Oh wow this guy is confusing the heck out of me.
S.S. Oceanlover I agree with the fact the RCI charges more for the same itinerary. I cruise on May 2, 2010 my price per person $489 for the Splendor which entered service in 2008. RCI would have charged me $599 per person for Marnier of the Seas which entered service in 2002. Why would I pay $100 more for a older ship.
Plus Carnival let's me bring a bottle of wine per person. I like the auto tipping I don't have to hassle with envelopes or having the right change.
Here is the tipping guidelines from RCI website. When I add up the suggested tips I get $9.75 per day for stateroom and $12.00 for a suite. So Carnival's tips per day is about the same as RCI. If the OP doesn't like Auto tips he should just remove them from his credit card at the purser's desk. I guess I still don't understand how Carnival is ripping him off.
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/custom...34&faqType=faq
Q: What are gratuity guidelines for cruises?
A: So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, we've developed these gratuity guidelines:
Suite attendant: $5.75 USD a day per guest
Stateroom attendant: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Dining Room Waiter: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Assistant Waiter: $2.00 USD a day per guest
Headwaiter: $.75 USD a day per guest
Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages.
Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar bill or wine check when you are served.