Room Service No Longer Free - NCL Starts $7.95 Charge Per Order

[sundercruiser]

After the way you insulted me, No - you can stay believing that's I'm not being truthful...I believe that a better course of action for everyone on this forum (I gain an epiphany around last night and it stuck me again at around 8am EST - Why should I help those that do not have common courtesy for others that have differing opinions from them?)

 

And I am typing in the most calmest tone imaginable - You and others that have differing opinions can decide if I screaming and being outright nastily rude in this post.

 

Mostly I find you irrational, often wildly off-topic, disingenuous, and now a liar.

 

You stated that NCL has changed the Contract. I say they haven't. I called you a liar for your statement, and invited you to show WHERE they changed the language in the Contract. You have every right to refuse to do clear up the discrepancy, but don't be surprised if I or others continue to call you out for lying.

[rochelle_s]

I find it amazing that they don't understand the issue, because they don't agree with you. If room service was the only place to eat or they forced you to order room service, then I would agree with your stance, but they don't.

 

That is not what I said. I said that people can have an opinion on either side of the issue. Which is perfectly fine. Then there are those who just don't care. Which s also perfectly fine.

 

As an example someone who says they don't care and they will just pay the charge is not necessarily taking a side on the issue. The $ charge does not mean enough to them to even begin thinking about the issue. Which again is perfectly fine. That is their choice. They are not wrong in doing so. No one has to involve themselves in a discussion and certainly if it is of no interest to them.

 

As in understand it you are perfectly okay with NCL instituting a charge for simply having Room Service, which they can put into play at any price point they like with no notice to customers whatsoever, including those who have paid in full and are past the point of backing out of the agreement without incurring penalty.

 

How would you feel if they did the same to any sit down venue? All food venue other than the buffet will now be subject to a convenience fee + 18% above and beyond the DSC. Is that okay? After all no one is forcing you to go to a sit down restaurant. You are free to eat each and every meal in the buffet.

 

 

Rochelle

[sundercruiser]

Page 2 of this document.

 

http://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/Guest_Ticket_Contract_03_2014.pdf

 

Do you mean this section:

 

3. Terms of Fare ... (b) Service Charges

 

To the best of my knowledge, this section is unchanged. Nowhere can I find "Service Contract" (per maywell).

[janpo]

Mostly I find you irrational, often wildly off-topic, disingenuous, and now a liar.

 

You stated that NCL has changed the Contract. I say they haven't. I called you a liar for your statement, and invited you to show WHERE they changed the language in the Contract. You have every right to refuse to do clear up the discrepancy, but don't be surprised if I or others continue to call you out for lying.

 

 

You forgot rude.

[LMaxwell]

Do you mean this section:

 

3. Terms of Fare ... (b) Service Charges

 

To the best of my knowledge, this section is unchanged. Nowhere can I find "Service Contract" (per maywell).

 

Yes, that section. And it is unchanged. I printed a hard copy in January with my last booking and nothing has changed on it. I was just posting the link so that everyone was sure to be going off the same information.

 

Also notice at the top of the document, in a box, the very first words labeled IMPORTANT NOTICE and states that this is the binding contract and explains your rights. One of which is that the service charge is discretionary.

 

I just thought you asked a reasonable question, for someone to post the documentation. I thought maywells response (had an epiphany not to help others...who says that?) was very odd.

[NLH Arizona]

NLH

I'm going to try one more time to explain to you why the intolerance of differing opinions is not held by those upst by NCL's new Room Service Convience Charge. The intolerance occurs most prevelent among thos who don't care about the change.

 

You don't need to explain anything to me. I totally disagree with your "opinion". If you don't want to pay the fee, no one is forcing you to order room service or cruise with NCL. I understand that they breached your trust, but they didn't breach mine or others on here. We will have to agree to disagree, but you will never understand what others are saying, because they don't align with your opinion.

 

Hope all your upcoming cruises are wonderful and you and your wife have many more cruises to come.

[Solararc]

^^ hug it out fellas ^^

 

 

*Living large one week at a time*

[LMaxwell]

You don't need to explain anything to me. I totally disagree with your "opinion". If you don't want to pay the fee, no one is forcing you to order room service or cruise with NCL. I understand that they breached your trust, but they didn't breach mine or others on here. We will have to agree to disagree, but you will never understand what others are saying, because they don't align with your opinion.

 

Hope all your upcoming cruises are wonderful and you and your wife have many more cruises to come.

 

 

At what point and in what manner does NCL finally violate your trust personally? They've added a fee, which you don't mind the fee because the service is not core to your cruise experience, and they did it with no notice provided because legally they're entitled to. So if neither of those things can shake your confidence in the company or how you feel about how fairly they deal with customers, what will?

[sundercruiser]

Yes, that section. And it is unchanged. I printed a hard copy in January with my last booking and nothing has changed on it. I was just posting the link so that everyone was sure to be going off the same information.

 

Also notice at the top of the document, in a box, the very first words labeled IMPORTANT NOTICE and states that this is the binding contract and explains your rights. One of which is that the service charge is discretionary.

 

I just thought you asked a reasonable question, for someone to post the documentation. I thought maywells response (had an epiphany not to help others...who says that?) was very odd.

 

Thanks! Was pretty sure that maywell was confused (being charitable now :)), but didn't think you were too.

[NLH Arizona]

That is not what I said. I said that people can have an opinion on either side of the issue. Which is perfectly fine. Then there are those who just don't care. Which s also perfectly fine.

 

As an example someone who says they don't care and they will just pay the charge is not necessarily taking a side on the issue. The $ charge does not mean enough to them to even begin thinking about the issue. Which again is perfectly fine. That is their choice. They are not wrong in doing so. No one has to involve themselves in a discussion and certainly if it is of no interest to them.

 

As in understand it you are perfectly okay with NCL instituting a charge for simply having Room Service, which they can put into play at any price point they like with no notice to customers whatsoever, including those who have paid in full and are past the point of backing out of the agreement without incurring penalty.

 

How would you feel if they did the same to any sit down venue? All food venue other than the buffet will now be subject to a convenience fee + 18% above and beyond the DSC. Is that okay? After all no one is forcing you to go to a sit down restaurant. You are free to eat each and every meal in the buffet.

 

 

Rochelle

I have no issue with the room service charge, I have no issue with the new 18 percent gratuity for specialty restaurants, I have no issue with the 18 percent gratuity for drinks and I have no issue with the increase in the DSC.

 

Someone that doesn't care or has no issue with the room service fee, is certainly taking a side, just as you take the side that you dislike it. Why would you say that if someone doesn't have an issue with the charge, they don't need to be involved in the discussion. Would you only want NCL, who reads this, to see only your side of the issue?

 

If they increase a fee on something that is not a "choice" item, like the DSC (which they did increase and offered everyone the opportunity to pre-pay at the old rate) then I would be ticked and should everyone else, if they didn't offer the opportunity to be grandfathered in, but this is a "choice" items, not a "must pay" item we are talking about.

 

Comparing the MDR to room service is quite a stretch. It is like those on here that are saying that NCL will probably charge for the pool use or for napkins or for space in the life boat. This is sensationalism at it's best.

 

What I don't understand is all the experts on here who profess to know how the crew is paid, saying they are double and triple dipping or that the crew is getting screwed to further their agenda or to keep stirring the post. No one on here knows how the crew is paid or who the DSC and/or service charges and/or automatic gratuities are divided among the crew.

[LMaxwell]

What I don't understand is all the experts on here who profess to know how the crew is paid, saying they are double and triple dipping or that the crew is getting screwed to further their agenda or to keep stirring the post.

 

See my post a few above this that clearly explains it. No one said the crew is double or triple dipping. NCL most assuredly is double or triple dipping in OUR pockets though. You're right, we have no clue what they do with the money after. We just know that what as included with our cruise two weeks ago now incurs two more fees for the same amenity.

[Uniall]

There exists an historical example of the failure to support others because we are not affected. While there is a huge difference in seriousness of the results between the example and our NCL discussion, the logic is the same.

 

 

Commemoration: National Holocaust Museum, Washington, DC

Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

 

 

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

 

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

 

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

 

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

Edited April 5, 2015 by Uniall

[ltjn]

HLH Arizona,

 

Maybe you can explain to me why a convenience fee was but in place, and what the purpose for the convenience fee? Then why is a 18% gratuity is added as an additional charge on top of the convenience fee, for either free or charged food items. So I can better understand the relevancy.

 

My problem from the beginning is how NCL underhandedly added the fees, without any type of warning.

[rochelle_s]

I have no issue with the room service charge, I have no issue with the new 18 percent gratuity for specialty restaurants, I have no issue with the 18 percent gratuity for drinks and I have no issue with the increase in the DSC.

 

Someone that doesn't care or has no issue with the room service fee, is certainly taking a side, just as you take the side that you dislike it. Why would you say that if someone doesn't have an issue with the charge, they don't need to be involved in the discussion. Would you only want NCL, who reads this, to see only your side of the issue?

 

If they increase a fee on something that is not a "choice" item, like the DSC (which they did increase and offered everyone the opportunity to pre-pay at the old rate) then I would be ticked and should everyone else, if they didn't offer the opportunity to be grandfathered in, but this is a "choice" items, not a "must pay" item we are talking about.

 

Comparing the MDR to room service is quite a stretch. It is like those on here that are saying that NCL will probably charge for the pool use or for napkins or for space in the life boat. This is sensationalism at it's best.

 

What I don't understand is all the experts on here who profess to know how the crew is paid, saying they are double and triple dipping or that the crew is getting screwed to further their agenda or to keep stirring the post. No one on here knows how the crew is paid or who the DSC and/or service charges and/or automatic gratuities are divided among the crew.

 

 

First off in regards to opinions: If there are ten people going out for dinner and the question is asked " Do you want Italian or Chinese for dinner tonight" and the answers are;

1. Italian
   
2. Chinese
   
3. I don't care
   
4. I don't care
   
5. Italian
   
6. Chinese
   
7. I don't care
   
8. Italian
   
9. Chinese
   
10. Italian
    

 

Only the 7 people who answered Italian or Chinese actually had an opinion. The three who answered "I don't care" chose not to have an opinion either way. Neither side can claim those who do not express an opinion to be on 'their' side. They are what you would call neutral on the matter.

 

As for who and who is not being paid by the DSC. Yes we do know. NCL states it on their website and have even updated it recently to reflect that specialty wait staff are no longer included in the DSC. If you chose not to research and see if you can find out, that is your choice and you can contend that you do not know but can't say that others do not have more knowledge than you.

 

 

Rochelle

Edited April 5, 2015 by rochelle_s

[NLH Arizona]

At what point and in what manner does NCL finally violate your trust personally? They've added a fee, which you don't mind the fee because the service is not core to your cruise experience, and they did it with no notice provided because legally they're entitled to. So if neither of those things can shake your confidence in the company or how you feel about how fairly they deal with customers, what will?

I think we all have a breaking point where we refuse to do business with a company and so far these items are not at mine. They might be yours and that is okay, because we are all different and all have different wants and needs.

 

I look at these items as a "choice" items (if you don't, that is okay) and if NCL were to put a fee on "non-choice" items, then I would probably have a different opinion.

 

Many of the new changes affect me, just as they affect you. I eat only in the specialty restaurants, I drink, I pay my DSC (which they did give us the opportunity to pre-pay at the old rate), so I'm paying more just like everyone else, but if I don't want to pay more, I have the choice not to use these goods and services or cruise with another line. I never get too upset over price increases, etc., because I always know that I'm the only one that has the power over my purse and the money in it and can move on at any time. And if I got upset every time a company raised their prices or fees without notifying me, I would have no place to shop, eat, etc., because it happens all the time.

 

Just as you don't understand how I'm not upset by these changes, I don't understand why many are.

[jmele999]

Well said Uniall! Just because it is not affecting me, I should not say that it is not problem.

 

In a matter of one month NCL has increased the DSC, added a mandatory gratuity for specialty restaurant, added a convenience fee for room service, and increased the drink gratuity. However, NCL has, time after time, failed to properly communicate with its customes, who are the paying for this increases, how these extra fees are going to be used or why they have been added.

 

Is NCL decreasing the salary that they pay their employees or asking the guests to pay for their employees? Nobody knows.

 

If we allow this to continue, soon we are going to be asked to pay a convenience fee to enter a bar or to see a show in the theather.

 

NCL - while we are upset with the increases, the biggest problem is how you have managed to ignore the first rule of customer service - THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.

Edited April 5, 2015 by jmele999

[LMaxwell]

 

Just as you don't understand how I'm not upset by these changes, I don't understand why many are.

 

I have a hard time accepting that you do not understand why people are upset.

 

1. A charge for a LONG included amenity that was not charged for, for decades.

 

2. No notice provided to those already booked and paid for.

 

You seem to be able to expand on your thoughts. You seem like you've got a good grasp of the language and how to communicate. That is why I find it hard to accept that you do not understand these two basic points of contention that many people feel similarly about. You don't agree with the points of contention, so be it. But I do not believe that you don't understand. Don't take this as an insult...but you're smarter than that.

[NLH Arizona]

First off in regards to opinions: If there are ten people going out for dinner and the question is asked " Do you want Italian or Chinese for dinner tonight" and the answers are;

1. Italian
   
2. Chinese
   
3. I don't care
   
4. I don't care
   
5. Italian
   
6. Chinese
   
7. I don't care
   
8. Italian
   
9. Chinese
   
10. Italian
    

 

Only the 7 people who answered Italian or Chinese actually had an opinion. The three who answered "I don't care" chose not to have an opinion either way. Neither side can claim those who do not express an opinion to be on 'their' side. They are what you would call neutral on the matter.

 

As for who and who is not being paid by the DSC. Yes we do know. NCL states it on their website and have even updated it recently to reflect that specialty wait staff are no longer included in the DSC. If you chose not to research and see if you can find out, that is your choice and you can contend that you do not know but can't say that others do not have more knowledge than you.

 

 

Rochelle

Rochelle, My opinion: they can raise all the fees on any "choice" item they want. Is that better.

 

I think I was the one that came on the other thread and said that NCL had told me that the specialty restaurant staff was not getting any of the DSC with the change right after the implementation of the charge and was told both NCL and I were lying, so I did my research. BTW, the website was changed shortly after the announcement of the NEW 18 percent gratuity was announced (granted it should have been changed the day the fee was added). I have no idea how the crew is paid nor does anyone else on here. But it is very disingenuous to say that NCL is double or triple dipping when there are no facts to back it up, only conjecture on the part of some.

[LMaxwell]

But it is very disingenuous to say that NCL is double or triple dipping when there are no facts to back it up, only conjecture on the part of some.

 

They are double and triple dipping in OUR pockets. Can't be denied!

[SeaShark]

Rochelle, My opinion: they can raise all the fees on any "choice" item they want. Is that better.

 

I think I was the one that came on the other thread and said that NCL had told me that the specialty restaurant staff was not getting any of the DSC with the change right after the implementation of the charge and was told both NCL and I were lying, so I did my research. BTW, the website was changed shortly after the announcement of the NEW 18 percent gratuity was announced (granted it should have been changed the day the fee was added). I have no idea how the crew is paid nor does anyone else on here. But it is very disingenuous to say that NCL is double or triple dipping when there are no facts to back it up, only conjecture on the part of some.

 

It isn't conjecture as much as it is basic math . . .

 

 

The increased ($12.95 or $14.95 pp/pd) service charge covered a large number of the ship's crew...INCLUDING the Specialty Restaurant Staff.

 

NCL removed the Specialty Restaurant Staff from the scope of the DSC. However, they did NOT provide a proportional decrease in the amount of the DSC to reflect their removal. Thus...we are all still paying the DSC as if the Specialty Restaurant Staff was still included. (Where is that extra money going if not to the Specialty Restaurant Staff??? :rolleyes:)

 

ADDITIONALLY...NCL is automatically adding an 18% gratuity** to your check in the Specialty Restaurant on behalf of the staff.

 

That is proof of double-dipping at the very least.

 

 

 

**The guest should ALWAYS determine:

 

a) When, and even IF, a gratuity is earned

b) The amount of any gratuity given to a service provider

 

If the guest isn't making the decision, then it is NOT a gratuity.

[SteveH2508]

Rochelle, My opinion: they can raise all the fees on any "choice" item they want. Is that better.

 

<snip>

 

Let me see if I understand your PoV.

 

You regard Room Service as a 'choice' item (let us park the 'expanded' choice for the moment - they are clearly charging for all RS deliveries at the moment).

 

Following that logic, any previously free dining venue (MDR, buffet, O'Sheehans etc.) are also 'choice' items (because you can choose to eat there or not?)

 

Would you be so accepting if they put on a $ fee for sitting down in the MDR?

 

After all, you can choose not to go there.

[NLH Arizona]

I have a hard time accepting that you do not understand why people are upset.

 

1. A charge for a LONG included amenity that was not charged for, for decades.

 

2. No notice provided to those already booked and paid for.

 

You seem to be able to expand on your thoughts. You seem like you've got a good grasp of the language and how to communicate. That is why I find it hard to accept that you do not understand these two basic points of contention that many people feel similarly about. You don't agree with the points of contention, so be it. But I do not believe that you don't understand. Don't take this as an insult...but you're smarter than that.

Hey, it bothers you (and others), it doesn't bother me (and others), what is so hard to understand about that. You don't understand why it doesn't bother me, I don't understand why it bothers you. Businesses are smarter than some might think. They have legal departments that make final decisions on price changes, fees, etc. I know the company I worked for was told a number of times that we couldn't do something that we were planning on doing.

 

Is NCL going to stay with the room service fee or will they discontinue it, I don't know, it will depend on, mostly, how it is received on the Getaway or Breakaway, but what I would suggest to those that are outraged by it, that they write NCL and express their opinions, because I believe that these threads have become so convoluted with all the conjecture and falsehoods, that it would be really hard for NCL to follow. And if you stand by your convictions, a postage stamp and a few minutes out of your day to write the letter is a small price to pay to have you feelings heard.

 

I think things out and to scream and yell at a business or stop doing business with them or accuse them of wrong doing over something that I feel they have every right to change, would be for me stupid. If others want to do it, that is their right and I'm sure that they feel it is the correct thing to do. Why not challenge every other poster on here that says they (1) don't have an issue with the change or (2) is more than willing to pay for it or (3) doesn't understand why folks are so upset. Because you see, I'm not the only one. People see things differently and wouldn't it be a boring world if we all thought alike. Hey, I'm not going to insult you because of your opinion (because you have every right to have one that differs from mine) and would hope that those of us that have a differing opinion won't continue to be insulted either, just accept that we see the issue in a different light and our breaking point is different than yours.

[triptolemus]

Wonder if any of you guys have anything else planned for the rest of your weekend...

[jmele999]

NLH Arizona - If you don't see this as a problem, why do you continue posting on this thread? Are you trying to convince people that this is not a problem or simply expressing your opinion? If you are simply expressing you opinion, then I think that we can all agree that we know what your opinion is.

[NLH Arizona]

ItThe increased ($12.95 or $14.95 pp/pd) service charge covered a large number of the ship's crew...INCLUDING the Specialty Restaurant Staff. Their website clearly states that complimentary restaurant staff receives the DSC.

 

NCL removed the Specialty Restaurant Staff from the scope of the DSC. However, they did NOT provide a proportional decrease in the amount of the DSC to reflect their removal. Thus...we are all still paying the DSC as if the Specialty Restaurant Staff was still included. (Where is that extra money going if not to the Specialty Restaurant Staff??? :rolleyes:) OMG, do you think that they could have actually be giving these crew that gets the DSC a little more. NO, you would automatically think they are screwing their customers.

 

ADDITIONALLY...NCL is automatically adding an 18% gratuity** to your check in the Specialty Restaurant on behalf of the staff.

 

That is proof of double-dipping at the very least. Where is the proof, all you have given me is some conjecture on your part, since you have no idea on God's green earth what NCL is doing with the DSC.

 

**The guest should ALWAYS determine:

 

a) When, and even IF, a gratuity is earned

b) The amount of any gratuity given to a service provider

 

If the guest isn't making the decision, then it is NOT a gratuity.

No, the guest isn't making the decision, but this is the way it is on most cruise ships and has been this way for quite some time. Do you really think NCL is going to sway away from the norm, because you think the guest should always determine who gets tip and what they get tipped?