MikeWazowski

How do I know beforehand how much something cost when going to lunch, dinner etc?

 

Say buy lunch at Giovanni's food truck at Waikiki. Listed price is $10.95. How much tax do I have to add and do I have to pay a tip as well?

Say buy dinner at a restaurant of $ 17.00, how much tax do I have to add on and how much tip? Read a review where someone paid a 20%, but still got the dirty look.

 

Then I read review where a lady had ordered a limousine. First it did not arrive on time, did not want to pick up from location agreed and pax had to carry luggage to the end of street where limousine was parked. Although the lady was very reluctant to give any tip at all, she said she had agreed to 20% beforehand, so she felt she had to.

So, how much tax and how much tip do you add for say a taxi or a transfer shuttle?

 

Then I know on the Pride of America I will have to add 18% to food and beverages, but when I booked some tours with them NCL added 4.335% tax to one tour, but 6.5% to another?

 

For someone that comes from New Zealand where there is just a standard rate of 15% sales tax, that is always included in any price that is listed and where tipping is not mandatory and only done in small amounts i.e round up some cash for a taxi or for a special occasion. It's just all mind boggling!!:confused:

 

Plus with one US dollar costing us $1.5 NZ dollar. I have to be careful not to overspend. But on the other hand do not want to short change somebody. Sorry for the long post, but please help........

Everyone plans differently, I count on $100/day/person for "whatever!". Tax is tax, I pay it and move on rather than complain.

No need to tip anybody at the bar - just give them your card and the drinks go on that - no need to carry cash with you.

 

My wife did give the room guy 20 bucks on the last day though.

Wow, service must have been stellar for that $2.85/day tip

Just booked a cruise on the Pride of America for May 2018. My 2 sons (18 & 22 at the time of the cruise) and I (55 at cruise time) will be flying in 4 days before the cruise to get acclimated and spend time seeing Oahu and then probably 3-4 days post cruise either further exploring one of the islands we cruised to or Lanai. As you can see, I've just started research and planning.

 

What are some things we should NOT do? For instance - when we were in Alaska, I messed up the planning and we did a midnight ATV ride the night before we did our trip in to Denali National Park. We got to bed at 2am only to get back up at 6am and over to the park! If I were to do it today, I'd reverse the ATV ride and the Denali NP tour. We don't want to be super active, but if I want to see the sunrise at Haleakala, I also don't want to be doing an ATV tour somewhere until 10pm. I also wouldn't want to be driving across a strange island after dark (well at least for those islands where we have an overnight stay). Any BTDT don't want to do it again type things would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'll be pouring over these boards for the next 2 years gleaning information from all of you and asking for your opinions. Thank you in advance for all your help!

I recommend that you NOT organize an activity that ends at 2AM with an activity the next day that starts at 6AM.

My second recommendation is to not get caught up in the excitement of these forums or other public displays, talk to your family and plan something that YOU want to do!!! Who cares about everyone else.

First I apologize if this has been covered before. Have done searches and there is just so many postings and still have no idea of the best approach for us to visit Hawaii.

 

We are thinking of sometime this coming Sept/Oct and are open to advice and recommendations. We would like to see as much of the Islands as possible which seems to indicate the cruises on Pride of America provide that versus going from Vancouver where you have fewer days visiting the Islands spending time at sea.

You are just behind us in your planning, we leave next Sunday for a couple of weeks, I will share what I learned.

The flight costs look enticing but if those costs are Air Canada Rouge remember that you will be packed in like a sardine. I will not travel like that. I have been on many Rouge flights and will not do them without the preferred upgrade so I suggest you plan on the extra cost.

We chose land and cruise - we think its a great balance that offers the best of both worlds - enjoy the land vacation with car rentals for a couple of islands and then get on a cruise and visit four without having to unpack.

We chose to have fun rather than see as much of the islands as possible! I'm sure we will see lots but having fun is priority #1. If we miss something - so be it. We are not about to "fret" over seeing everything...I suggest you do your research and pick your "must" see spots, the rest is gravy!

We chose NCL for the cruise as it starts and ends in Hawaii. We are NOT die-hard cruise people and do not enjoy things like sea days so starting or ending on the west coast will not happen. Normally we cruise in the haven, not because we're snobs, but because we do not like crowds. Om this boat we chose an owners suite as there is no haven. This suite has enough space and amenities to enjoy our private time.

The last point is time of year. Hawaii is on our list as is many destination. We may not be back so I chose a time of year that provided the best chance of a great experience. Do your research and pick your time period based on what you want.

I think the original OP was questioning the safety of children in hot tubs, not behavior.

 

The Red Cross does not recommend that children under the age of 5 be in a hot tub, because "children cannot cope physically with the heat, which may cause hyperthermia and other harmful effects." Small children have a different body temperature regulation system than adults and they will overheat much more quickly.

 

It is also recommended that children between 6 and 12 only stay in a hot tub for 10 minutes and they should never submerge their heads.

Safety should be a parents first responsibility. As a concerned parent, what the red cross has to say is secondary.

How bout you just not let 18 year olds drink?? we all waited till we were 21:rolleyes:

This response adds no value to the original question. Of course, neither does mine!!!

Unlimited internet is now $29.99 a day, it was $24.99 in January.

Ok DelFeo cheerleaders, tell me how this is just a wonderful thing and how it benefits everyone. Can't wait to see the responses from people on the internet about how other people should disconnect from the net for a week.

You are obviously angry about price increases. Its basic economics based on supply and demand Cruise companies are accountable to their shareholders.

Do not expect mutual fund or stock appreciation without price increases on products and services you pay for!

I knew I'd get some helicopter parents making ridiculous statements. I tried to get a Vibe pass as I usually do, but they were sold out by 12:45. At least twice, we (adults in hot tub) spoke to children and parents reminding them we were in the adults only tub. One five year old, unaccompanied, did not speak English so it took a minute or two to translate. NCL gets a B+ on enforcing the hot tub separation.....Look, I love seeing kids having fun, diving, dancing ....just not in a hot tub. Have that fun in the kids area.

I don't mind kids, i have three. I do mind kids that don't know how to behave. Interesting, those kids parents are usually difficult, if not impossible, to find.

Sorry if this has already been posted but NCL currently has a promo where CAD is on par with USD for many many sailings, check NCL's homepage for more details. Keep in mind the choice promo is not applicable in this case. Further, for people opting to pay at the normal exchange rate, escape and getaway are 20% off, Europe cruises are 25% off and it's combinable with the choice promos. I feel this is an awesome deal for people paying CAD.

 

 

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Regardless..us Canadians shell out MUCH MORE disposal income than our American counterparts.

It's good to be Canadian...I think!...

Disclaimer: This is my thinking pre-Trudeau...now I'm not so sure.

We're in a SE port side. It's like the drawings on the NCL home page. We love it up here! Wouldn't consider a suite on any deck but 13 because they are updated like the new ships.

...Updated Yes: Hot Tubs...No. Need I say more!

If you get a chance can you knock on 12504 and ask if you can take a pic pls!! Thx it's the only lg balcony room on 12

Would you do this!

Just asking as I would not ask for something I'm not wiling to do myself!

I know for us, we'd never drink that stuff. I'll stick to mixed drinks and the good wine we bring on board.

My definition of "good" wine is that which tastes great and costs less than $10. Note that I have been a wine "taster" for more than 30 years.

Others will say good wine is that what costs more - it's your choice.

Go for it!

Hi everyone, can anyone tell me what shops are on the Epic and what type of things they sell ?

I can tell you that I have two pieces of ART to "remember" each occasion! So I'm guessing they sell art!

When the butlers bring you food from the restaurants -is there a room service fee or is it included since your in the haven

There is no room service fee beyond the service charge for the restaurant you order from.

I booked excursions several months ago for our July 2016 cruise, before final payment was made.

My advice is that it depends on the itinerary and season. If you want to push the date to book then do your research, otherwise book early!

everyone says give the butler a legal request and he will do it. s, salt i'm a chip fanatic. so if i ask for crab chipand vinegar chips, ketchup chips, will they have that for me? is there a snack list to choose from? im not high maintenance but since i paid for it, i do want some yummy goodness.

 

also i love stuff like mike and ike, sweet tarts and candy like that. is it a proper use for your butler to get that stuff for you?

 

1st time butler for me.. can you tell?

 

i am already aware they will bring you anything from the restaurants that is there.

Hmmm..."so if i ask for crab chips and vinegar chips, ketchup chips, will they have that for me?"

Just so you know --- You are most definitely high maintenance!

I had been calling for 4 weeks...got anywhere from $1500-$2000pp to upgrade. This Monday, the offer was $750pp so $1500 total. Considering we did not pay much to get a guaranteed balcony, this made it afford to be in the haven for less than what it would be for 1 person! I called in and within 10 minutes, one of the two rooms left was gone so we jumped on this room. We board the ship tomorrow so I hope it doesn't disappoint!!

 

 

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Gee, I was one of the "suckers" that paid full price. I guess it just does not make sense to pay full price. In future I will wait for a deal and save a few $1000 - what a deal!

Of course what happens if we all wait for "the deal?"

I have read many reviews and by far this is one of the best I have seen.

Thank you for your candid review, it is helpful for many people!!!

Please continue.

And your point is?

 

The OP stated the disclosure of Mr. Sheehan's severance package was in the annual report. Someone from Canada opined that only a board member would know the amount of the severance package. But it is indeed in the annual report.

 

So a dissertation is not needed to advise my neighbor to the north that compensation is in the annual report, including the amount paid to some former executives in severance packages. I'm not sure what conversation you are a part of, but I was addressing that singular point.

FYI: your reply makes no sense at all!

I am very confused and hope to get some answers. I saw haven suite menus in general and someone posted online a men that showed lobster in the Haven restaurant. I am trying to decide if we should get a package of restaurants or just stick to the haven restaurant and main dining room. I assume the Haven menu stays the same the whole time?

 

Does anyone have the main dining room menus?

 

We leave on 5/14 for 7 days and curious about it.

What are the Haven spa suite amenities for ship. Is their priority disembarkation at ports?

Does the in room dining have a different menu then all the cabins

 

Am thinking of doing the beverage plan but how may drink a day do you consume to make that daily minimum cost.

 

How early can you get on board

 

thanks

I have read many of the replies above and there is some good info. The question is are you trying to maximize your personal experience or get everything that is possibly "owed" to you. The restaurants in the haven are very nice and will easily satisfy you for 7 days

Water should NOT be bottled! Drink it out of the machines or out of the water spout in the buffet. Drink it out of the tap, but stop asking for bottled water, it is hugely wasteful!

 

It is however convenient! Bring or buy something reusable for water. NCL has one of the highest environmental ratings on the sea. I think that is at least a factor of why they don't want you drinking bottled water.

 

They really don't want to give it away so everyone will be leaving empty or partially empty bottles everywhere.

 

Vic

Your'e fighting a losing battle. Companies like NCL supply products that consumers want to BUY- this applies to bottled water. If you want to make a difference you need to target the general population - not just those traveling on a cruise ship!

I plan on bringing wine on board.

 

1. Two 1.5L of wine that We will use and I want to pay the corkage fee ASAP (how much is it for a 1.5L?). So I carry it my suitcase to get checked in? Or do I carry it on?

 

2. I want to bring a back up bottle but I don't know if we will drink it. Can I just have it in my room and if needed later in the cruise charge me a corkage fee for the 3rd bottle ?

 

This is the first time I ever brought wine aboard.

I don't think any line differentiates between a "normal" bottle and a "backup" bottle. My advice is to plan to pay the corkage on all bottles brought on board. Its really no big deal when compared to the price charged on-board.

In 23 days or around there we head to Hawaii, 6 days later we embark on the POA in the owners suite.

The only problem is I turn 50 6 days later :-(

There is nothing unfactual with my post at all. If someone is willing to do a job for any given rate then that is what that job will pay. It is realy very basic economics.

I think your statement all by itself is factual, its just not very useful. Executives are chosen first; compensation is dealt with after. Said another way, CEO's are not selected based on competition of total compensation.