Smitheroo

It was my understanding the tip was redistributed so that the workers behind the scene benifited as well which means this little chart is hogwash, or at least its not the current practice. 22 rooms is a *lot* of rooms to take care of but no, they are not getting $6500 per month. This is why I feel that giving the room stewards extra has to be appreciated by them. I dont do it only as a thank you for service given to me because I dont require a lot of service plus I am just one person (a family would make more work) I make my own bed (I prefer that) and have few requests. I tip extra as a thank you for doing the work they do because if they didnt (or if we were relying on American workers) there would be no cruises to go on. Like I said in another post, both times (since I started up crusing again) I've had to go look for my room steward to give her the xtra tip at the end of the cruise. I eventually found her working in a cabin So they are not standing around with their hand out, at least not my experience.

There's a chance these two groups of people had already met at a previous port, introduced themselves and which ship they were on and so when they saw each other again, started to have fun with it. Seems kind of juvenile but harmless

I think that the DSC is also a positive thing because it eliminates tipping anxiety. Some people are confident about social customs but others are not. Being told that the DSC is in lieuw of tips can be a relief. And so more people cruise because the anxiety has been removed. (although it can be replaced by should I tip extra lol) I know some people here probably think this explanation is ridiculous but believe me, many people have much anxiety about social customs and one way to get around that is to avoid it- thus they dont cruise. Which isnt a good thing for the cruise line business. I'm sure the DSC also came about as a result of complaints from the forgotten staff behind the scenes.

the DSC is in lieuw of tips . I've been told you can have it removed. I know you can have it removed on Cunard so its probably the same on NCL

they also get paid a salary

I can understand both sides. There china and glassware probably do go missing once they leave the restaurant. But if that's the reason they could provide little to-go boxes. You've paid for it in some way so you really should be able to take it with you. I've never heard of a land restauarant refusing to pack food to be taken home but maybe it happens somewhere

Ooooooooooooh, that is a miserable experience

Well, I'm not complaining about the charge for the service although I agree its pricey. Often salons are and they (the NCL salon) are upfront about it. The prices of services are all clearly listed. But then they charge 20 % service charge (and I'm okay with that although there is someone here who probably thinks I have an issue with that ). Its just the "additional tip" and being so obvious abou itt that I think is tacky.

I'm wondering if anyone knows any details about Skagway's future as a port for Alaskan cruises. When we stopped there one of the storekeepers said to me "its been busy. And we didnt even know if the cruise ships would come". Of course I had no idea what she was referring to but then our shuttle driver told us there was a problem with rock slides at the dock. This is why NCL no longer allows passengers to walk the short distance from the ship to the bus that goes into town. The driver told us it was due to the rockslides. Apparently there has been talk of eliminating Skagway as a cruise port. This would be devastating for Skagway and a disappointment for cruise ship passengers. Cute little town

I dont recall that yours came across that way. There were just a few that were harsh

I notice there is this choice for $39 and the travel insurance offered when you are booking (about $109) The one for $39 doesnt include trip cancellation. When would you just use the one for $39? I know it doesnt include cancellation of the entire trip but wondering what scenario this would fit

thank you, good to know and date of booking wont matter if done on lline?

I agree with you. I mistakingly wondered about the neighborhood also being "seedy" and was lambasted. Might not be any seedier than any other NYC neighborhood (maybe) but still might not be a pleasant stroll navigating cars, icy ruts in the street, or ankle high slush, lugging a 50 lb suitcase. Different experience in the summer i'm sure

and P.S. Isnt what we are on a form of social media ? and here you are

No one here might be agreeing with my sketchy neighborhood theory but you can be sure there are plenty wondering about it and would never even verbalize the question I did. They just wouldnt do it! Whether or not it was a real threat or not but base their decision on what they have heard. You are entitled to your opinion about social media. And I'm not going to make an in depth analysis of NYC crime to answer a simple question. And I'm thinking my history with NYC might go back a little more than yours does. If you knew me you would know that I am not influenced by what others think other than to give me a general idea of what I am asking about. And it seems like I have personally insulted you with my question. Some people managed to answer it and stay calm

What's with the "additional tip" with salon services I paid for what I consider to be overpriced services and willingly paid the "added 20% service charge" (I had no choice of course) So why are they looking for an additional tip? Yes, I know its completely voluntary based on a client's perception of service but they are really pushy. Some people dont like to be put in that position. I did pay an additional tip and for that reason (along with my cruise next experience that I've been ranting about) I will never take advantage of their salon services again. Yes, it was nice and I liked my hair cut but I'll just continue to pay $9 at my local beauty school for the same service. I wouldnt feel this bitter if the additional tip wasnt shoved in my face

there's plenty in the news to know that it isnt all made up for social media- and do not get started with Faux News please. There is an increase in crime. For the most part I'm not overly concerned and do go to places where this has happened But hauling a suitcase through an area thought that could be sketchy is asking for trouble. And your opinion is one of the many opinions I would take into consideration. as in social media says NYC is riddled with crime but here is this person who lives there and says otherwise. Not all reported in social media is a lie or grossly exaggerated. Some of it is based on fact.

You can, but not for the promo in effect at the time I wanted to use it When I purchased them I was allowed to use 2 on any cabin. When I got around to booking, it was for balcony and up

That is one thing I learned very quickly, What is the bottom line and am I willing to pay that amount?

When I investigated more I realized that the same cabin she booked was two different prices depending on which cruise. She switched from the cruise where the cabin had a higher price to a cruise where the same cabin was not as expensive. This was the reason for the drop in price.

Where's the hype? They prefer one kind of coffee over another and are willing to stand in line and pay extra for it. Thats called personal preference. I'll go with the dining room coffee as long as it delivers what I am looking for in coffee. It was when it didnt I noticed. I'm also lazy and not willing to spend so much for coffee as Starbucks but others see things differently

Well, for one thing i dont think it was $9 a cup for Starbucks. I didnt buy it, my partner did, but I'm guessing that is a bit of an exaggeration. As for your other argument, its up to the person and the reason they drink coffee in the first place. If I am after the effects of caffeine why would I drink coffee that didnt provide that for me (unless I had no other choice) If they had McDs on board I would buy substitute coffee there.

I think in many cases the person might not even realize their style of writing might be inflammatory. But the end result is the same as it were.

I just want to say that you have such a nice way of writing that doesnt make one feel stupid.

Thanks, I would do that. However the real reason in my case I couldnt do it was because my booking was for a studio. That's a legitimate reason. The reason I was given was the date