First Time To Cruise Questions? 1. The enclosed verandah's are a little less expensive, but you can lose a little or alot of your view with these rooms, depending on what you get. It basically just means that your view is going to be a little limited or obstructed. An open verandah means that the verandah is open and there are no obstructions, these cost a little more. 2. Tips are not included, but you can add them to your vacation. It is called pre-paid gratuity and is based on the number of nights you will be cruising. The pre-paid tip includes the head waiter, waiter, assistant server and your room steward. I always tip extra because of how great the service, they work so hard and deserve every penny they make. As far as extra tips, that would be for anything that you use outside of the waiters and room steward. Some tips are automatically included. For example, if you order a drink, they automatically include a 15% gratuity and you can add to that if you like. Most people tip the kids clubs leaders, especially if their kids really like them and have a good time, they work hard as well. Room service is the other one that you should tip. Generally $1 to $2 is a good amount to give, you don't have to, but you can. If you don't want to bring cash, you can add that to your tab (if your order something that you have to pay for) just like if you use a credit card. Any other service you receive, i.e. someone taking your luggage and things like that, then you should always tip them as well. 3. We've already discussed this, so I don't think I need to go into more detail. But, in my opinion if an agent is the same price as what you are getting with Orbitz, then I definitely feel that is the way to go. |