@Dr. Saundra Stancil so tragic. I saw a YT mention it so googled to find a better account of events.

I have dug into this deeply prior to my last cruise on Royal. After much digging I did ask for the auto gratuities to be removed. Then I tipped in cash. NOT an option on MSC and clearly stated on the purchase page, at least for US cruises. My understanding is that the crew is contracted at a guaranteed wage. The bean counters have devised a way to include the gratuities into thee guaranteed wage. So if that is true, then you really aren't boosting anyone's take home pay. Other lines pool line wide, while some imply it is only for the ship you are on. I do believe that if an excess, above the guaranteed wage is collected it could be paid in a bonus. My concern is if too many passengers remove them, all lines will follow MSC and say they can not be adjusted on board. If they would just share how it all works (transparency) I think more would be agreeable. I remember the days of envelopes in the cabins to tip in cash and actually prefer that method. Like the fare pay those behind the scenes and those public facing employees should be given cash for good service. Gratuities are also handled differently on the same line depending on departure country. For instance I have heard on ships sailing from Australia they are not automatically included.

@Edgar Brincat thank you. There are multiple videos on YT about the pros and cons of removing automatic gratuities. I image each lines policies are as opaque as YT's algorithm that the people speaking on it are just guessing at the facts. Until the lines share their formulas we shall never know the full truth.

To be honest it was a member only price on a website which I am a member. A benefits site I have access to from a former Municipal Government I was employed at. I've seen it on public sites for up to $1222 for the same category cabin on the same cruise.

Neither, I actually prefer somewhat smaller ships. Not necessarily the oldest/smallest so maybe the mid sized Allure was plenty big for me, but I also very much enjoyed Enchantment.