NCL Cruise Service Charge Refund

[newbe dave]

I would walk out of a restaurant without leaving a tip if I had not had good service.

 

Go On : bring it on !

 

 

 

But would you not tip your server if the restaurant ‘s bathroom sink leaked?

 

 

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[Crusin6]

But would you not tip your server if the restaurant ‘s bathroom sink leaked?

 

 

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Your comparison doesn't sorry to say

 

Because on ncl the dsc is pooled and everyone and then some seems to get a piece of it...or so they say

 

 

So in the scenario you describe....if the bathroom sink in your cabin wasn't fixed after several requests while onboard that it be fixed....then yup a reduction (not total removal) in dsc is warranted

 

 

This is how you let ncl know that they dropped the ball

 

 

Guest services/hotel director/housekeeping/maintenance... all did not do their job if after several complaints your cabin sink is not fixed

 

 

Also your steward is at fault as well because don't they clean the bathroom daily?

 

Don't they see it's leaking?

 

Isn't it their job to report it so it can be fixed?

 

They get clogged toilets fixed don't they? They are responsible to get leaky sinks fixed as well

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited September 27, 2017 by Crusin6

[sanger727]

I would walk out of a restaurant without leaving a tip if I had not had good service.

 

Go On : bring it on !

 

 

 

I won't. The lowest I would tip is 5%. The lowest I have tipped is 10%. I used to waitress and we were required to tip out the bar staff and bussers - totaled approx 5% of my sales. Regardless of tips received. While I've been on the receiving end, I can't imagine service bad enough that the server should be paying for the honor of waiting on my table. I prefer to take it up with management and then reward the server with a subpar (but not $0) tip.

 

 

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[CruisingUS]

I won't. The lowest I would tip is 5%. The lowest I have tipped is 10%. I used to waitress and we were required to tip out the bar staff and bussers - totaled approx 5% of my sales. Regardless of tips received. While I've been on the receiving end, I can't imagine service bad enough that the server should be paying for the honor of waiting on my table. I prefer to take it up with management and then reward the server with a subpar (but not $0) tip.

 

 

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I tip out of fear b/c I know servers and etc will sometimes mess w/ my food if I don't.

 

I've heard the things that my friends have done to ppl's food :eek:

[NLH Arizona]

I tip out of fear b/c I know servers and etc will sometimes mess w/ my food if I don't.

 

I've heard the things that my friends have done to ppl's food :eek:

So you tip before you eat your meal? I've never heard of anyone doing that.

 

If I have lousy service from a server at a restaurant (I never punish the server for bad food, etc.), I don't tip a penny, but I do let the Manager know why I'm not tipping. By tipping someone who gives you bad service, is telling them that this service is okay.

[sanger727]

So you tip before you eat your meal? I've never heard of anyone doing that.

 

 

 

If I have lousy service from a server at a restaurant (I never punish the server for bad food, etc.), I don't tip a penny, but I do let the Manager know why I'm not tipping. By tipping someone who gives you bad service, is telling them that this service is okay.

 

 

 

I disagree. Tipping is essentially the only pay servers receive. I don't get docked pay if I do a less than great job. I don't think anyone deserves to work for free. If you complete the meal by ordering, receiving food, receiving drinks, and paying a bill you have received service. That doesn't come for free.

 

But when service is bad I would bring that up to a manager and they should check on the remainder of the service or send some else.

 

 

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[CruisingUS]

So you tip before you eat your meal? I've never heard of anyone doing that.

 

If I have lousy service from a server at a restaurant (I never punish the server for bad food, etc.), I don't tip a penny, but I do let the Manager know why I'm not tipping. By tipping someone who gives you bad service, is telling them that this service is okay.

This applies more at home. I will tip even when I get bad service at places I return routinely. I will never send back food b/c I don't want extra ingredients added the 2nd time around....:eek: I heard enough of the stories....

 

On NCL, I tip on the first night after my meal. Word spreads that I tip and I get good service on the second night and etc. I then will break out the NCL hero or appreciation cards or w/e they are called like half way through the cruise. I will often let them read the comments.

 

Do I like tipping? Eh...but it keeps people from spitting in my food or screwing with me.

[OrlandoSingleCruiser]

It's funny to read some of the comments about the DSC. Especially the ones that guilt you into leaving the DSC alone.

 

The reality is that NCL pockets about 1/2 of the DSC...straight to profits. The other half is supposedly put in a pool and NCL gives employees bonuses based on certain criteria.

 

Have them refund your DSC and tip the staff as you go, that's what I do. NCL can go **** themselves.

[perditax]

It's funny to read some of the comments about the DSC. Especially the ones that guilt you into leaving the DSC alone.

 

The reality is that NCL pockets about 1/2 of the DSC...straight to profits. The other half is supposedly put in a pool and NCL gives employees bonuses based on certain criteria.

 

Have them refund your DSC and tip the staff as you go, that's what I do. NCL can go **** themselves.

 

 

Any source on NCL pocketing 1/2?

 

I don't doubt you. I'm sure all that money doesn't go to the crew. I've just never heard it claimed that anyone knows for sure.

[OrlandoSingleCruiser]

Any source on NCL pocketing 1/2?

 

I don't doubt you. I'm sure all that money doesn't go to the crew. I've just never heard it claimed that anyone knows for sure.

 

I dated a chick that worked for NCL in revenue management for a couple of months last year and she gave me some insight on where the DSC goes and a few other things. NCL is very shady in some areas...I'll leave it at that.

[Air2Cruise]

No its more like walking out a a restaurant and not paying your bill. The tip is secondary.

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratuity

[CruisingUS]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratuity

:')

[Crusin6]

Well seeing as you are supposed to mention any issue to them and give them the opportunity to address it before filing for a refund I highly doubt it.

 

 

Not sure if this op will get their refund or not but nope you do not have to give any reason at all in order to get the form for refund which is btw just a piece of paper with a website link last I looked

 

 

As a matter of principal and just so I have it...just in case I need it...I stop by guest services at some point during the cruise to pick the paper up

 

 

I just say I'd like it and may certainly not need it but since there was no line I'd like to pick it up now

 

 

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[JezzaC]

https://www.ncl.com/faq#service-charge

 

If there is a service issue can the service charges be adjusted on board?

Guest satisfaction is the highest priority at Norwegian Cruise Line. We have structured a guest satisfaction program designed to handle any concerns about service or on-board product quickly and efficiently. However, in the event a service issue should arise during your cruise please let our on-board guest services desk staff know right away, so that we can address these in a timely manner. It is our goal to reach a satisfactory solution to any issue when it happens and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise. Should your concerns not be met with satisfaction you can adjust the charges.

 

Have done that once when had issues with 3 restaurant bookings on same cruise. Reservation was in place but there was an issue with specialty dining package not showing correctly and had to go back to cabin to pick the documentation and then to guest relations and back to restaurant again. On 3rd time was already pissed enough of having to do their job so made a small adjustment to the service charge. They give the form from Guest Relations, you can just simply write amount to be removed and reason for it. Then it will be adjusted on the onboard account.

[Crusin6]

https://www.ncl.com/faq#service-charge

 

 

 

If there is a service issue can the service charges be adjusted on board?

 

Guest satisfaction is the highest priority at Norwegian Cruise Line. We have structured a guest satisfaction program designed to handle any concerns about service or on-board product quickly and efficiently. However, in the event a service issue should arise during your cruise please let our on-board guest services desk staff know right away, so that we can address these in a timely manner. It is our goal to reach a satisfactory solution to any issue when it happens and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise. Should your concerns not be met with satisfaction you can adjust the charges.

 

 

Imho....

 

Charging pax the dsc can be considered a service issue especially if that is not what a pax wants to do.

 

 

 

 

If a pax does not want to tip everyone and then some that counts as a service issue

 

 

There really is no debate about removing dsc

 

 

Pax should not be forced to tip the entire ship

 

Pax should tip only those who provide one on one service if that is what they want to do

 

Pax should not be forced into a set dsc

 

Pax should not be forced to tip the laundry crew or the engine crew

 

 

Kudos to ncl for realizing this and NOT making the dsc mandatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Crusin6]

Have done that once when had issues with 3 restaurant bookings on same cruise. Reservation was in place but there was an issue with specialty dining package not showing correctly and had to go back to cabin to pick the documentation and then to guest relations and back to restaurant again. On 3rd time was already pissed enough of having to do their job so made a small adjustment to the service charge. They give the form from Guest Relations, you can just simply write amount to be removed and reason for it. Then it will be adjusted on the onboard account.

 

 

Are they doing this onboard again?

 

 

In oct 2016 I had to go a website after I got home

 

 

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[Crusin6]

While I agree that people should not be guilt tripped into removing the DSC IF THEY HAVE A LEGITIMATE REASON TO DO SO, the remainder of your post is speculation, opinion, and conjecture. Lastly paying or removing teh DSC has absolutely NOTHING to do with tipping.

 

 

You are correct it has nothing to do with tipping

 

 

I prefer to tip

 

I prefer to not subsidize crew salaries in any way other than paying my fare

 

 

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[Crusin6]

Here's food for thought...

 

If ncl doesn't enforce their own rules is that reason to remove dsc?

 

 

Such as letting non gamblers stand in the casino and smoke?

 

Not stopping a pax from balcony smoking after complaints are made?

 

Not removing chair hog towels after 30 minutes?

 

Not providing enough space in the atriums for shows?

 

Not being organized correctly for tenders?

 

Not keeping public restrooms clean?

 

Etc etc etc...

 

 

Dsc should mean lots of good conveniences for pax should it not?

 

 

Tipping your steward for great service imho is not part of dsc....expecting ncl pool deck crew to keep an eye out for chair hogs is part of dsc....

 

 

When I see them enforcing their own rules....I will leave dsc in place

 

 

Until then...my steward and waiters get cash in hand...

 

 

I never have nor will tip buffet staff....that's ridiculous ....they work in the mdr too. Lol

 

 

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[tony11727]

Cheap people disgust me.

 

I couldn't agree with you more!

[tony11727]

I used to order $2 dollar bills from the bank before leaving and hand them out as novelty but they were always new and fresh bills that the staff had not seen in general, i think they thought i was giving out counterfeit so now i load up on dollar bills.

 

I'd love to know what bank you went to that had an abundance of $2 bills on hand! I've got a few tucked away and they are a true rarity.

[CruisingUS]

I'd love to know what bank you went to that had an abundance of $2 bills on hand! I've got a few tucked away and they are a true rarity.

you just ask them to order them for you for free

[Two Wheels Only]

Not removing chair hog towels after 30 minutes?

NCL dailies state that items can be left for up to 1 hour, not 30 minutes.

[Crusin6]

NCL dailies state that items can be left for up to 1 hour, not 30 minutes.

 

 

Ok then just substitute 60 minutes for 30 minutes in my above post

 

 

It makes the same point.....if ncl doesn't enforce the rules that make my cruise comfortable then what is the dsc for?

 

 

As stated the dsc is not a tip

 

 

I happily tip for good service

 

 

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[bones774]

I'd love to know what bank you went to that had an abundance of $2 bills on hand! I've got a few tucked away and they are a true rarity.

 

Hi Tony, as i said in my post i used to go to the bank and "order" before leaving. Not so much a rarity as a nuisance for most merchants.

It's like saying a Yugo is rare! Not quite.

[Peachypooh]

I did not read the entire thread so I apologize if others have said this/have the same opinion. I look at the DSC as almost the same as a resort charge. It is something that hotels/cruiselines add on and use to compensate their employees.The only time I was able to have part of a resort charge refunded when there was a line item for use of the in room safe at a hotel which I did not use. I have no idea how NCL divides up the DSC so I would be totally reluctant to get it reversed. I also feel that the crew members( room stewards especially) do a great job and even if they are included in the DSC I always give them something extra. It means a lot to them. I remember one cruise I took right before Christmas where I decided to give a bigger than normal tip and the room steward was overjoyed. I got the impression he was going to use it to give his family a nicer Christmas. Unless someone is intentionally rude to me I just go with the flow. Even one butler I had that actually didn't do hardly anything he was supposed to do got a tip from me. He gave me a big smile. I think he was just burned out. Just my thoughts.