Now that it's less than four weeks away, am thinking about maybe a massage or a facial, etc. One does tip in the spa, no? Haven't ever used the spa on RSSC before, so figure it's about time.
Love, Elena :app:

While the Dining and Hotel staff are compensated with your fare, the Spa staff still relies on your tips for a part of their sustinence. Yes, it's most appropriate to tip them, just as if you were in a land based spa.

I had a wonderful treatment on the PG last year -A sunflower seed scrub which is followed by a shower and then a full massage. Hope they have it on the Voyager, where I am headed next.

Sounds great, Kathy. I seem to remember a list of spa services and prices posted somewhere. Does anybody remember where?

Yes, it's on the B & K site and can be found by clicking here. Enjoy!

I have a question in general about tipping on the PG. We were on the Diamond a while ago, and because it's so small, you really feel you get to know your steward, server, etc. The service is so amazing, I felt like I had to tip them. Is there really no tipping on the PG?

I know that it says No Tipping ,but as I noted in my Mariner Alaska reveiw, my DH asked our steward about the true status of tipping. She said MOST people DO tip additional. We did not tip everyone but did tip our steward and a couple of favorite waiters a modest amount. I noticed others bringing envelopes to the dining room, on the afternoon before disembarkation, seeking certain waiters also. So....?While I agree if it really was no tipping, that it is included in your fare, I would just add to staff fund but I don't want to be a cheapskate ( as we are not) if everyone is really tipping. I think RSSC should address their staff on this, if it is truly no tipping. ie;we should be told to add to Staff fund not personal tips,by staff. As long as this is not the case, we will continue to tip additional
Sandra

From our experience on the Mariner and Voyager, no tipping means no tipping. We haven't tried and don't intend to do so. What we DO do, however is make a healthy contribution to the crew welfare fund at the reception desk in the middle of the voyage.

Keith and I have spoken to many different levels of the staff and are assured with - what we perceive as - sincerity that the money is put to good use providing parties for the crew as well as electrical devices like MP3 players and such.

Although we adore several specific members of every cruise, we recognize that teamwork and comraderie among the staff is the foundation of our wonderful service. If we can contribute to their happiness as a whole, we feel like we're "tipping" the entire ship.

My two-cents on this one!
Cheers! <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />

Ash

Like Ash, this is what we've been told so we contribute to the crew welfare fund, not to individuals BUT we ALWAYS mention outstanding individuals on our comment cards.

My two cents as well is, no tipping means no tipping. The possible exception is a couple of times when I have slipped my cabin stewardess a little, for outstanding service, but not always. I like the idea that when the pool waiter is friendly to me, he's doing that because he likes his job and is well-compensated, not because he's ingratiating himself to me. I'm sure it would be different on a world cruise.

I always give a good contribution to the crew welfare fund before the end of the cruise and normally get a thank you note from the fund treasurer. I understand that names of those donating to the fund are posted in the crew lounge so they'll all know you gave. Also, the crew elects the fund's officers and they vote on what is done with the money in the fund. There is no control over it by ship's officers or Regent management so it's a true crew fund.

Several cruisers I know find out what their stewardess' interests are or if she has children and then buy her a gift in a port or two instead of tipping. That fits better with the "no tipping" concept.

Thanks for the advice - the crew fund sounds like a good solution, especially if they know you've contributed. Now my new worry is getting from the American terminal to the International terminal at LAX, but that needs to be posted another place!

Laura - Terminal 4 American is right next to the International terminal - a fairly short walk. Just hang a left out of baggage claim, can't miss it.

Robert, thanks. It seems crazy to me that, unlike other airports which are self-contained, you have to exit one terminal and then go thru security in another. We have three hours to connect (assuming our plane is on time to LA - 70% ontime rate), so we'll have to walk over and then get in the security line. I'm hoping at least the London passengers will be in a separate line.