Platinum laundry, how much to tip?

[seemoreroyals]

7 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said:

 

It is not misleading at all.  Nowhere in the description of the DSC does it even hint tht is is or that it replaces tipping.  Insisting tha the DSC is a tip is indeed very misleading.  At best it is used an excuse by many to not tip for service that IMHO anyway should be tipped.  To each his own though.  I tip what I want, when I want, and to whom I want and I do not at all make that decision based on what others may or may not tip.

 

Please, go back and reread my response to you in post #18 in this thread.  To save you time,  DSC was concocted by the cruise industry as a stress free way for cruisers to compensate cabin stewards, wait staff and others for their service in lieu of stuffing envelopes for them separately on the last day of the cruise.  

 

At $20 per day per person or $280 per couple for a week long cruise,  IMO this represents fair compensation for services rendered (TIPS) for cabin steward, wait staff, and bartenders as intended by NCL.  Other cruise lines that have implemented something similar.  While I can see an occasional tip here and there for someone that has really provided extraordinary service and went out of their way, throwing money around needlessly only serves to separate yourself from your money.

 

 

[mking8288]

2 hours ago, seemoreroyals said:

👉  I can see an occasional tip here and there for someone that has really provided extraordinary service and went out of their way 

This 👍 

 

We would recognize and leave a reasonable cash tip to our room steward for her/his service, going above & beyond ... being the popular tagline used.  Let's not give NCL more ideas to add 20% to these complimentary laundry services as part of the loyalty program for cruising.  

[MoCruiseFan]

22 hours ago, luv2kroooz said:

We have absolute agreement on that point.  I find your comment calling out how many words it took me to say something rather snarky and uncalled for. So sad.

 

Where you lost me is when you made this radical comment yesterday, but we've already debated that and others have pointed out the inaccuracy in the statement.

 

" 1st off the DSC has noting at all to do with tipping.  

 

LOL  There is absolutely zero inaccuracy in my statement that the DSC has nothing to do with tipping.  Two completely separate things.  Even NCL states that it funds employee incentive programs.  It is right on their web site in the FAQ, I believe it is is under "money matters".  Sadly though, many do use the payment of the DSC as a excuse not to tip.  I am not among that group.

[MoCruiseFan]

20 hours ago, DZcreature said:

The DSC was invented to make it easier for the cruisers, so they do not have to run around the last night with tip envelopes.

 

At no place on the NCL web site does it even HINT that the DSC was designed to replace tips.  In fact it clearly states that it used to fund employee incentive programs.   Your post is not only misleading, it is factually inaccurate.

[MoCruiseFan]

19 hours ago, luv2kroooz said:

I don't know what we are doing because the cruise lines are not up front and open about it.

They state exactly what it is for.  It is used to fund employee incentive programs.  Does it really matter to you or make any difference what the specific programs are?  It is none of my business, that is between NCL and their employees.

[luv2kroooz]

50 minutes ago, MoCruiseFan said:

They state exactly what it is for.  It is used to fund employee incentive programs.  Does it really matter to you or make any difference what the specific programs are?  It is none of my business, that is between NCL and their employees.

We agree yet again. I couldn't care less what they do with it. However, I do pay very particular attention to what I am being asked to pay versus the level of service received. We value all services provided at $16.50 per person per day and so that is what we pay, inclusive of service charges, tips, fees etc.

 

It just seems to me that there are a select group of members on these forums that attempt to shame people into tipping ridiculous amounts and then make accusatory statements about hurting crew members, etc. From the pictures of bicycles and representations of crew parties with free alcohol, the crew members are doing just fine. (Editorial...By the way, I think posting pictures of crew quarters is in poor taste as this is the crews home.)

 

In the end, tipping/DSC is a personal matter, so until the DSC is made mandatory, like a true service charge,  I will do what I do. You will do what you do. Over and out.

Edited June 3, 2023 by luv2kroooz

[seemoreroyals]

34 minutes ago, MoCruiseFan said:

They state exactly what it is for.  It is used to fund employee incentive programs.  Does it really matter to you or make any difference what the specific programs are?  It is none of my business, that is between NCL and their employees.

 

In other words, NCL like other cruise lines, has chosen to move away from separate tips to what in essence is a tip pool.  Call it what you want put DSC ( Discretionary Service Charge) is the same thing as TIPS or Gratuities if you want to call them that.  

 

The only reason I even care that you and a few others on here constantly gush about how much extra you tip is that it gives others the impression that they should do likewise as well as giving NCL ammunition to use next time they decide to raise our DSC fees which most of us on here take to mean that our tips are going up again.

[luv2kroooz]

8 minutes ago, seemoreroyals said:

 

In other words, NCL like other cruise lines, has chosen to move away from separate tips to what in essence is a tip pool.  Call it what you want put DSC ( Discretionary Service Charge) is the same thing as TIPS or Gratuities if you want to call them that.  

 

The only reason I even care that you and a few others on here constantly gush about how much extra you tip is that it gives others the impression that they should do likewise as well as giving NCL ammunition to use next time they decide to raise our DSC fees which most of us on here take to mean that our tips are going up again.

Well said and so true. You see unrealistic posts on here talking about tipping $100 per day to a butler, and $10 for laundry. It is not reality. We certainly respect and applaud anyone's ability to tip at those levels but it would be naive to think that is the norm. In fact, that is the outlier, so it all evens out in the end.

 

We tip at a level that warrants the level of service received. And even when don't regularly tip a bartender over and above the service charge (20%), we have found the service to be fine. Our drink glasses don't go empty, we can nod our head and get a refill, etc. Most of the crew are very service minded, unlike NCL Miami.

 

And if NCL attempts to raise the tips, which they really can't do because they are currently the outlier in the industry, you can just adjust them to industry norms. Make no mistake, as long as the daily charge is adjustable it can only be considered a tip. Service charges in most industries are fixed, mandatory, and unadjustable.

 

NCL should just give the crew the cash instead of buying bicycles and beer. 

[pcakes122]

23 hours ago, DZcreature said:

I also like to hear what others tip.

As long as you understand that what you are hearing is what others SAY they tip.

 

My take is that the DSC is not supposed to be a tip, but it IS intended to eliminate an unfair/unbalanced tipping culture and practices.

 

Before the DSC, anyone in the "back of the house" had no opportunity to earn anything above their base salary, and those in direct customer contact were reliant on the kindness (and uneven tipping practices) of guests to augment low wages.

 

NCL cruise base salaries DID increase with the advent of the DSC. The DSC helps fund crew incentive programs, just like NCL says - programs that benefit MOST crew.

 

That doesn't stop anybody from giving cash tips anytime or anywhere to any one as an expression of appreciation. However, nobody NEEDS to do it because "NCL employees are poorly paid and they don't get the DSC directly in their paycheck and therefore we must compensate blah blah blah." I've seen that stated before and that's not only inaccurate, it's ridiculous and insulting.  (NCL crew are not ignorant indentured servants who have been blindly forced into work camps at sea and need us to save them from themselves and their poor job decisions. Thinking that way shows an unconscious bias that really needs addressing. Just because somebody doesn't speak English doesn't mean they're stupid. Everybody working on the ship signed a contract and knew AND agreed to their salary before they ever stepped on board.)

 

It has been said many times before, but filling out comment cards REALLY helps crew members. Getting positive comment cards helps crew members earn recognition, get better job opportunities, get free specialty dining, Wi-Fi, time off and other nice perks. 😊

[Goldenknight]

18 hours ago, seemoreroyals said:

 

 . . . .   While I can see an occasional tip here and there for someone that has really provided extraordinary service and went out of their way, throwing money around needlessly only serves to separate yourself from your money.

 

 

It would almost be hilarious, your remark to other posters, labeling their tipping decisions as throwing money around needlessly,  but it's just not funny enough, given your screen name.  I trust your "name" has nothing to do with gambling (THROWING MONEY OUT)

[Goldenknight]

So revealing, the foot stomping occurring,  not tipping more than the alleged "industry standard" and making a huge point to loudly remove any extra service charges beyond that "other" cruise line's posted percentage.  

 

 

Hint:  Don't choose NCL, pick one of those other cruise lines.  NCL won't miss you.

 

If you can't afford it, stay home.  🤔

 

 

 

 

[luv2kroooz]

3 hours ago, Goldenknight said:

Hint:  Don't choose NCL, pick one of those other cruise lines.  NCL won't miss you.

 

If you can't afford it, stay home.  🤔

 

No foot stomping here. We could afford Haven if we valued it at the price point offered, so your supposition is error filled. Just an educated consumer that is well tuned into industry standards.

 

What is particularly revealing to me is your snarky reaction to someone else's decision to tip at industry standards and then the even more sad attempt to publicly shame them into staying home. Wise up.

 

And, before I go, thank you for the hint and  profound advice. Picking another cruise line seemed rather obvious to me, but maybe it will help someone who hadn't thought of such a unique and well thought out suggestion. Our next cruise is on Princess. Your recommendation to stay home is also welcomed, but rejected outright.

 

 

Edited June 4, 2023 by luv2kroooz

[BrianLo]

I don’t know, NCL certainly seems to be telling guests DSC is in lieu of gratuities for restaurant staff, cabin stewards and back of house. Is that not what they are saying here?

 

 

It seems their position is to still tip your bar tenders and butlers… but not others covered by DSC.

Edited June 4, 2023 by BrianLo

[seemoreroyals]

16 minutes ago, BrianLo said:

I don’t know, NCL certainly seems to be telling guests DSC is in lieu of gratuities for restaurant staff, cabin stewards and back of house. Is that not what they are saying here?

 

 

It seems their position is to still tip your bar tenders and butlers… but not others covered by DSC.

 

You got me thinking that maybe I was forgetting about the bar staff that for the most part do an outstanding job providing adult beverages.  Then I looked at the vacation summary on our upcoming cruise and lo and behold I noticed NCL if charging us $340.80 for free at see gratuities.  20% tip for bar service on the drink package and tips for two on two specialty dinners.  Man they think of everything.  

[podgeandrodge]

1 hour ago, BrianLo said:

I don’t know, NCL certainly seems to be telling guests DSC is in lieu of gratuities for restaurant staff, cabin stewards and back of house. Is that not what they are saying here?

 

 

It seems their position is to still tip your bar tenders and butlers… but not others covered by DSC.

My understanding years ago was that NCL and others suggested this was a simple way of not having to worry about tip envelopes etc. The wording above would have suggested to me that the charges are shared, but these references to incentive programs etc. suggest not shared perhaps that equally?  

[luv2kroooz]

The free at sea service charge/gratuities on a per person per day basis is $21.80. If someone can average 10 drinks per day on their cruise, that means you are paying $2.18 per drink for something. If you can average 7 per day, that is a $3.10 charge per drink. 

[dachengdao]

5 hours ago, luv2kroooz said:

 We could afford Haven if we valued it at the price point offered

 

 

 

 

This resonates with me as well.  I stayed in the Haven once on the Gem.  It was a lovely experience and we had the family suite as there were six of us.  When just me and DH sail, we don't need all that.  For the price of a Haven room, we can get a balcony and splurge on a thermal spa pass and a Vibe cabana, plus the FAS+ upgrade, extra dining, all our excursions, and still have extra left over to spend in the casino. 

[luv2kroooz]

12 minutes ago, dachengdao said:

This resonates with me as well.  I stayed in the Haven once on the Gem.  It was a lovely experience and we had the family suite as there were six of us.  When just me and DH sail, we don't need all that.  For the price of a Haven room, we can get a balcony and splurge on a thermal spa pass and a Vibe cabana, plus the FAS+ upgrade, extra dining, all our excursions, and still have extra left over to spend in the casino. 

That is us too. We are just average Joes and Janes. We don't need or want someone waiting on us 24/7, cutting through lines, reserved seating, exclusive lounges, etc. No shade to anyone who wants that experience, though.  We sail multiple times over for what one Haven cruise would cost us, and we value having the opportunity to travel multiple times as opposed to just doing one Haven cruise.

[insidecabin]

52 minutes ago, luv2kroooz said:

The free at sea service charge/gratuities on a per person per day basis is $21.80. If someone can average 10 drinks per day on their cruise, that means you are paying $2.18 per drink for something. If you can average 7 per day, that is a $3.10 charge per drink. 

The UK it's done differently because we don't get fooled by its free just pay some grats.(also can't claim free then charge)

 

Its a proper charge based on cruise length to add the package. 

 

Drinks part of free at sea charge is around £17pppd(including grats) once you take 1 dinner off (even less with 2 diners)

(It does vary and goes down a lot for long cruises as it caps at 18n  £350)

 

Even with the relatively poor drinks package it is still quite reasonable and competitive for the alcohol drinkers.

 

For a UK person it's 3-4 drinks at regular UK pub prices(7 pints at my local).

We ignore the inflated prices to value packages. 

 

We can also add FAS to sailaway but often not worth the saving over next  lowest option.

 

Where NCL is still an outlyer is separate service at £15.50 a day, in the UK most are now grats included in base fare or part of the bundles.

 

 

[Goldenknight]

It's a stunning example of no self-awareness when a poster here doesn't want to acknowledge that it is indeed her silly comments about why they will loudly protest the level of daily service charges (it's not someone else's comments).  

Summary of their rant:   "I know the daily service charge is posted all over NCL.  I don't care, I will continue to choose NCL rather than another cruise line.  I will then continue to rant about NCL and its' employees, whom are not worth that service charge of $20, but only worth $16.50, and then I will continue to lower it every single cruise."

 

NCL will not miss you.  Bye.

Edited June 4, 2023 by Goldenknight

[luv2kroooz]

2 minutes ago, Goldenknight said:

Summary of their rant:   "I know the daily service charge is posted all over NCL.  I don't care, I will continue to choose NCL rather than another cruise line.  I will then continue to rant about NCL and its' employees, whom are not worth that service charge of $20, but only worth $16.50, and then I will continue to lower it every single cruise."

Not sure why you continue to call it a rant and/or foot stomping. It is a simple acknowledgement that we are well aware of industry standards and when afforded the opportunity to balance those standards against onboard service reductions, we exercise that right every time. When enough people do as we do, NCL will change the policy and make it mandatory. We took the opportunity to pay in $16.50 per person per day on our April TA cruise. It is a great opportunity to remind ourselves that we contributed $495 towards the DSC pool. We felt that was quite fair given the good service we received. We didn't have to rant or foot stomp at guest services. It was a respectful conversation and it was done. Ironically, the guest services associate was originally going to remove 100% of the DSC. She said most people just remove everything. We find that sad.

 

In summary, we enjoy our time on NCL, but only book at very last minute rock bottom rates because that is the rate where we perceive value. By the way, we are sailing less of NCL, but it would be foolish for me to come on here and say I am never sailing NCL again. I hate NCL. Blah, blah blah.

 

You seem so bothered by that which I find odd. It is something you have zero control over, so just move on if you don't agree with it. People are free to agree or disagree with our behavior and we respect that disagreement. What I find odd is the apparent need for you to repeatedly mischaracterize behavior as rants and foot stomping and then come on here to editorialize my comments. Well, you are most free to do so. Thank you and all the best!!

[pcakes122]

5 hours ago, podgeandrodge said:

My understanding years ago was that NCL and others suggested this was a simple way of not having to worry about tip envelopes etc. The wording above would have suggested to me that the charges are shared, but these references to incentive programs etc. suggest not shared perhaps that equally?  

They are primarily team-based incentives (which encourages people to work together.) Many, many companies do this successfully. I even remember McDonald's doing this when I worked there as a teenager lol (e.g., if food quality and presentation remained at a specified grade level during the busy Saturday lunch hour, every crew member working in the grill area that hour received $25.) 

 

NCL crew members not only stay for contract after contract after contract after contract with NCL, they encourage their family and friends at home to apply also!

So I don't think they are really as oppressed, unhappy, depressed and destitute as some people seem to think. 

 

(Full disclosure: I have family members who worked on NCL ships for many, many years. Albeit in officer/staff positions, they had and still have many friends onboard!)

[dhanakorn]

The bag size is getting smaller (I think they started distributing smaller bag since last year). Although it still holds up a lot of clothes. I usually put $5 on top of the bag. Although with the ongoing high inflation rate, $5 seems to be worth much less nowadays. Maybe I need to increase the amount next time.