Sink Automatic Tips, Cruise Fan Says

Regarding “Cruise Control: On Some Lines, Tips Are Automatic” (Travel Insider, Aug. 18): As a cruise aficionado who spends six to eight weeks on the seas every year, I am insulted by cruise lines that imply that their passengers need counseling on how much to tip. I resent being forced to tip staff that do not do an adequate job. Only employees who do an extraordinary job should get a tip. Those who do an ordinary job should learn to live on their salaries, no matter how meager. If their wages are insufficient, they should change careers.

I salute Royal Caribbean International for respecting the intelligence of their customers enough to give them the freedom to tip or not and for offering the added service of “automatic tipping” to customers who request this feature on board.

GORDON FROEDE

Cheviot Hills