Will you reduce DSC

[jackson bernard]

I don't understand how reducing the dsc offsets anything but your own pocketbook. The gratuities are for specialty dining. The dsc is for all other departments. So to cut out the dsc is hurting the rest of the staff that has nothing to do with the specialty restaurants in the first place.

 

 

And leaving the new additional charges on benefits nobody but the company.

 

My pocketbook will end up be the same as I budgeted when I booked. They said free room service... Guess what now it's 8.00. That 8.00 has to come from somewhere and if the dsc is discretionary so be it.

[RuthlessBoss]

And leaving the new additional charges on benefits nobody but the company.

 

My pocketbook will end up be the same as I budgeted when I booked. They said free room service... Guess what now it's 8.00. That 8.00 has to come from somewhere and if the dsc is discretionary so be it.

 

I know it's $8 for delivery. I agree it sucks, but it has nothing to do with the dsc.

[jackson bernard]

I know it's $8 for delivery. I agree it sucks, but it has nothing to do with the dsc.

 

 

Yeah your right. I guess the company is going to have to make up for it by contributing to the slush fund.

[RuthlessBoss]

Yeah your right. I guess the company is going to have to make up for it by contributing to the slush fund.

 

It would be nice, but I'm guessing they don't. I would imagine the dsc is the bulk of their pay.

[Ctrinh225]

No.. And Never will.. I always give more on top of that.

 

 

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[tymike]

No..I will not reduce or eliminate the DSC on any of the three cabins (one Haven and two balconies) I and my sailing party are booked on the BA this summer.

 

However...I absolutely will order room service to my and my bf's suite for all my sailing party and have the rest of my party come to get theirs in order to NOT pay the increased room service charge. Our cabins are next to one another; one Haven forward facing penthouse and two adjacent connecting balconies.

 

We have, in the past , enjoyed breakfast in our cabins and want to do so again this July. But I can't stand the fact that it may cost me $15+ per day to order room service for the other two cabins. That's a lot over a seven day cruise and to not know that I would have to pay that now that we are within penalty phase for cancellation makes it all the worse.

 

And I will not be buying FCC's even though that makes me really sad.

[tarheelmjfan]

Simple answer, no. We feel the DSC is part of our cruise rate & don't really think it should be adjustable for anyone.

[kac911]

With all of NCL's new fees for this and that will you be discounting or reducing your DSC on upcoming cruises.

 

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If I reduce my DSC it will have nothing to do with the new fees (my first NCL so they really aren't that new to me), it will have everything to do with the quality of service provided to me. Just as on any other cruise line. Usually I tip extra (usually a $10 or $20 to my room steward, and probably another $10 to my server) although I have reduced the tip to the head server when he was worthless. My Jan Disney cruise I believe it was $12/day/pp, it's $13/day/pp on NCL so I expect service to be on par with this. If it exceeds my expectations, I will tip extra. If it's not worth $13 I will reduce it.

[Jack_Tar]

Under cover boss 2013 NCL (Sheehan) right at the end dedicated $100,000.00 to the Crew Enrichment program saying "it would help towards Group parties, entertainment and anything else that will make your life more enjoyable" I know he has since left. Maybe NCL are trying to recoup this......

 

A different slant on DSC

 

The NCL UK site states in FAQ;

 

What’s the service charge?

A service charge (currently US $ 12,95 p.p./day in the following categories: Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony & Mini Suite; US $ 14,95 p.p./day in Suites & The Haven Suites) will be payable, at your discretion (for guests 3 years and older). The service charge will be added to your holiday price and shown separately on your confirmation invoice. If you do not want to pay this up front with the balance of your holiday cost, but would rather decide whether or not to pay the charge on board, please ensure you tell us at the time of booking or any time up to two weeks before departure and we will arrange for the charge to be added to your stateroom account.

 

Why is there a service charge?

The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: Our Crew (as are the crew from other lines) is encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programmes that your service charge supports.

 

Who pays the service charge?

All guests three years or older.

 

So lets say that the BA hold 3963 pax, generous allowance of under 3 's of 363 leaving 3600 and simplify everyone pays $12.95 = $46,620 per day so over 6 months (180 days) that's $8,391,600.00 going into the Crew Enhancement Program.

 

It can also show that if all the 1651 crew benefited from it they would get $847.12 per a month, so if NCL does not take a cut from the 8 mil, and accounting for the Salaried and concessionary staff that figure will increase for the others,

 

bearing in mind this doesn't include any other increases, so more to ponder on.

 

As it has never been established (AFAIK) what any of the staff earn in a month, how, therefore can you be sticking it to the crew by reducing/removing DSC.

 

As NCL says DSC is discretionary, I will use one's own discretion or judgment whether I reduce the DSC.

 

I do agree NCL handling and information of these increases has been poor

 

just beware there are three types of lies; Lies, Dam Lies and Statistics

 

Dickie

[NLH Arizona]

It would be nice, but I'm guessing they don't. I would imagine the dsc is the bulk of their pay.

You are right, I don't think the company will make up for it and I've heard they make $50 to $200 a month base salary and then DSC and automatic gratuities are added to that, depending on what cruise line they work for.

 

I think these issues are just an excuse to reduce or remove one's DSC.

Edited April 2, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[tarheelmjfan]

 

I think these issues are just an excuse to reduce or remove one's DSC.

 

I agree.

[Out to sea!]

No. Will not spend one dime and anything extra though :) and our next cruise will not be with NCL.

 

Same here. No specialty restaurants, no alcohol, no little trinkets on board and I'll cash out my OBC at the casino. Already have an RCCL and 2 Carnival cruises booked and NCL can kiss my butt on the way down the gangplank. :D

[Out to sea!]

All these people who say they won't cruise with NCL again sound like people I would not want to cruise with anyway so this thinning of the herd is awesome. Good job NCL

 

You just better hope there is still an NCL to sail with after the herd thins out. Or, they just may become another Carnival Corporation subsidiary. :D

Edited April 2, 2015 by Out to sea!

[maywell]

You just better hope there is still an NCL to sail with after the herd thins out. Or, they just may become another Carnival Corporation subsidiary. :D

 

Considering that passengers on an actual NCL ship are more rational / calmer than Cruise Critic posters - that may not be such bad culling.... Maybe that or being on vacation calms most normal people down. *shrug*

[Out to sea!]

Considering that passengers on an actual NCL ship are more rational / calmer than Cruise Critic posters - that may not be such bad culling.... Maybe that or being on vacation calms most normal people down. *shrug*

 

Aye, that's possible. And considering many, if not most, passengers are oblivious to what they are paying for on board, they may not care and NCL will simply make a lot more money......which is what they are shooting for. I simply know they won't be making it from me which is the only thing I'm worried about.

[maywell]

Aye, that's possible. And considering many, if not most, passengers are oblivious to what they are paying for on board, they may not care and NCL will simply make a lot more money......which is what they are shooting for. I simply know they won't be making it from me which is the only thing I'm worried about.

 

Well, enjoy your other cruises!

 

If I had to choose between NCL and Carnival to go on a cruise- I'll take NCL just because of the passengers!!

[Out to sea!]

Well, enjoy your other cruises!

 

If I had to choose between NCL and Carnival to go on a cruise- I'll take NCL just because of the passengers!!

 

And I'll take Carnival because of everything else. :D

[Ericktina]

All these people who say they won't cruise with NCL again sound like people I would not want to cruise with anyway so this thinning of the herd is awesome. Good job NCL

I like this response !! As for removing the DSC and tipping those who have actually served you, it has always been my understanding that, if the DSC has been removed, the server MUST put any cash tips received in to the pool. If they keep it, it is a serious offense. I wonder if your key card will reflect the fact that you have removed the DSC...because I am certain they know when this has been done.

 

I am VERY angry that NCL makes new policies not in effect when one has already booked. They have a contract, but apparently we do not. Very shabby. I cancelled 4 booked cruises after the first big change, although I have sailed NCL since then. Nevertheless, I would never take my anger out on the kids--I am in favor of extra cash tips for EVERYTHING !! Work 10 hours a day every day on a 9 month contract?? No thank you--those kids are all heroes to me.

 

Would like to sail with YOU, Pieshops !!

[LoveyHowell]

if the DSC has been removed, the server MUST put any cash tips received in to the pool. If they keep it, it is a serious offense.

 

This is not correct.

 

They may keep any cash they are given regardless if DSC has been left in place, removed, reduced, or increased.

 

The cash in their hand is their cash to keep.

 

This is per a discussion I had with the Hotel Director on the Epic.

[1smudslide]

I have prepaid the dsc and would never remove it. It amazes me how hard the crew works on every cruise even though they are working many more hours than any of us work at our jobs and most times have a smile on their face while doing it.

I wish they would do away with these fees, just add this to the price of the cruise, and pay the staff what they deserve. If they all did that, you could compare each cruise line equally, and everyone would have to pay equally.

Every time I went to a specialty restaurant, I tipped at least $5-$10 anyway. I used to figure in my head that Cagneys was a $50 meal with the appetizers and dessert, and base my tip on that. I waitressed when I was younger and I understand how hard they work. I enjoy their service and don't mind paying for it.

[cpl100]

Going on first NCL cruise later this year and trying to familiarize myself with this line. I tried researching but I am at a loss: what is DSC, GA, BA and the many other abbreviations in this thread please?

 

Thank you.

[cpl100]

I like this response !! As for removing the DSC and tipping those who have actually served you, it has always been my understanding that, if the DSC has been removed, the server MUST put any cash tips received in to the pool. If they keep it, it is a serious offense. I wonder if your key card will reflect the fact that you have removed the DSC...because I am certain they know when this has been done.

 

I am VERY angry that NCL makes new policies not in effect when one has already booked. They have a contract, but apparently we do not. Very shabby. I cancelled 4 booked cruises after the first big change, although I have sailed NCL since then. Nevertheless, I would never take my anger out on the kids--I am in favor of extra cash tips for EVERYTHING !! Work 10 hours a day every day on a 9 month contract?? No thank you--those kids are all heroes to me.

 

Would like to sail with YOU, Pieshops !!

 

Please tell me what was the first big change (and when)? Thanks!

[roboref]

The reason for the service charge:

 

The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: Our Crew (as are the crew from other lines) is encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programmes that your service charge supports. (from the NCL site)

 

I have already payed for restaurant staff, so if I eat in a specialty restaurant and am charged 18% then of course I would reduce the DSC. Otherwise it is a double tip. I have no problem tipping and have never reduced it no matter how bad the service was. And yes I did point out the issue to management and they always promised to take care of it.

 

But I will not pay a double tip! matter of fact was getting to ready to book an Alaskan cruise today when I checked back in NCL boards to see what if anything changed. Definitely reconsidering booking.

[rochelle_s]

As for removing the DSC and tipping those who have actually served you, it has always been my understanding that, if the DSC has been removed, the server MUST put any cash tips received in to the pool. If they keep it, it is a serious offense. I wonder if your key card will reflect the fact that you have removed the DSC...because I am certain they know when this has been done.

 

Hypothetical; Bob's preference is to tip when he receives service. He leaves a few dollars on the table wherever he has a meal. That could be in a restaurant, at the buffet or outside at the BBQ. Now Bob follows the protocol asked of him and visits Guest Services on the last night of the cruise and explains he is old fashioned and prefers to tip in person, has done so throughout the cruise and would like to have the DSC removed from his account. Exactly how are all those people: the waiters who served him in the restaurant, the bus person at the buffet and the bar server who cleared his table on deck supposed to know that Bob was going to remove his tips at the end of the week or have any idea who exactly left the tip in the first place?

 

Seeing as guests who wish to adjust or remove the DSC are encouraged to do so on the last evening I don't think there is a realistic chance that your ship card could be earmarked with this information.

 

And for the record I am not advocating for the removal of the DSC. I have always left mine in place. I am just 'taking the other side' for the purpose of the discussion.

 

 

Rochelle

[rochelle_s]

Going on first NCL cruise later this year and trying to familiarize myself with this line. I tried researching but I am at a loss: what is DSC, GA, BA and the many other abbreviations in this thread please?

 

Thank you.

 

DSC = Daily Service Charge (some publications- Discretionary Service Charge)

 

GA = Getaway

BA = Breakaway

 

The two ships are referenced because they are the two experiencing the new 'test' of an added service charge to Room Service. On the Breakaway there is a charge of $7.95 per room service order. On the Getaway there is a charge of $4.95 per order. All other ships at this time have no charge for room service.

 

 

Rochelle