Auto Gratuity At Specialty Restaurant Implemented

[LMaxwell]

It might not be double dipping if the gratuity is simply added to the pool with all the DSC and then divided among everyone in the pool.

We don't know how NCL actually doles out the tips.

That's the text book definition of double dipping. They get you twice for the same thing.

[SissasMomE]

It might not be double dipping if the gratuity is simply added to the pool with all the DSC and then divided among everyone in the pool.

We don't know how NCL actually doles out the tips.

 

It is most definitely double dipping.

[CasinoCruzGirl]

I might have missed the answer to this so I appologize for asking if its been answered.

 

If you have the UDP as part of the promo when you go to dinner and get a check at the end will it be $0 & 18% or just $0

 

Thanks

[Sand and Seas]

We have never been handed a check in the Specialty restaurants as we are only using the 2 free dinners from being Platinum or a comp from CAS. Will the casino also cover a gratuity? Will Platinum members now be given a 'bill' for a free dinner?:confused::confused::confused:

[Demonyte]

As many have already noted, since the definition of DSC, this happening on Breakaway can only mean one of two things:

 

1. Double dipping, which can get even me to adjust the service charges or auto-gratuities for the first time ever.

 

Or

 

2. A de facto 18% increase in all cover charges without having to list it properly (a cowardly move) - and that is a significant raise in some - "new prices" as follows:

 

- Chef's Table $116.82pp

- Ocean Blue $46.02pp

- Live entertainment dining $23.60pp - $47.20pp

- Cagney's $35.40pp

- Teppanyaki $29.50pp

- Le Bistro, Moderno $23.60pp

- Asian, Shabu Shabu, Italian $17.70pp

- Pizza delivery $5.90pp

 

I too am appalled how they have chosen to handle (or even test) this and if this is in effect on Jade next week, I'm sure to voice my concerns about the new management and their decisions to the HD - we are already kind of moving over to Celebrity and for the first time ever I'm thinking about not buying FCRs.

[whenisthemidnightbuffet?]

So we had dinner at Cagney's this evening. Dinner was a casino comp so no bill and no auto gratuity. Both of us ordered the added lobster tail for an additional $10 per person. Got a bill for the 2 tails, plus 18% gratuity, plus tax (since we were in a US port/Florida). Hopes this clears up any doubts or confusion about the auto grat., how it works with comped or prepaid meals.

 

On a side note, the lobster tail was not a lobster tail. Instead of the average size tail you normally get for the additional money, you will now find 3 little, what looks like a baby lobster tail, not sure what it was but it certainly was a miniature version. I personally would not order them again.

[pizzalady1]

I sure hope someone asks the Hotel Director about where the service charge goes at a M&G. And hope the cruiser follows up with a question about whether or not the specialty restaurant's waiters are included in the DSC. If not the M&G, then at the Q&A session.

Edited March 18, 2015 by pizzalady1

[Nightengale31]

I am booked on a 2016 Western Med cruise in a Haven Spa suite which is a casino comp, and booking this cruise prior to 4/5 I got the promo which includes the UDP, UBP, $300 OBC, and prepaid service charges for Haven and Suites. Just pulled up my reservation and below is what is printed about the UDP.

 

 

Q. ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE ULTIMATE DINING PACKAGE PURCHASE PRICE?

A. No. If you wish to recognize the crew for their service, you may do so at time of service using the gratuity line on the check. Plus, a beverage gratuity of 15% will automatically be added to all beverage sales.

[din2play2]

Wondering about bartenders - are they in the DSC? If so, if I leave a cash tip would that then be triple dipping?

 

% of DSC

% of the 18% added to bar tab

Cash tip I leave them

 

hmm... Think I wanna b a NCL bartender when I grow up!!! :D

[KeithJenner]

Wondering about bartenders - are they in the DSC? If so, if I leave a cash tip would that then be triple dipping?

 

% of DSC

% of the 18% added to bar tab

Cash tip I leave them

 

hmm... Think I wanna b a NCL bartender when I grow up!!! :D

 

No, they aren't included in the DSC.

[KeithJenner]

If this goes fleet wide, It'll be interesting to see what will happen on our Getaway cruise in a few weeks. We plan to have three meals in the specialities, two of them are the Latitudes perks, and the third one is at Cagneys, where we have prebooked, so therefore prepaid (without any gratuity).

[NJ Johnny]

So we had dinner at Cagney's this evening. Dinner was a casino comp so no bill and no auto gratuity. Both of us ordered the added lobster tail for an additional $10 per person. Got a bill for the 2 tails, plus 18% gratuity, plus tax (since we were in a US port/Florida). Hopes this clears up any doubts or confusion about the auto grat., how it works with comped or prepaid meals.

 

On a side note, the lobster tail was not a lobster tail. Instead of the average size tail you normally get for the additional money, you will now find 3 little, what looks like a baby lobster tail, not sure what it was but it certainly was a miniature version. I personally would not order them again.

 

Thanks, Phyllis for getting back to us and taking the time away from your cruise to inform everyone of these changes. Enjoy the remainder of the cruise and good luck in the casino. Carol

[bangzoom6877]

As many have already noted, since the definition of DSC, this happening on Breakaway can only mean one of two things:

 

1. Double dipping, which can get even me to adjust the service charges or auto-gratuities for the first time ever.

 

Or

 

2. A de facto 18% increase in all cover charges without having to list it properly (a cowardly move) - and that is a significant raise in some - "new prices" as follows:

 

- Chef's Table $116.82pp

- Ocean Blue $46.02pp

- Live entertainment dining $23.60pp - $47.20pp

- Cagney's $35.40pp

- Teppanyaki $29.50pp

- Le Bistro, Moderno $23.60pp

- Asian, Shabu Shabu, Italian $17.70pp

- Pizza delivery $5.90pp

 

I too am appalled how they have chosen to handle (or even test) this and if this is in effect on Jade next week, I'm sure to voice my concerns about the new management and their decisions to the HD - we are already kind of moving over to Celebrity and for the first time ever I'm thinking about not buying FCRs.

 

And let's not forget that they chose to "test" this out on the Breakaway, the largest ship in their fleet with the most passengers...more $$$ for NCL vs. "testing" it on a smaller ship with fewer passengers.

 

So we had dinner at Cagney's this evening. Dinner was a casino comp so no bill and no auto gratuity. Both of us ordered the added lobster tail for an additional $10 per person. Got a bill for the 2 tails, plus 18% gratuity, plus tax (since we were in a US port/Florida). Hopes this clears up any doubts or confusion about the auto grat., how it works with comped or prepaid meals.

 

On a side note, the lobster tail was not a lobster tail. Instead of the average size tail you normally get for the additional money, you will now find 3 little, what looks like a baby lobster tail, not sure what it was but it certainly was a miniature version. I personally would not order them again.

 

Even when they had lobster tails in the MDR, I never saw the big deal about lobster on a cruise. It was never high quality, they were always tiny (actually reminded me of the size of prawns rather than lobster tail), and I don't care that they're not in the MDR anymore. I'd rather pay a little less for my cruise than pay a little more and have them still include a poor excuse for lobster tails.

[hpecorari]

So we had dinner at Cagney's this evening. Dinner was a casino comp so no bill and no auto gratuity. Both of us ordered the added lobster tail for an additional $10 per person. Got a bill for the 2 tails, plus 18% gratuity, plus tax (since we were in a US port/Florida). Hopes this clears up any doubts or confusion about the auto grat., how it works with comped or prepaid meals..

 

Boy, things have changed. On my last cruise on the Sun in February (actually, on all of my cruises) I ordered the lobster tail as an add on with my steak. CAS picked up everything and I wasn't charged at all. Never given a bill once.

 

Harriet

[zqvol]

Not sure if anyone posted about this (don't want to use all my mb searching) but we are currently on the BA and I noticed in the Freestyle in very small print that they are automatically adding an 18% gratuity charge to the cover charge for all specialty restaurants. I had not seen any mention of this on cc before I sailed so thought maybe it was a mistake but last night I met a gentlement who ate at LeBistro and they charged him for the gratuities and he was not happy. He spoke to maitre d who confirmed it is listed in the Freestyle, but yes was in very small print. NCL website makes no mention of it on the UDP purchase so I guess if you have the dining plan no additional 18% (yet, lol). Not sure if their website has this new charge in the faq for specialty dining.

 

And just an update, reservations for all free shows, with the exception of Second City, are not being utilized you just show up.

 

You always have the option of removing any auto gratuity if you don't like them, just line through them and change the total on the bill.

 

I have seen tickets from the Dawn in the past two weeks and what they all said was that the charge in the specialty restaurants INCLUDED an 18% gratuity.

 

I really think that if an extra $3 - $5 is too much for you then you probably don't have any business eating anywhere other than the free restaurants.

Edited March 18, 2015 by zqvol

[LMaxwell]

 

I really think that if an extra $3 - $5 is too much for you then you probably don't have any business eating anywhere other than the free restaurants.

 

You're missing the point entirely. You've already covered the servers gratuity as part of your DSC. Now they are charging you another 18% of the meal. It's double tipping. Pretty sure ANYONE that can afford to cruise can afford the charge. It's not a question of affordability. It's a question of paying for the exact same thing TWICE. Hey, I can afford it, you can afford it, but you must be a lot more willing to be ripped off than I am.

[Nola26]

Boy, things have changed. On my last cruise on the Sun in February (actually, on all of my cruises) I ordered the lobster tail as an add on with my steak. CAS picked up everything and I wasn't charged at all. Never given a bill once.

 

Harriet

 

Perhaps things have simply changed or perhaps your comp level is different. Some get camped Inside/OV and then pay a fee to upgrade to a balcony. While you get comped suites. CAS will have lots of variation with regard to its level of offers.

[bangzoom6877]

You're missing the point entirely. You've already covered the servers gratuity as part of your DSC. Now they are charging you another 18% of the meal. It's double tipping. Pretty sure ANYONE that can afford to cruise can afford the charge. It's not a question of affordability. It's a question of paying for the exact same thing TWICE. Hey, I can afford it, you can afford it, but you must be a lot more willing to be ripped off than I am.

 

Exactly! Just because people could afford it doesn't make it right! Many people. Myself included, have expressed on this thread that we normally tip more than what the 18% will add up to when we dine at a specialty restaurant. However, this has always been on our own accord, at our own discretion, not NCL forcing us to and double dipping.

[hpecorari]

Perhaps things have simply changed or perhaps your comp level is different. Some get camped Inside/OV and then pay a fee to upgrade to a balcony. While you get comped suites. CAS will have lots of variation with regard to its level of offers.

 

You may be correct here, but for the record, I wasn't always comped suites....just recently. Before I was always comped a mini suite. Even then, never received a bill. Why I said things are changing is because up until February 1st, one of CAS's perks for Gold and VIP was breakfast/lunch in Cagney's and as of February 1st that has been taken away.....so my thoughts are they are slowly downgrading. Will be interested to see how things change come April 1st.

 

Harriet

[hpecorari]

You're missing the point entirely. You've already covered the servers gratuity as part of your DSC. Now they are charging you another 18% of the meal. It's double tipping. Pretty sure ANYONE that can afford to cruise can afford the charge. It's not a question of affordability. It's a question of paying for the exact same thing TWICE. Hey, I can afford it, you can afford it, but you must be a lot more willing to be ripped off than I am.

 

Yes! Agree. Waitstaff are already getting the $12.95 per day or $14.95 per day through the DSC and with this additional 18%, no matter how small it is, no matter that it's the same or less than I would leave in cash for them or not, it's still double dipping......IMHO.

 

Harriet

Edited March 18, 2015 by hpecorari

[jaja]

So we had dinner at Cagney's this evening. Dinner was a casino comp so no bill and no auto gratuity. Both of us ordered the added lobster tail for an additional $10 per person. Got a bill for the 2 tails, plus 18% gratuity, plus tax (since we were in a US port/Florida). Hopes this clears up any doubts or confusion about the auto grat., how it works with comped or prepaid meals.

 

.

 

Thanks for taking the time from your cruise to update us....

 

So..from what I gather...any comp dinner ( casino, stock ownership , platinum )in any specialty..is not subject to added gratuity..?

 

If using UDP ...there is a tip automatically added ? or just the option to do so ?

 

I AM CONFUSED :confused:

 

PS-- I prepay my DSC..just to avoid all the extra lines on my bill....and now this

Edited March 18, 2015 by jaja

[Da-Painter]

Yes! Agree. Waitstaff are already getting the $12.95 per day or $14.95 per day through the DSC and with this additional 18%, no matter how small it is, no matter that it's the same or less than I would leave in cash for them or not, it's still double dipping......IMHO.

 

Harriet

 

If this new charge works out, the Shore Excursions will be next, think it will also be 18%????

Yeah, I have more cruises booked, but maybe time to move on from NCL.

[Quench]

In the past several weeks, NCL workers have (supposedly) received the following:

 

. 8% increase in DSC;

. 20% increase (from 15 to 18 percent) in auto-gratuities for bar service;

. an unknown total increase on bar gratuities (even before the 3% jump) due to many more passengers having UBP due to the Choice promo -- the expectation being that NCL is going to pay workers the auto-gratuities on these otherwise "free" beverages; and finally

. 18% on cost of specialty dining (not an increase, because till now there wasn't an expectation of gratuity for specialty dining, as it had been covered by DSC).

 

 

Who here really believes that ALL this extra moolah is going find its way into workers' pockets rather than NCL's bottom line?

 

Absolutely agree with you on this.

[SissasMomE]

So we had dinner at Cagney's this evening. Dinner was a casino comp so no bill and no auto gratuity. Both of us ordered the added lobster tail for an additional $10 per person. Got a bill for the 2 tails, plus 18% gratuity, plus tax (since we were in a US port/Florida). Hopes this clears up any doubts or confusion about the auto grat., how it works with comped or prepaid meals.

 

On a side note, the lobster tail was not a lobster tail. Instead of the average size tail you normally get for the additional money, you will now find 3 little, what looks like a baby lobster tail, not sure what it was but it certainly was a miniature version. I personally would not order them again.

 

Well, we will be doing one of two things. Either we will not dine in any specialties, or, for the first time in my life, the auto gratuity will be removed.

[DaisyGoldberg]

Waitstaff are already getting the $12.95 per day or $14.95 per day through the DSC and with this additional 18%, no matter how small it is, no matter that it's the same or less than I would leave in cash for them or not, it's still double dipping......IMHO.

 

I've never understood the economics of $12/day in tips "taking care of" not only the room steward, but wait service at three restaurant meals per day, two of which have multiple courses. Not to mention the behind the scenes people it's also supposed to "take care of."

 

I don't see it as double dipping -- I see it as a ridiculous run around of simply raising the DSC or fares, in hopes that people won't notice. Raise fares and pay them a living wage, and be done with it.