Jewel tipping - When to change amount?

[luddite]

My advice would be to let her do what she wants. What she chooses to tip isn't your business or anyone elses. It's her money and her choice.

 

This isn't all true.

The DSC isn't a tip and it needs to be paid. When the crew gets stiffed it affects everyone.

[blindrid]

I really think that waiting until the last day to stiff the crew -and that's exactly what we're talking about- is a particularly crummy thing to do.

 

Tell'em to do it on the first day and to mention to the cabin steward and every waiter at EVERY opportunity all week long that they've shorted their their paycheck because they don't feel like paying them. Truly, that's the fair thing to do.

 

Yeah like that's going to happen :rolleyes:.

 

Realistically, I'd let her do whatever she wants and stay out of it. Now in saying that, I'm going to contradict myself a bit. I might make it a bit of a show when / if you decide to tip for service in cash (on top of the SC).

 

I don't recall if you said she has been on a cruise before but if she has not, maybe she'll come around. If she's a malicious PITA, there is nothing you can do. You take care of your servers/steward and let them take care of theirs.

 

This reminds me of my F-I-L that when we traveled with him and he bought dinner, I would always double-back ("need to hit the bathroom, why don't you go out to the car") and tip the servers an adequate amount. He was still from the old school / small town that would literally leave a dollar tip regardless of the bill.

 

It almost became a running joke with my sons when I would send everyone out to the parking lot to get into the car.

[candygirl27540]

I'm telling you,invite her here. We'll set her straight!!:D Shame on her.

[Karysa]

Personally I would tell her that it is not an option. Tell her that she should just pay them before because she will get a free drink most likely if she does that. I would buy her a sail away drink and tell her that it is the one for paying your tips ahead of time and then I would just leave it at that. This is not your problem so don't make it your problem.

[sdmike]

I really think that waiting until the last day to stiff the crew -and that's exactly what we're talking about- is a particularly crummy thing to do.

 

Tell'em to do it on the first day and to mention to the cabin steward and every waiter at EVERY opportunity all week long that they've shorted their their paycheck because they don't feel like paying them. Truly, that's the fair thing to do.

 

I agree

[rjm11]

I take issue with using the excuse that someone is "cheap" to mean that it's somehow OK for them not to pay a bill. I know plenty of "cheap" people who chose to only eat at certain restaurants, buy generic when possible, would only consider a used car at least 10 years old, etc... all very legitimate (most wouldn't even consider a cruise- too much $!). But those same individuals don't call up the gas company and argue that they are only paying a fraction of their gas bill because they think it's too high. Or tell the person who just cut their hair that now, after the haircut, that they think they will only pay for half the cost. Or get through the check out line at the store and argue that $5.99/lb is too much for chicken... etc. etc. That's what you're doing when you reduce the DSC- it's not a choice- it's a bill.

[sdmike]

I take issue with using the excuse that someone is "cheap" to mean that it's somehow OK for them not to pay a bill. I know plenty of "cheap" people who chose to only eat at certain restaurants, buy generic when possible, would only consider a used car at least 10 years old, etc... all very legitimate (most wouldn't even consider a cruise- too much $!). But those same individuals don't call up the gas company and argue that they are only paying a fraction of their gas bill because they think it's too high. Or tell the person who just cut their hair that now, after the haircut, that they think they will only pay for half the cost. Or get through the check out line at the store and argue that $5.99/lb is too much for chicken... etc. etc. That's what you're doing when you reduce the DSC- it's not a choice- it's a bill.

 

 

[Karysa]

I take issue with using the excuse that someone is "cheap" to mean that it's somehow OK for them not to pay a bill. I know plenty of "cheap" people who chose to only eat at certain restaurants, buy generic when possible, would only consider a used car at least 10 years old, etc... all very legitimate (most wouldn't even consider a cruise- too much $!). But those same individuals don't call up the gas company and argue that they are only paying a fraction of their gas bill because they think it's too high. Or tell the person who just cut their hair that now, after the haircut, that they think they will only pay for half the cost. Or get through the check out line at the store and argue that $5.99/lb is too much for chicken... etc. etc. That's what you're doing when you reduce the DSC- it's not a choice- it's a bill.

 

That is how reasonable people see it. :) I think they should put the auto tip or service charge in the cost of the cruise. $1000 for cruise +$200 gov taxes+ $150 port taxes+ $100 service charge = $1450.00 If you want to tip extra then go right ahead! If you got a complaint about the service then complain to the appropriate person.

[GORDONCHICK]

Explain that it's a daily service charge (DSC), not tips. It's like staying at most hotels in FL - you're charged a resort fee regardless of if you use anything but your room. It's part of the cost of cruising.

[cabincop]

I think she should think about if no one cleaned her room changed her towels didn't serve her and her kids dinner and never helped her she would change her tune. So many people help maker her cruise what it is. If you are so worried why not pay her? She can't be that cheap if she is paying for a cruise for her and her kids. Family or not I would have a serious talk with her. Just sayin

[Love my butler]

This isn't all true.

The DSC isn't a tip and it needs to be paid. When the crew gets stiffed it affects everyone.

 

Then we disagree. It has always been a tip and will always be a tip.

[MCAT48]

If this were my family member i would not give them any advise as to getting the DSC lowered, let them figure it out on their own. I could never go up and do this myself honestly but the truth is a lot of people really don't care.

 

If you have the same cabin attendant and you know they had the dsc.lowered go at the end of the cruise to have your dsc adjusted. I'd say tip them in cash but its my understanding that the dsc is split between many people.

[luddite]

Then we disagree. It has always been a tip and will always be a tip.

 

If you were correct, we would be in agreement.

It isn't a tip. A tip is any money that you give'em after paying the DSC.

[bonvoyagie]

On traditional cruiselines you have the same wait staff every night and you are usually left an envelope on the last night of the cruise to put cash tips in for your wait staff and room steward. The waiters collect the envelopes after the last dinner - I can imagine people doing the buffet that night just to avoid giveing them a tip.(I can imagine your relative doing this :D)

 

As you know, with NCL you do not have the same wait staff every night - at any dining venue. Your only constant is the room steward. Perhaps your relative will change her mind when she gets onboard and experiences the wonderful service these people provide.

 

I have been crusing only NCL for the past 10 years - in all that time the DSC has risen from $10.00 to $12.00 pp/day. Back in 02 you could challange the amount with little or no reason but as Freestyle 2.0 came out they have gotten sticker about reducing the amount - they would rather deal with the problem - and they really want a real problem - not just a cheapskate.

 

As for your tipping of the individual - they must turn that money in to the pool for distribution - you are better off filling out a Style or Hero card which gets them more points towards a bigger share of the DSC $$.

 

If she still insists on not paying or reducing the DSC amount - let her try - on her own - do not be anywhere around when she does and by all means do not associate youself with her afterwards.

 

BTW most cruise lines have gone away from tip envelopes and have started a DSC program - here is one from Princess

 

During your cruise, regardless of which Princess ship you choose, you will meet staff who provide you with excellent service. Crew members often rotate to different vessels within the Princess fleet which helps to maintain our high standards on every ship. These dedicated workers reflect our philosophy that all crew on all ships are but one family who share in our success.

To simplify the tipping process for our passengers, a discretionary gratuity of $12 per person for mini-suites and suites, and $11.50 per passenger in all other staterooms per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This gratuity will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including all waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, and housekeeping staff across the fleet. For your convenience, this gratuity can be pre-paid before you sail by calling 1-800 PRINCESS and referencing Special Services item number 0597.

A 15% gratuity is added to bar charges and dining room wine accounts. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff. We know you will find these services onboard exemplary.

Casino dealers and Lotus Spa® personnel do not share in these gratuities, as not all passengers utilize these services.

 

If HAL and RCCL have similar charges, it it not on their websites - nor is there anything about tipping :D

 

Good Luck - maybe you will get lucky and get a different steward :)

[Love my butler]

If you were correct, we would be in agreement.

It isn't a tip. A tip is any money that you give'em after paying the DSC.

 

We won't agree on this. Just let it drop.

[sjbdtz]

Thanks folks. I'm not "stressing" over it, and I'm not making a big deal out of it to her. I just want to be able tell her (if there is a real REASON to tell her - that's what I'm asking you guys), to go on the last night rather than the first night. That's all....

 

So you've kind of answered it for me. If she goes first night, the wait staff and stewards will give them less than exemplary service. If she goes on the last night, the desk will ask why, and then question why it wasn't brought to their attention immediately. (Actually, she won't say it's because of bad service. She'll likely say she just thinks it's too much!)

 

 

What will happen is that her room steward will be questioned, and crew run the risk of losing their jobs.

 

It's not JUST that at the end of the week's work, their boss (your family member) says "sorry, don't feel like paying you this week", but also that repercussions go far beyond the monetary. Because these are 'good' jobs which attract talented people, they're in demand.

 

Because they're in demand, the cruiselines can (not saying they are...but they can) be callous and merciless. If your guest stiffs everybody, then it must be your fault. Too many people suffer as a result, therefore you're out of here.

 

Which means instead of the most talented people, we get the second-most-talented people as crew...which lowers the standard for everybody.

 

My sense of what is right, dictates fairness by paying the crew for work performed. My sense of greed dictates that I fight for the crew to be happy because I want the best possible crew.

 

 

 

 

This isn't all true.

The DSC isn't a tip and it needs to be paid. When the crew gets stiffed it affects everyone.

 

Bingo.

[sjbdtz]

Then we disagree. It has always been a tip and will always be a tip.

 

Disagreeing with facts doesn't make them stop being facts. :eek:

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq#tipping

What about Tipping?

Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service. However, all of our staff are encouraged to "go the extra mile," and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service.

 

 

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq#service-charge

What's the service charge?

Why is there a service charge?

The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one

 

 

 

 

 

See? They're two different things. Fact.

 

We won't agree on this. Just let it drop.

 

No point in letting misinformation prevail just because of disagreement. If that were the case, we'd all still think the earth was flat.

 

 

The DSC is not a tip. Tips are not required, but are gratefully accepted if you choose to offer one.

 

End of story.

 

 

 

.

[luddite]

We won't agree on this. Just let it drop.

 

Realistically, we cannot just let it drop.

They aren't tips. Tips are anything given after paying the DSC. This cannot be stressed enough. Not paying the DSC does affect the crew's performance and thus will actually have an effect on everyone's experience as a trickle-down effect.

[boaterette]

I agree that the crew work hard. Not sure I would even have the nerve to ask how to go about helping my family to have no class. Because to me removing the dsc because you are cheap is just a lack of class. And they should remove it at the beginning doing it at the end shows even more of a lack of class.

[Karysa]

My DD misplaced her ship card on the last evening of the cruise. Standing in line at Guest Services with about twenty other cruisers I just couldn't help thinking that people were thinking that we were removing our service charges. I must admit I too wondered if others in line were removing their auto tips. To me guest services is one place I don't want to be on the last day of the cruise.

[dlynn0366]

Let me start off by saying that my husband and I have cruising experience, and know how hard the stewards and wait staff work - and for little money. So WE will be increasing the auto tip.

 

My family member traveling with us, however, is a different story. Cheap, cheap, cheap. When I told her how much her family of 4 would owe for tips, she was astounded and said that no way was she going to pay that much. MAYBE half, she said. This is a stubborn woman, and I've done all I'm going to do to try and convince her to keep it as is. We'll likely have the same steward as their inside room is across the hall and a couple doors down from our mini-suite, so I feel even more motivated to increase our amount.

 

Ok, now to my question! This is our first time on NCL. At what point do we go to the purser's desk and alter the amount? I know it is charged to our folio on a daily basis, so should we tell them from the get-go what exactly we want to give per day? Or can we wait until the end and have the entire bill reduced/increased by the amount we choose?

 

It will be easy for me to say "I want to give them X amount more", but what exactly should my relative say? Just flat out "I want it cut in half" ? Will they question why, or ask if service was lacking? I know I don't want to be in line behind her when she does this!!!

 

Thanks, folks!

 

I have a sister & husband who would be like this, sad part is they have loads of money so no reason to be so tight. I would NEVER EVER travel with them as besides groaning about this they would likely pick everything & anything apart. I'm stressed even thinking about being on a holiday with them as they did mention it earlier this year & I said FORGET it u are not coming with me.....plus I'm in the Haven they would be to cheap to be in there :p

[ColinIllinois]

The "is it a DSC or is it tips" argument gets kind of old after a while.

 

Basically most people (from what I have read over the years on CC) perceive that it is tips and don't "tip" above the daily designated DSC amount. One's perception is one's reality.

 

To them it is tips and you can quote any NCL passage until the cows come home but if people believe it to be tips, which you can make a good argument for, then so be it.

 

As long as in the end the crew is getting money then it doesn't matter if you call it DSC, tips or even call it "little bunny foo foo".

 

Semantics.

 

Cheers, Colin

[sjbdtz]

The "is it a DSC or is it tips" argument gets kind of old after a while.

 

Basically most people (from what I have read over the years on CC) perceive that it is tips and don't "tip" above the daily designated DSC amount. One's perception is one's reality.

 

To them it is tips and you can quote any NCL passage until the cows come home but if people believe it to be tips, which you can make a good argument for, then so be it.

 

As long as in the end the crew is getting money then it doesn't matter if you call it DSC, tips or even call it "little bunny foo foo".

 

Semantics.

 

Cheers, Colin

 

Semantics...until somebody decides that "tips" are optional, and the crew don't make any money, and then leave.

 

That's bad for all of us.

 

 

.

[crackycruiser]

I really think that waiting until the last day to stiff the crew -and that's exactly what we're talking about- is a particularly crummy thing to do.

 

Tell'em to do it on the first day and to mention to the cabin steward and every waiter at EVERY opportunity all week long that they've shorted their their paycheck because they don't feel like paying them. Truly, that's the fair thing to do.

 

I agree with this!! This is the only right thing to do. Good luck.

[Love my butler]

Disagreeing with facts doesn't make them stop being facts. :eek:

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq#tipping

What about Tipping?

Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service. However, all of our staff are encouraged to "go the extra mile," and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service.

 

 

 

http://www.ncl.com/faq#service-charge

What's the service charge?

Why is there a service charge?

The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one

 

 

 

 

 

See? They're two different things. Fact.

 

 

 

No point in letting misinformation prevail just because of disagreement. If that were the case, we'd all still think the earth was flat.

 

 

The DSC is not a tip. Tips are not required, but are gratefully accepted if you choose to offer one.

 

End of story.

 

 

 

.

 

Sorry, you don't get to decide what are facts. The fact is the DSC is the tip or gratuity paid to the crew by the passengers. If you knew the history of the DSC you would understand. DSC always was and will be a tip. By the way, saying end of story doesn't make you right, hehe.