In recent months Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have instituted the practice of requiring passengers to pay gratuities at time of booking in order to obtain "open" dining. I've tried to think of other industries where you tip the provider before you get service ... manicures? no, .... haircuts?, no ....massage? no ....restaurants? no ..... hotels? no. In fact there is only one industry I know of where you put your money on the bedside table before you get serviced. So I guess Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have determined their niche within the cruise industry.
Kind of makes me think of Spirit Airlines with their carry on luggage fee and Ryan Air with their pay toilets. Hey, maybe Royal and Celebrity could consider pay toilets too. Why not add a service fee if you speak to a Purser at any time during your cruise? Why not coin operated exercise machines in the fitness center? There are so many more nickel and dime opportunities to drive away passengers!
