MisterFidgetpants

I didn't say they got a raise, just said: Maybe just consider this a raise for those staff members who are included, as they might be getting an extra couple of bucks a cruise, since the specialty restaurant servers are out of the DSC.

 

BTW, you say NCL didn't say that the crew is getting the additional money, but I'm sure you also realize that they also didn't say that they weren't getting the extra money.

I guess you did use the non committmal maybe so you are off the hook.

Look into how cruise worker staffing contracts work. They may get a raise at their next negotiation but NOT before.

Have you seen a menu? How do you know this? True a la carte menus would charge separately for sides.

As well as salads and soups.

How long has it been since they raised the DSC? Maybe just consider this a raise for those staff members who are included, as they might be getting an extra couple of bucks a cruise, since the specialty restaurant servers are out of the DSC.

Maybe I missed the press release that says these workers hired through a third party contracting company unilaterally got a raise outside their contract terms. Please direct me to that I'd love to read it.

So a higher DSC is now shared amongst a smaller number of staff.

NCL never said anyone gets paid more.

Just that more money is collected and the number of eligible pool participants is smaller.

To prevent someone ordering just an appetizer and taking up a table to 2 hours...perhaps they will implement a "minimum charge" the way they are doing things.

Lol. Not even once

The only people screwed by this are those that order too much without the UDP/SDP

What about people like me who just order a "regular" amount? The same meal that was included as a part of one cover charge would now cost a lot more. It's fine that they want to make money, That's why NCL does it, to make money. They aren't going to provide me with the same content for the same overall price though. To claim that the only people getting screwed are overeaters is really a bit ridiculous. The real cost to my wallet for the same meal will be going up quite a bit. I don't expect the quality to suddenly leap upwards, nor do I expect service to become somehow better; so it is just paying more for less. The value proposition for those of us that like to go 1 or 2 times per cruise just evaporated. This won't push me to buying a dining plan.

Of course its 'No' because why would any reasonable person cry over something that was a nickel & dime ploy (with plan/package for 'savings' to boot) from the beginning, lament that the price structure has change. Especially, those that are groaning about the change are going to buy/get the UDP/SDP, anyway.

 

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I assure you I am not in the category of groaners that is going to buy an ultimate dining package. We liked to go to 1 or 2 specialty dinners on a week long cruise. It seemed like a reasonable value for the nicer setting and ambiance / service.

To me, like I said, it feels like nickel and diming to charge for apps and desserts. When a relatively modest cover charge covered soup, salad, app, entree, desert it was nice. Walk in and choose. No thought of budgeting besides the up front cost. We've cruised for decades and one of the things we like was the inclusive nature of the beast, so to speak, and that even when you partook of an upcharge item it was usually one set cover charge.

Generally speaking, meaning this applies to the bulk of people, this is going to be a worse value than before, not a better value. Light eaters may come out ahead of the game, but if you were to order what was previously included with one cover charge you will almost assuredly be paying more.

It is not that I can not afford it. It is that I do not want to pay it. So I won't.

It's alright that your opinion is different than mine. I'm just telling you some of the thoughts behind my opinions.

It sure "FEELS" like more nickel and diming to me and I won't participate.

And, technically, you're only supposed to consume it in your cabin:D

Is this accurate?

No fireworks show or pirate night on Royal.

Don't see what everyone is so sore about honestly. Would you prefer no ship at all?

Add in a tie and you will be dressed all right.

A tuxedo is not required.

Tie is no problem. I get uncomfortable eating while wearing a jacket so it may be relegated to dressing the chair once I sit.

Still looking for a blow out winter deal.

Slacks/Button up/Sport coat alright or is a tuxedo a requirement?

It doesn't take much to shut the interstate down. I-95 was shut down for 7 hours a couple of days ago due to a brush fire.

Heck, even the turnpike was shut down for several hours yesterday after a crash. And in South Florida people drive like complete maniacs anyways. Always have to leave PLENTY of time AND know an alternate route if needed. Local roads in Broward and Miami-Dade county are very, very congested. 4 hours Orlando to Miami on Labor Day that I quoted is if there is no heavy traffic and no delays. You can cruise 70-75 if there's no issue, but if there is forget it.

I answered about the Sky specifically because it was noted in original post and since I am going on that ship and had done similar research found that Sky had a dress code "all its own" compared to longer cruises on bigger ships.

Would you provide a link to this Sky-specific dress code and where it is described as a casual cruise? Thanks!

I had made a post on their FB page to ask and they replied ok in all venues. I can't find the link they provided at the moment.

Shorts are indeed allowed in Cagney's. If you check the link posted, it mentions Le Bistro and the aft dining room are the only ones that don't. This has also been our personal experience, as my husband wore nice shorts there 2 out of the 3 times we visited, as did many others we saw.

There is a denotation that shorts are allowed in all dining venues on the Sky. It's a casual cruise

Thanks for the replies. I thought the traffic may be worse as everyone heading out of disney at the end of the labor weekend. Turnpike seems more favourable then!

 

Would you say is better taking the turnpike from Miami up to Orlando too? We are stopping off at port St lucie on the way up which I think it's off the i95. Also is it very easy to get from Miami airport onto the i95/turnpike. This will be on a Sunday evening and bit anxious of driving at dusk. Never flew into Miami before. Thanks again x

 

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Getting to turnpike from Miami is fairly straightforward. If you are heading north but stopping in PSL I'd say you are safe to cross over from Tpike to 95 anywhere between Palm Beach and Fort Pierce. From PSL to Orlando take the turnpike again as 95 puts you way far east of Orlando.

Whenever there is an accident on 95 it comes to a halt. Can happen with turnpike too but not like 95 which can be a mess.

Haven't driven to Miami in years...but I would take the turnpike to Ft. Pierce...and then catch 95 the rest of the way to Miami...plan on about a 3 hr drive from Orlando...

It is almost 250 miles. 95 can be stopped for any number of reasons. I would budget 4 hours of driving plus allow for traffic and delays. I'd also stay on turnpike to the 595 interchange because then you've got less than 30 miles of 95 to contend with.

You will see just about everything every evening. Some will be very dressed up but most are somewhere in-between. In the MDRs in the evening, I would suggest nice jeans/slacks and polo or button shirt for men but you will see people wearing shorts & t-shirts every evening. If you go to Le Bistro or Cagney's they will ask you to not wear shorts & flip-flops,etc.

Sky is shorts allowed in all restaurants.

$$$

I don't think I voiced a single complaint???

You expressed your opinion that service charges be mandatory. Perhaps complaint was too strong of a word. But I thought it was ironic that you tell people not to complain while finishing your statement with a change to the policy. So does that mean anyone else that disagree is complaining or just expressing their opinions?

I have a hard time understanding why this is such a HUGE issue for people. The policy is spelled out so if someone doesn't agree with it, why book with HAL? You read itt, you are aware of it, you book.....and then complain?? The only problem I have with it is that I don't think you should be able to remove it! It is what it is. Then, if you want to tip additional, do so, if you don't, don't. I agree that should be up to the individual. A service charge should not be optional. JMO

So you read the policy and don't fully 100% agree with it and are voicing your complaints.

The pop up saying you have a virus IS the virus / scam.

Great. Majesty is a beautiful ship and we have enjoyed sailing this ship before.

Wonder where the new restaurants go. I am guessing 75% of the Viking Crown Lounge will be restaurants now like some other ships.