Why does Carnival charge a gratuity for mini-bar items?

[StuartLittle]

cruise.................2000.

parking.................140.

bar bill..................600 includes the 15%.

tips......................250 auto and xtra bar tips.

casino................1000.

gas.......................50.

board cat.............140.

precruise..............300 hotel, dinner.

 

total.................4480.

 

2 $7.00 drinks each in room= $28.00 per day X 7 days = $196 + $4480 = $4676.

15% of $196 = $29.40/ $4676.00= 00.00629 of the total.

 

4 drinks per day would be an above average use of the mini bar, yet the total is 6 tenths of a percentage point of your total cruise.

 

4 Cokes a day would be about $8.00 total for the 15% for the cruise, or less than 2 tenths of a single percent of the total.

 

Swallow Elephants, choke on gnats,

Penny wise, Pound Foolish.

sound familiar?

 

What did Billy say? Much Ado About Nothing?

 

You'd think for the $300 hotel you would have been able to get free parking and take a shuttle.

 

Just because you prefer to waste money doesn't prove anything, except perhaps that you're a bit careless with your money.

 

Oh, and it looks as if you aren't a very good gambler either. :D

[nolaAlive]

You may call me whatever you wish Nola. It speaks volumes. LOL :cool:

 

Voices in the head, again?:p

[lovesublime]

I'm the op and thus far no one has commented on my comment that I perceive the 15% fee as a type of punitive charge. It's as if Carnival is saying 'go ahead and help yourself to the mini-bar, but if you do.....' Does Carnival really not want to sell as many of those drinks as possible?

 

For clarification, our first CCL cruise was on Spirit and there was a placard in the room listing the mini-bar prices. I never noticed the fine print at the bottom. After that cruise, we never even looked at our S&S statement. Our second CCL cruise was on Conquest and there wasn't even a price list in the room AT ALL. That was fine because our previous cruise was less than 6 months previous and we already knew the prices of the mini-bar items. No big deal.

 

For some reason, I decided to look over our Conquest statement (it was very high) just to make sure everything was on the up and up. It was, but I did note that the mini-bar items had the added 15% gratuity. Yes, it is listed as a gratuity. I thought it was odd to charge a gratuity for self-serve drinks. Later on and out of curiosity, I pulled out our memento box from our previous Spirit cruise only months earlier. I found the S&S statement and it also had the same 15% "gratuity" for in cabin mini-bar items. I'm just wondering why? and who gets the 15%? I find it odd, but maybe it's just me. AND, I"M NOT CHEAP!!!

[StuartLittle]

I'm the op and thus far no one has commented on my comment that I perceive the 15% fee as a type of punitive charge. It's as if Carnival is saying 'go ahead and help yourself to the mini-bar, but if you do.....' Does Carnival really not want to sell as many of those drinks as possible?

 

For clarification, our first CCL cruise was on Spirit and there was a placard in the room listing the mini-bar prices. I never noticed the fine print at the bottom. After that cruise, we never even looked at our S&S statement. Our second CCL cruise was on Conquest and there wasn't even a price list in the room AT ALL. That was fine because our previous cruise was less than 6 months previous and we already knew the prices of the mini-bar items. No big deal.

 

For some reason, I decided to look over our Conquest statement (it was very high) just to make sure everything was on the up and up. It was, but I did note that the mini-bar items had the added 15% gratuity. Yes, it is listed as a gratuity. I thought it was odd to charge a gratuity for self-serve drinks. Later on and out of curiosity, I pulled out our memento box from our previous Spirit cruise only months earlier. I found the S&S statement and it also had the same 15% "gratuity" for in cabin mini-bar items. I'm just wondering why? and who gets the 15%? I find it odd, but maybe it's just me. AND, I"M NOT CHEAP!!!

 

I agree 100%. Is it a gratuity or a restocking fee? Why not just be clear about it?

[katiel53]

I'm the op and thus far no one has commented on my comment that I perceive the 15% fee as a type of punitive charge. It's as if Carnival is saying 'go ahead and help yourself to the mini-bar, but if you do.....' Does Carnival really not want to sell as many of those drinks as possible?

 

For clarification, our first CCL cruise was on Spirit and there was a placard in the room listing the mini-bar prices. I never noticed the fine print at the bottom. After that cruise, we never even looked at our S&S statement. Our second CCL cruise was on Conquest and there wasn't even a price list in the room AT ALL. That was fine because our previous cruise was less than 6 months previous and we already knew the prices of the mini-bar items. No big deal.

 

For some reason, I decided to look over our Conquest statement (it was very high) just to make sure everything was on the up and up. It was, but I did note that the mini-bar items had the added 15% gratuity. Yes, it is listed as a gratuity. I thought it was odd to charge a gratuity for self-serve drinks. Later on and out of curiosity, I pulled out our memento box from our previous Spirit cruise only months earlier. I found the S&S statement and it also had the same 15% "gratuity" for in cabin mini-bar items. I'm just wondering why? and who gets the 15%? I find it odd, but maybe it's just me. AND, I"M NOT CHEAP!!!

 

I don't know who gets the 15% but to answer your question, I feel it is charged because all drinks at the bars charge 15% gratuity and if they didn't charge the same 15% cruisers would be buying all their drinks from the mini-bar instead of out and about in the bars. And if you think I am blowing smoke, look at all the people who smuggle their own booze and bring it up on deck and wherever they feel they can get away with it.

 

I agree with the posters who said the "restocking" fee has no place to be printed on the S&S so it's called a gratuity. To me, if I want a coke, I pay the price, I am not haggling (and I am not saying you are, but others are) about 15%.

 

My family drinks Pepsi, so we bring it onboard. No problems with the mini-bar. I do have to say last cruise we ran out so my husband bought some from the mini-bar. No big deal. Same price as a bar and he didn't have to leave the room to get it.

 

I can't wait until all tips, gratuities, restocking fees are set up as non-refundable service charges. Hotels have them and they can't be removed, and some cruise lines are leaning in that direction. My only problem with that is that service suffers in some aspects, but with so many people being cheap, and complaining about everything tip related, I look forward to the day it is how things are. I know my view isn't popular, but those who are cheap will have to pay so the rest of us don't make up for them. (OP, I am NOT talking about you. I know you just asked a question, but others are what make me think like I do) JMO.

[nolaAlive]

I agree 100%. Is it a gratuity or a restocking fee? Why not just be clear about it?

 

Does it matter? That was not part of the original post.

 

It is an additional service provided not related to the basic minimums - replacing towels, toilet paper, etc. and is well documented on the stateroom menu.

[nolaAlive]

I'm the op and thus far no one has commented on my comment that I perceive the 15% fee as a type of punitive charge. It's as if Carnival is saying 'go ahead and help yourself to the mini-bar, but if you do.....' Does Carnival really not want to sell as many of those drinks as possible?

 

 

It is not punitive. Carnival is providing an additional service which you can choose to use or not.

 

If you are drinking in your closet, you are not out and about on the ship coming in contact with other potential revenue sources such as bingo, casino, etc.

 

The 15% is really a charge for allowing you the pleasure of serving yourself.

 

I don't think Carnival really cares where you do your drinking, but is going to be consistent on the price you pay for doing so. No discounts for self-service.

[lovesublime]

I don't know who gets the 15% but to answer your question, I feel it is charged because all drinks at the bars charge 15% gratuity and if they didn't charge the same 15% cruisers would be buying all their drinks from the mini-bar instead of out and about in the bars. And if you think I am blowing smoke, look at all the people who smuggle their own booze and bring it up on deck and wherever they feel they can get away with it.

 

I agree with the posters who said the "restocking" fee has no place to be printed on the S&S so it's called a gratuity. To me, if I want a coke, I pay the price, I am not haggling (and I am not saying you are, but others are) about 15%.

 

My family drinks Pepsi, so we bring it onboard. No problems with the mini-bar. I do have to say last cruise we ran out so my husband bought some from the mini-bar. No big deal. Same price as a bar and he didn't have to leave the room to get it.

 

I can't wait until all tips, gratuities, restocking fees are set up as non-refundable service charges. Hotels have them and they can't be removed, and some cruise lines are leaning in that direction. My only problem with that is that service suffers in some aspects, but with so many people being cheap, and complaining about everything tip related, I look forward to the day it is how things are. I know my view isn't popular, but those who are cheap will have to pay so the rest of us don't make up for them. (OP, I am NOT talking about you. I know you just asked a question, but others are what make me think like I do) JMO.

 

 

I agree with this. My DH has a theory that Carnival accountants just tell them to "charge 15% on every single drink consumed". It's just added revenue for the cruise line. Fine. We'll continue to take advantage of the in cabin amenities and have no problem paying for it. Maybe they could just be a little more clear about it being a gratuity or whatever.

[Kurbanfan]

Does it matter? That was not part of the original post.

 

It is an additional service provided not related to the basic minimums - replacing towels, toilet paper, etc. and is well documented on the stateroom menu.

 

How can stocking the mini bar be an additional service.....when it is something they have to make sure is done every day:confused:

Now if I rang the steward and asked him to please bring additional sodas.......that would be additional service........

[tatay]

I'm the op and thus far no one has commented on my comment that I perceive the 15% fee as a type of punitive charge. It's as if Carnival is saying 'go ahead and help yourself to the mini-bar, but if you do.....' Does Carnival really not want to sell as many of those drinks as possible?

 

For some reason, I decided to look over our Conquest statement (it was very high) just to make sure everything was on the up and up. It was, but I did note that the mini-bar items had the added 15% gratuity. Yes, it is listed as a gratuity. I thought it was odd to charge a gratuity for self-serve drinks. Later on and out of curiosity, I pulled out our memento box from our previous Spirit cruise only months earlier. I found the S&S statement and it also had the same 15% "gratuity" for in cabin mini-bar items. I'm just wondering why? and who gets the 15%? I find it odd, but maybe it's just me. AND, I"M NOT CHEAP!!!

 

I don't know who gets the 15% but to answer your question, I feel it is charged because all drinks at the bars charge 15% gratuity and if they didn't charge the same 15% cruisers would be buying all their drinks from the mini-bar instead of out and about in the bars. And if you think I am blowing smoke, look at all the people who smuggle their own booze and bring it up on deck and wherever they feel they can get away with it.

 

I agree with the posters who said the "restocking" fee has no place to be printed on the S&S so it's called a gratuity. To me, if I want a coke, I pay the price, I am not haggling (and I am not saying you are, but others are) about 15%.

 

 

I still say that the 15% is due to computer programming. All drinks sold aboard were programmed to have the 15% gratuity automatically added. To get around the argument that there was no service rendered for bar fridge drinks, they printed the "15% restocking fee" on the bar fridge price list. So if anyone questions the gratuity, they can point to the fineprint and say it is not really a gratuity as stated on your SS statement but a restocking fee.

[lovesublime]

It is not punitive. Carnival is providing an additional service which you can choose to use or not.

 

If you are drinking in your closet, you are not out and about on the ship coming in contact with other potential revenue sources such as bingo, casino, etc.

 

The 15% is really a charge for allowing you the pleasure of serving yourself.

 

I don't think Carnival really cares where you do your drinking, but is going to be consistent on the price you pay for doing so. No discounts for self-service.

 

 

We don't spend much time in the cabin. We're off the ship every chance we get. We don't play bingo or go to the casino. The casino is smelly and smokey. We (especially me) do shop in the shops onboard. I love shopping. Like I've previously stated, we should all be glad that Carnival does provide in cabin drinks-unlike that other line ;) We'll continue to pay...15% or not.

[Kurbanfan]

I still say that the 15% is due to computer programming. All drinks sold aboard were programmed to have the 15% gratuity automatically added. To get around the argument that there was no service rendered for bar fridge drinks, they printed the "15% restocking fee" on the bar fridge price list. So if anyone questions the gratuity, they can point to the fineprint and say it is not really a gratuity as stated on your SS statement but a restocking fee.

 

I believe this is true......

[nolaAlive]

How can stocking the mini bar be an additional service.....when it is something they have to make sure is done every day:confused:

Now if I rang the steward and asked him to please bring additional sodas.......that would be additional service........

 

They don't have to provide it at all if there is no refrigerator in the room or if it remained locked. There is a charge for the minibar service and therefore a service charge. There is no charge for toilet paper or replacing towels. Order more of those if you feel the need to shop.

[nolaAlive]

We don't spend much time in the cabin. We're off the ship every chance we get. We don't play bingo or go to the casino. The casino is smelly and smokey. We (especially me) do shop in the shops onboard. I love shopping. Like I've previously stated, we should all be glad that Carnival does provide in cabin drinks-unlike that other line ;) We'll continue to pay...15% or not.

 

The first night is usually free liquor tasting night. You will be at the shops and there will be no service charge for the free liquor.

 

Carnival could charge for a lot of things they don't - extra messy kids, replacement sail and sign cards, tables in the dining room with a view, tables in lido with a view, deck chairs, steak, lobster,....

 

Actually if they charged for deck chairs by the hour that could generate revenue and reduce chair hogging!

[Kurbanfan]

They don't have to provide it at all if there is no refrigerator in the room or if it remained locked. There is a charge for the minibar service and therefore a service charge. There is no charge for toilet paper or replacing towels. Order more of those if you feel the need to shop.

 

The ships with no refrigerators have sodas and water available sitting on the desk.......and from what I hear if you drink one they will automatically replace it the next day without asking.......sounds like it is part of their job to keep it stocked........they don't have to restock ours.......they stay all week......

 

I don't tend to shop in a cruise ship cabin........but hey thanks anyway..........

[nolaAlive]

The ships with no refrigerators have sodas and water available sitting on the desk.......and from what I hear if you drink one they will automatically replace it the next day without asking.......sounds like it is part of their job to keep it stocked........they don't have to restock ours.......they stay all week......

 

I don't tend to shop in a cruise ship cabin........but hey thanks anyway..........

 

Next time you cruise, ask the steward where on his cart are the extra waters and sodas.

 

He has to make a special trip - just for you. And the purser's desk has to make a special entry, just for you.

 

It is an extra service.

 

I'm not even sure there are shops on the ships, but that is what I hear.:rolleyes:

[lovesublime]

The ships with no refrigerators have sodas and water available sitting on the desk.......and from what I hear if you drink one they will automatically replace it the next day without asking.......sounds like it is part of their job to keep it stocked........they don't have to restock ours.......they stay all week......

 

I don't tend to shop in a cruise ship cabin........but hey thanks anyway..........

 

 

Actually, on our last cruise, we had to ask the steward to unlock the fridge numerous times. We even left him a couple of notes in the evenings just to remind him. It took three days to get the fridge unlocked. We paid 15% for that.....:rolleyes: service?

[MrPete]

It took three days to get the fridge unlocked. We paid 15% for that service?

 

Not for the first three days. :rolleyes:

[nolaAlive]

Actually, on our last cruise, we had to ask the steward to unlock the fridge numerous times. We even left him a couple of notes in the evenings just to remind him. It took three days to get the fridge unlocked. We paid 15% for that.....:rolleyes: service?

 

Pick up the phone and page him during his normal hours.

[Kurbanfan]

Next time you cruise, ask the steward where on his cart are the extra waters and sodas.

 

 

Actually on our last cruise they were in the storage closet right across the hall from us...........

But if I don't see them next time I will be sure to ask.......

[nolaAlive]

Actually on our last cruise they were in the storage closet right across the hall from us...........

But if I don't see them next time I will be sure to ask.......

 

To make sure you get your 15% worth, next time ask for a cabin farthest away. But it doesn't sound like you take advantage of extra service Carnival can provide you, anyway.

[Kurbanfan]

Actually, on our last cruise, we had to ask the steward to unlock the fridge numerous times. We even left him a couple of notes in the evenings just to remind him. It took three days to get the fridge unlocked. We paid 15% for that.....:rolleyes: service?

 

If that were the case then it doesn't sound like the room steward is getting that 15%:D He would have been on it the first day........

[Kurbanfan]

To make sure you get your 15% worth, next time ask for a cabin farthest away. But it doesn't sound like you take advantage of extra service Carnival can provide you, anyway.

 

Nope I don't tip for self service anything:D

[nolaAlive]

Nope I don't tip for self service anything:D

 

You don't tip, you don't shop....

[lovesublime]

Pick up the phone and page him during his normal hours.

 

 

We did several times. He never once answered the phone. It wasn't a biggie cause we were able to get drinks elsewhere but still....