NCL Service Charge - Can this be changed? waved?

[SEASHELL97]

Tipping Pool is like the union mentality. Everyone is making the same [or some portion]....service declines...incentives are gone...or so it appears on the NCL Dawn...haven't had this experience on Princess, where they still seem to value the cruiser.....The Mait're D [sp?]...is part of the pool...in 7 days of the Dawn, 5 of which in one of the MDR's...i NEVEr saw the Maitr'e D.....and i ate at 5:30 pm...NEVER came by...i remember a time when i saw the man every single night on past cruisers....but hey, he's in the pool...making his $$$

[sjbdtz]

Tipping Pool is like the union mentality. Everyone is making the same [or some portion]....service declines...incentives are gone...or so it appears on the NCL Dawn...haven't had this experience on Princess, where they still seem to value the cruiser.....The Mait're D [sp?]...is part of the pool...in 7 days of the Dawn, 5 of which in one of the MDR's...i NEVEr saw the Maitr'e D.....and i ate at 5:30 pm...NEVER came by...i remember a time when i saw the man every single night on past cruisers....but hey, he's in the pool...making his $$$

 

 

No, he's probably in the hotel, being the Maitre, rather than on the floor begging for tips.

 

 

Maitre d'hotel is an expression meaning Master of the Hotel, which in the parlance means Manager. These are the people who ensure things are flowing smoothly, food is coming out of the kitchen, your water is refilled, you get the seat you want, and you don't wait 2 hours for coffee.

 

Doing this for 300 diners at a time is a challenging role.

 

Given that "tips" are generally their only income, I don't begrudge them their place in the 'pool'.

 

 

Remember also that the threat of having tips removed is no less daunting than the threat of not receiving one in the first place!

[smeyer418]

Tipping Pool is like the union mentality. Everyone is making the same [or some portion]....service declines...incentives are gone...or so it appears on the NCL Dawn...haven't had this experience on Princess, where they still seem to value the cruiser.....The Mait're D [sp?]...is part of the pool...in 7 days of the Dawn, 5 of which in one of the MDR's...i NEVEr saw the Maitr'e D.....and i ate at 5:30 pm...NEVER came by...i remember a time when i saw the man every single night on past cruisers....but hey, he's in the pool...making his $$$

yep all those cruise lines where you spend $500 per day and have a no tipping policy are terrible with terrible service. Yep Unions are terrible except that for the most part they created the Middle class in the US....and its so much better for employees now with Unions on the decline...

[jimswims]

Tipping Pool is like the union mentality. Everyone is making the same [or some portion]....service declines...incentives are gone...or so it appears on the NCL Dawn...haven't had this experience on Princess, where they still seem to value the cruiser.....The Mait're D [sp?]...is part of the pool...in 7 days of the Dawn, 5 of which in one of the MDR's...i NEVEr saw the Maitr'e D.....and i ate at 5:30 pm...NEVER came by...i remember a time when i saw the man every single night on past cruisers....but hey, he's in the pool...making his $$$

 

We saw the Maitre D at Le Bistro and at Cargney's when we dined there. We also saw them every morning in the buffet area working and managing the morning rush of people, making sure that all tables were cleared, helping out their staff, and keeping things running smoothly. I totally disagree with your statement about serive declines because of the auto tip pool. This has not been my experience in 7 NCL cruises.

 

The Restaurant staff on NCL wear multiple hats. They were working very hard on the Spirit and went out of their way to make sure people got what they needed to enjoy their cruise.

 

I had absolutlely no use for a singing Maitre D on another line who got on a microphone and now wants a tip because he was entertaining! He should have addressed our poor assistant waiter when I brought it to his attention. Instead, we were finishing our dinner when the next seating was trying to get in.

 

Many cruise lines have the auto-tip pools too. We went on Carnival in 2008 and it has the auto-tip. It was an excellent cruise. Service was so much better on NCL for us.

[SEASHELL97]

I did see the Maitre D at Salsa, when there was a big delay in getting our main courses out [not just to us, but other tables as well]...this was the only time anyone came over to say sorry your wait is so long.

 

But when my family [party of 28]...were the first to book in Impressions for that particular evening, and told, "absolutely, you can have a long table in here, for 22, you are the first to book, we will put them together like this...and showed how it would look]....we arrived at Impressions to 2 separate tables....and told, the usual, "So sorry for the misunderstanding...this is a large crowd, people are already seated at other tables, there is nothing we can do."....this comes the night after [in the MDR], the large table for 24 was given to another large party, and this time, we split to 3 tables [that's how they responded].....

 

Now, mind you, we had an AWESOME cruise- we are not the type to let these things get in the way of having a good time. But we are frequent cruisers as well, and don't turn a blind eye. What i learned on this NCL voyage...i am a number to them...one person, one stateroom. I totally get that they don't give a hoot about my business, and that's fine, they are right. If i never cruise on NCL again, their business will still survive...

 

The only time they appeared to care was when i was filling out the paper to reduce my service charges...I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE, and couldn't believe i was about to...but i could not justify the full amount for such mulitple instances of, in my opinion, poor customer service. Amazingly, how much they "cared" at that point, though....

[jimswims]

I did see the Maitre D at Salsa, when there was a big delay in getting our main courses out [not just to us, but other tables as well]...this was the only time anyone came over to say sorry your wait is so long.

 

But when my family [party of 28]...were the first to book in Impressions for that particular evening, and told, "absolutely, you can have a long table in here, for 22, you are the first to book, we will put them together like this...and showed how it would look]....we arrived at Impressions to 2 separate tables....and told, the usual, "So sorry for the misunderstanding...this is a large crowd, people are already seated at other tables, there is nothing we can do."....this comes the night after [in the MDR], the large table for 24 was given to another large party, and this time, we split to 3 tables [that's how they responded].....

 

Now, mind you, we had an AWESOME cruise- we are not the type to let these things get in the way of having a good time. But we are frequent cruisers as well, and don't turn a blind eye. What i learned on this NCL voyage...i am a number to them...one person, one stateroom. I totally get that they don't give a hoot about my business, and that's fine, they are right. If i never cruise on NCL again, their business will still survive...

 

The only time they appeared to care was when i was filling out the paper to reduce my service charges...I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE, and couldn't believe i was about to...but i could not justify the full amount for such mulitple instances of, in my opinion, poor customer service. Amazingly, how much they "cared" at that point, though....

 

Sorry you had such issues. A party of 24 would be difficult to accomodate at one table anywhere land or sea in my opinion. It really is too bad that they promised something and could not deliver. I agree that they should have handled it better. This still would not have prompted me to reduce the charges. As you said, you had an awesome cruise.

 

We were a party of 13. This was easier for them to accomodate on the Spirit. We offered to be split up if necessary, but it was not an issue in the main dining room however. But, we were told that we had to dine at 5:00, 5:30 or 8:00 pm. We saw several large tables dining at this time. This must be the rule for big parties on the Spirit. This time was OK since we did have kids with us as well.

 

We decided before the cruise that we would only eat as a group twice and made reservations ahead of time. The other times we mixed it up and ate in smaller groups of 2, 4, and 7 once.

[Don Haynes]

Sorry you had such issues. A party of 24 would be difficult to accomodate at one table anywhere land or sea in my opinion. It really is too bad that they promised something and could not deliver. I agree that they should have handled it better. This still would not have prompted me to reduce the charges. As you said, you had an awesome cruise.

 

We were a party of 13. This was easier for them to accomodate on the Spirit. We offered to be split up if necessary, but it was not an issue in the main dining room however. But, we were told that we had to dine at 5:00, 5:30 or 8:00 pm. We saw several large tables dining at this time. This must be the rule for big parties on the Spirit. This time was OK since we did have kids with us as well.

 

We decided before the cruise that we would only eat as a group twice and made reservations ahead of time. The other times we mixed it up and ate in smaller groups of 2, 4, and 7 once.

 

Most likely the other party tipped the MaidreD and for the large table. You didn't. Guess who got the table?

 

Ever heard of the saying, money talks and bs walks?

[SEASHELL97]

Excuse me, but living and working in NYC, i know a little something about tipping...thing is, if not accommodated, money stays in my pocket....

[SEASHELL97]

I'm just going to bottom line this a bit...i've sailed on 10 cruises...the motto, "you get what you pay for" rings true once again...i cheaped out and went NCL one more time [Dawn, last week]...cheapest cruise i've sailed yet....it showed...people in MDR in swim suits and under-armor shirts...track suits in the dining room as well. Not what i'm used to on a cruise vacation....i'll go back to Princess and RCI

[bigfoot88]

On the Spirit to Canada two years ago, I stood waiting to pay down my bill ( I did WELL at the casino) and I heard a couple going over the daily service charges and wanting to reduce each day by different amounts because of issue they had each day.

I have cruised 8 times with NCL and once with RC (RC many years ago). I enjoy not having to find the people to tip the last day or so.

Think of it this way...on the cruise I am going on in Nov 2009 ( Jewel ) the LOWEST price is $1,122.54 of a "N" cabin. Based on two adults, the $140.00 is a 12.5% tip ,,,,,, what do u tip for "Just Good Service", the norm is 15%.

 

Think about it......

[sunnyskies5]

I'm sure makinmemries will run all over the buffet to make sure all the people busing dirty plates and those reminding to sanitize your hands and those steering passengers to empty tables are suitably taken care of with appropriate tips.

 

Those who come to Cruise Critic asking how to remove the automatic tips are all the most generous of tippers who want only to be sure everyone on the ship who does something nice for them is tipped lavishly and to ensure that no one is overlooked--and they go to great lengths to assure us of this several times in the course of threads just like this one.

 

**********************************

We are generous tippers (20%) when we dine out, unless the service is really poor, and I understand the point of view of those of you on the "other" side of the mandatory service charge issue (employees sharing tips).

 

But this is how I see it: We are only going on an upcoming cruise because of the very low cost ($849 + a few extra taxes, etc. for 19 days). The mandatory charges, which we just found out about, add 25% to the cost of our cruise! That is a LOT, and makes us think twice about our cruise budget. To me, if it's MANDATORY, it should just be included in the cruise price! (i.e., "What's Included: Accommodations, meals, entertainment.......and service fee.").

 

Generally, gratuities are based on HOW MUCH a customer SPENDS. In this case, those of us who spend $849 for the cruise are asked to tip the same amount as those who spend $2000 or $3000. In SOME ways, that seems "fair," but on the other hand, we're spending $849 because that is all we can AFFORD!

 

I also agree with those who said that forcing "tips" defeats the entire purpose. American waiters PERFORM for higher tips, there's no doubt about it! We travel in Latin America, where a service charge is added to the bill automatically, and it is quite evident! We've learned to be patient and actually enjoy the slow leisurely service, but there is no doubt waiters are not worried about earning higher tips from better service!

[lambchoplady]

I may have a odd perspective on this, but I actually like the idea of the service charge. It certainly saves me a lot of hassle.

[Don Haynes]

**********************************

We are generous tippers (20%) when we dine out, unless the service is really poor, and I understand the point of view of those of you on the "other" side of the mandatory service charge issue (employees sharing tips).

 

But this is how I see it: We are only going on an upcoming cruise because of the very low cost ($849 + a few extra taxes, etc. for 19 days). The mandatory charges, which we just found out about, add 25% to the cost of our cruise! That is a LOT, and makes us think twice about our cruise budget. To me, if it's MANDATORY, it should just be included in the cruise price! (i.e., "What's Included: Accommodations, meals, entertainment.......and service fee.").

 

Generally, gratuities are based on HOW MUCH a customer SPENDS. In this case, those of us who spend $849 for the cruise are asked to tip the same amount as those who spend $2000 or $3000. In SOME ways, that seems "fair," but on the other hand, we're spending $849 because that is all we can AFFORD!

 

I also agree with those who said that forcing "tips" defeats the entire purpose. American waiters PERFORM for higher tips, there's no doubt about it! We travel in Latin America, where a service charge is added to the bill automatically, and it is quite evident! We've learned to be patient and actually enjoy the slow leisurely service, but there is no doubt waiters are not worried about earning higher tips from better service!

 

So I understand if you booked a hotel for 19 days you wouldn't plan or allocate any money for tips during those 19 days. If a hotel doesn't include tips, why do you think cruise lines should include tips when you buy your meal? Hotels don't even include sales taxes when they quote their rates either. At least the cruise line informs you of all taxes up front....

 

Does your favorite restaurant at home include tips? NO, you buy the meal, and then tip afterwards. While the tip may not be mandatory, it is expected. If you stiff your local waiter, and return next week, there is a very good chance that waiter won't serve you.... Once stiffed, shame on you. Twice stiffed, shame on me....

 

The whole point of the daily surcharge is to avoid stiffing. Its amazing how so many passengers stiff when given the opportunity, especially for more than one meal....

[big green]

**********************************

We are generous tippers (20%) when we dine out, unless the service is really poor, and I understand the point of view of those of you on the "other" side of the mandatory service charge issue (employees sharing tips).

 

But this is how I see it: We are only going on an upcoming cruise because of the very low cost ($849 + a few extra taxes, etc. for 19 days). The mandatory charges, which we just found out about, add 25% to the cost of our cruise! That is a LOT, and makes us think twice about our cruise budget. To me, if it's MANDATORY, it should just be included in the cruise price! (i.e., "What's Included: Accommodations, meals, entertainment.......and service fee.").

 

Generally, gratuities are based on HOW MUCH a customer SPENDS. In this case, those of us who spend $849 for the cruise are asked to tip the same amount as those who spend $2000 or $3000. In SOME ways, that seems "fair," but on the other hand, we're spending $849 because that is all we can AFFORD!

 

I also agree with those who said that forcing "tips" defeats the entire purpose. American waiters PERFORM for higher tips, there's no doubt about it! We travel in Latin America, where a service charge is added to the bill automatically, and it is quite evident! We've learned to be patient and actually enjoy the slow leisurely service, but there is no doubt waiters are not worried about earning higher tips from better service![/QUOTe

 

I hope you new about the service charge before you booked-- if you did why complain about it-- you should have not booked if it is a problem finacially. if you did not know about --it is posted all over NCLs website and on this board. You can cancel up until final payment without any charges from NCL.

 

 

Big green

 

Big Green

[jeannep]

I may have a odd perspective on this, but I actually like the idea of the service charge. It certainly saves me a lot of hassle.

 

 

I agree. There are no envelopes or making sure you have the right cash for the envelopes.

 

Jeanne

[Don Haynes]

 

I hope you new about the service charge before you booked-- if you did why complain about it-- you should have not booked if it is a problem finacially. if you did not know about --it is posted all over NCLs website and on this board. You can cancel up until final payment without any charges from NCL.

 

 

Big green

 

Big Green

 

I couldn't agree more. Its amazing how many don't plan to financially pay for the daily surcharge or tips for more than one meal. Three meals times seven days adds up.... Do they stiff on every vacation out of town?

[sc425]

**********************************

We are generous tippers (20%) when we dine out, unless the service is really poor, and I understand the point of view of those of you on the "other" side of the mandatory service charge issue (employees sharing tips).

 

But this is how I see it: We are only going on an upcoming cruise because of the very low cost ($849 + a few extra taxes, etc. for 19 days). The mandatory charges, which we just found out about, add 25% to the cost of our cruise! That is a LOT, and makes us think twice about our cruise budget. To me, if it's MANDATORY, it should just be included in the cruise price! (i.e., "What's Included: Accommodations, meals, entertainment.......and service fee.").

 

Generally, gratuities are based on HOW MUCH a customer SPENDS. In this case, those of us who spend $849 for the cruise are asked to tip the same amount as those who spend $2000 or $3000. In SOME ways, that seems "fair," but on the other hand, we're spending $849 because that is all we can AFFORD!

 

I also agree with those who said that forcing "tips" defeats the entire purpose. American waiters PERFORM for higher tips, there's no doubt about it! We travel in Latin America, where a service charge is added to the bill automatically, and it is quite evident! We've learned to be patient and actually enjoy the slow leisurely service, but there is no doubt waiters are not worried about earning higher tips from better service!

 

I'm amazed you haven't figured this out yet, and I mean you no disrespect. But you are paying under $45.00/day for your cruise. Did it ever occur to you that your fare, and fares like it, are not sustainable? As a generous tipper you would agree you've probable tipped more than $45.00 for a special occasion meal. You state the DSV is unreasonable compared to your fare and the only reason you are cruising is because it is the only vacation you can afford. As a generous tipper you must agree that if money is tight, you can't afford to eat out. Your fare of $849.00 for a 19 day cruise is precisely the reason why there is a DSV.

[sc425]

I'm amazed you haven't figured this out yet, and I mean you no disrespect. But you are paying under $45.00/day for your cruise. Did it ever occur to you that your fare, and fares like it, are not sustainable? As a generous tipper you would agree you've probable tipped more than $45.00 for a special occasion meal. You state the DSV is unreasonable compared to your fare and the only reason you are cruising is because it is the only vacation you can afford. As a generous tipper you must agree that if money is tight, you can't afford to eat out. Your fare of $849.00 for a 19 day cruise is precisely the reason why there is a DSV.

Just pointed out to me that the C and V are right next to each other on the computer. Of course I meant DSC, Daily Service Charge.

[flattop223]

**********************************

We are generous tippers (20%) when we dine out, unless the service is really poor, and I understand the point of view of those of you on the "other" side of the mandatory service charge issue (employees sharing tips).

 

But this is how I see it: We are only going on an upcoming cruise because of the very low cost ($849 + a few extra taxes, etc. for 19 days). The mandatory charges, which we just found out about, add 25% to the cost of our cruise! That is a LOT, and makes us think twice about our cruise budget. To me, if it's MANDATORY, it should just be included in the cruise price! (i.e., "What's Included: Accommodations, meals, entertainment.......and service fee.").

 

Generally, gratuities are based on HOW MUCH a customer SPENDS. In this case, those of us who spend $849 for the cruise are asked to tip the same amount as those who spend $2000 or $3000. In SOME ways, that seems "fair," but on the other hand, we're spending $849 because that is all we can AFFORD!

 

I also agree with those who said that forcing "tips" defeats the entire purpose. American waiters PERFORM for higher tips, there's no doubt about it! We travel in Latin America, where a service charge is added to the bill automatically, and it is quite evident! We've learned to be patient and actually enjoy the slow leisurely service, but there is no doubt waiters are not worried about earning higher tips from better service!

 

Sorry sunnyskies no matter how you present the argument even showing that it is well over 25% of your cruise cost, the people here at least the vocal ones will shut you down if you don't like the DSC. They will always point out that it is for thousands of employees and that it is for 3 meals a day or more...

 

Sure if you were to be ordering meals even on vacation YOU MAY only get the $5 breakfast and lunch at fast food places and $20 for a chain resturant like olive garden and tip 20% ($6 a day) then another couple bucks a night at the hotel.

 

A lot (not all) of the people that jump on and tell you - your cheap just pay it!

are also the ones that talk about how they love the suite because this or that... I bet alot of them wouldn't be so happy if the DSC was 25% of their room rate.

 

personally I don't think the $12 a day is too much but I can understand how others would feel it was too high:(

[big green]

Sorry sunnyskies no matter how you present the argument even showing that it is well over 25% of your cruise cost, the people here at least the vocal ones will shut you down if you don't like the DSC. They will always point out that it is for thousands of employees and that it is for 3 meals a day or more...

 

Sure if you were to be ordering meals even on vacation YOU MAY only get the $5 breakfast and lunch at fast food places and $20 for a chain resturant like olive garden and tip 20% ($6 a day) then another couple bucks a night at the hotel.

 

A lot (not all) of the people that jump on and tell you - your cheap just pay it!

are also the ones that talk about how they love the suite because this or that... I bet alot of them wouldn't be so happy if the DSC was 25% of their room rate.

 

personally I don't think the $12 a day is too much but I can understand how others would feel it was too high:(

 

The people not have to book the cruise if they can not afford the DSC.

 

Big Green

[terrymtex01]

Sorry sunnyskies no matter how you present the argument even showing that it is well over 25% of your cruise cost, the people here at least the vocal ones will shut you down if you don't like the DSC. They will always point out that it is for thousands of employees and that it is for 3 meals a day or more...

 

Sure if you were to be ordering meals even on vacation YOU MAY only get the $5 breakfast and lunch at fast food places and $20 for a chain resturant like olive garden and tip 20% ($6 a day) then another couple bucks a night at the hotel.

 

A lot (not all) of the people that jump on and tell you - your cheap just pay it!

are also the ones that talk about how they love the suite because this or that... I bet alot of them wouldn't be so happy if the DSC was 25% of their room rate.

 

personally I don't think the $12 a day is too much but I can understand how others would feel it was too high:(

 

A. People in suites, if they do the right thing, pay much more than $12.00 a day in tips (service charges). For a seven day cruise a suite guest probably pays at least $20.00 to $22.00 a day extra in tips just for the Concierge and Butler. Of course I am sure that on occasion there are suite pax who go through life screwing every one they can just like any other group of people, so some may not pay the DSC.

 

B. If a suite did have a 25% DSC then just as with someone who is booking any other stateroom if they can not afford the suggested DSC then they should not book the cruise. It's as simple as that. No one is forced to book a cruise. If they can't afford it, they should find another vacation.

 

Taking a cruise is not some god given right. It is a luxury. If you can not afford it, do something else.

[beachchick]

**********************************

We are generous tippers (20%) when we dine out, unless the service is really poor, and I understand the point of view of those of you on the "other" side of the mandatory service charge issue (employees sharing tips).

 

But this is how I see it: We are only going on an upcoming cruise because of the very low cost ($849 + a few extra taxes, etc. for 19 days). The mandatory charges, which we just found out about, add 25% to the cost of our cruise! That is a LOT, and makes us think twice about our cruise budget. To me, if it's MANDATORY, it should just be included in the cruise price! (i.e., "What's Included: Accommodations, meals, entertainment.......and service fee.").

 

Generally, gratuities are based on HOW MUCH a customer SPENDS. In this case, those of us who spend $849 for the cruise are asked to tip the same amount as those who spend $2000 or $3000. In SOME ways, that seems "fair," but on the other hand, we're spending $849 because that is all we can AFFORD!

 

I also agree with those who said that forcing "tips" defeats the entire purpose. American waiters PERFORM for higher tips, there's no doubt about it! We travel in Latin America, where a service charge is added to the bill automatically, and it is quite evident! We've learned to be patient and actually enjoy the slow leisurely service, but there is no doubt waiters are not worried about earning higher tips from better service!

 

 

But cruising isn't "generally" the same as going to a restaurant one night for dinner, etc. It's a completely different situation. On cruises, service is "generally" the same for everyone in the dining room because it doesn't matter a darn what category your cabin is--You can have the same food (e.g., the most expensive item to prepare or the cheapest) as every other passenger on the ship.

 

As a matter of fact, on most mass market cruise lines, the higher end (i.e., more expensive) suites do pay more in tips. For example, RCI full-suite passengers are expected to pay a higher DSC to their suite attendent; on NCL, full suite passengers have access to a butler and concierge and are expected to tip extra as appropriate because the butler and concierge are not included in the basic DSC. I suspect that it's the same on Celebrity, HAL, and Princess. (We've only cruised in one suite and that was with NCL; just a guess about suite tipping on the others, except RCI because it's been discussed and I've seen the literature about it.) And regardless of what flattop223 thinks or claims, most of us who disagree with your position do not cruise in suites and we do budget carefully for our cruises.

 

You state yourself that you are paying a "very low cost" for your cruise. This isn't your first cruise, so I do not understand how you could have had no idea about "tipping" or DSCs and other non-included costs? You're saying what, that if there wasn't an automatically charged DSC, you wouldn't bother to tip, regardless of the service, because the cruise fare you've paid is all you "can afford"? You're comfortable with that? If so, then there's nothing we can say to change your mindset. You have a 19-day cruise for less than $1000/per person and you're complaining that there is a daily service fee? Wow...just wow.

 

True, calling it a "tip" is inaccurate, IMO, and I've written more than once that simply adding that amount to the cruise fare makes more sense. But I get shouted down over the issue that the cruise line would then be "holding" my "tip" money for months before the cruise--robbing me of a tiny bit of interest in my savings account. I have to :rolleyes: at that argument, but I acknowledge that others have their own opinions about how the tipping and DSC policies are applied.

 

I'm guessing that you wouldn't have booked this cruise if the DSC was included in the initial cruise fare because you've written that you can't afford to pay any more than you have. So, go ahead and cancel now because a bet you'll spend your time resenting the cruise line and the crew. They work hard enough as it is, they don't need the added stress of passengers who disregard their work and worth.

 

As always, JMO.

 

beachchick

[RichNY]

**********************************

We are generous tippers (20%) when we dine out, unless the service is really poor, and I understand the point of view of those of you on the "other" side of the mandatory service charge issue (employees sharing tips).

 

But this is how I see it: We are only going on an upcoming cruise because of the very low cost ($849 + a few extra taxes, etc. for 19 days). The mandatory charges, which we just found out about, add 25% to the cost of our cruise! That is a LOT, and makes us think twice about our cruise budget. To me, if it's MANDATORY, it should just be included in the cruise price! (i.e., "What's Included: Accommodations, meals, entertainment.......and service fee.").

 

Generally, gratuities are based on HOW MUCH a customer SPENDS. In this case, those of us who spend $849 for the cruise are asked to tip the same amount as those who spend $2000 or $3000. In SOME ways, that seems "fair," but on the other hand, we're spending $849 because that is all we can AFFORD!

 

I also agree with those who said that forcing "tips" defeats the entire purpose. American waiters PERFORM for higher tips, there's no doubt about it! We travel in Latin America, where a service charge is added to the bill automatically, and it is quite evident! We've learned to be patient and actually enjoy the slow leisurely service, but there is no doubt waiters are not worried about earning higher tips from better service!

 

Contrary to popular belief the DSC is NOT mandatory.....While I personally belief it is fair and probably should not be waived the simple fact is that it is NOT MANDATORY.

 

This is a direct quote from the newest "Welcome Aboard" information package...Its quite obvious that NCL wants to know about any service problems and is more than willing to address them and make any adjustments necessary.....

Is there a Service Charge ??

It is our earnest wish that you enjoy your Freestyle Cruising experience and that our entire crew will provide you with the standard of service for which NCL is known for. NCL automatically adds a $12 USD discretionary service charge per guest per day, for guests 3 years or older, to you shipboard account for all staterooms. The charge will be shared among those staff members, including the restaurant staff, state room stewards and other behind-the-scenes staff who provide services that enhance your overall cruise experience. If you have any concerns about the service you receive during your cruise, please let our on-board know right away, so that we can address any issues in a timely manner. NCL has a structured guest satisfaction program on board designed to quickly and efficiently handle any concerns about any service or on-board product. In almost every case, were able to come up with a satisfactory solution to any issue and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise. In the unlikely event that we can't resolve the issue through our guest satisfaction program, the guest can have the service charge adjusted according to the level of inconvenience. Our clear priority is to have the opportunity of resolving the issue when it happens , to everyones satisfaction..