I agree with both @Gregory Irwin and @Marvin Roderick on this. Personally, I am not a big fan of gratuities being added automatically. I would much rather the cruise fare was clearer from the start, with staff properly paid and the true cost of the holiday shown upfront. At the same time, I do understand why the system exists. There are so many people behind the scenes on a cruise who contribute to the experience, and many passengers may not know who to tip, may forget, or may only reward the people they see most often. So in that sense, the shared gratuity model probably spreads things more fairly. Where I struggle is that a gratuity, in my mind, should still be linked to service. Good service should be recognised, and when someone goes above and beyond, I am always happy to tip extra. I have done that many times, especially with cabin stewards or waiting staff who really make the holiday feel special. I think part of the issue is cultural too. On some American lines, gratuities are almost treated as part of the wage structure, whereas in Europe we often see tipping differently. That can feel uncomfortable for British and European guests, especially when service charges appear automatically on drinks, dining and daily accounts. So for me, I do not love the system, but I also would not want crew to lose out because of it. I would just prefer more transparency. Either include it properly in the fare, as some lines do eg P&O and MSC, or make it much clearer before people book so there are no surprises once they are onboard.

@Chip Jr. Interesting take on this Chip. I remember the envelopes as well, that was a on my first cruise on Explorer of the seas in 2002 it was nearly brand new at the time.

Wow, you cannot get that price for a 3 star Hotel for 2 nights in parts of Switzerland! Well done

@Daryl Albert What do you like about the smaller ships? Is it the cosiness of a small boat? More personal feel? I also love the bigger ships but at times you do forget you are on a ship in not in a resort.

@Daryl Albert same here 😊

@Daryl Albert that’s brilliant. Do you do much international trips?

@Daryl Albert makes perfect sense

@Katrina Edginton, I have to agree with @Michael Johnson. This is a really good question, and it actually got me thinking. For me, it depends a lot on where I’m cruising. If I’m in the Mediterranean, for example, I’ve been to quite a few of the ports already. I still enjoy getting off, having a wander, and feeling the atmosphere of each place, but the ship itself becomes a bigger part of the experience. In that situation, I would probably lean towards the newer ship for 7 days. I do find the newer ships fascinating. Not just because they are bigger, but because of the design, the technology, the food concepts, the entertainment, and all the little innovations they keep adding. The biggest Royal ship I’ve been on so far is Odyssey of the Seas, and last year we went on Norwegian Aqua, which I really enjoyed as well. That said, if I’m choosing a cruise mainly for the itinerary, then the ship matters less. If the ports are the real reason for going, I’d happily take the older ship for 14 days. I think my answer is probably this: I love newer ships, but not necessarily bigger ships. I am still slightly undecided about Icon Class. From what I’ve seen, they look incredible, but also possibly a bit too busy for what I personally enjoy. I’d need to try one before judging properly. Most of my cruising so far has been with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and NCL, but I’m really keen to experience Oceania, Seabourn and Silversea next. Smaller ships, different pace, different feel. So yes, great question. It made me realise that I’m probably not loyal to ship size. I’m more interested in whether the ship and the itinerary fit the kind of holiday I’m looking for.