wongcruise Posted September 6, 2019 #1 Share Posted September 6, 2019 I read somewhere that Celebrity will start charging gratuities on a drink package received as a perk for bookings after Sept 1. Does everyone have any information on this? We just came back from an Equinox sailing and gratuities were not charged for our drink package perk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jelayne Posted September 6, 2019 #2 Share Posted September 6, 2019 That was information a TA told someone on CC who posted that as a heads up. That has not turned out to be accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisestitch Posted September 6, 2019 #3 Share Posted September 6, 2019 (edited) Unfortunately since it is in print, people will believe it is true. But as of now it is only a rumor, and a false one. Whether you purchase the drink package or receive it as a perk with your booking tThe gratuities are included And no further tippers added if you order a drink that is within the price point of your package Edited September 6, 2019 by cruisestitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvcrusn Posted September 6, 2019 #4 Share Posted September 6, 2019 That is misinformation that was posted and is living on because it's been read on the internet. So far, no one on board or shoreside has verified it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Januarysent Posted September 7, 2019 #5 Share Posted September 7, 2019 Just had an invoice for a booking on the Silhouette with a classic drinks package. The invoice shows an On Board Service Charge 260.58 and a YQF4 Prepaid Gratuities deduction of 241.66. Why the lower deduction? Is this difference a gratuities charge? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wongcruise Posted September 7, 2019 Author #6 Share Posted September 7, 2019 It would be interesting to see what the difference represents? Januarysent - did you purchase the drink package rather than receiving it as a perk? I believe gratuities are charged for a purchased package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Januarysent Posted September 7, 2019 #7 Share Posted September 7, 2019 No. I didn't buy it... It's a perk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Georgia_Peaches Posted September 7, 2019 #8 Share Posted September 7, 2019 3 hours ago, Januarysent said: Just had an invoice for a booking on the Silhouette with a classic drinks package. The invoice shows an On Board Service Charge 260.58 and a YQF4 Prepaid Gratuities deduction of 241.66. Why the lower deduction? Is this difference a gratuities charge? I would call and ask. Please report back..this may have something to do with the rumored change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Januarysent Posted September 9, 2019 #9 Share Posted September 9, 2019 Just heard from Celebrity re the discrepancy on the invoice. They say: I can confirm that you will receive £130.29pp free gratuities with your cruise.As the cruise is over a years in advance our system has not been updated with the minus about of £130.29pp which need to be applied to this booking to balance out the cost of the gratuities.The nearest we have is £120.83pp which we have applied to the booking, and this will be updated & change to the correct amount once that amount is loaded onto the system, we have been advise that this could be in early 2020 So no gratuity charge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wongcruise Posted September 12, 2019 Author #10 Share Posted September 12, 2019 Thank you for the clarification. So glad it was only a rumor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eva 51 Posted September 17, 2019 #11 Share Posted September 17, 2019 On 9/12/2019 at 7:20 AM, wongcruise said: Thank you for the clarification. So glad it was only a rumor I just booked a cruise today. Beverage package was a perk. TA. Said I d be paying gratuities on every drink. Cruising on infinity February’ 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guindalf Posted September 17, 2019 #12 Share Posted September 17, 2019 2 hours ago, Eva 51 said: I just booked a cruise today. Beverage package was a perk. TA. Said I d be paying gratuities on every drink. Cruising on infinity February’ 2021 TA lied, or is at least ill-informed. There is a possibility that you may be charged sales tax (VAT in Spain or other European countries), but you will NOT be charged gratuities on every drink! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisestitch Posted September 17, 2019 #13 Share Posted September 17, 2019 Guindalf, You are only charged VAT If you purchase a drink on those itineraries not if you use your beverage package. Eva 51, On other cruise lines you do pay gratuities on beverages with in the packages. TA is probably confused about which cruise line you are on and what their policies are. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snichols23 Posted September 20, 2019 #14 Share Posted September 20, 2019 If you do a "dummy" purchase of a drink package, you will see a "service charge" added. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisestitch Posted September 20, 2019 #15 Share Posted September 20, 2019 (edited) Yes. That is so. But the OP was concerned about being charged a gratuity on drinks ordered within a beverage package that was received as a perk. This is not happening. Edited September 20, 2019 by cruisestitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Cruise Junky Posted September 27, 2019 #16 Share Posted September 27, 2019 Just an FYI. This rumour is circulating again with an effective date of October 1st for new bookings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solution Posted September 27, 2019 #17 Share Posted September 27, 2019 Not a rumour anymore. Breaking news from Celebrity agent webminar - Effective October 10, 2019, any booking with the beverage as a perk, the total cruise fare will increase by $14 per day. Stay tuned for the public announcement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted September 27, 2019 #18 Share Posted September 27, 2019 11 minutes ago, Solution said: Not a rumour anymore. Breaking news from Celebrity agent webminar - Effective October 10, 2019, any booking with the beverage as a perk, the total cruise fare will increase by $14 per day. Stay tuned for the public announcement. Any booking or any NEW booking? Also, it that $14 per cabin per day or per BP holder per day? I'm thinking of one adult with BP sharing a cabin with a minor child versus two adults with BP. In the parent/child scenario, would it only be $7.00? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solution Posted September 27, 2019 #19 Share Posted September 27, 2019 1 minute ago, Fouremco said: Any booking or any NEW booking? Also, it that $14 per cabin per day or per BP holder per day? I'm thinking of one adult with BP sharing a cabin with a minor child versus two adults with BP. In the parent/child scenario, would it only be $7.00? It will be any new booking (or re-fare) on or after Oct 10, 2019. Increased cruise fare (instead of gratuity) is per package per day. Note I am in Canada, I assume the $14 is CAD. For US and other countries, the increase may be different. Details has yet to be released publicly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted September 27, 2019 #20 Share Posted September 27, 2019 10 minutes ago, Solution said: It will be any new booking (or re-fare) on or after Oct 10, 2019. Increased cruise fare (instead of gratuity) is per package per day. Note I am in Canada, I assume the $14 is CAD. For US and other countries, the increase may be different. Details has yet to be released publicly. Better $14 CAD than $14 USD, I suppose. Between cuts in service and cash grabs like this, our future with Celebrity is increasingly in question. We have two booked now, one too late to cancel, but I'm seriously reconsidering the second one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solution Posted September 27, 2019 #21 Share Posted September 27, 2019 17 minutes ago, Fouremco said: Better $14 CAD than $14 USD, I suppose. Between cuts in service and cash grabs like this, our future with Celebrity is increasingly in question. We have two booked now, one too late to cancel, but I'm seriously reconsidering the second one. I agree. I have two booked, but will consider moving to luxury where you get more inclusive items. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebInAntigua Posted September 27, 2019 #22 Share Posted September 27, 2019 That is roughly 20% of the cost of a premium BP per day. Methinks this is quite the sneaky way to add it in without disclosing it as a charge for the Perk exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrk2cruise Posted September 27, 2019 #23 Share Posted September 27, 2019 So if you choose a drink package as a perk your cruise fare will be more than if you choose other perks? Gets more complicated all the time. I've been booking suites and I find that most times I'm unable to book without bundled perks. I don't want a beverage package I and I don't really appreciate having to pay for one, let alone an increase like this. Yes sometimes I'm able to book senior or resident discounts which don't include perks but those are generally not available until close to sail date when they are trying to get rid of remaining cabins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davekathy Posted September 27, 2019 #24 Share Posted September 27, 2019 I'll believe it when I see it. First rumor September 1st now October 10th 2019. If it happens, at least we have other options to enjoy drinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dimarie40 Posted September 28, 2019 #25 Share Posted September 28, 2019 Australians will mutiny if they try to do this. I can just imagine the uproar now! We are on the October 27 Solstice sailing so we shall see what happens. Could be an interesting cruise.😀 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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