RGH

For all around cruising, its Royal Caribbean for us. Been on Carnival 5 times, RCI 3 times and Princess twice. Carnival has the bast stage shows, hands down, but the worst food of the three. We were bored on the Regal Princess with its scarcity of things to do on board and the shows were lousy, but the food was good. RCI seemed to be pretty good in all categories. Will try NCL this winter.

We'll be in a penthouse (Categ AB) aboard the NCL Star this winter. First time in a cabin above a balcony. For penthouse residents, NCL provides use of a concierge who can make "Freestyle" dining and excursion arrangements, among other things. I'm unclear about whether and what to tip this person. NCL has its new fixed/mandatory gratuity built in to the cruise account at $10 per day for the cabin steward, waiter and busboy, but I'm unclear how to address the concierge. I realize we're paying a lot more for the penthouse, and this service is included as a "perk" I assume. Thanks.