Service expectations on ncl?

[phillygwm]

On 11/28/2023 at 10:54 AM, Liljo22 said:

I ended up upgrading to FAS+.  Was already planning to upgrade my internet and probably another just so I don't come home to a $600 phone bill again.  Already had three specialty dining booked and planned on buying a couple of excursions that were priced the same with NCL as private.  This all made the price to upgrade the drink package workable.  

I've upgraded to FAS+ on my last 3-4 cruises.  For me, as a solo, it's $42/day.  I'm going to get the unlimited Internet and upgrade my dining anyway so the question becomes whether premium bevs are worth it.  I do not drink fancy liquors and, while I like a Chimay or a better glass of wine once in a while, if that's all it was I'd rather pay the incremental few bucks for that.  But I DO like Pellegrino and Starbucks and drink enough of those to tip the balance.  

 

Not saying there's a "right" or "wrong" answer because if your preferences are different than mine it could change the calculus.

[PATRLR]

2 hours ago, pete_coach said:

When you tip extra for a drink (as 20% is already added), it does not go to the bartender (unless you leave cash). There is no name on the bill, it just goes into the gratuity pool that all gratuities go into.

I think that the bartender notices but, it does not go to him/her, it goes to the giant tip pot.

On NCL, even if you leave the bartender cash, it doesn't go direct to the bartender.  It gets put into a pool.  I once saw a guy who was hanging at the Vibe all week hand each server an envelope that I assumed had cash in it.  Each server too the envelop and added it to a pile next to the cash register (didn't even open it). 

How that pool is split, I don't know (I've heard it gets split amongst those who work that specific bar, but I can't be sure).

 

2 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

I always remember a quote my dad told me that was originally by PT Barnum: "A fool and his money are soon parted." In short, if people can be suckered into parting with their money, they will be.

Referring to people who use delivery services as fools and suckers is kind of a broad brush.  I agree in that I seldom (never?) use them for personal use.  I'll order direct from a restaurant and go pick it up if I have to.   

I often use those on-line services when on travel and find the services to be worth every penny.  Of course, it's not always my penny, but, paying $10-$15 to get food delivered to my hotel room so I can work in the evening is a rather smart expense with very good ROI.

[DCGuy64]

18 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

Referring to people who use delivery services as fools and suckers is kind of a broad brush.  I agree in that I seldom (never?) use them for personal use.  I'll order direct from a restaurant and go pick it up if I have to.   

I often use those on-line services when on travel and find the services to be worth every penny.  Of course, it's not always my penny, but, paying $10-$15 to get food delivered to my hotel room so I can work in the evening is a rather smart expense with very good ROI.

Overpaying for any service is foolish, and I won't back down from that statement, period. For clarification's sake, however, I will say that I am referring to people who are just basically lazy and won't get in the car for a 5-minute drive to pick up fast food, but then have the audacity to complain about being price-gouged. This is in reference to people having food delivered TO THEIR HOMES. I agree with you that being on a business trip in a hotel is somewhat different, since there's an opportunity cost involved. But I frankly have no patience for anyone who whines about being charged 2x for a Big Mac because he doesn't want to drive 1/2 a mile to the nearest McD's. We occasionally do order pizza to be delivered, but we price-shop, use coupons and find deals. However, I usually prefer to pick the pizza up myself because no delivery fee nor tip, and the food is hotter that way.

[dbrown84]

2 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

Great point! So, even those who don't pay the 20% as part of the package, end up paying it each time they order a drink (on TOP of any additional cash tip they choose to leave). I need to buy stock in NCLH!

there are those (like me) who drink in the casino.  they don't charge any pre-paid gratuities, so when we get our drinks, it's an actual zero cost drink.  Not counting the gambling losses 🙂  

[RocketMan275]

16 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

there are those (like me) who drink in the casino.  they don't charge any pre-paid gratuities, so when we get our drinks, it's an actual zero cost drink.  Not counting the gambling losses 🙂  

Nothing is 'zero' cost.

You're still paying for it as a part of  your gambling losses.  

Those 'free drinks' are an incentive to gamble more and lose more.

 

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, PATRLR said:

On NCL, even if you leave the bartender cash, it doesn't go direct to the bartender.  It gets put into a pool.  I once saw a guy who was hanging at the Vibe all week hand each server an envelope that I assumed had cash in it.  Each server too the envelop and added it to a pile next to the cash register (didn't even open it). 

How that pool is split, I don't know (I've heard it gets split amongst those who work that specific bar, but I can't be sure).

That's a fairly common practice at many bars. 

It's usually divided at the end of the shift.

I know my club has a 'tip' jar on the bar.  If  you give tips directly to a server/tender, they put it in the jar.  I've never asked how it's split, none of my business.  BTW, my club has an automatic 15% gratuity. I still contribute to the tip jar.

[DCGuy64]

2 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Nothing is 'zero' cost.

You're still paying for it as a part of  your gambling losses.  

Those 'free drinks' are an incentive to gamble more and lose more.

 

Right? Same thing I was thinking.

[RocketMan275]

1 minute ago, DCGuy64 said:

Right? Same thing I was thinking.

As I've said many time. The quickest way to make a sale is to convince the buyer that he's getting something for 'free'.

[mjkacmom]

1 hour ago, Daruma said:

 

Ok, let's be clear here... I'm not a stingy tipper... every food delivery we get, (pizza, Chinese, etc... just not through DoorDash, but the restaurant's own delivery service), I tip between $10 to $15 even though 20% would be closer to $5 or $6. I've often been told that I  was the best tip of the day.

 

In a normal, sit down, wait staff restaurant, assuming adequate service, I tip 20% + $1 rounded up to the next dollar, and that's on the full TAXED amount. 

 

So,  a bill of $26.53 INCLUDING tax would get a $7 tip. Technically, tipping 20% on the UNTAXED amount would be, (7% sales tax here in FL), would be $4.95... so I'm actually tipping 28%.

 

My issue with DoorDash, (not counting this tip issue), as I mentioned above, is that the, say $5 burger from the place, is $6 or $7 through DoorDash, THEN you add a delivery/convenience fee, THEN you add a tip, and if the driver doesn't like the tip, they might not take the delivery? No, thanks... again  forgetting the tip issue... the added cost to the price PLUS the delivery/convenience fee puts it out of my considered "worth it" assessment. 

 

 

Heck there is no way I’m paying for DoorDash either, fortunately there are plenty of places that offer free delivery here. But the drivers don’t get those extra fees, they know they are working for tips, they’re like independent contractors and are free to accept or not accept what is offered to do a job. I used instacart a lot during Covid, same concept, I made sure to tip well and my orders were done quickly. It’s a win/win.

[PATRLR]

9 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

It's usually divided at the end of the shift.

Yeah, that is my hope, but I wouldn't put it past NCL or any of the mass market lines to force some sort of department or even ship wide pooling.  I also acknowledge we may never know for sure.

Edited November 30, 2023 by PATRLR

[RocketMan275]

3 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

That's a fairly common practice at many bars. 

It's usually divided at the end of the shift.

I know my club has a 'tip' jar on the bar.  If  you give tips directly to a server/tender, they put it in the jar.  I've never asked how it's split, none of my business.  BTW, my club has an automatic 15% gratuity. I still contribute to the tip jar.

BTW, my club has an automatic gratuity as part of their desire to avoid having the servers handle cash.  You cannot pay cash for anything at the club.  Since the servers don't handle cash, they cannot 'skim'.  (the tip jar is an exception since that is over and above the standard gratutity).

 

Funny thing, we had several members complain vigorously about the no-cash policy.  They wanted to put one drink on their tab and then pay cash for the rest. Seems they didn't want their wives to know how much they were drinking. "But honey, see I only drank one beer."

 

Had a similar experience when I commanded a national guard company.  The NG instituted a mandatory bank deposit for guard pay.  Some members didn't want their wives to see how much they were paid.   Some just kept back some cash when they cashed their check.  Some convinced their wives that NG was voluntary and they kept it all.  Even had a few who convicned their wives that being in the guard was like joining a club, you had to pay dues.

[RocketMan275]

2 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

Yeah, that is my hope, but I wouldn't put it past NCL or any of the mass market lines to force some sort of department or even ship wide pooling.  I also acknowledge we may never know for sure.

Don't only blame NCL.  

Our government is  a part of that .  They're trying to do away with cash tips given directly to servers so they can ensure that cash is taxed.  

[PATRLR]

10 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Don't only blame NCL.  

Our government is  a part of that .  They're trying to do away with cash tips given directly to servers so they can ensure that cash is taxed.  

I understand that point, but the fact that the staff doesn't pay income taxes to the US Government is probably the biggest reason I doubt the US government is involved.

[dbrown84]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

Nothing is 'zero' cost.

You're still paying for it as a part of  your gambling losses.  

Those 'free drinks' are an incentive to gamble more and lose more.

 

clearly, you didn't read my post.  but that's ok, stick with your snarky remarks which doesn't pertain to what you're commenting on

[SoloAlaska]

3 hours ago, DCGuy64 said:

Overpaying for any service is foolish, and I won't back down from that statement, period. For clarification's sake, however, I will say that I am referring to people who are just basically lazy and won't get in the car for a 5-minute drive to pick up fast food, but then have the audacity to complain about being price-gouged. This is in reference to people having food delivered TO THEIR HOMES. I agree with you that being on a business trip in a hotel is somewhat different, since there's an opportunity cost involved. But I frankly have no patience for anyone who whines about being charged 2x for a Big Mac because he doesn't want to drive 1/2 a mile to the nearest McD's. We occasionally do order pizza to be delivered, but we price-shop, use coupons and find deals. However, I usually prefer to pick the pizza up myself because no delivery fee nor tip, and the food is hotter that way.

You may believe they are lazy but these services do help keep people from drinking and driving. What about those who don’t have a car or aren’t mobile or a single parent with a sleeping kid. If it’s late in the evening and I’m a solo woman on a business trip in a new city it’s not a bad idea to order food online for delivery to my hotel. I don’t know where is safe necessarily in the area and for example in downtown Chicago I was told by the hotel to not walk outside the hotel at night. At home I never use these services. To say just drive to pick up comes from a place of privilege.

[DCGuy64]

11 minutes ago, SoloAlaska said:

You may believe they are lazy but these services do help keep people from drinking and driving. What about those who don’t have a car or aren’t mobile or a single parent with a sleeping kid. If it’s late in the evening and I’m a solo woman on a business trip in a new city it’s not a bad idea to order food online for delivery to my hotel. I don’t know where is safe necessarily in the area and for example in downtown Chicago I was told by the hotel to not walk outside the hotel at night. At home I never use these services. To say just drive to pick up comes from a place of privilege.

🤣

[Daruma]

8 minutes ago, SoloAlaska said:

You may believe they are lazy but these services do help keep people from drinking and driving. What about those who don’t have a car or aren’t mobile or a single parent with a sleeping kid. If it’s late in the evening and I’m a solo woman on a business trip in a new city it’s not a bad idea to order food online for delivery to my hotel. I don’t know where is safe necessarily in the area and for example in downtown Chicago I was told by the hotel to not walk outside the hotel at night. At home I never use these services. To say just drive to pick up comes from a place of privilege.

 

While your point is valid, I don't think that he was referring to your subset as being lazy... he was commenting on "lazy" ... the, "I could go out but I'm too lazy to do so" people... people regardless of situation. 

 

Being someone who doesn't drink alcohol, and who, (based on the obsession with alcohol on this forum), already thinks the vast majority on this forum are functional alcoholics... I won't comment on the, "keeping people from drinking and driving," comment... you'd think 3 or 4 brain cells should be enough for that, lol.

[DCGuy64]

5 minutes ago, Daruma said:

 

While your point is valid, I don't think that he was referring to your subset as being lazy... he was commenting on "lazy" ... the, "I could go out but I'm too lazy to do so" people... people regardless of situation. 

 

Being someone who doesn't drink alcohol, and who, (based on the obsession with alcohol on this forum), already thinks the vast majority on this forum are functional alcoholics... I won't comment on the, "keeping people from drinking and driving," comment... you'd think 3 or 4 brain cells should be enough for that, lol.

Correct on all points. I chose to refrain from commenting directly toward that person because he/she was grasping at straws... But you are 100% correct, both in what I meant and in inferring that anyone with a functioning brain should know better than to drink and drive. Well said.

[SoloAlaska]

9 minutes ago, Daruma said:

 

While your point is valid, I don't think that he was referring to your subset as being lazy... he was commenting on "lazy" ... the, "I could go out but I'm too lazy to do so" people... people regardless of situation. 

 

Being someone who doesn't drink alcohol, and who, (based on the obsession with alcohol on this forum), already thinks the vast majority on this forum are functional alcoholics... I won't comment on the, "keeping people from drinking and driving," comment... you'd think 3 or 4 brain cells should be enough for that, lol.

The only reason I said this is because I’ve seen it. It’s not the people who are visibly drunk that I am referring to but the people who maybe had 2-3 drinks and think they are fine. There are countries and states/provinces that 0.05 (or less even) is considered drunk driving and a one strong beer can get you to blow that even.

[DCGuy64]

19 minutes ago, Daruma said:

While your point is valid, I don't think that he was referring to your subset as being lazy... he was commenting on "lazy" ... the, "I could go out but I'm too lazy to do so" people... people regardless of situation. 

Also, I know from personal experience that grocery stores do home delivery, and even with a modest delivery fee, it's STILL far cheaper than ordering fast food from UberEats, Grubhub, DoorDash, etc. Cooking your own food is always cheaper (assuming you're not eating truffles and filet mignon, of course), and even people with kids and/or those who've had too many, can get groceries delivered. Yes, even in Chicago.

[SoloAlaska]

1 minute ago, DCGuy64 said:

Also, I know from personal experience that grocery stores do home delivery, and even with a modest delivery fee, it's STILL far cheaper than ordering fast food from UberEats, Grubhub, DoorDash, etc. Cooking your own food is always cheaper (assuming you're not eating truffles and filet mignon, of course), and even people with kids and/or those who've had too many, can get groceries delivered. Yes, even in Chicago.

Haha ok so one should order from a grocery store to hotel room at 10 pm after a long day of work and do what… make ramen noodles because it’s cheap? Life isn’t always about saving a buck but sometimes we treat ourselves. It’s not just about food. It’s about a bowl of hot soup when you’re feeling unwell far from home. It’s about trying a local restaurant even when you just want to stay in your PJs.

 

Life is about more than saving a dollar sometimes. People who pay for the convenience of food delivery are making that choice. That doesn’t make them lazy. If they complain about the price then you can call them foolish because they knew what they were paying for.

[Daruma]

3 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

... Cooking your own food is always cheaper....

 

But not necessarily safer... if I were to cook for you, your risk of being rushed to the hospital increases 10 fold, lol.

 

Fortunately for my wife and son, she does the cooking, lol.

[Daruma]

8 minutes ago, SoloAlaska said:

Haha ok so one should order from a grocery store to hotel room at 10 pm after a long day of work and do what… make ramen noodles because it’s cheap? Life isn’t always about saving a buck but sometimes we treat ourselves. It’s not just about food. It’s about a bowl of hot soup when you’re feeling unwell far from home. It’s about trying a local restaurant even when you just want to stay in your PJs.

 

Life is about more than saving a dollar sometimes. People who pay for the convenience of food delivery are making that choice. That doesn’t make them lazy. If they complain about the price then you can call them foolish because they knew what they were paying for.

 

I get ya... remember I didn't say that I don't ever order delivery, I just never order DoorDash delivery because the money they add to the price of the dish PLUS the delivery/convenience fee PLUS the tip makes it an untenable proposition TO ME.

 

I'd rather just order delivery from the restaurant directly, pay their regular price and tip, and be happy saving that $4 - $8 or so dollars for the exact SAME dish from that SAME restaurant. 

 

But I do 100% order delivery at times because I am being lazy, lol.

Edited November 30, 2023 by Daruma

[SoloAlaska]

Just now, Daruma said:

 

I get ya... remember I didn't say that I don't ever order delivery, I just never order DoorDash delivery because the money they add to the price of the dish PLUS the delivery/convenience fee PLUS the tip nakes it an untenable proposition TO ME.

 

I'd rather just order delivery from the restaurant directly, pay their regular price and tip, and be happy saving that $4 - $8 or so dollars for the exact SAME dish from that SAME restaurant. 

 

But I do 100% order delivery at times because I am being lazy, lol.

If I’m home and order (rarely) I always order directly (when possible) but if I’m travelling I’ll sometimes use UberEats.

[yakcruiser]

I can tell the younger posters from the older ones just by their responses to this thread. But seriously, I think it's more than just this thread. Younger folks look at things differently than us older folks. Not better or worse, just differently.