calmpets Posted November 6, 2016 #1 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I just read a review that stated the voucher for the free platinum perk dinner now indicates that you will be charged gratuity. Has anyone else experienced that? I'm sailing at the beginning of December on the Epic, and would like to know what to expect, as my traveling companion is platinum. Thanks in advance for any info on this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triptolemus Posted November 6, 2016 #2 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Yes! NCL is the only place in the Universe where 18% of $0 is some number greater than $0. NCL math! Hooray! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lido_Deck Posted November 6, 2016 #3 Share Posted November 6, 2016 (edited) Yes! NCL is the only place in the Universe where 18% of $0 is some number greater than $0. NCL math! Hooray! But the servers who waited on you deserve to be tipped. They depend on those tips to support themselves and their families. That being said, I was not charged a gratuity on my Platinum dinner on the Escape in September . Edited November 6, 2016 by Lido_Deck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaware32 Posted November 6, 2016 #4 Share Posted November 6, 2016 We were not charged a gratuity on our Platinum our October 5 Panama Canal trip specialty dinners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gma_pat Posted November 6, 2016 #5 Share Posted November 6, 2016 We were not charged in Oct on the BA - I did - as we usually do - provide a tip in cash to the server. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbe Posted November 6, 2016 #6 Share Posted November 6, 2016 But the servers who waited on you deserve to be tipped. They depend on those tips to support themselves and their families. That being said, I was not charged a gratuity on my Platinum dinner on the Escape in September . I always tip them as they are excellent, but they are also receive the DSC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triptolemus Posted November 6, 2016 #7 Share Posted November 6, 2016 But the servers who waited on you deserve to be tipped. They depend on those tips to support themselves and their families.. I'm quite capable of tipping on my own without being taxed by NCL, thank you. Spare me the "poor hard working crew" drivel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Turtles06 Posted November 6, 2016 #8 Share Posted November 6, 2016 (edited) But the servers who waited on you deserve to be tipped. They depend on those tips to support themselves and their families. They deserve to be paid a living wage. And if a perk is free, there shouldn't be a gratuity charged on it, NCL should pay it. (We typically add an extra tip in the specialty venues, but the idea of NCL adding its own gratuity to a freebie is absurd.) All that said, no one so far has confirmed this is being done on this perk. (Yes, I know they are doing it with the "free" beverage package...) We will be sailing as Platinum for the first time in January. I guess I'll see for myself. Edited November 6, 2016 by Turtles06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lido_Deck Posted November 6, 2016 #9 Share Posted November 6, 2016 They deserve to be paid a living wage. And if a perk is free, there shouldn't be a gratuity charged on it, NCL should pay it. (We typically add an extra tip in the specialty venues, but the idea of NCL adding its own gratuity to a freebie is absurd.) All that said, no one so far has confirmed this is being done on this perk. (Yes, I know they are doing it with the "free" beverage package...) We will be sailing as Platinum for the first time in January. I guess I'll see for myself. Please define "living wage"...in the Philippines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinchem Posted November 6, 2016 #10 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Never saw it yet. If they add it, we'll accept it or leave a $5 as usual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esm54687 Posted November 6, 2016 #11 Share Posted November 6, 2016 I always tip them as they are excellent, but they are also receive the DSC. actually Specialty Restaurant staff are NOT included in the DSC sent using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hbe Posted November 6, 2016 #12 Share Posted November 6, 2016 actually Specialty Restaurant staff are NOT included in the DSC sent using Forums mobile app Why are they not, it's only the concierge and the butlers that do not participate in the DSC. The servers in the specialty restaurants don't only serve there. One of the servers we had in the Haven was serving at Cagney's in the evening and had to leave half way through our meal to serve in O'Sheehan's. So why wouldn't he participate in the DSC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb Nahoumi Posted November 6, 2016 #13 Share Posted November 6, 2016 He probably did when he worked in O'Sheehan's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esm54687 Posted November 6, 2016 #14 Share Posted November 6, 2016 (edited) Why are they not, it's only the concierge and the butlers that do not participate in the DSC. The servers in the specialty restaurants don't only serve there. One of the servers we had in the Haven was serving at Cagney's in the evening and had to leave half way through our meal to serve in O'Sheehan's. So why wouldn't he participate in the DSC. Specialty Restaurant staff are covered by the 18% Gratuity charge..... they and several other groups of workers (youth programs, butlers, bar staff, spa, etc) are not covered by the DSC. Here is the Gratuity FAQ: https://www.ncl.com/faq#tipping Here is the DSC FAQ: https://www.ncl.com/faq#service-charge NCL's thought (and I agree) is that those passengers who choose to partake in non-complimentary services should be required to contribute to those gratuities....... all complimentary services are open to everyone so everyone pays their equal share to DSC. The waiter you had in Haven and then at OSheehan's is prorated based on hours worked at each place (maybe 48% gratuity pool and 52% DSC pool) sent using Forums mobile app Edited November 6, 2016 by esm54687 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjikids Posted November 6, 2016 #15 Share Posted November 6, 2016 We just returned from the Breakaway. No extra charge for a tip. We were given a receipt that was zeroed out. It was up to us to leave a tip if we wanted to. We believe in doing it for good service in any restaurant. It is up to every person to decide for themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaja Posted November 7, 2016 #16 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Was on the Gem early October....was not charged gratuity on Platinum dinner..BUT..it id clearly say on voucher that it would be added to my onboard account..which it was NOT.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted November 7, 2016 #17 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Have sailed NCL as Platinum (over 15 years), 6 times this year, last - end of Sept- 2 in August. No added tips to the La Bistro dinner perk. Will be on the Sun twice, next month, will see if anything changes. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRAustin Posted November 7, 2016 #18 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Oct on Epic - no charge. However I had 2 Cosmopolitans and saw a charge of $21 after the dinner. Went back to LeBistro and they said you ordered Cirroc Cosmo. I did not if I had do they really cost $25 ea as that is what it would have to be with UBP??? I'll never really know what the charge really was but they removed it from my bill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdsted Posted November 7, 2016 #19 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Two days ago on BA, no added gratuity. Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmexicoNita Posted November 7, 2016 #20 Share Posted November 7, 2016 But the servers who waited on you deserve to be tipped. They depend on those tips to support themselves and their families. That being said, I was not charged a gratuity on my Platinum dinner on the Escape in September . We have never been charged it either, but haven't sailed in about a year. We will see, as we board the Epic Saturday. I truthfully would expect to be charged 18% but if not we will leave a tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moby0215 Posted November 7, 2016 #21 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Yes! NCL is the only place in the Universe where 18% of $0 is some number greater than $0. NCL math! Hooray! Are you saying that If you had a free coupon for a meal at a land based restaurant that you would leave without leaving a tip? I would hope not. Any time something is discounted you are expected to still tip on the regular price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The P Posted November 7, 2016 #22 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Was on the Gem early October....was not charged gratuity on Platinum dinner..BUT..it id clearly say on voucher that it would be added to my onboard account..which it was NOT.. I was on the same cruise as jaja and brought a third guest with me when I used my Plat perk. I WAS charged 18% on the entire bill minus my choices. It was fine by me and I left an additional tip. Our attentive waitress was very helpful with helping us select wine. A lovely meal all around....:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjlaac Posted November 7, 2016 #23 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Specialty Restaurant staff are covered by the 18% Gratuity charge..... they and several other groups of workers (youth programs, butlers, bar staff, spa, etc) are not covered by the DSC. Here is the Gratuity FAQ: https://www.ncl.com/faq#tipping Here is the DSC FAQ: https://www.ncl.com/faq#service-charge NCL's thought (and I agree) is that those passengers who choose to partake in non-complimentary services should be required to contribute to those gratuities....... all complimentary services are open to everyone so everyone pays their equal share to DSC. The waiter you had in Haven and then at OSheehan's is prorated based on hours worked at each place (maybe 48% gratuity pool and 52% DSC pool) sent using Forums mobile app More NCL brainwashing! For the past 20 years (or however many years NCL has had specialties) they were included in the DSC. Not until NCL started "giving away" free specialty offers did they change it. Why, no one knows because the same waiters in the specialties also work the buffet, MDR, O'S, and the list goes on. Stop believing everything you are told by NCL, think once in a while, that's what your brain is for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdmartyn65 Posted November 7, 2016 #24 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Currently on the Jade. We went to le bistro on November 3rd after Funchal. No gratuity for that dinner is showing so far in iConcierge. (As of 3pm AST, November 7th). Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sissaaaaaa Posted November 7, 2016 #25 Share Posted November 7, 2016 I just read a review that stated the voucher for the free platinum perk dinner now indicates that you will be charged gratuity. Has anyone else experienced that? I'm sailing at the beginning of December on the Epic, and would like to know what to expect, as my traveling companion is platinum. Thanks in advance for any info on this! Way to stay classy, NCL :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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