One last question before we set sail next week: I couldn't tell from the info Celebrity sent - does the ship automatically bill you for the gratuities on the last night of the cruise so you can include it on your credit card - or is there another procedure? Any info would be welcome. Thanks.

When I was on last November gratuities were not automatically added. In my experience only NCL does this.

Princess automatically adds tips to your bill also (easier with all their dining options).

Last time I sailed on Celebrity, you tipped the person directly.

Went on celebrity in Dec 2002. Tips were not included in package.

That depends on the cruise line and how you booked the cruise. I have not been on Celebrity recently but when I did, I paid after the cruise was over. I know RCL and Carnival offer an upfront payment before you even leave.

just returned from celebrity summit (beautiful ship!). Every night you will receive the newslatter with info on what is offered the next day. On the next to last evening, you will receive envelopes with everyone's title/responsibility and can place whatever you would like to give to the waiter etc the next day. We had set aside cash for this before our trip (according to the guldelines in the celebrity booklet) and then kept the money in our safe in our room.

Yes, cash in the envelopes. Some people split the tips in half, first installments at the beginning of the cruise, balance at the end. Maybe it improves service, maybe not. Be advised that the tips constitute the lion's share of income the tippees earn.

The ATMs at the Guest Relations desk on the Infinity charge something like $5 per transaction for their extortion - er, service charge. However, you can draw I believe up to $200 a day on your key card at the casino cage, with no service charge (be good, now.) So you can, in essence, put the tips on the card in that manner.