I’ve never been on a cruise but I read these things because I think I’d like to one day. I definitely consider buying a soda package “nickel and diming” as well as the mandatory tipping (including providing envelopes) of all? Most? Cruise lines. Soda, tea, water, juice, coffee should all be part of your cost.See below
100% yes, but it was how you were highlighting the difference as in tone, wordage, etc that made it seem more like if it wasn't the way DCL did it..etc. FWIW this happens a lot too when people who are very big Disney Parks fans and they try to go over to Universal. There's def. a way that Universal gets talked about compared to someone who is more even-keeled on their theme park interests.
I do appreciate your review, I've thought about Royal in the past and I enjoy hearing how people felt especially with those big ships!
In fairness I don't think people would use charging for pop, when it's standard to do so on most other cruise lines, as nickel and diming. That's part of the reason I mentioned what I did about your heart seemingly lying in DCL. You're going to be hard pressed to find non-luxury lines that don't charge for it. Some will offer packages including "free" deals but yeah DCL is abnormal in that they don't but it's only because of who their target audience is.
I don't know about you but Disney charges some absolutely crazy high pricing for some of their specialty dining, Enchante being $80 per person just for brunch! One could say that's nickel and diming but well specialty dining for a cost is now standard on cruise lines.
I'm glad you figured out what didn't work for you, you don't get to know unless you try it right?
Tipping should be at your discretion—period.
These are the 2 main things keeping me from ever trying a cruise.