboard their ships. From accommodations to dining, everything about an NCL cruise is about flexibility and the list of onboard diversions is fantastic: Rock climbing, bowling, shopping, live shows, sports, and a wide selection of restaurants, bars and lounges. Plus, there are all the standard features travelers have come to expect onboard a cruise ship, including pools, hot tubs, spa, fitness center and jogging track — however you want to spend your time is truly up to you. NCL is also continually adding new features to the Freestyle Cruising® experience.

Norwegian Cruise line sails to just about every destination that can be reached by water: Alaska, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Europe, South America, and Mexico. There are also plenty of quick cruises that offer one or two days at sea. These make great weekend getaways and are great ways to relax when you don’t have the time for a full vacation.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival describes its fleet as “a massive fun armada,” and rightfully so: Each of the more than 20 ships in Carnival’s Fun Ship fleet was built with one goal in mind — your enjoyment. Spend your days however you please. Step out on deck to enjoy features like pools, waterslides and a 9-hole golf course. Enjoy a healthy dose of warm sun, a well-deserved tropical cocktail and the soothing sounds of the ship’s calypso band. Check out one of Carnival’s newest features, available on many ships, the Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen located poolside. A casino, spa and of course, plenty of good food are a few more of the many ways to chill out onboard.

The fun continues on shore with excursions that offer plenty of chances for classic port-of-call pastimes like snorkeling, inland tours and adventure and eco-sports, plus unique options like bobsledding in Jamaica and the Amazing Cozumel Race, equal parts clue-based mystery, scavenger hunt and reality show!

Ready to book your next cruise? Book with Discount Cruises toll free at 1-877-999-4970 (We are located in South Florida the world’s cruise capital)

Wondering if a cruise is right for your next vacation? Let’s examine just how popular cruising is among North American travelers, and one of the main reasons for this popularity: The diverse options for having fun that only a cruise vacation can provide.

Exactly how popular are cruise vacations? Cruising is nothing short of a travel phenomenon. Research conducted by Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA) reports that “From 1980 - 2009, over 176 million passengers have taken a deep-water cruise” (a deep-water cruise being defined as a cruise with an itinerary longer than 2 days), with the majority of those cruise passengers having embarked on their cruise in the past decade. The same report estimates that “over the next three years, over 50 million North Americans indicate intent to cruise.” Cruising is highly popular, and its popularity is growing.

But what makes cruising such a popular choice for vacationers? The basic answer is that cruises are fun. A lot of fun, and a lot of different kinds of fun. A style of vacation that was once characterized little more than shuffleboard, deck chairs, drink umbrellas and a few lazy afternoons of luxury has grown into the very pinnacle of enjoyment. Modern day cruise ships are full-scale floating resorts that offer a choose-your-own approach to having a good time like no other vacation can. While you’re cruising, you have a world of options at your fingertips, so whatever you’re in the mood for, chances are you’ll find it, and you won’t have to look long or hard.

If want a vacation where you can lay back, unwind and let stress melt away, a cruise is a perfect choice. Cruises are great for rest and relaxation. On a Caribbean cruise — or a cruise to other warm weather destinations like the Mediterranean, Hawaii, or South Pacific — sunbathing is a favorite pastime for many passengers and rest assured, there is no shortage of lounge chairs. Cool off by taking a dip in the pool (larger cruise ships will have several, as well as Jacuzzis) and enjoy a cold, blended beverage from the bar. Spas are also found on most major cruise ships, though due to popularity, it is highly recommended that you book your spa appointment as soon as you board the ship.

But maybe your idea of relaxation is more active? Maybe you wish you had more time to exercise during your week-to-week schedule, and want to take advantage of the free time your vacation offers? Cruises cater to all kinds of travelers, and whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just enjoy some casual activity, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay active on a cruise vacation. Fitness centers are a mainstay on ships, and offer all the modern equipment for working on strength and cardio. You’ll also find spin, yoga, Pilates and other classes taught by some of the world’s top professional trainers. The gym of course isn’t the only way to be active: basketball, tennis, golf — even rock climbing, ice-skating, and yes, even shuffleboard — are readily available on a number of cruise ships.

Nights are just as rife with options. Food is famously good on cruises, and you typically have the choice of a buffet or seated meal at breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as the option of dining at several specialty restaurants. After dinner, there are still more options. Nightly shows can include comedy, song and dance, even Broadway-style plays. There’s the casino, always a popular choice, as well as bars and lounges, activities and themed parties.

The ability to choose your own style of fun while enjoying your vacation is what makes cruising a style of vacation that is continuously growing in popularity. With new features, new ships and new destinations cruise lines are making sure even seasoned cruisers have new experiences awaiting them.

Ready to book your next cruise? Book with Discount Cruises toll free at 1-877-999-4970 (We are located in South Florida the world’s cruise capital)

What better way to have the best Wedding and Honeymoon then on one of the Cruise Lines. Michele is our best Wedding/Honeymoon planner. She can help plan the whole trip for you and your guests. This will be the best wedding your friends and relatives will experience! She has arranged numerous weddings on all of the major cruises lines. No wedding group is too small or large for her to handle. For recommendations call Michele Federlin at 1-877-999-4970 ext 202 or email her at: Federlinm@discountcruises.com

Experience small ship cruising with Avalon Waterways in Europe, Egypt or China and the Galapagos. Avalon Waterways has the youngest fleet in Europe with 2 new ships this year 2010. These Cruises include most tours admission charges-All meals on board daily-local entertainers on board to give you full appreciation for the region and its culture. What a great way to explore the world!

You can contact me locally in Florida (the world’s cruise capital) Toll Free at 1-877-999-4970 or by email federlinm@discountcruises.com at to book today.

With the arrival of alternative restaurants and open seating the onboard experience has changed over the past 10 plus years, as well as many cruise lines began changing their tipping policies. The practice of tipping your dining room staff became quite difficult with not having the same dining room steward each evening. Cruise lines introduced “automatic tipping” that is charged to your account; these charges are usually shared among a variety of crewmembers. Other lines — usually in the high-end luxury category — simply discourage tipping altogether, and still others continue with the traditional system, though that number has dwindled.

Here is a comprehensive overview of tipping policies:

Carnival Cruise Lines automatically adds a $10 per-person, per-day gratuity to onboard accounts. The same amount applies to all passengers, regardless of age.

Alternative: Passengers who want to adjust the amount of their gratuity in either direction or to tip independently can do so at the Purser’s Office

Additional: An automatic 15 percent gratuity is added to all bar bills

Celebrity Cruises automatically adds gratuities to the onboard Seapass account. The “suggested” gratuities added to your account will be $11.50 per day per guest ($12.50 for Concierge Class and AquaClass guests). There is also a $3.50 per-person, per-day suggested gratuity for your butler if you’re in a suite.

Alternative: If you wish to adjust the amount you pay, this can be done onboard.

Additional: An automatic 15 percent gratuity is added to all bar bills.

Cunard charges $11 per person, per day to the shipboard account of passengers in Britannia accommodation on QM2 and Queen Victoria. The amount is $13 for passengers in Grill Class accommodation. This charge is for adults and children.

Alternatives: To adjust the amount of your automatic tips or to tip independently, see the Purser’s Office.

Additional: An automatic 15 percent gratuity is added to all bar bills.

Holland America automatically charges $11 per day to each guest’s (including children) shipboard account. This amount is shared among the service staff.

Alternatives: See the Front Desk if you wish to adjust your automatic gratuities, or to tip independently.

Additional: automatic 15 percent gratuity is added to bar and dining room purchases.

Norwegian Cruise Line passengers are automatically billed $12 per day to support a salary and incentive program for the service staff. There is no charge for children under 3.

Alternatives: Tipping above and beyond the service charge is not necessary or expected. Also, should you wish to adjust the charges be sure to contact the onboard reception desk.

Additional: A 15 percent gratuity is added to bar bills and 18 percent gratuity is attached to added to spa services. NCL suggests that passengers who use concierge or butler service provide a gratuity “commensurate with the services rendered.”

Princess Cruises automatically adds $10.50 per day to each passenger’s account to cover hotel and dining service. For guests in suites or mini-suites will be charged $11 per day. The amount goes for children as well as adults.

Alternatives: You can adjust your automatic gratuities upward or downward, or eliminate them altogether, at the purser’s office.

Additional: A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar bills

Royal Caribbean continues the traditional process of providing envelopes to be handed out on the last night of the cruise. They recommend $3.50 per person, per day to the dining room waiter and to the cabin steward ($5.75 for suite attendant); $2 per person, per day to the assistant waiter; and $0.75 per person, per day to the head waiter. Guidelines are the same for all passengers regardless of age.

They have recently introduced my time dining (open seating) and require you pre-pay the gratuities when you enroll in this dining option

Alternatives: If you wish to pre-pay your gratuities you can do so by adding them to your reservation prior to sailing or you can have the added to your onboard SeaPass account.

Additional: A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar bills.

You can contact me locally in Florida (the world’s cruise capital) Toll Free at 1-877-999-4970 or by email at erdmanj@discountcruises.com to book today.