NCL ship board credit can't be used for everything !

[Sizzlechest]

It really doesn't matter how many times you say that, it still isn't true.

 

It doesn't matter how many times you deny or rationalize it, he's right.

[cruzsnooze]

It really doesn't matter how many times you say that, it still isn't true.

Of course it's true . OBC can be used in the casino. That's why NCL allows me to cash it out at the casino, they made that policy and I utilize it. Just because you don't agree that's fine, we all can't agree on everything.

Edited July 28, 2014 by cruzsnooze

[KeithJenner]

Of course it's true . OBC can be used in the casino. That's why NCL allows me to cash it out at the casino.

 

 

Sorry, explain to me how that makes your statement that it is yours to do whatever you want with it true.

 

If that was true then the OP would never have needed to post saying that it can't be used to pay gratuities would they?

 

Just in case you are confused, I'm not talking about the casino at all. Just the quoted part of what you wrote.

Edited July 28, 2014 by KeithJenner

[KeithJenner]

It doesn't matter how many times you deny or rationalize it, he's right.

 

 

It doesn't need me to deny or rationalise it to make him wrong. Facts do that job just fine. The T&Cs state what you can do with the OBC, and it isn't "anything you like"

[Sizzlechest]

It doesn't need me to deny or rationalise it to make him wrong. Facts do that job just fine. The T&Cs state what you can do with the OBC, and it isn't "anything you like"

 

Except that's not what he said. He said it's his to spend as he sees fit. If he wants to take his OBC and take the 3% hit cashing it out at the casino, that's his choice to make.

[pokerpro5]

I am in the "middle" in this argument, and honestly I think that's the correct position.

 

It is not the cruiser's RIGHT to spend OBC wherever he wants. NCL is the one issuing the OBC, and therefore THEY have the right to dictate the specific terms of how it can be spent.

 

However, when restrictions are put on OBC, especially in major areas such as related to the DSC, it is NCL's ethical responsibility to make this extremely clear to ALL passengers from the start of the cruise, and preferably at booking.

 

The NCL cheerleaders are pointing to the Terms and Conditions and stating that any traveler who doesn't read the T&C deserves what he gets. That's a bunch of garbage. An ethical company makes sure that the customer understands EXACTLY what he is getting, and the T&C should be reserved for legal language and minutiae.

 

Making offer terms clear to ALL customers (not just diligent ones) is the sign of an ethical company, and also of one which exhibits good customer service practices (thus resulting in happy customers who want to give more business in the future).

 

In general I like NCL's customer service, especially once onboard. However, they still have some areas where they need improvement, and this is one of them. Communication has never been their strong point.

 

So, in closing:

 

- Nothing wrong with NCL disallowing use of OBC for the DSC charges

 

- Nothing wrong with cruisers using the casino to cash out OBC at a 3% loss, since NCL currently allows that

 

- NCL is doing a poor job at communicating the OBC's usability to the masses, and needs to improve that

Edited July 28, 2014 by pokerpro5

[sparks1093]

I am in the "middle" in this argument, and honestly I think that's the correct position.

 

It is not the cruiser's RIGHT to spend OBC wherever he wants. NCL is the one issuing the OBC, and therefore THEY have the right to dictate the specific terms of how it can be spent.

 

However, when restrictions are put on OBC, especially in major areas such as related to the DSC, it is NCL's ethical responsibility to make this extremely clear to ALL passengers from the start of the cruise, and preferably at booking.

 

The NCL cheerleaders are pointing to the Terms and Conditions and stating that any traveler who doesn't read the T&C deserves what he gets. That's a bunch of garbage. An ethical company makes sure that the customer understands EXACTLY what he is getting, and the T&C should be reserved for legal language and minutiae.

 

Making offer terms clear to ALL customers (not just diligent ones) is the sign of an ethical company, and also of one which exhibits good customer service practices (thus resulting in happy customers who want to give more business in the future).

 

In general I like NCL's customer service, especially once onboard. However, they still have some areas where they need improvement, and this is one of them. Communication has never been their strong point.

 

So, in closing:

 

- Nothing wrong with NCL disallowing use of OBC for the DSC charges

 

- Nothing wrong with cruisers using the casino to cash out OBC at a 3% loss, since NCL currently allows that

 

- NCL is doing a poor job at communicating the OBC's usability to the masses, and needs to improve that

 

The red statement is where you and I disagree on the issue as I think they do at least an adequate job. If that makes me a cheer leader, oh well, I've been called much worse.

[KeithJenner]

Except that's not what he said. He said it's his to spend as he sees fit. If he wants to take his OBC and take the 3% hit cashing it out at the casino, that's his choice to make.

 

 

OK, you have a point on the wording, but the point is the same. The money isn't yours to spend as you see fit. It is yours to spend as the T&Cs allow.

Edited July 28, 2014 by KeithJenner

[KeithJenner]

The red statement is where you and I disagree on the issue as I think they do at least an adequate job. If that makes me a cheer leader, oh well, I've been called much worse.

 

 

Absolutely.

 

I too agree with the first two comments made by pokerpro5. It is absolutely NCLs right to restrict the use of OBC and as they allow withdrawals in the Casino at 3% charge! it is absolutely anyone's right to do that.

 

I strongly disagree on the third point though, if you are getting something free then you should always check the T&Cs and if you can't be bothered to click that link then that's your own responsibility. The only exception to that, in my opinion, would be if the T&Cs are hidden or things are missing from them. In the two cases that I looked at yesterday, that is in no way the case here.

 

I was wondering when the cheerleader reference would come out. To be honest I couldn't care less whether someone thinks that my opinion on the placement of T&Cs makes me a cheerleader, but it's worth noting that I would be backing the company in this instance, whoever they were, because I just happen to believe that this is pretty transparent when compared to many offers that you see.

[EBONI325]

Regarding $150 credit, it's the principle! It's credit to do with whatever I want ! And believe me, we've spent way over the 150, and we go over the $12 per day service charge and tip on top of that!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Well if you spent way over the $150 then you used your obc, so what's the problem?

[ricklepickle]

My father is not a cruise critic member and yet he knew we couldn't use our huge amount of OBC for the daily gratuities charge. Why? He asked, "What can I use this for?", and was told, "Everything but the daily gratuities charge." No big deal.

 

Now if he or anyone else was told false information by an NCL rep., that's a problem. But not asking? At some point, we all have to take personal responsibility for what we purchase.

 

I am in no way an NCL cheerleader. It is doubtful I would choose to cruise with them again. I'm waiting for a resolution on some issues from out cruisetour that ended on 6/30, because two weeks ago and again today they told our travel agent in writing we would hear from them directly. Still waiting.

 

But in this case, we as consumers have to take some responsibility for what we are purchasing.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[pieshops]

My father is not a cruise critic member and yet he knew we couldn't use our huge amount of OBC for the daily gratuities charge. Why? He asked, "What can I use this for?", and was told, "Everything but the daily gratuities charge." No big deal.

 

Now if he or anyone else was told false information by an NCL rep., that's a problem. But not asking? At some point, we all have to take personal responsibility for what we purchase.

 

I am in no way an NCL cheerleader. It is doubtful I would choose to cruise with them again. I'm waiting for a resolution on some issues from out cruisetour that ended on 6/30, because two weeks ago and again today they told our travel agent in writing we would hear from them directly. Still waiting.

 

But in this case, we as consumers have to take some responsibility for what we are purchasing.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Personal responsability, that's just silly who does that anymore lol

[fshagan]

Marketing often has skirts close to deception, and the OBC offers on the NCL website could be a bit clearer. Not that they are horrible, and you can read through the T&C and find the truth, but I can understand someone thinking they can use OBC for anything when the prominent pop up advertising says "Receive $30 to spend on board!". It wouldn't be hard to make that read "Receive $30 to spend on meals, entertainment or gift items!" To be honest, I don't think it is an attempt by NCL to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. It is done that way for the sake of brevity and making the sale.

 

If there was pressure from more people like the OP, NCL would change that wording. But there obviously isn't a lot of people complaining. So the policy will stay the same, and every now and then someone will be upset by it.

[Lupush]

We are on the Breakaway. Just found out, the $150 ship board credit can not be used towards gratuities! When I called down to the front desk, they said ship board credit could not go towards gratuities ! They can not show me this in writing. I will never sail this line again! It's a shame because the Breakaway was a very nice ship!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Really? Complaining that you can't use the credit for tipping? Just stay home. Ridiculous.

[jackson bernard]

Really? Complaining that you can't use the credit for tipping? Just stay home. Ridiculous.

 

Not tipping. Was for discretionary service charge which a portion go to some fleetwide welfare program.

 

 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

[pathubia]

OMG!! If that is all it takes for you to never cruise with NCL again I can only

imagine how you deal with serious issues in life. OBC are suppose to be added a added bonus. It's not suppose to be something that will make or break your cruise.

 

Amen!!!!!

[sjbdtz]

Not tipping. Was for discretionary service charge which a portion go to some fleetwide welfare program.

 

 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

 

 

 

You seem hung up on the word 'welfare'.

 

 

It's not welfare as in 'hand-outs'....but welfare as in well-being. As in subsidizing the crew quarters to that Coronas are only $1, it means parties for the crew, and other incentives to make their lives more enjoyable while onboard.

 

 

It's not a negative thing!

 

 

 

.

[jackson bernard]

You seem hung up on the word 'welfare'.

 

 

It's not welfare as in 'hand-outs'....but welfare as in well-being. As in subsidizing the crew quarters to that Coronas are only $1, it means parties for the crew, and other incentives to make their lives more enjoyable while onboard.

 

 

It's not a negative thing!

 

 

 

.

 

I am not hung up on anything. I know what the word means.

 

How would you like your employer spending your money for you?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

[sparks1093]

I am not hung up on anything. I know what the word means.

 

How would you like your employer spending your money for you?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

 

Every employer I've ever had has spent money for me by providing a benefit for me in lieu of compensation. I don't recall ever being asked if I would rather have more compensation in place of the benefits provided.

[cruzsnooze]

I am not hung up on anything. I know what the word means.

 

How would you like your employer spending your money for you?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

 

Every employer I've ever had has spent money for me by providing a benefit for me in lieu of compensation. I don't recall ever being asked if I would rather have more compensation in place of the benefits provided.

 

Benefits that your employer gives you should not be confused with tips. Tips should be the service persons money and not turned over to an employer.

[sparks1093]

Benefits that your employer gives you should not be confused with tips. Tips should be the service persons money and not turned over to an employer.

 

What the previous poster was referring to was the line in the contract that says that a small portion of the service charge is used for fleetwide welfare (benefit) programs and that this small portion is being spent by the company without the employees' input.

Edited August 1, 2014 by sparks1093

[jackson bernard]

What the previous poster was referring to was the line in the contract that says that a small portion of the service charge is used for fleetwide welfare (benefit) programs and that this small portion is being spent by the company without the employees'

 

Thats not what it says at all. It says a portion of the service charge collected by carrier is also used for fleet-wide crew welfare programs.

 

It doesn't say how much that portion is, or who gets it or how much goes back to the company.

 

Its disturbing that the DSC, which a lot of people think are tips going out to the waiters, stewards etc, are not going directly to them, and may actually go to finance some employee function on another ship. Wonder how much of your dsc is going to administrative costs.

 

Cooks, entertainment, laundry and the like should be included in the fare, just like the the Captain is, but apparently they don't want to do that as they wouldn't be able to advertise such low fares.

 

 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

[jackson bernard]

Every employer I've ever had has spent money for me by providing a benefit for me in lieu of compensation. I don't recall ever being asked if I would rather have more compensation in place of the benefits provided.

 

Out of your tips?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

[sparks1093]

 

Thats not what it says at all. It says a portion of the service charge collected by carrier is also used for fleet-wide crew welfare programs.

 

It doesn't say how much that portion is, or who gets it or how much goes back to the company.

 

Its disturbing that the DSC, which a lot of people think are tips going out to the waiters, stewards etc, are not going directly to them, and may actually go to finance some employee function on another ship. Wonder how much of your dsc is going to administrative costs.

 

Cooks, entertainment, laundry and the like should be included in the fare, just like the the Captain is, but apparently they don't want to do that as they wouldn't be able to advertise such low fares.

 

 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

 

By calling it a service charge they can legally do whatever they want with it, it isn't tips (although most of it does get distributed to the traditionally tipped or tipped out employees). As I keep saying, I don't care how it gets distributed. (If I have a service issue and adjust the service charge I can't mandate that "employee x" not receive a share of it, all I can do is say "reduce my service charge by $2 per day").

[sparks1093]

Out of your tips?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

 

It's not coming out of the NCL employees' tips either.