cruiser2015

2 hours ago, tizbo1423 said:

Hi all- I'll be on the Encore this Sunday with stops in DR, St Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay with my little one and will be bringing a small travel stroller to get around with her. 

We've traveled with our little one and a small stroller before and had no issues, but didn't do any official excursions so we didn't have to worry about transportation. This time around we're traveling with a larger group and booked through NCL for the convenience (mostly just transfers to a beach), and I'm wondering if they'll allow us to bring our stroller along. We're also on planning on getting to Trunk Bay on our own and hoping we can take the stroller in the taxis there. It's a small umbrella style stroller, so I'm hoping it's not an issue but has anyone traveled with a stroller before and run into any issues?

 

I've recently observed strollers, walkers and wheelchairs on ship excursions.

Typically, you're traveling in a large motor coach with nice, big cargo bays under the seats.

16 hours ago, Yesimapirate said:

Funny you say the worst is behind literally the same day it comes out that there's a cut to something that will annoy some of its highest margin guests. 

 

Having studied travel related companies pretty closely for 20+ years my take is completely the opposite.   They're going to look at the cuts and the occupancy and think the cuts have had no effect to passengers and only increases the bottom line.   I think they're going to cut even more!  There's no reason for them not to until occupancy levels drop.

 

As I've said before, prices and quality will drop until there's a recession and people slow on the rate they book cruises.

Perhaps true. But from a real managerial perspective, that process should go very slowly.

If you cut to the point that your sales level drops, you're going to have a tarnished reputation in the market place - and that could take quite a while to then build it back up. Could take months, likely years to reverse such a decline.

Hear that NCL? Slice with caution.

11 hours ago, Seas2mountains said:

 

I agree about NCL not being consistent with what is served.
 

Here are the brownies we found in the buffet on the Gem around mid-afternoon over President’s Day weekend.  We did not try one. 
 

The cookies still made an appearance in the Haven/suite lounge in the Port of Miami and also in the Haven pool area each day. They are too dry and crunchy for me. 

Oooh!

I want to plant my flag on that mountain of brownies.

Now, where is that ice cream scoop station...😋

13 hours ago, julig22 said:

Not my point. They do NOT show the OSC charges when you are booking online - nor is there a place to add them with your initial booking.  If you call, they will ask. Otherwise, you have to add it later - or they will bill you daily.

Understood.

But it was my point; call it an addendum to yours.

49 minutes ago, julig22 said:

It is very possibly an accounting thing. Keep in mind that if you cancel after final payment, those are fees that are refunded. And for those of us who don't get the drink/meal packages, we certainly would not want the gratuities included into the overall cost of the cruise.

All of the charges, except the OSC, are included in the price quote by the time you get to the final payment - and those charges aren't optional. But they could be a little more upfront with the OSC, since I don't think that appears anywhere when you are booking online.  If you call to book, they usually ask if you want to include them on your invoice. 

Yes - they graciously allow you pay pay for them fully in advance, like the rest of the cruise.

2 minutes ago, kirtihk said:

It would be with everyone (assuming my post # 112).

Perhaps so, but as that is not the policy on US owned lines (which makes up a ginormous amount of the industry) and is unlikely to happen any time soon, we have to live with the current fiasco.

There are some luxury level lines where all tipping is all inclusive. But something tells me there are folks doing extras in cash here and there as well.

59 minutes ago, dmwnc1959 said:

Kind of you to speak for the ‘vast majority’ and to make assumptions of my values. We all value and respect the behind the scenes workers (especially when we are on the ship), just as much as the passengers that value them and respect them and wants to bring candy bars and fruit cakes instead of cash. And it’s while we are on the ship when it matters, because for the other 11 months of the year these wonderful and amazing people (whom we have never met) really never enter our thoughts. 
 

And I can guarantee you that when people are actually cruising on the ship (‘valueing’ the behind the scenes workers), sitting at a bar ordering drinks having a good time lost in all of the excitement and revelry, and at the dining table making exquisite selections off of the upscale dining menu, they’re not even thinking about all of the faceless people behind the scenes washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms making sure and worrying that they are paid well.

It is possible to value something, to value someone, without always having to put a price tag on it.
 

And the reason I’m lumping drink packages and specialty dining packages in a single statement is because those two are most likely the biggest packages people buy, especially when they comment specifically on how much they tip extra for each drink and how much they tip extra for each meal at specialty restaurants. It’s those 20% already added gratuities turning into 40% that I bring up. People can and do drink and buy specialty dining packages at the same time on the same cruise. 
 

Nonetheless, thank you for understanding that if I do nothing extra, which in reality doing anything extra is totally unnecessary, that my experience should be just as good without the extra expense. And that’s the way it should be. 
 

😎

Why not do yourself a favor and beam yourself up out of these fencing matches.

Your position on this subject is perfectly valid and you should not be having to defend it against other CC members who are unrelenting in tearing apart the views of others if they disagree.

And it's not that the other folks are wrong in what they say, just a different take.

Peace be with you...

20 hours ago, The 4 of Us said:

We have a cruise on the Jade booked for October 2024 and there are no shore excursions available to book yet. When do they make the shore excursions available to book?

I booked last July for our Jan. 2024 cruise.

There were a number of excursions available at that time, but many were added over the next few weeks. I expect the experience will vary with every sailing, depending on when NCL arranges them with the local operators. 

If you want to book in advance to avoid missing out, book what you find attractive when you see it. You can always call and cancel at a later date and book something else.

Excursions are cancellable up to 48 hours before they occur - that includes on board.

2 minutes ago, Joshua_Tree said:

https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/prevention.html
Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing, which is best.

Didn't know that.

Thanks.

3 minutes ago, JohnBergless said:

Man what a nightmare. I’m so sorry for everyone involved. I’m big on the Howie Mandel train of thought when it comes to touching public surfaces. Elevator buttons, hand rails, restroom handles, escalator handrails, door handles, etc. Use your elbow; a portion of your knuckle, a piece of your shirt; the corner of a credit card; a pen …… things like that. Hell I’ll even ask someone else to press the elevator button LOL. If restrooms don’t have a trash can by the exit door (a lot do these days), use a piece of tissue or hand towel to open the door and drop it on the floor. I’ll risk being a litterbug in lieu of grabbing a door handle then going back to my lunch table and enjoying my french fries 🤷🏽. 

 

 

Or, you can just hit the sanitizer dispenser at the entrance to all restaurants.

3 minutes ago, EngrJones said:

Yeah, I know.  And two of those are redundant with Platinum or above status, while the other three are just complete jokes. It really is just the second sink in the bathroom.  Why would I need a larger bathroom with two sinks?

IDK about you - some people like the extra elbow room; some may want to use the 2 sinks at once.

For me, the best part is the shower - larger and those body sprays are fantastic! Forceful and true massage capabilities. A definite plus.

Not being platinum (not everyone is) I also got to do a free bag of laundry.

Also got a plate of cookies - the only ones I saw for the entire 15 days last month.

2 hours ago, dmwnc1959 said:

Me, self-righteous? 😇 If you knew me like my friends know me they’d laugh so hard at that label until beer poured out of their nostrils. 🍺🤣

 

But, as someone mentioned earlier on in this thread, there is no right or wrong when it comes to extra tipping (above and beyond what the Daily Service Charge and all of the mandatory added gratuities to packages already cover), there are just opinions. Strong as they may be. And those opinions as well as our real-world practices are as different as we (collectively, the members of Cruise Critic) are. Our cultures, behaviors, upbringing, social backgrounds, jobs, and all of the various factors that impact our daily lives play a part in how, and with whom, we spend our money. 
 

It’s been refreshing and stimulating reading all of these posts, and it’s time to get back to my planning for this grand adventure. I’ve got the maps, spreadsheets, screen-grabs, check-off lists, and cruise calendar over on the computer table and hanging on the walls. Even watched Norwegian Jade leaving out of Tampa yesterday on the Live Cams to determine cruising time between the dock and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge (its two hours). 😉

 

And to end with one of my favorite quotes…

 

”Live Long and Prosper” 🖖

Why does that sign-off NOT surprise me...😉

2 hours ago, EngrJones said:

How are these "exclusive?"

Hey, I didn't write this thing - it's straight from the NCL site.

And indeed some of these are not exclusive.

Mostly, it's these:

• Distinctive Purple Keycard (all suites)
• Pre-book onboard dining as early as 125 days prior to sailing
• 1 complimentary valet laundry
• 1 bottle of sparkling wine upon embarkation
• Treats delivered to your stateroom twice per week.

2 hours ago, pete_coach said:

Just did LA to Miami.

In the Dailys every day it will tell you what to set the clocks to.

The ship will always be at "local" times.

They also left printed noticed in each cabin the evening before each of the (multiple) time changes.

43 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

NCL should have kicked those who brought the virus on board off the ship.  That would have taken care of this once and for all.  And, I consider that to be the responsible thing to do to protect the others on board.

 

Let's role with that!

 

 

What method of torture do you recommend to get the culprits to confess?

Threaten to take away their ration of hash browns and cookies?

1 hour ago, dmwnc1959 said:

If the cruise lines want to raise cruise prices or the DSC to increase crew wages that’s their call, and that’s fine by me, but they are still walking a very fine line (despite reported record bookings) post-COVID shutdown to drive customers away.
 

Cruise lines have always touted that cruises are the best value for the money. I’m not going to dispute that, since the appearance of an ‘all-in-one-package’ can be deceptively convenient. And at this point in time I’m more than fine with only pre-paying the DSC. No more. That’s what NCL has said is fine with them too. 
 

If I wasn’t before already, and thanks to a lot of posts here, I am firmly on the viewpoint - misguided or not - that my:

 

1) prepaid Daily Service Charges (in addition to my steward is apparently also used for all of the ‘behind the scenes staff’); 

 

2) along with the 20% gratuities already added for the bar staff on the drinks package;

 

3) plus the 20% gratuities already added on my Specialty Dining Package for that waitstaff;

 

4) PLUS that of 2000+ other people (some who are just throwing out gobs of cash left and right) on one cruise is IMHO more than enough.

 

That may change later when I’m two weeks into a 25-night cruise, but I’ll make that decision only then. 
 

There will be more sailings on that ship after I disembark, and a LOT more passengers coming week, after week, after week paying into their ‘added monthly salary pots’ for their employment contracts long after I’m gone. I’m quite sure that these folks are wonderful, and that they’ll make my cruise memorable, exciting, and amazing, but they do that week-in and week-out for everyone. And that’s their job. 😎

I think you are doing fine with your approach.

Tipping has been reasonably dealt with by NCL with all of those add-ons.

If you were struck with the idea that someone on board was worthy of more than the typical compensation, you could consider tossing some extra cash their way.

But you should not feel compelled to do so by anyone else's opinion on the subject.

I wish I could get "lost" for 25 days aboard - except for the possible weight gain.

Have a great cruise(s)!

29 minutes ago, dmwnc1959 said:

Curious. Is that something I was doing before, is that where my money was going before? Just intrigued. Like 30 years ago when I was cruising and personally tipping the restaurant staff individually (waiter, busboy, Maitre’D), passing off to each of them individually that little white envelope, that money was being divvied up behind the scenes.? And that’s what they’re doing now basically just paying off all the behind-the-scenes staff? No sarcasm intended, but I really didn’t realize I was supplementing everybody’s income. I think I’ve been hoodwinked. 

Interesting point - were those envelopes, many years ago, being split up behind the scenes?

I don't know for sure, but if I had to guess, I'd say no. 

As I mentioned in an earlier post here, those envelopes became prepaid charges by the cruise line - for your convenience (it actually was more convenient. Later, that morphed into the current system, which is reportedly split amongst a larger group of workers (behind the scenes folks, who you never encounter). Dishwashers? Cleaners? Not sure if anyone outside of NCL knows for sure.

Are you supplementing the income of those folks - sure.

That's what tips are, generally. That's how (land based) restaurants can pay servers less than the absurdly low (in most places) minimum wage in the U.S. It works as an incentive to such workers to do a good job, as it makes up a large portion of their take home pay.

As for the cruise lines, no doubt it started as an extension of that concept, but has been extended to involve other staff and is said to be distributed in several different ways, including direct compensation and assorted employee benefits like parties or gifts.

Hoodwinked? A bit of a harsh way to put it. Let's put it this way. If some of these workers did not get a piece of the DSC, NCL probably would have to pay them higher salaries to attract staff. To pay these additional wages, they would raise the cruise fare.

I believe the fare plus the DSC & other mandated fees or gratuities (yes, for optional buys) are part of the package delivered to you for your total payment. View it as reasonable - or not and don't buy in.

Ask yourself if the value is there or not and act in your own best interests.

If NCL decides to raise the DSC instead of the cruise fare, what's the diff (other than you could drop the DSC - I'll assume most passengers will not). Adding fees is also a marketing ploy, so that they can advertise a lower cruise price.

Rented a car in the last several years? Many website quote the car cost without taxes & fees until you go farther into the booking. Rent from most airports, and the cost can nearly double.

Welcome to capitalism.

7 minutes ago, ChrysFox said:

Hush, kids.  I'm pretty sure the OP ran away screaming a couple pages ago.
 

I wouldn't doubt it for a second.

His fault for trying to learn about what other folks might think. Crazy fool.

3 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Sure you can post that but that doesn't make it true. 

 

 

Yet, you feel that you can determine when I should stop posting my opinion, right?

 

 

If you truly respected my right to post my opinion, it shouldn't matter if you agree with those opinions or if you disagree with those opinions. I've never stated that I "don't need you" to post your opinion even when I disagree. 

 

Did it ever occur to you that there is a reason why it is so easy to point out what is wrong?

 

 

You completely missed my point. I didn't MAKE you respond. You decided entirely on your own to respond. You have that power just like you have that power to decide on how much/little you tip. 

 

 

Once again, your example is one for a position that has an expectation of a tip. NCL does not expect people to tip stateroom stewards. There's "no required or recommended tipping" for the position being discussed in this thread. Your deciding to give examples where tips are expected doesn't apply to the subject at hand.

Do people tip their steward? Sure.

Should people tip based on what random forum members tipped? No. 

 

 

How have I stopped or not allowed anyone from doing what they think make sense?

I don't have the power to make anyone do or not do what they think is correct. 

 

 

What if all of your neighbors were "unreasonable" because they tipped a drastically different amount? Would you change just to match them or would you want them to change just to match you? That's the problem with allowing others to decide what is correct instead of you deciding for yourself what is correct. 

 

 

The question being asked isn't for information. It is for opinion (which is fine to ask). If there was a thread asking "What is your favorite movie?" and 99% of people answered with a movie that you didn't like, would you change your opinion based on the gathered information? No, you probably wouldn't. You would have your opinion and they would have theirs. 

 

 

What other purpose (other than affirmation) would someone have to ask that question? Is it "I just want to know..." or is it "I just want to know in order to adjust accordingly..."?

 

 

No, that's NOT my approach. I can think for myself and decide for myself.

Evidently, some people need the opinions of others to decide. That's on them. 

 

 

Actually, the insecure ones worry about what others tip in order to fit in with those amounts.

I WANT people to think for themselves. 

Interesting.

PATRLR takes an opinion like mine, reasonably stated, so now you have gone to battle with him as well.

You seem to feel the need to attack every single phrase I've written - point by point.

Even after I acknowledged that no, you didn't actually force me to respond to that previous post, you decide to criticize the comment again anyway.

You say that you don't have an issue with others posting their opinions. Great. But you seem absolutely compelled to tear apart those opinions, over and over, because you are so certain that they are wrong.

Well, my friend, at best they are no more wrong than yours - at least in this case.

Now, as for my "final challenge" to you, you conveniently did not answer it. The whole purpose of that challenge (analogous situation to our discussion) was to show that their are real situations for which the solicitation of others thoughts or information is a fair expectation. Instead, you jumped right back to what NCL states. Yup, we all know that point. You say I'm operating under an expectation of tipping extra - totally false. I've never stated that; only that someone gather these experiences and draw their own conclusions, rather than operate in the dark and somehow magically find solutions.

Simply because you can write declarative statements to rebuke things I've written does not make your position the wiser one. The reason this thing has continued is that your pride will not allow you to let it go. You feel driven to "debunk" the approach that you simply don't like. My words have not been intended to stifle your right to an opinion, but to try to make you see where mine comes from. Clearly that has failed. 

1 hour ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

I haven't done anything.  YOU decided to post again. As per usual,  when someone claims that they will no longer post, they return and post.

 

YOU deciding that you need "a rest" has no impact on when I decide to no longer post.

 

 

So....you can decide what "we really don't need", huh? 🙄

 

 

You were looking for affirmation that your amount was similar to theirs. If their amount was 1/4 of yours or was 4x yours, would you have changed your amount?

 

You have the ability to raise or lower any tip no matter what others do. You don't need to know what others tip in order to do so.

 

 

You could have made that decision without knowing what others tip...because what others tip doesn't make anyone tip more or less.

Yes, I do believe that I can say what "we" need here.

I have total respect for your right to your opinions.

I object to you painstakingly ripping apart every word of someone else's comments, looking for an excuse to say they are wrong..

Of  course, you are convinced you are totally correct, but refuse to allow another view.

You are so bent on disputing every phrase - even the opener here about not doing anything to me. No, you did not - literally. My words were intended as a  light hearted way of saying some of what you responded prompted me to feel a need to respond back again. You just won't yield  a millimeter on anything.

Forgive me, but I would like to throw one more challenge at your logic. A hypothetical:

Say your child approaches you with this question:

I will be taking my date home from the dance tonight by taxi.

I've never been in a taxi. I think that people usually give a tip to the driver.

Is that true? If so, how much should it be, Dad?

If your answer is "sorry, son. It's not appropriate for anyone to tell you what that should be. You need to figure that out on your own" then I feel sorry for that kid.

My whole point - which I think this last example proves clearly, is that if someone is unfamiliar with a topic, it is fair game to inquire of other folks what they think.

No need for you to agree - just allow the rest of us do what WE think makes sense.

PS

As for the newspaper tip, if I found out I was substantially undertipping (or perhaps over) and shorting the carrier - hell yeah, I would have changed the amount. Why? Because there are reasonable norms in this world, even if you refuse to acknowledge it.

1 hour ago, ready2cruzagain said:

 

So you tipped him $50 extra for being friendly and addressing you by name?

Not quite.

He did his job well and made a point to be extra cordial (although nearly every crew member on board exchanged greetings when passing by). There were some longer chats than a simple good morning by him. In all, it enhanced our time on the ship.

I appreciated that and reacted accordingly.

If the cabin was not cleaned appropriately on a daily basis or was otherwise poor in execution, there would have been no additional tip; also would not have cancelled DSC).

1 hour ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

^^ I'll also never understand posts that begin like this. ^^

 

If it's your final post, it's your final post.

If you wish to reply, you will reply.

There's no need to announce that you won't continue to post. 

 

 

What is expected on a ship is DIFFERENT than what is expected on land, correct? 

 

I've already posted what NCL has in the FAQ.....

 

"Additionally, there is an 20% gratuity and spa service charge added for all spa and salon services, as well as an 20% gratuity and beverage service charge added for all beverage purchases and an 20% gratuity and specialty service charge added to all specialty restaurant dining and entertainment based dining." - NCL

 

...which is not applicable to land restaurants nor land bars. 

 

If anyone wants to tip beyond that (I do), that person cannot give a wrong amount if that person gives what that person feels is appropriate. NOBODY on the forum can give that amount for someone else. Forum members can give what THEY gave as an example but that amount should not determine what amount the next person should give. 

 

 

Again, there is nothing wrong with forum members giving the amounts that THEY tip. What is wrong is the idea that the person asking should base their amount on those other forum members' answers. The person asking makes the decision no matter what forum members answer therefor the person asking already has the ability to answer their own question of "How much should I tip?" even if the question is phrased as "How much do you guys tip?"

 

 

No, people giving examples of what THEY believe is the correct tipping amount have been "around forever". 

 

 

Suggestions which are NOT given now. 

 

 

Which (again) has nothing to do with how much someone should tip their room steward. Each person can/should/will decide for themselves how much to tip their stateroom steward. No other forum members can/should/will make that decision for the person who asks. The person asking should put their big boy/girl pants on and decide entirely on their own instead of worrying about "...I hope that other forum members think that my amount is ok....."

Okay, you've done it - going back on my last comment prediction. And, I stated that because we had both given opinions, more than once, and I felt it was time to give this tag match a rest.

You had a great time dissecting each of my comments.

I made an analogy  using an off-ship reference, to make a point about trading tipping information NOT being an absurdity.

While your position is certainly rational, it does not mean that your view is the only right one.

You even stressed the point that suggestions for tipping are no longer given - and that is because things have evolved, as we all know.

However, tipping still exists. And while your take on it is fine, we really don't need you telling everyone else with another take (including myself and the OP) that it is somehow completely wrong to do so.

A closing word:

A few months ago, I asked a couple of buddies how much they were tipping their newspaper delivery person. I had been doing it for many years, really, in a vacuum. Turns out that my amount was in line with others. Was I crazy to ask?

A few months later, I ended up increasing the amount by 1/3. Why? With all of the inflation lately and the tough job that it is, I decided to up the ante.

I did that all on my own.

I asked around, put things in perspective, and made a decision.

I expect our OP to do the same.

7 minutes ago, dmwnc1959 said:

 

My cruise is 25-nights, in a Solo Inside cabin. So, even with no butler or concierge to ‘reward’ and a room ‘Stewart’ I may not see but once a day, the total cost end results for me tipping under those guidelines that you follow would still easily add several hundred dollars on top of the $1100 I’m already being billed.
 

I’m just 1 of 2000 on the ship, and most likely the easiest to take care of: no special cabin needs, no special dietary requests, not a frequent bar visitor, and very, very low maintenance. So there’s no real reason that they get to know me, my likes and dislikes, or what makes my day. And I’m fine with that.
 

And with the 20% service charges/tips already added to my drinks and SDP, I personally see no reason to tip another 20% on top of that. 

I find your position perfectly understandable.

I suggest you just keep an open mind during the cruise and if someone does an exemplary job, consider giving them a (more modest) cash tip. And if you feel the motivation, extend a modest tip to the steward.

I sailed last month on NCL. The steward was very friendly. Introduced himself on the first afternoon.

Always said good morning, (or whatever part of the day) when he saw us; addressed myself & my DW by name and asked how we were doing. The only "extra" thing we asked for was ice (a few days into the cruise). He then brought a fresh bucket every PM (often after the cabin was serviced earlier). I assume this was to give us ice for the evening as we were likely out and about during the heart of the day, especially on port days.

Exceptional - maybe. Likeable - absolutely. Gave him $50 cash.

47 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

They are helpful for people who can think on their own. If other people would rather pass that heavy burden onto the masses, my posts will not be helpful. 

 

 

NCL has...

"Unlike most other ships in the cruise industry, there is no required or recommended tipping on our ships for service that is generally rendered to all Guests." 

 

...however, if someone decides to tip (I do), there is no recommended amount. 

 

 

If an automatic charge is added, the person will pay that. If the foreigner wants to tip above that or not, the foreigner isn't wrong no matter what he/she decides. The "fair amount" can only be decided by the foreigner, not by you, me, or by the average amount based on members on the forum. 

 

 

I really expect this to be my last comment on this subject.

Anyway, you are twisting my story around. My foreigner was not on a ship - just in America and not aquainted with the tipping customs. Forget "fair" amount - try reasonable or customary. He is clueless and looking for guidelines (like our OP who is further confused by the DSC being involved). Asking for some suggestions is very reasonable, IMHO.

Yes, there's no set amount; it's variable and subject to other factors (like level of service) - that does not preclude a range of amounts.

Anything said is an opinion (like yours and mine here).

Tipping guidelines exist and have been around forever.

Remember the days before DSC (or whatever the other guys call it these days?

The cruise line gave suggested tips for the steward and MDR staff. SUGGESTIONS!

Passengers were free to pay more - or less - as they saw fit.

For those who don't know the history, these suggestions morphed into automatic charges onto your account to save you the trouble of sorting out the different tips in cash and handing them to the crew members. Again, with the choice to change the amounts or opt out and do it the old way - by hand.

This method later became the current DSC.

History of Cruise Tipping 101

16 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

The answer is the same for all of those examples. 

The answer is that everyone should tip whatever amount that they want to tip, instead of  "...whelp, the most common amount is $xxx so I'll tip that amount..."

 

 

What others tip in the "wild world of tipping" is irrelevant to me. It does not influence me at all since I am capable of deciding how much I tip on my own. I guess not everyone has that ability....or they have the ability but would rather have others decide for them. 

Congratulations on being knowing and confident.

I maintain that it is perfectly okay to solicit an opinion in order to get a feel for the subject.

Then, the questioner can be a drone and use the average of his gathered info...or, as already suggested, modify this figure according to services rendered or perceived attitudes of the tip recipient.

Your repeated comments that they should figure it out on their own somehow are not helpful.

And despite your protestations, I will say that there are averages, or expected norms, that apply to many tipping situations.

Try this one:

Is it reasonable to say that at an average restaurant, with reasonable service (in the US) it is actually expected that you tip? And that the amounts usually will be from 15% to 20%; possibly more for exceptional service).

Now imagine a foreigner, from a country where tipping is not expected or they add an automatic charge. This persona asks: what is a fair amount for me to tip?

Your answer is "can't tell you that".

Great result.

And your comment sums this up nicely - that this information is irrelevant to you.

Fine.

Not so for others who would like to know more about something that they are unfamiliar with. You're not assisting with that, so why comment at all?