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Thanks for the reply. My wife and I did a cruise (Western Carribean) Summer 2001. At that time, the Cruise line (Royal Carribean) didn't offer "pre-paid gratuities". We just got the anticipated tip ammount together in seperate envelopes for each person to be tipped ahead of time. The last evening, we pulled out these envelopes and added a bit here and there as we felt the person was deserving. It was actually sort of fun tipping in that way.

I don't know if our budget can handle a cruise this spring, although we would certainly LOVE to be able too. IF we can swing it, obviously, we will be there. If not, I hope everyone else that goes has a great time!

Re: tipping. While the pre-paid fee is EXTREMELY reasonable, dare I say cheap, I like to tip those that deserve it and pass on those who fall short. Taking a fat bundle of two dollar bills allows me to pay as I go each day and the hard-working underpaid Phillipenos seem to appreciate the cash whenever they get shore leave. The cabin person and the bartender are each started off with five bones the very first time I meet them - it's worked out very nicely for us.