Never been on a cruise and have been looking to book our first one from Asia to UK. Could not believe this gratuities con. (we live in Australia & NZ tipping is not normal) so that is why I use the word con. HAL would require US$ 785 from me for tips!!!!!! they must be bl***y joking, found a UK ship where the daily tip is 3.95GBP/day/person still not used to this so will probably have to pay with great reluctance.