Rare MicCanberra Posted September 19, 2016 #26 Share Posted September 19, 2016 a little 'bit' off the gratuities tag..... but sticking with the extras.... with RCL.... we're off to Vietnam in a few weeks (HK to Singapore on the Voyager) - and I emailed them a week or so ago about the 'visa' cost.... ... two emails back saying that 'someone' is looking at it.. and nothing since. A simple question not answered. ... and news stories that the cost is $U5 from Vietnam sources.... one HOPES that RCL aren't going to take us for a ride on this !!! (anyone on what the actual visa cost is - considering we are returning to the ship each night ???)( I do not know what the situation is for cruises, but we will be going to Vietnam in October/ November for a 2 week tour and our visas were $85 AUD per person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mr walker Posted September 19, 2016 #27 Share Posted September 19, 2016 shireboi, believe or not some of us actually enjoy the RC experience and are aware and accept the model on how it works - cruisefare, T&G's, US$ onboard, dining options, additional costs for 'not-included' options, no self-serve laundries etc. I have travelled a lot to Vietnam (not cruising) - a single entry visa was $65, and I had to arrange myself, or PAY a TA to do it ie ferry my passport to & fro. You seem to suggest that RC should be offering a 'Formula 1' hotel type option to suit you. That is not the RC model, nor indeed any of the cruiselines that I am aware of. Yes, on some the cruisefare 'includes' service charges, but you still can't get a discount by making your own bed. You have chosen the wrong cruiseline. I would cut my losses and cancel, as you seem determined not to have a good time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shireboi Posted September 19, 2016 #28 Share Posted September 19, 2016 I do not know what the situation is for cruises, but we will be going to Vietnam in October/ November for a 2 week tour and our visas were $85 AUD per person. i've found this http://www.vietnamvisaonentry.com/vietnam-visa-guide/reducing-visa-fee-for-cruise-ship-passengers-from-45-to-5-per-pax/ http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/38943/Visa-fee-for-cruise-passengers-back-to-US$5-per-pax.html anyway - see what happens :) (and will update this site accordingly !) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shireboi Posted September 19, 2016 #29 Share Posted September 19, 2016 (edited) You have chosen the wrong cruiseline. I would cut my losses and cancel, as you seem determined not to have a good time. please don't advise me on 'what' to do or what I will find 'good' or not - I find that rather rude and poor forum to do that on a forum (as well as the word YOU several times !) - aren't consumers allowed to have a view or opinion anymore ? Edited September 19, 2016 by shireboi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted September 19, 2016 #30 Share Posted September 19, 2016 i've found this http://www.vietnamvisaonentry.com/vietnam-visa-guide/reducing-visa-fee-for-cruise-ship-passengers-from-45-to-5-per-pax/ http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/38943/Visa-fee-for-cruise-passengers-back-to-US$5-per-pax.html anyway - see what happens :) (and will update this site accordingly !) Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mr walker Posted September 20, 2016 #31 Share Posted September 20, 2016 please don't advise me on 'what' to do or what I will find 'good' or not - I find that rather rude to do that on a forum Hey that's funny - must be a glitch on the forum software. When I clicked "quote" to reply, it brought up the whole pre-edited response you wrote & not the one that appeared when you posted. I have now edited it to match. Anyway, clearly we have nothing of interest to one another so I'll move on - I will see more more of your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted September 20, 2016 #32 Share Posted September 20, 2016 with RCL.... we're off to Vietnam in a few weeks (HK to Singapore on the Voyager) - and I emailed them a week or so ago about the 'visa' cost.... ... two emails back saying that 'someone' is looking at it.. and nothing since. A simple question not answered. I wouldn't say it is simple. This is not administered here, so they wouldn't have information on it. They would have to reach out to the relevant person, may not have direct details, and with time zones and different leave arrangements may take time to get a reply. ... and news stories that the cost is $U5 from Vietnam sources.... one HOPES that RCL aren't going to take us for a ride on this !!! (anyone on what the actual visa cost is - considering we are returning to the ship each night ???)( If it's any better deal than doing it yourself, especially as you're saving a lot of time and hassle as well, it'd be beneficial to you. Visa arrangements are not the responsibility of the cruise line though in limited ports they can arrange visas as well, but if so, it doesn't mean that they have to do the work for free, since it's extra work for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jspqld Posted September 20, 2016 #33 Share Posted September 20, 2016 shireboi, believe or not some of us actually enjoy the RC experience and are aware and accept the model on how it works - cruisefare, T&G's, US$ onboard, dining options, additional costs for 'not-included' options, no self-serve laundries etc. Totally agree. I love sailing on Royal, I also enjoy sailing on carnival and others. I appreciate each Line in different ways, But I always respect the rules and ways of doing things of each Line. When I price a cruise with Royal, I always price up fare, grats, etc, and even convert $ if booking overseas. Then I know the true total cost and decide from there whether to book or not. I cannot believe how many people get there knickers all in a knot about the way Royal do things, eg Grats. There are other options out there! No different than flying with Qantas & Jetstar. Both will get you from A to B, just a different process of booking and flight experience! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSWP Posted September 20, 2016 #34 Share Posted September 20, 2016 If you want some entertainment, go over to Princess board and read the ding dong battle on the latest Gratuity thread. I ran out of popcorn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSWP Posted September 20, 2016 #35 Share Posted September 20, 2016 On our QM2 cruise 2 March, Syd-HK, Cunard quotes US$31 as the on board visa fee. So am I right in reading it has reduced to $5 ? another couple of G & T's pleesh, Mr Waiter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted September 20, 2016 #36 Share Posted September 20, 2016 If you want some entertainment, go over to Princess board and read the ding dong battle on the latest Gratuity thread. I ran out of popcorn. Maybe worth a read, said no one ever.:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisine21 Posted September 20, 2016 #37 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Maybe worth a read, said no one ever.:p Definitely worth reading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyren Posted September 20, 2016 #38 Share Posted September 20, 2016 a little 'bit' off the gratuities tag..... but sticking with the extras.... with RCL.... we're off to Vietnam in a few weeks (HK to Singapore on the Voyager) - and I emailed them a week or so ago about the 'visa' cost.... ... two emails back saying that 'someone' is looking at it.. and nothing since. A simple question not answered. ... and news stories that the cost is $U5 from Vietnam sources.... one HOPES that RCL aren't going to take us for a ride on this !!! (anyone on what the actual visa cost is - considering we are returning to the ship each night ???)( RCL charged us $5 USD last year when we stopped in Vietnam on Quantum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shireboi Posted September 20, 2016 #39 Share Posted September 20, 2016 (edited) On our QM2 cruise 2 March, Syd-HK, Cunard quotes US$31 as the on board visa fee. So am I right in reading it has reduced to $5 ? another couple of G & T's pleesh, Mr Waiter. RCL charged us $5 USD last year when we stopped in Vietnam on Quantum. your answer.. since you are stopping in HCMC as well.... and many thanks to woodyren ... and there's a few more G&Ts to spare !!! If you want some entertainment, go over to Princess board and read the ding dong battle on the latest Gratuity thread. I ran out of popcorn. was gratuity 'added' to that popcorn ???? :) Edited September 20, 2016 by shireboi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted September 20, 2016 #40 Share Posted September 20, 2016 If you want some entertainment, go over to Princess board and read the ding dong battle on the latest Gratuity thread. I ran out of popcorn. What's the update? Another rise there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mr walker Posted September 20, 2016 #41 Share Posted September 20, 2016 What's the update? Another rise there? Been fairly quiet from my look in over there. Recent 'highlight' was a poster asking Brisbane41 "BTW, do you know an australian who used to post here as 'Karateman'?" ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted September 20, 2016 #42 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Been fairly quiet from my look in over there. Recent 'highlight' was a poster asking Brisbane41 "BTW, do you know an australian who used to post here as 'Karateman'?" ;) LOL, yeah, the next one will be the Pheonix.:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tillydog Posted September 20, 2016 #43 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Been fairly quiet from my look in over there. Recent 'highlight' was a poster asking Brisbane41 "BTW, do you know an australian who used to post here as 'Karateman'?" ;) Funnily enough 'Karateman' came to mind when I read 'Shireboi's posts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Kruzer Posted September 20, 2016 #44 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Haven't heard from Sutho for a while either...;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted September 20, 2016 #45 Share Posted September 20, 2016 What's the update? Another rise there? Yep, but wouldn't matter all tipping threads end the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shireboi Posted September 20, 2016 #46 Share Posted September 20, 2016 (edited) Funnily enough 'Karateman' came to mind when I read 'Shireboi's posts! Obviously we ALL have opinions - can you maybe keep the name calling down a bit. I come into various forums on various topics to find info, learn info, and provide stuff that I know of ... but when they get into 'naming' - then it becomes a bit like Whirlpool - where it becomes easy just to give up - due to their over-moderation !! Edited September 20, 2016 by shireboi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Big_M Posted September 21, 2016 #47 Share Posted September 21, 2016 Obviously we ALL have opinions - can you maybe keep the name calling down a bit. I come into various forums on various topics to find info, learn info, and provide stuff that I know of ... but when they get into 'naming' - then it becomes a bit like Whirlpool - where it becomes easy just to give up - due to their over-moderation !! I wouldn't say Whirlpool is over moderated. It just has a clear list of rules and deletions are visible - whereas on many forums posts get mysteriously deleted but there's no visibility so unless you already read the thread and remember all the posts you'd have no idea anything has been deleted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs and mrs Posted September 21, 2016 #48 Share Posted September 21, 2016 (edited) If you want some entertainment, go over to Princess board and read the ding dong battle on the latest Gratuity thread. I ran out of popcorn. yep and people fighting at having to pay an extra $1.10 a day.Unbeleivable. and a bit distressing to boot Edited September 21, 2016 by mrs and mrs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted September 21, 2016 #49 Share Posted September 21, 2016 yep and people fighting at having to pay an extra $1.10 a day.Unbeleivable.and a bit distressing to boot What I find strange is if I go over there and say "Hey I remove all tips" I will be called all sorts of names, but then some of the same people are over there talking about how to avoid $1 a day extra, can anyone spell H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.S.Y. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted September 21, 2016 #50 Share Posted September 21, 2016 What I find strange is if I go over there and say "Hey I remove all tips" I will be called all sorts of names, but then some of the same people are over there talking about how to avoid $1 a day extra, can anyone spell H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.S.Y. That thought occurred to me also. :D If they feel that removing all tips is "stiffing the crew", then surely, trying to pay a lesser amount is also stiffing the crew - although to a lesser degree. :D By the way, I believe that passengers should pay the auto-tips on ships where this operates because the waiters/stewards' pay scale is set on the assumption they will also get part of the tips pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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