Beverage Package no longer free

[swedish weave]

Like Rochelle, I am wondering where you are getting your figures and what is this 13%? Yes, the package is free: gratuities should always be paid. When you buy a discount coupon from a restauatant you are advised to tip on the entire amount. Your way of thinking would be, I am not getting my second meal free cause I am expected to tip 20% on whaat is claimed to be a free meal.

 

I can assure you, most of us consider the drink package free and we are more than happy to pay the gratuity. Even though we are not huge drinkers we do love a drink or two a day (maybe 3) on the ship and love the idea of not having to worry about what brand we order based on cost. We don't have to buy a wine package when we get on the ship. Now, if we want a brandy after dinner and we might, we aren't concerned about the cost. If you drink more than say, 2 drinks or maybe 3, you have nothing to complain about If you still don't think it is a good idea for you, don't take it, but don't try and say the UBP isn't free.

 

First, let me post the dictionary definition of gratuities.

 

"something given without claim or demand."

 

Now, the ads from NCL show the UDP and other offers as free.

 

If NCL insists on adding mandatory gratuities to this "free" offer, it is at best very deceptive advertising.

 

Some choose to accept this deception and disparage those who question it. Others do not agree that the offers are what they say they are.

 

IMHO the offer is not free if NCL adds other charges to it. There is no other way to interpret this.

[rochelle_s]

First, let me post the dictionary definition of gratuities.

 

"something given without claim or demand."

 

Now, the ads from NCL show the UDP and other offers as free.

 

If NCL insists on adding mandatory gratuities to this "free" offer, it is at best very deceptive advertising.

 

Some choose to accept this deception and disparage those who question it. Others do not agree that the offers are what they say they are.

 

IMHO the offer is not free if NCL adds other charges to it. There is no other way to interpret this.

 

 

 

I personally do understand what you are saying. Having said that, there is always more than one interpretation. (This is reflected in all most every avenue of life- religion, politics, giveaways)

 

When I receive a free cruise from the casino I am still responsible for the taxes ann NCF fees.

 

When NCL gives me a beverage package I am still responsible for the 18% auto-gratuity service charge.

 

The free beverage package does not include coffees, bottle water, energy drinks, bottled wine etc., even though they are in fact beverages. Those are part of the terms and conditions just as the 18% charge is part of the T & C's.

 

I booked four cruisies when the gratuities were included in the promo package. I have now booked two more cruises where it is not part of the package and I must pay that expense up front before the cruise as I do the port fees etc. For me the early bookings were a better deal but I still feel I am getting an UBP given to me as a perk.

 

Yes it was a better perk financially when it was all in and it is still a good perk now, you just have to pay a little more for it. Which in my opinion is more than fair. First off the bar staff deserve to be compensated for their services. Secondly the alternative to keeping this as a perk would be to build the 18% into the base fare. This hardly seems equitable to the many people that chose other promotional perks, such as WiFi or shore excursion credits. Why should they, essentially, subsidize someone else's drinking?

 

If you buy a house for the sale price of $500,000. Now that might be the agreed upon price for the house and the amount that appears on paper but we all know there are numerous fees that come along with that sale. Lawyers fees, real estate fees, land transfer taxes etc. They did not advertise those extra fees in the real estate ad listing of that house. It is just understood that there are other costs that come along with the purchase and which when signing the contract you can see outline in the T & C's of sale. Same goes for the UBP perk. It is now understood , under the current promotions, that the purchaser is responsible for the 18% auto-gratuity service charge at final payment.

 

It really is all about perspective. While 'technically' you are correct it is not ALL free, the actual drinks are. Anything above and beyond is the buyers responsibility. Don't get hung up on the word free. As many folks have realized it is essentially built into the purchase price of the cruise. We are always the ones paying. It's marketing and promotion and for now it seems to be working.

 

 

Rochelle

Edited September 12, 2015 by rochelle_s

[triptolemus]

Remember, too, that one is always free to disassociate the promotional beverage package from their reservation and thus would be responsible for precisely $0 in additional gratuities/fee/whatever.

[swedish weave]

I personally do understand what you are saying. Having said that, there is always more than one interpretation. (This is reflected in all most every avenue of life- religion, politics, giveaways)

 

When I receive a free cruise from the casino I am still responsible for the taxes ann NCF fees.

 

When NCL gives me a beverage package I am still responsible for the 18% auto-gratuity service charge.

 

The free beverage package does not include coffees, bottle water, energy drinks, bottled wine etc., even though they are in fact beverages. Those are part of the terms and conditions just as the 18% charge is part of the T & C's.

 

I booked four cruisies when the gratuities were included in the promo package. I have now booked two more cruises where it is not part of the package and I must pay that expense up front before the cruise as I do the port fees etc. For me the early bookings were a better deal but I still feel I am getting an UBP given to me as a perk.

 

Yes it was a better perk financially when it was all in and it is still a good perk now, you just have to pay a little more for it. Which in my opinion is more than fair. First off the bar staff deserve to be compensated for their services. Secondly the alternative to keeping this as a perk would be to build the 18% into the base fare. This hardly seems equitable to the many people that chose other promotional perks, such as WiFi or shore excursion credits. Why should they, essentially, subsidize someone else's drinking?

 

If you buy a house for the sale price of $500,000. Now that might be the agreed upon price for the house and the amount that appears on paper but we all know there are numerous fees that come along with that sale. Lawyers fees, real estate fees, land transfer taxes etc. They did not advertise those extra fees in the real estate ad listing of that house. It is just understood that there are other costs that come along with the purchase and which when signing the contract you can see outline in the T & C's of sale. Same goes for the UBP perk. It is now understood , under the current promotions, that the purchaser is responsible for the 18% auto-gratuity service charge at final payment.

 

It really is all about perspective. While 'technically' you are correct it is not ALL free, the actual drinks are. Anything above and beyond is the buyers responsibility. Don't get hung up on the word free. As many folks have realized it is essentially built into the purchase price of the cruise. We are always the ones paying. It's marketing and promotion and for now it seems to be working.

 

 

Rochelle

 

It is up to each individual how much of the "add-on" charges they want to accept.

 

I still maintain that if something is offered as free, it should be just that. If not, then the entity making the offer should specify that there are additional charges that are the responsibility of the person accepting the offer, and it should not be called "FREE".

 

I also maintain that there can be no such thing as "mandatory gratuities" if the dictionary interpretation of gratuities is correct.

Edited September 12, 2015 by swedish weave

[hpecorari]

It is up to each individual how much of the "add-on" charges they want to accept.

 

I still maintain that if something is offered as free, it should be just that. If not, then the entity making the offer should specify that there are additional charges that are the responsibility of the person accepting the offer, and it should not be called "FREE".

 

I also maintain that there can be no such thing as "mandatory gratuities" if the dictionary interpretation of gratuities is correct.

 

I can understand what you're saying, however, the way I take it is that the beverage itself is free. The service charge/tip is additional.

 

Just like when I go to a restaurant and they have a special - buy one dinner get one dinner free. Of course I'd still tip on the free dinner.

 

Harriet

[Demonyte]

I also maintain that there can be no such thing as "mandatory gratuities" if the dictionary interpretation of gratuities is correct.

 

 

T&C of the promo (you know, the stuff that actually matters) refer to those charges as "18% gratuities & service charges".

[abe3]

T&C of the promo (you know, the stuff that actually matters) refer to those charges as "18% gratuities & service charges".

 

 

Exactly right. It's in the terms and conditions. Not deceptive at all. If you don't want it take it off your reservation and you won't have to worry about it at all.

[NLH Arizona]

T&C of the promo (you know, the stuff that actually matters) refer to those charges as "18% gratuities & service charges".

Now I'm beginning to wonder if they say gratuities and service charge, because of those that don't want to pay any gratuities or those that are use to service charges being added to their restaurant bills. By putting both, it kind of covers all bases or at least one would think.

 

If someone doesn't want to pay the 18% gratuities and service charge, just pick another perk or refuse that perk...it is real easy.

Edited September 12, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[rochelle_s]

Now I'm beginning to wonder if they say gratuities and service charge, because of those that don't want to pay any gratuities or those that are use to service charges being added to their restaurant bills. By putting both, it kind of covers all bases or at least one would think.

 

 

 

Or by stating it that way they can determine for themselves how much of that charge gets distributed to the servers and how much does not.

 

 

Rochelle

[NLH Arizona]

Or by stating it that way they can determine for themselves how much of that charge gets distributed to the servers and how much does not.

 

 

Rochelle

Possibly, but like my comment, we will probably never know nor do they have to tell us how they distribute this or the DSC. Their business, not mine.

[swedish weave]

Exactly right. It's in the terms and conditions. Not deceptive at all. If you don't want it take it off your reservation and you won't have to worry about it at all.

 

Do they designate how much is in each category, and how much goes to the server ??

 

More of NCL ambiguity and it still doesn't excuse their advertising it as free when they are adding charges. Regardless of what they call the additional charges.

Edited September 12, 2015 by swedish weave

[NMLady]

...

 

I still maintain that if something is offered as free, it should be just that. If not, then the entity making the offer should specify that there are additional charges that are the responsibility of the person accepting the offer, and it should not be called "FREE". ... .

 

Have you ever seen catalogs that say FREE SHIPPING in huge print, then in teensy print say something like "with $40 order". So, essentially shipping is not really free since the large print giveth and the small print taketh away.

The NCL offer is similar. The UBP is free but ...

[Demonyte]

"Free" cruises (like ones given out on every cruise in the bingo final) also result in the passenger paying taxes, fees and service charges.

[abe3]

Do they designate how much is in each category, and how much goes to the server ??

 

 

 

More of NCL ambiguity and it still doesn't excuse their advertising it as free when they are adding charges. Regardless of what they call the additional charges.

 

 

Does it matter how the money is distributed? I don't think the salaries of crew members is any of our business.

 

You see many things advertised as free but then you have additional charges added to it. Just watch your tv when they offer another item free but pay separate shipping and handling/processing

Edited September 12, 2015 by abe3

[NLH Arizona]

Does it matter how the money is distributed? I don't think the salaries of crew members is any of our business.

 

Wonder if folks when staying at hotels that have resort fees, demand to know where those dollars are going? As long as the crew is satisfied, then there is no reason to question where the money goes. If NCL wasn't paying the crew a rate similar to other cruise lines, they wouldn't have any excellent, long time staff members like the have on their ships. Where the money goes is NCL's business.

 

If someone has to know where the gratuities/DSC/service charges go, there are many lines that do publish where there's go (or at least we think that what they publish is the truth, maybe not, who knows) and they would be happy to take anyone's vacation dollars.

Edited September 12, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[swedish weave]

Does it matter how the money is distributed? I don't think the salaries of crew members is any of our business.

 

You see many things advertised as free but then you have additional charges added to it. Just watch your tv when they offer another item free but pay separate shipping and handling/processing

 

The crew salaries are not in question here. It is the gratuities and the definition of the word gratuities that are questionable.

 

Ads by other companies are also not part of this question.

 

Can I be required to pay gratuities to NCL, and if so, can I expect to be informed about how the money is distributed?

Edited September 12, 2015 by swedish weave

[abe3]

The crew salaries are not in question here. It is the gratuities and the definition of the word gratuities that are questionable.

 

 

 

Ads by other companies are also not part of this question.

 

 

 

Can I be required to pay gratuities, and if so, can I expect to be informed about how the money is distributed?

 

 

Why would you care how the money is distributed? Do you question every restaurant when you tip to make sure who gets what?

[swedish weave]

Why would you care how the money is distributed? Do you question every restaurant when you tip to make sure who gets what?

 

Can you answer my questions ?? If not, I will await someone who can.

Edited September 12, 2015 by swedish weave

[abe3]

Can you answer my questions ?? If not, I will await someone who can.

 

The meaning of gratuities is easy. It's a tip given to someone or a group of people that render service. On NCL it is a group of people that take part for the 18% fee. Do I know how NCL distributes it? No. But do I care what they do with the gratuities? No. DO I know how other places (restaurants, hotels, etc) handle their gratuities when given? NO. And do I care how it is distributed? No.

 

Maybe NCL changed the pay structure for their employees that is why they added the 18% gratuity? Maybe they think waiters and others have been stiffed by cheap people reducing their DSC fee? Who knows? I don't really care what other people do with their money just like I don't care how a company pays their employees and how much they get from whatever source they are getting it from. Thats a personal matter between NCL and their employees.

 

You can adjust like others say on here the DSC fee if you like too to compensate for people thinking they are getting double charged. I will not reduce my DSC fee and I will pay the 18%, which I have no problem with. When I go to a resort I pay the DSC fee and I also do tip on top at restaurants, bars, etc and it is usually above the 18% anyways.

 

Now will you answer my question. Do you call NCL or another cruise line when the price drops and demand some type of compensation? Or do you honor your original booking price?

[swedish weave]

The meaning of gratuities is easy. It's a tip given to someone or a group of people that render service. On NCL it is a group of people that take part for the 18% fee. Do I know how NCL distributes it? No. But do I care what they do with the gratuities? No. DO I know how other places (restaurants, hotels, etc) handle their gratuities when given? NO. And do I care how it is distributed? No.

 

Maybe NCL changed the pay structure for their employees that is why they added the 18% gratuity? Maybe they think waiters and others have been stiffed by cheap people reducing their DSC fee? Who knows? I don't really care what other people do with their money just like I don't care how a company pays their employees and how much they get from whatever source they are getting it from. Thats a personal matter between NCL and their employees.

 

You can adjust like others say on here the DSC fee if you like too to compensate for people thinking they are getting double charged. I will not reduce my DSC fee and I will pay the 18%, which I have no problem with. When I go to a resort I pay the DSC fee and I also do tip on top at restaurants, bars, etc and it is usually above the 18% anyways.

 

Now will you answer my question. Do you call NCL or another cruise line when the price drops and demand some type of compensation? Or do you honor your original booking price?

 

Much rhetoric, but still not answering the questions I asked.

[JMorris271]

Your number is very close to what I was getting pp/pd. Around $10. A very good perk for sure.

My accounting was wrong about the 13% service charge .

I understand what you are saying about that taxes and service charges are not included and are always there. Now that I know we have police here, I will watch my choice of words better.

 

Thank you so very much for pointing out that I may skip the Free Drink perk if the policy bothers me. I never considered that.

I do consider all taxes and service charges an expense and that is my freedom I believe.