Proof of 18% gratuity on specialty restaurants

[SissasMomE]

only on sea days, and we usually eat two meals a day on board not three. port days we will be off first thing in morning and not back until dinner. im not saying im not going to make sure the rest of the people such as stewards and behind scenes staff are not taken care of, but i will be deducting a portion for what i feel is appropriate ratio for each meal not eaten in MDR each night.

 

As you should. I was never a proponent of removing the DSC. However, things have certainly changed. We won't, but we definitely will not give them one dime extra by dining in any of the specialty restaurants. If I didn't have such a large group booked on this cruise, I would seriously consider cancelling ... but, we have have the free beverage package, and the MDRs are fine for us. If anything, NCL will lose money on us LOL

[Single Cruiser]

This must be recent or on certain ships. I've just come back from Spirit on Monday. Ate in Cagneys didn't have to pay 18%. Looked at the dailies including Sunday 15ths and no mention there..

[ColinIllinois]

I'll talk with my money. I don't patronize restaurants that tell me what I have to tip. I tip according to the type of service I get. Sorry NCL, instead of getting more money out of me you will get less.

 

I think everyone should contact NCL and voice their opinions. Is that address: "socialmedia@ncl.com"?

[ptuder]

 

Logic fail. I just can't grasp this.

 

Remember, this is the principle of the matter, not a few extra bucks that some "can afford" (so sick of hearing that).

 

I am patiently awaiting the forthcoming "convenience fees"...

 

Agree completely.

 

We have first time cruisers going with us on our Escape cruise that we convinced the extra price was worth it but since we have booked a lot of our costs have increased. DSC, 15% to 18% on drinks, 18% now added on specialty dining, and drink prices have increased. We have a hefty OBC but none of the freebies that have been offered since we booked. We figured OBC would cover all spending but now I'm not so sure.

 

Some have mentioned removing the 18% tip on specialty dining but how would we do that. With drinks it is automatically added in I never thought we could cross it off?? Am I misunderstanding?

[Single Cruiser]

Of course with loads booking with free UDP we did notice slower service/busier speciality restaurants. Maybe this is the stealth way to recover back some of the "free" cover charges lol

[SissasMomE]

Same with me, I won't penalize the non-specialty restaurant staff by removing or deducting the DSC and wouldn't ever think of doing it under any circumstances. In that I usually tip close (Cagney's was the only one that was not 18 percent at 16 percent) or more than the 18 percent at the specialty restaurants, it just makes it easier for me because I don't have to bring cash down to dinner.

 

How do you know it's going to the server? This is part of the problem. We always tip in cash - whether it's the MDR, the buffet (yes, we leave money on the table) or the specialties. Now it's being stuck on a bill. Who's to say they are getting that money? I do not believe the money is going to the server. I don't buy it at all, especially with the sneaky way NCL has done this. Further, the now "sudden silence" from NCL on both these boards and their Facebook page leaves MUCH to be desired.

[Level six]

in reading these boards, i'm finding out that the info these reps give out may or may not always be accurate. :cool: But yes, as the rep got an attitude with me for even asking the question, that's what she told me. Is this the real reason for the changes, somehow i don't think we'll ever really know. I do know that if i decide to keep my booking for escape next year, i'm not going to be double-billed by paying a dsc and an 18% gratuity on top of that!

 

don't believe the reps, what ever you do!!

[hpecorari]

I'll talk with my money. I don't patronize restaurants that tell me what I have to tip. I tip according to the type of service I get. Sorry NCL, instead of getting more money out of me you will get less.

 

I think everyone should contact NCL and voice their opinions. Is that address: "socialmedia@ncl.com"?

 

Yes, that's the address. I wrote them two days ago and again today. Still no reply.

 

Harriet

[WoodsDrive]

If you have the UDP as a promo OR if you paid for the UDP prior to today....

there will be NO auto 18% gratuity added.

 

Harriet

 

I'm going to hope for that, but plan just in case. It's been hard enough to finally get my hubby to go on a cruise and he hates unexpected expenses.

[Froggitt]

You would probably have to reduce your own to that figure, since not every passenger eats in the specialty restaurants, why should everyone's be reduced.

Because there are fewer beneficiaries of the DSC pool now.

[SissasMomE]

I'll talk with my money. I don't patronize restaurants that tell me what I have to tip. I tip according to the type of service I get. Sorry NCL, instead of getting more money out of me you will get less.

 

I think everyone should contact NCL and voice their opinions. Is that address: "socialmedia@ncl.com"?

 

Yes

[jennifer22780]

As you should. I was never a proponent of removing the DSC. However, things have certainly changed. We won't, but we definitely will not give them one dime extra by dining in any of the specialty restaurants. If I didn't have such a large group booked on this cruise, I would seriously consider cancelling ... but, we have have the free beverage package, and the MDRs are fine for us. If anything, NCL will lose money on us LOL

 

 

i would cancel the dining but it was a promotional price and we are traveling with family who is all doing it... soooo we dont want to eat alone. I , for one, will not be using specialty restaurants on my next cruise.

[LrgPizza]

This is getting so confusing with 2 active, identical threads side by side on this forum. I have no clue why it's necessary, and I hope a mod combines them.

[jennifer22780]

This is getting so confusing with 2 active, identical threads side by side on this forum. I have no clue why it's necessary, and I hope a mod combines them.

 

 

lol Yes, please!!

[Demonyte]

Some have mentioned removing the 18% tip on specialty dining but how would we do that. With drinks it is automatically added in I never thought we could cross it off?? Am I misunderstanding?

 

 

The auto-gratuity is not mandatory, it's "added for your convinience" or something similar marketing talk. ;)

[triptolemus]

This is getting so confusing with 2 active, identical threads side by side on this forum. I have no clue why it's necessary, and I hope a mod combines them.

 

It's not that confusing. Maybe if we weren't drinking wine at 9 AM? ;)

[SJ]

How do you know it's going to the server? This is part of the problem. We always tip in cash - whether it's the MDR, the buffet (yes, we leave money on the table) or the specialties. Now it's being stuck on a bill. Who's to say they are getting that money? I do not believe the money is going to the server. I don't buy it at all, especially with the sneaky way NCL has done this. Further, the now "sudden silence" from NCL on both these boards and their Facebook page leaves MUCH to be desired.

 

Their silence confirmed this new fee for me. I didn't need pictures of the dailies to know it's true. No companies want their consumers to believe higher prices when there is none. How disingenuous of NCL to claim this is for our convenience. We should not just accept this. Talk with your wallet, everyone. Every time we accept increase on false pretences, these companies would just keep coming for more. Price increases need to be justified and transparent.

[jennifer22780]

The auto-gratuity is not mandatory, it's "added for your convinience" or something similar marketing talk. ;)

 

 

my plan was to adjust the dsc to reflect an appropriate ratio of what i wasnt using.

 

If I knew all of who was included in getting that DSC- including behind the scenes people. i would feel better- heck id walk around with cash in envelopes and tip as i went along - and wouold likely tip more than what the dsc would be getting out of me. but i dont know - do the cooks get a share? how about the people that load the dishwashers? 'wash the sheets' (if u call it that as its automated and they dont even fold them)... but seriously... why cant we get a full list of what jobs are part of the dsc? ((rant over))

[SJ]

The auto-gratuity is not mandatory, it's "added for your convinience" or something similar marketing talk. ;)

 

They are betting most would be too embarrassed to remove it even if it was possible. Not sure it is. Anyone ever tried crossing off drink gratuities?

 

We must be too stupid to realize they're not doing this for us.lol

[LrgPizza]

It's not that confusing. Maybe if we weren't drinking wine at 9 AM? ;)

That's a great idea. Be right back...

[NLH Arizona]

How do you know it's going to the server? This is part of the problem. We always tip in cash - whether it's the MDR, the buffet (yes, we leave money on the table) or the specialties. Now it's being stuck on a bill. Who's to say they are getting that money? I do not believe the money is going to the server. I don't buy it at all, especially with the sneaky way NCL has done this. Further, the now "sudden silence" from NCL on both these boards and their Facebook page leaves MUCH to be desired.

I will give NCL the benefit of the doubt that it is going to the servers, because if NCL wanted the money just for themselves, they could have simply raised the fares $35 a week and no one would have notice....thank about it!

 

If you don't buy it, that is your prerogative and I would say either don't ever cruise with NCL again or don't patronize their specialty restaurants....problem solved. No one is forcing you to pay this gratuity.

 

Also, I don't think any business is required to discuss their employee benefits (salaries) or how those benefits are distributed with any customer, so why does everyone think that NCL has to.

 

If one doesn't like the policies and/or practices or charges of a business, one has all the power.....don't pay it by not dong business with that company.

 

Question, how do you know how much money from the DSC goes to the MDR servers and how much goes to the specialty restaurant servers on the old system?

Edited March 20, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[mking8288]

... I intend to ask about the DSC and the 18% gratuity charges at both.....the M&G and at the officers Q&A. Hopefully, someone on board prior to that will and can report back before I board in June. Oh, and I also intend to ask about the confusion of Butlers now being included in the DSC for suites since that DSC was increased. It's just confusing.

Harriett - we leave on the BA this Sunday and with several sources verifying as "proof", I thought I can just sit back & relax at our M&G on Monday, and, ask nicer questions instead, about smoke from the casino coming below deck into LeBistro ... Almost done packing but I'm debating on whether to put the question in writing & hand it to the Captain or senior officers (hotel director & housekeeper chiefs are usually in attendance) or do it with VIP reception hosted by the CD or officers, and just request that they forward the questions to NCL HQ in Miami and clarify via CC and/or social media (FB & T) as the continued silence in acknowledgement on social media is pure bad practice for cheerleading :rolleyes:

 

Do I have 100% faith that NCL phone reps know about the latest & newest, and better informed that those officers in charge on the ship ... not really. The reliable NCL website, that's another joke - time to bring in a new head for I.T. to cleanup those messy outdated FAQ's and links with the peek-a-poo's and oops.

 

This is going to make for some rather interesting conversations on the Breakaway next week. I think by Sunday night or Monday, this forum will be flooded with more news from disembarking pax on this week's sailing.

Edited March 20, 2015 by mking8288

[jaja]

My understanding is those that have already pre-paid for specialty restaurants or pre-paid for the UDP or those that got the UDP as a promo won't be charged the auto 18% gratuity.

 

Harriet

 

I hope so...Harriet....my question for NCL would be...how would the restaurant know that ????? I see that after you posted this..it was said that NOW they are adding the 18% upfront...so who keeps track of what???

For example someone on a cruise 2 days ago who had a UDP could have be charged the 18% (according to the posted dailies)

And still no official clarification from NCL of Platinum and stockowner comp meals ???

 

NCL has opened a real can of worms...

[hpecorari]

Harriett - we leave on the BA this Sunday and with several sources verifying as "proof", I thought I can just sit back & relax at our M&G on Monday, and, ask nicer questions instead, about smoke from the casino coming below deck into LeBistro ... Almost done packing but I'm debating on whether to put the question in writing & hand it to the Captain or senior officers (hotel director & housekeeper chiefs are usually in attendance) or do it with VIP reception hosted by the CD or officers, and just request that they forward the questions to NCL HQ in Miami and clarify via CC and/or social media (FB & T) as the continued silence in acknowledgement on social media is pure bad practice for cheerleading :rolleyes:

 

Do I have 100% faith that NCL phone reps know about the latest & newest, and better informed that those officers in charge on the ship ... not really. The reliable NCL website, that's another joke - time to bring in a new head for I.T. to cleanup those messy outdated FAQ's and links with the peek-a-poo's and oops.

 

This is going to make for some rather interesting conversations on the Breakaway next week. I think by Sunday night or Monday, this forum will be flooded with more news from disembarking pax on this week's sailing.

 

LOL You have more patience than I do. I'd want to ask my questions and get answers at that time. Not have it sent somewhere and *hope* to get an answer later. Hope your cruise is a great one!

 

Harriet

[punkincc]

How the hell would they know that? And if they did know it to be true, it would represent the first actual piece of information released to customers about how, exactly, NCL distributes the DSC. Sorry, not buying that!

 

I agree no one has any idea how NCL distributes the money which goes into the DSC pool, nor do we know how they will distribute the 18% they collect on each cover in the specialty.

 

But NCL has always, up to this point, been upfront about who IS and who is NOT included in the DSC. At least now we have confirmation ( if this phone rep can be believed ) that the specialty servers are NOT in the DSC pool as of the date the 18% gratuity fee was added. It would be logical to assume that the 18% is taking the place of the DSC for those servers. And I will not be surprised to hear that the butlers are now included in the increased suite DSC.

 

I don't for one minute think that 18% is going straight to the servers in the next pay check. My guess is a pool, just like for DSC, from which NCL will determine who will get what, just like they always have.

Edited March 20, 2015 by punkincc